First-timers are often times shocked at the number and wide range of short-term vacation rentals available in the Wilmington, NC area. Rental accommodations have gained in popularity with the rise of global search sites like Homeaway and VRBO.
Nearly all vacation rentals in Wilmington, NC are privately owned and many are represented by experienced local rental management companies. For owners not directly involved with the management of their vacation home, management companies are critical in assisting travellers with reserving, checking-in, housekeeping, as well as routine maintenance problems that may occur.
We have developed a short guide to assist you in getting most out of your rental home experience.
Do you think "A Wave From It All: Island Home with Private Saltwater Pool, Fenced Yard, Fish C" is the perfect vacation property for your next family vacation? Read this check list to make sure it fits all of your preferences.
Wilmington, NC vacation homes start booking very early. To ensure the very best selection of homes, we suggest searching and reserving your Wilmington, NC getaway Six-12 months before your travel dates, whenever possible. Holiday reunions can be a popular time for groups to plot their Summer holiday escapes..
Quite often, the hardest part of preparing for your vacation is figuring out where to go, and when. As soon as the big decisions are tackled, everything else becomes simplier and easier.
Confirm who is going, and how many/what kind of bedroom configuration you'll need. Remember that that a lot of vacation rentals advertise maximum guest capacity, which typically includes sofa beds in the living room. You'll need to determine what is most appropriate for your company. Precise descriptions of bedrooms and beds are commonly available online. Otherwise, contact the property owner before you reserve the home.
Most rental homes are marketed with a price range. Determine the cost for your chosen week. It may be at the high end of the range. If several individuals or relatives are sharing the cost, make sure that everyone understands their responsibility and has agreed to a maximum they are prepared to pay. One individual in your group will have to be responsible for collecting payments and agreeing to responsibility for the complete rental cost at time of booking.
What amenities is the family looking for? Is a pool reallynecessary?Are you looking for a rental property with outside dining area? Will the unit need to be oceanfront, in the downtown area, or close to shopping? Are sheets offered with the rental, or will you need to bring your own? Gather a list of "needs and desires" from your party to help narrow your search to the perfect property.
Elderly guests will thank you for not renting a stairs-access-only condominium on the 3rd floor. Make certain to remember and inquire about wheelchair access, pool lifts and specialized equipment requirements..
Are you or other individuals in the family visiting with a pet dog? Dog guidelines are different at each rental property. Read descriptions carefully. Examine your contract very carefully! Extra fees or deposits may be applied to your agreement. Ask questions *well before* you book!
Once the location, travel dates and attendees are decided, search multiple sources for the best rental home selection. Together with Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we recommend searching Google for "Wilmington, NC local vacation homes" for local rental management companies. Local agencies often times have a unique collection of rental properties daily and weekly.
When you have identified your dream rental, check to confirm your travel dates are available.
Some rental home owners will negotiate rates, and some will not. If the price isn't negotiable, the number of nights may be. This is most effective through the off-season when many properties sit empty.
Learn which of the following is included in your quoted rate:
In addition to the regular fee, vacationers have to pay local taxes when booking "A Wave From It All: Island Home with Private Saltwater Pool, Fenced Yard, Fish C", as well as various other additional fees which may be mandatory depending on their situation, including an animal fee, earlier check-in or later check-out fee, or a pool heating fee for private pool usage during the autumn or spring months.
Ensure that you understand the cancellation policy prior to booking. Vacation home management companies and home owners typically offer their clients the option to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which usually costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the base rental price, can provide travellers with reimbursement of their vacation costs (and subsequent rental property costs) for any nights missed due to personal health-related emergencies or storms, as well as hurricane evacuation expenses, such as a unanticipated hotel stay or extra gas.
As soon as you think you've identified "the one", begin the booking process. Bear in mind that most rental agreements require a substantial rental deposit and/or security deposit to safeguard the vacation rental owner.
Put the rental manager's contact information into your phone and wallet for quick access to answers during your stay.
Congrats! All that is left is enjoying your vacation!
Hold a vacation recap meeting with your travel companions. Did they feel about the rental choice? Maybe everything turned out to be perfect and you're ready to re-book the rental home for next year. Maybe the rental wasn't perfect, and you will better understand how to refine your search next time.
