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Tips for Successful Vacation Home Ownership on the Outer Banks

Owning a vacation rental property should be a rewarding experience. You should receive a financial return and gratification in knowing that your beach house provides the backdrop for happy family vacations and lasting memories. Reinvesting in your rental house is the best way to accomplish both of these goals. Guests are more likely to be repeat renters when they are comfortable in your home and are confident in your annual upkeep, and that the home will always be in great condition for their week’s stay. Repeat guests tend to book early and are the easiest way to fill your rental calendar each year.

The team of professionals at Sun Realty can help you determine the best way in reinvest and update your property each year. Our knowledgeable staff can provide services and make recommendations for the best way to keep your rental home profitable and comfortable for your guests. Our maintenance team can help you with repairs, the necessary annual cosmetic fixes and minor projects to upgrade the appearance of your vacation house. We are the local Outer Banks experts!

Our Owner Resources page will provide ideas, from minor to more elaborate, for your consideration. Please contact your Personal Coordinator or Rental Management team for other ideas for your home. We also have an Owner Success Team which includes an Interior Design Specialist. Let us know what you want to accomplish, and we will help you get it done!

Enhancing Your Outer Banks Vacation Rental: What Guests Want Most 

As an Outer Banks vacation rental owner, providing an exceptional guest experience leads to repeat bookings and positive reviews. Based on guest feedback, here are some of the most requested amenities that can set your home apart from the competition. 

Storage Solutions: Pantry & Open Shelving 

Guests appreciate having a dedicated pantry or open shelving for storing their groceries. If a built-in pantry isn’t an option, consider adding freestanding shelves or clearing out at least one cabinet for guest use. 

Updated TVs with Streaming & Clear Instructions 

Modern travelers expect easy access to their favorite streaming services. Equip your rental with smart TVs or streaming devices and provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to use them. Label remotes and provide a troubleshooting guide we can post in the Guest Portal for added convenience. A simpler setup is better than a complicated one. TVs should be mounted or placed on a stable stand for safety.  

Stand-Alone Ice Maker 

Vacationers love an ample supply of ice, especially in warm coastal climates. A stand-alone ice maker ensures guests never run out, enhancing their beachside experience. Having enough ice on hand is particularly helpful for filling coolers for a full day at the beach. 

Blackout Curtains & Shades 

Many guests appreciate the ability to sleep in, particularly in rooms with early morning sunlight. Installing blackout curtains or shades can significantly enhance guest comfort and satisfaction. 

Lightweight, Easy-to-Use Vacuum 

Guests like to keep their vacation home tidy but don’t want to struggle with outdated or heavy vacuums. Providing a lightweight, user-friendly vacuum encourages cleanliness without frustration.

Silicon Travel Streaming Services for Vacation Rentals
Upgraded, Fast WiFi

A strong and reliable internet connection is a must-have. Sun Realty recommends Silicon Travel for the latest, fastest, and most reliable WiFi options. Check with them to ensure your rental’s connectivity meets modern expectations.

Air Fryers: A Kitchen Essential

Air fryers have become a staple in many homes, and guests expect them in vacation rentals. Adding an air fryer to your kitchen is a small but impactful upgrade that enhances the cooking experience for guests.

Shaded Outdoor Spaces & Ample Seating

Guests love to enjoy the outdoors but also want relief from the sun. Consider adding shaded areas on decks and around pools with umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails. Ensure there’s enough comfortable, durable seating to accommodate the full guest capacity of your rental. Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture, such as Polywood, ensures longevity, style, and comfort. This type of furniture is not only durable and weather-resistant but also adds a fun pop of color that enhances your outdoor aesthetic and attracts potential renters when showcased on your listing page.

Comfortable Mattresses 

Your guests come on vacation to have fun, relax and unwind. After a long day at the beach, playing in the sun, sand and water, they want a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed. There are many great options, from traditional to boxed styles that are affordable and provide your guests with the restorative rest they need and want while they’re at the beach. We get great guest feedback on Purple and Zinus brands. Contact us for more recommendations.

Final Thoughts

By staying ahead of guest expectations, you’ll create a more enjoyable and memorable experience for your guests. Investing in these guest-requested amenities can lead to better reviews, repeat bookings, and increased rental income. These thoughtful touches reflect your care for and attention to their comfort and convenience, helping your rental house stand out as a top choice. Find additional ways to update your beach house on our inforgraphic here.

Mark Your Calendars for Sun Realty's Homeowner End of Season Meet & Greets

We hope you can join us at one of our 2024 Homeowner Meet & Greets this October! Mix and mingle with your rental office staff, members of our housekeeping and maintance teams, accounting, marketing and our executive leadership. Check your email soon for our official invite and RSVP links.

Please note: this event has already taken place. Hope you'll make plans to join us for the next owner meet and greet!

Family making popsicles on the beach

Low-to-Medium Cost Amenities with Big Impact

The smallest amenities can be highly memorable for your guests, ultimately turning them into repeat renters for years to come.

Fun for the family

  • Popsicle molds are a guest favorite for all ages - from homemade fruit juice treats to frozen pina coladas. They not only provide a tasty treat, but a fun activity everyone can enjoy!
  • Binoculars can be a great addition to your beach house amenities. Identify birds from your balcony or dolphins from your deck!
  • Yard games like a volleyball net and ball, cornhole boards and plenty of bags, ladderball, or badmitton can help bring families together and initiate bonding between siblings, cousins, even the grandparents!

Up Your Technology Game

  • Smart TVs are becoming the norm for many vacation rental homes. Invest in Smart TVs for all common areas and bedrooms and make it easy for guests to login to their own streaming accounts.
  • Ever consider installing an electric vehicle charging station? With more consumers driving EVs this may be an attractive option for guests hoping to avoid range anxiety. Discuss this option with an electrician to be sure your home can accommodate the load for a Level 1 or Level 2 home charging station.

Great Video from Dare County and Current TV on How to Avoid Costly Septic Issues

No one wants to deal with a septic issue, not in their own home, and certainly not while on vacation. Learn about septic systems on the OBX, how to maintain them, and how to avoid issues especially while your guests are in-house. Did you know: septic permits and systems are designed and installed based on the state regulated occupancy of 2 people/bedroom. Learn more on Current TV.

Dare County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

If you have been making updates to your vacation rental home this off-season, and have items to discard such as paint, household cleaners, batteries and pool cleaners, mark your calendar for the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days. Collections are held in 3 locations in Dare County: Kitty Hawk Town Hall on May 8th, Buxton Transfer Station on May 9th, and Dare County Public Works in Manteo on May 10th. Visit the Dare County website for details.

Off-Season Updates for Your Vacation Rental

Easy and Affordable Updates to Make This Off-Season

Download our helpful infographic for details on how to make small improvements with big impact on your guests this coming season.

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