Hiring the Right Property Management Company for Your Vacation Rental

Managing a vacation rental can be incredibly time-consuming and sometimes a bit stressful. Hiring the right vacation rental management company can help to ease the burdens while maximizing your returns and keeping your vacancies as low as possible. But how do you find the right property management company for your vacation rental? We’ve pulled together some basic information to help you get started.

WHAT ARE VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES?

Professional property management companies are those that work with numerous property listings. Some companies only offer marketing services, while others offer only management services. Full-service companies offer both marketing and management services, in addition to 24/7 guest support and homeowner support.

A full-service vacation rental management company oversees the entire process of marketing and managing to ensure that your property is fully booked throughout the year, and everything is running smoothly with minimal issues. They promote your property across multiple marketing channels. They answer guest inquiries, deal with any emergencies that may come up and provide quality maintenance and housekeeping services. They handle booking transactions and track your property’s performance, with reports provided at the end of each year. Professional property management companies basically take everything off the owner’s plate, handling anything and everything for the property.

These companies also hold long standing memberships and certifications with professional trade associations such as the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) which provide industry certifications and invaluable education.

BENEFITS OF USING A VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

• Free up your time and eliminate stress.First and foremost, property management companies take the extra time and stress off your plate by providing the vacation management services for you.
• Knowledge about the local market.They will know the differences in high season and low season, what competing rates are, what types of properties are the most popular in that specific area, as well as how local regulations and trends are impacting their vacation rental properties.
• Professional’s handling home maintenance, repairs and upgrades. A local property manager has established relationships with local vendors to ensure timely guest services and maintenance.
• Provide one point of contact for all guests’ concerns, questions, complaints, etc. Property management companies can offer faster response times which can significantly improve the guests’ experience.
• Handle emergency requests. Many companies offer 24/7 guest support, so you don’t have to worry about taking calls in the middle of the night!
• Knowledgeable about the destination.From helping guests find the perfect home for their vacation or getaway to providing recommendations for activities and things to do during their stay, the right company can provide a seamless experience for guests.
• Skilled in marketing and promoting vacation rentals. Property management companies use multiple marketing channels to ensure properties are booked throughout the year with minimal vacancies and the right guests come and go.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

When hiring a vacation rental property management company, you need to know exactly what services they can provide you with. You may only need some of the services, but you’ll want to get a comprehensive list of all services provided so that you know your options or limitations.

Evaluate the vacation rental property

• Evaluate property and perform market research to find competing rental rates in the area to determine the best rental rate for your property.
• Take high-quality pictures and videos, if possible, of the property for use on the booking site and in marketing initiatives.
• Provide detailed documentation that includes pictures of the interior and exterior of the rental.
• Make recommendations for any repairs or improvements that would enable you to increase rental rates for the property.
• Determine owner priorities and guidelines for the property such as the pet policy, smoking, etc.
• Install and change out the rental locks.

Market and promote the property

• Prepare the home to be rented out.
• Ensure that the outside of the property is well-manicured to increase curb appeal.
• Market the property so that potential guests can find it across multiple marketing channels including their own website and more.

Provide guest service and support

• Draw up the rental agreement with guests, confirm reservation dates and review the guidelines that should be followed while staying in the home.
• Ensure proper execution of all agreements.
• Collect security deposits from guests.
• Provide complete check-in and check-out services including inspecting the unit, making sure guests are aware of any damages, return security deposits, clean and do repairs.

Provide maintenance and housekeeping services

• Provide periodic inspections of your vacation rental to identify any repairs or other needs.
• Provide all necessary maintenance.
• Find the best contractors for jobs and check their credentials, when needed.
• Maintain a 24-hour emergency helpline.

WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY?

Managing a vacation rental might seem simple at first, but the time and energy required can quickly add up. Messaging guests, coordinating cleanings, arranging for maintenance—it can feel like a full-time job before you know it. If you’re already juggling a busy schedule, hiring a property management company can take the stress out of the equation and free up your schedule.

