When visiting the Crystal Coast - perhaps one of the most favorite things our visitors and guests enjoy doing is eating some of our local seafood. Supporting local seafood has several important benefits, both for communities and the environment. Economic Benefits: Purchasing local seafood helps support local fishermen, fish markets, and restaurants. Not only does this contribute to the local economy, it helps preserve jobs in the community. Freshness and Quality: Local seafood is often fresher than seafood that has traveled long distances. It is typically caught and sold within a short time frame, which can enhance flavor and quality. Sustainability: Many local fisheries emphasize sustainable practices, ensuring that fish populations remain healthy and ecosystems are protected. In fact, we have several family owned oyster farms that make it possible for us to enjoy oysters all year long. Supporting these local fisheries/oyster farms encourages responsible practices and conservation efforts. Want to enjoy local seafood while visiting Emerald Isle? Here is a list of some of the popular eateries and there local specialties: Caribsea: Located at 8921 Crew Drive; they are known for their locally sourced seafood. The most popular item is their famous crab cakes. A local favorite as well as a popular destination for our vacationers. They do take reservations. You also need to visit the rooftop lounge - the only one in Emerald Isle. Gaffer's: Located on Coast Guard Road; they are known for their seafood pasta. I cannot resist their Steamed Shrimp with PBR appetizer. During the peak season - there can be a wait - so get there early. Live music occurs on the weekends. Surf's Up Bar & Grill: Emerald Isle's only oceanfront restaurant located at the Bogue Inlet Pier. Enjoy their peel and eat shrimp, shrimp burger or shrimp plate while enjoying the view of the pier, fisherman and surfers. Tuna Nacho's are a favorite as well as the grouper in any form. Rucker Johns: Located in the Emerald Isle Plantation Shopping center is a local favorite, Known for their "famous" lightly battered shrimp. Not a seafood lover? Rucker Johns is also known for their grilled pork chops. Fish Hut Grill: Located on Mangrove Road in Emerald Isle; the Fish Hut Grill has become a popular destination for both locals and vacationers. Known for their shrimp taco's; you must try their Whole Fried Fish! Enjoy dining in or outside. Belly up to the menu bar to order and the food is delivered to your table. Self serve beverages make it a favorite. Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar: Family owned for over 20 years, Snapperz is known for their steam pots. Their Shrimp and Grits is another favorite as well. With tons of local seafood items on their menu, it is easy to see why Snapperz is a local favorite. Located at 8106 Emerald Drive. Flipperz Family Bar & Grill: Located at 311 Mangrove Rd and family owned since 2001, Flipperz specializes in local seafood such as peel-n-eat shrimp, fried oysters, flounder and more. Music on weekends is always a plus. Enjoy eating inside or out. Open year round. The Trading Post: Located at 8302 Emerald Drive and family owned since 2016, The Trading Post is known for their Shrimp-N-Grits. In fact, their Oysters Over Grits is a fan favorite as well. Great atmosphere with music on the weekends - enjoy eating inside or out. Open year round. By choosing local seafood, you are also showing your support for local restaurants and supporting the local economy. We hope when you come to visit our local area you will take an opportunity to visit these local restaurants that support our local seafood industries.

The short term rental market is very competitive. How can you make your short term rental stand out from the rest? Here are some tips to help your guests feel at home: Personalized Welcome : Greet your guests personally when they arrive. A warm smile and a friendly hello can set a positive tone. Offering contactless check-in? How about a hand written note expressing how happy you are to host the guest. Comfortable Environment : Ensure that the space is clean and comfortable. Provide cozy seating, adequate lighting, and control the temperature to their preference. Essentials Available : Stock the essentials in the kitchen, as well as in the bedrooms and bathrooms. This could include fresh linens, towels, toiletries, and basic snacks or drinks. A starter pack of paper towels, garbage bags and dish soap are always appreciated. Provide Local Information : Create a welcome packet with maps, brochures, and information about local attractions, restaurants, and activities. Open Communication : Encourage guests to communicate any needs or preferences they may have. Be available for questions or assistance. Personal Touches : Consider adding personal touches, such as a handwritten note, fresh flowers, or a small welcome gift to make them feel special. Respect Privacy : While being attentive is important, also respect their privacy. Give them space to relax and enjoy the space without intrusion. Shared Spaces : Create inviting common areas where guests can relax and socialize, whether it’s a living room, patio, or kitchen. Activities and Entertainment : Provide options for games, books, or movies to entertain guests during their stay. Follow Up : After their stay, follow up with a thank-you message to express appreciation for their visit and invite them back. By implementing these tips, you can create a welcoming environment that helps your guests feel truly at home! A happy guest is a repeat guest!

