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Tip of the Month: Protect Your Home—and Your Wallet—with a FORTIFIED Roof

How a storm-ready roof can save you money, boost your home’s value, and give you peace of mind on the Outer Banks

Living on the Outer Banks means living with the elements. Gorgeous sunsets, salty breezes, and yes—stormy weather. While we can’t control the forecast, we can prepare for it. And one of the best ways to do that? Reinforcing your roof.

What’s a FORTIFIED Roof™?

A FORTIFIED Roof is designed to better withstand high winds and hurricanes. It’s not just marketing—it’s a nationally recognized construction standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These roofs go above and beyond standard building code requirements to help protect homes from storm-related damage.

Why does that matter? Because when a roof fails during a storm, it can lead to devastating (and expensive) consequences. In fact, roof failure is responsible for up to 90% of insured residential losses during major storms.

Good News for Coastal NC Homeowners

If your home is insured through the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA), you may be eligible for a grant of up to $8,000 to help install a FORTIFIED Roof through the Strengthen Your Roof program. This includes properties in Dare and Hyde Counties—right here on the Outer Banks.

More Than Protection—It’s a Smart Investment

Reinforcing your roof offers more than peace of mind. It’s also a smart financial move:

  • Reduce the risk of major storm damage
  • Protect your family and your home’s value
  • Potentially qualify for homeowners insurance discounts (based on location and level of protection)

Whether you’re staying long-term, selling soon, or looking to increase your rental income potential, a FORTIFIED Roof adds serious value.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re interested in finding out whether your home qualifies for the grant—or how much you might save on insurance—reach out! I’m happy to connect you with resources, guide you through the process, and help you make the best decision for your property.

Trisha Midgett

Hi, I’m Trisha Midgett, broker-in-charge at Midgett Realty and the lead agent of Trisha Midgett & Team, a top-producing real estate team on the Outer Banks. I’ve been helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the Outer Banks real estate market for over 30 years, with a strong focus on Hatteras Island and the surrounding OBX communities. From oceanfront vacation homes to second homes and investment properties, my team and I work across the entire Outer Banks, including Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Corolla, and Ocracoke. In 2024, our team closed 212 transactions, followed by 181 transactions in 2025, reflecting a consistent track record of results in a unique coastal market. I specialize in second homes, vacation properties, short-term rental and investment real estate, and seller strategy, helping clients understand pricing, rental potential, and long-term value. With decades of experience on the Outer Banks, I bring deep local knowledge of neighborhoods, rental dynamics, and market trends to every transaction. Clients often tell me they appreciate my honest advice, fast communication, strong negotiation skills, and laid-back, easy-to-work-with approach. I’m honored to have earned over 450 five-star reviews on Zillow, 220+ Google reviews, 171 five-star Homes.com reviews, 122 five-star FastExpert reviews, and a 5-star rating on Realtor.com, with verified transaction history publicly displayed. I’ve also been recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents™ for North Carolina, received HomeLight Top Producer and Top Negotiator Awards, and earned Outer Banks Coastal Life Readers’ Choice Best Real Estate Team honors. Whether you’re buying your first beach cottage, selling a vacation rental, or investing in a second home on Hatteras Island or anywhere on the Outer Banks, my team and I are here to guide you every step of the way and make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
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