Your guests’ experience hinges on your ability to keep your property in top shape. Local property managers take care of the details, from routine inspections to handling maintenance and repairs, ensuring your home stays in perfect condition. And if you don’t live near your rental, day-to-day tasks like cleaning or emergency fixes can become a real headache—something a professional team can handle with ease.

Guest communication is another key to success. Whether it’s answering pre-booking questions or providing support during their stay, timely and professional responses can make all the difference in securing bookings and earning great reviews. A local management company ensures you’re always available without you having to do the heavy lifting. When guests receive excellent service, they’re more likely to return—and that’s the ultimate win for any property owner.

What to Look for in a Property Management Company

Not all property management companies are created equal. You’ll want to choose a company that’s well-established and experienced in managing a variety of property types. Look for one that has the resources and flexibility to scale their operations, ensuring they can be on-site when you need them most.

Trustworthiness and reliability are key. A company with a strong reputation and a portfolio of successfully managed properties is a good sign they know what they’re doing. Take the time to ask the right questions: How many other vacation homeowners trust them with their properties? Do they have enough dedicated staff to handle guest inquiries, market your home effectively, and ensure every cleaning and maintenance task is taken care of? A professional, proactive team can make all the difference in keeping your property running smoothly and your guests happy.

WHY CHOOSE EMERALD ISLE REALTY AS YOUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY?

At Emerald Isle Realty, we know that choosing the right property management company for your vacation rental is a big decision. Every homeowner has unique goals, and we’re committed to tailoring our services to meet your specific needs. With decades of experience under our belt, we understand the importance of getting it right the first time—and every time.

Since 1962, our dedicated team of trained professionals has been helping homeowners achieve and exceed their revenue goals through hard work, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the vacation rental industry. It’s this commitment to excellence that has made us a trusted partner for property owners like you. Here’s why Emerald Isle Realty stands out as the property management company you can count on.

1. Maximum revenue potential. The right vacation rental property manager will save you time and money, while at the same time increasing the net value of your property over the long term. Our Professional Homeowner Services Team regularly monitors your bookings and revenue to ensure maximum rental potential.

2. Nationally recognized Resort Rating System. Our vacation homes meet strict standards of excellence, and our team provides comprehensive yearly reviews along with guest feedback on how to maximize your property’s potential.

3. Unmatched occupancy rates. Homeowner confidence is our primary goal, and we will do what it takes to make sure your experience is enjoyable, profitable and convenient. Our Occupancy Rates consistently outpace our closest competitor’s week after week, some weeks by double digits.

4. Experienced vacation specialists. Our experienced and incentivized Vacation Planning specialists ensure maximum booking potential by matching each guest with the ideal property for their getaway.

5. Exceptional guest services. Our Nationally Certified Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals provide exceptional service and have a proven success record for exceeding guest expectations. We take care of your home with the same pride and integrity that you would on your own.

6. Worry-free maintenance plan. Our professional and reliable Maintenance Team offers a simple, worry-free One-Fee Maintenance Plan. Designed to save you both time and money, this plan ensures your property is cared for without the stress—leaving you with peace of mind.

7. Property management program tools. Emerald Isle Realty provides homeowners with constant and streamlined communications and information so that you can rest easy and know that your home is in the best of hands.

• • 24/7 online homeowner portal. Owners are given 24/7 access via username and password to their account through our Owner-web system. Here you can review past and present statements, bookings, work orders and more.
  • Exclusive homeowner hotline. Owners are provided with an exclusive toll-free Homeowner Hotline and email address for streamlined communication.

8. Industry-leading digital marketing program. We know that exceptional marketing and promotion of a vacation rental property is what drives bookings. That is why Emerald Isle Realty maintains a property management program that is unmatched with comprehensive marketing services for each individual property.

