THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 1, 1995 TAG: 9506290351
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: About the Outer Banks
SOURCE: Chris Kidder
LENGTH: Long : 107 lines
Renting accommodations can be as easy as calling the Dare County Tourist Bureau and requesting their free Outer Banks Vacation Guide.
The guide is published annually by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and the Dare County Tourist Bureau (P.O. Box 399, Manteo, N.C. 27954, 919-473-2138 or 800-446-6262). It lists all the area's hotels, motels, inns, bread-and-breakfasts, cottage courts and campgrounds, along with rates, amenities and other information you need to make reservations.
Once you've been to the Outer Banks and know your way around, you may to choose the traditional beach accommodation: The vacation cottage.
Choosing from the thousands of cottages on the rental market may not be as easy. There are accommodations to fit every budget, lifestyle and recreation possibility. You can retreat to spartan solitude in a no-frills flattop in South Nags Head. You can be be king of the castle - or queen for a day - in a grand mansion in Corolla with a private swimming pool and an oceanfront hot tub.
Renting a vacation cottage (and we use the term ``cottage'' loosely) can be less expensive than other accommodations because you'll have a full kitchen for eating in and because most sleep at least six people - often 10 or more - who can split the cost.
Privacy, space and amenities (fun things like stereo systems and Jacuzzis) are just a few more reasons cottages are so popular.
You can count on cottages to be fully equipped except for linens, food and paper goods. Most rental agencies can arrange for linens, maid or catering services, even grocery shopping, if you're willing to pay for it.
If a vacation cottage sounds good, here's a quick course on finding the best place for you.
Ideally, you should scout the town or neighborhood in which you'd like to stay and call real estate companies with properties in those areas. Almost all rental properties have real estate company signs, so it's easy to identify which company rents what.
If you aren't able to scout around on your own, start with the Outer Banks Vacation Guide mentioned above. It includes a complete listing of real estate firms and their mailing addresses and phone numbers.
Use these lists to request copies of rental brochures. Each real estate company produces its own brochure, which includes detailed descriptions of available cottages. Most show an exterior photo.
In most cases, you won't see your cottage until you check in. Most rental agents are familiar with their properties and can answer any questions you have. Some companies will show you photos or videos of cottage interiors; others can arrange tours on a very limited schedule if owners permit.
Shop around. There is no Multiple Listing Service with rentals: Each real estate company has its own, unique properties.
Before renting, think about the kinds of activities you enjoy and how much time you'll actually spend in the cottage.
Some developments offer organized activity programs, special services like community trolleys and baby-sitting, and top-notch recreation facilities. Rents are generally higher in these neighborhoods.
If going to the beach is important, make sure the cottage is near the beach. Don't assume that public access is available. If you're interested in other water sports, make sure you have access to boat ramps, launch sites or whatever facilities you need. Access to the sounds on the western side is limited.
Windsurfers and boaters might prefer staying in communities like Old Nags Head Cove or Pirate's Cove, where canal access to the sound is right out the back door.
When you find a vacation cottage you want to rent, it's time to make a reservation. Shop early. More than 150,000 visitors check in and out on the average summer weekend. The best cottages are reserved as much as 12 months in advance, although many companies don't start confirming reservations until after Jan. 1.
With very few exceptions, Outer Banks rental companies will require that you send a 50 percent advance rent payment within seven to 10 days of making a phone reservation. When the rent is received, the rental company sends you a lease agreement to sign and return.
Theoretically, the important points about each company's rental policies are in their brochures; the lease simply fills in the details of date, time and place.
In practice, a few companies don't list all their policies and fees in the brochure. And most rely on the lease and its legal language to spell out certain technical provisions. You need to read the lease carefully.
Some caveats before you sign on the cottage bandwagon: Almost all real estate companies restrict rentals to ``family groups.'' They're referring to a lifestyle not blood relationships. If you're not sure your vacation crowd qualifies, ask before you send a deposit. Companies will evict tenants who disregard this restriction.
Your payment options for vacation cottages are limited. Most real estate companies accept personal checks 30 days or more in advance, and require the final rent payment at check-in to be paid in cash, money order or certified check. Few accept credit cards and those that do may charge extra for using plastic.
Vacation cottages are individually owned. Furnishings and maintenance varies from owner to owner. While most real estate agents go to great lengths to satisfy renters, a cottage is not like a hotel where you can be moved to another room if accommodations are unsatisfactory.
Staying in a vacation cottage means you're on your own. Room service, a desk clerk who can give directions or provide restaurant recommendations and other hotel services aren't available. Make sure you're not giving up something you enjoy.
All that said, one of the great things about the Outer Banks is that you do have choices. The beach is no place like home - and you'll be glad it's not. MEMO: Send comments and questions to Chris Kidder at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head,
N.C. 27959. by CNB