5-Star Review should be a vacation rental property owners goal for more bookings! Let's face it - guests are looking for a 5-Star stay when booking a short term rental.  They take a look at the reviews that previous guests have left and that weighs heavy on their booking decision.  What does a 5-Star review mean for the property owner?  Higher visibility for the property, as well as higher bookings and guest trust. That is why those 5-Star reviews are so coveted.  Here are some tips on how to achieve and maintain those coveted 5-Star reviews. 1) Stay in your property as if you are the guest.  How easy is check-in?  Is access to the property easy? Is there a guest guide available with instructions on how to use the TV? Staying in your own property will allow you to see things from the guests perspective.  This will help you make sure that the guest experience is superior.  2) What does the guest experience when they first walk through the door?  Is the property odor free?  Cleanliness is perhaps the biggest aspect that the guest is looking for.  In the real estate profession, we refer to this as "lights, camera, action" - you only have 8 seconds to make that first impression.  The same would hold true for a vacation rental.  3) Personality: does the property speak to the guest?  Are there personal touches to the property such as a "inhouse library".  Are there pictures/artwork of the local area or of local artist? What about a hand written welcome? These are all touches that say a lot about the property to the guest and will make the guest come back year after year.  4) Anticipate the needs of the guest: are there bath towels?  What about a towel the guest can carry to the beach?  A fully stocked coffee/tea bar - where the guest knows that their morning beverages are handled.  Once again, these are all touches that say a lot about the property to the guest and will make the guest come back year after year, or better yet - refer the property to family and friends.  In conclusion - if you are coveting that 5-Star review - stay in your property and look at everything through the eyes of the guest.  The better prepared you are as a property owner - the better stay your guest will have.  Cleanliness, personality, anticipated needs are all important factors when getting those 5-Star Reviews! #5starreview #morebookings #landlordtips #propertymanager #realestateinvesting #airbnbincome

To maximize your rental income with property management services, consider the following strategies: Effective Marketing and Advertising: Property management companies often have access to various marketing channels and can create compelling listings that attract more prospective tenants. We use professional photography, strong property descriptions and use multiple rental platforms to increase your properties visibility and demand. Optimized Rental Pricing: Experienced property managers conduct market analysis to determine competitive rental rates. By setting the right price based on market trends and demand, we can help maximize your rental income while minimizing vacancies. Professional Tenant Screening: A property management service will implement thorough tenant screening processes, including background checks, credit checks, and rental history verification. This helps ensure that we choose reliable tenants who are likely to pay rent on time and take care of the property. Regular Property Maintenance: A well-maintained property attracts and retains tenants, reducing turnover rates. We use a proactive maintenance approach, addressing issues before they escalate, ultimately preserving and increasing the property's value. Lease Management and Renewals: Property managers can handle lease agreements and renewals efficiently, ensuring that terms are favorable for both the landlord and the tenant. we implement strategies to encourage lease renewals so that vacancy periods are reduced. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Property management services can help navigate local laws and regulations related to rental properties, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential fines or costly legal issues. By leveraging these strategies through property management services, you can effectively increase your rental income and enhance the overall performance of your investment property. From managing vacation rentals to helping you purchase investment properties - we do it all! #PropertyManagmentPros #ExpertPropertyManagers #TrusstedPropertyPartners #landlordlife