• • Award-winning search marketing strategy. We proudly received a Silver Adrian Award for our sophisticated approach to search advertising, celebrating our ability to craft cutting-edge campaigns that drive bookings and maximize property visibility. We also earned the Best of Category Adrian Award, the highest honor in this field. Additional accolades from the hospitality industry include a Platinum MARCOM Award for Search Marketing Strategy, a Gold MARCOM Award for Website Redesign, and a Gold AVA Digital Award for Search Marketing Strategy.
  • Professional photography and copywriting. Our team of professional photographers and skilled copywriters craft eye-catching listings that highlight the best features of your property. From stunning visuals to engaging descriptions, we ensure your property stands out and attracts the right guests.
  • Direct booking platform. Our innovative, user-friendly website makes online and mobile booking a breeze. With over 120,000 visits per month, it’s the go-to platform for vacationers looking to plan their next trip to North Carolina’s stunning Crystal Coast.
  • Top rankings on Google Search. Emerald Isle Realty dominates Google search rankings, giving us a competitive edge that benefits our homeowners. With over 37,000 keywords driving traffic to EmeraldIsleRealty.com, we generate more than double the Google search traffic of our competitors, putting your property front and center for potential guests.
  • Expert destination resource. At Emerald Isle Realty, we pride ourselves on being experts in all things Crystal Coast. By sharing insider tips and must-do activities, we help locals and visitors alike create unforgettable vacation experiences. With nearly 420,000 page views each month, our website is a trusted resource for planning the perfect getaway. Our travel and featured property blogs keep guests connected to their favorite vacation spot, sparking excitement for their next return visit.
  • Extensive network of travel guests. Our extensive travel network ensures your property gets the attention it deserves. We send over 50,000 Vacation Rental Catalogs annually to highly targeted prospects, market through monthly eNewsletters, and showcase properties to our more than 92,000 social media followers—the largest audience of any management company along the Crystal Coast. With full-year outreach, your property is always in front of the right guests.
  • Seamless guest communication. From pre-stay inquiries to post-stay follow-ups, we handle every step of guest communication with care and professionalism. Our proactive approach encourages happy guests to leave reviews, which helps elevate your property’s visibility and keeps guests returning time and time again.
  • Key industry affiliations and memberships. Emerald Isle Realty holds long standing memberships with the BBB, Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP), North Carolina VRMA (NCVRMA), Southeast Tourism Society, National Association of REALTORS^®(NAR), North Carolina Association of REALTORS^® (NCAR), Carteret County Association of REALTORS^® (CCAR), Emerald Isle Business Association, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

Property Management Program FAQ’s

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions by homeowners.

How will you market my home? 

Emerald Isle Realty has been in business since 1962, which has allowed us to create a rather sizable database of loyal vacationers. We cultivate that base by offering specials and providing tips, in addition to allowing guests to book ‘same time same place.’  Our goal is to keep the same families returning to your investment year after year – that way they take a small piece of ownership and treat your property as if it were their own.

How do you handle maintenance and housekeeping?

Emerald Isle Realty does not just hire contractors to clean your home, we partner with professional housekeepers and foster a good relationship with them. They are paid top dollar in our market, trained by the industry’s leading housekeeping experts, and treated with respect – after all, they are the face of your business, which is your investment. If your property is not clean, nothing else will matter.

How do I get paid?

With our advanced rent payment policy, we pay you monthly which can create a basic cash flow year around. Except for shoulder months like November and December, most owners receive income regularly. The fees also cover start-up costs like initial walkthroughs and feedback, making keys and professional photography.

What services are included in your management fees? 

Part of our fee structure allows accidental damage to be covered without security deposits at no extra cost for our owners, as long as the damage is not willful or a result of negligent behavior.  In fact, the cost extends to $3500 per incident and can cover things such as accidental carpet spills, broken furniture, countertop damage, minor drywall issues and more.

BOOK MORE NIGHTS WITH EMERALD ISLE REALTY

If you’re ready to start booking more nights with Emerald Isle Realty, simply fill out our property management request form. Or reach out to our homeowner services team for information or with any questions. Call 800-354-2859 or email homeowner@eirealty.com.

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