July 5, 2011 (Nags Head, NC)

“With a solid background in vacation rental management operations, we are excited about the continued growth and success of Resort Realty with Stuart leading the charge!”says Michael Harrington, CEO of Resort Realty.

During Pack’s nine years at Hatteras Realty (based in Avon, NC), he held positions of Director of Accounting to Vice President and General Manager overseeing approximately 575 vacation rental homes.  In addition, Pack was most recently the COO and General Manager at Vacation Rental Pros^LLC, in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, in charge of all day-to-day operations. 

“Resort Realty is an industry leader and is committed to “A New Generation of Vacation Excellence”.  I personally agree and will promote this philosophy. Furthermore, I will support Resort Realty’s mission for clear communications, excellent maintenance and housekeeping, and maximum rental incomes for homeowners. I believe in great customer service and same day callback communications.”

With three offices and a staff of nearly 75 (including 35 sales agents), Resort Realty under the leadership of Harrington and Pack, will continue to grow by utilizing the most innovative techniques and unparalleled customer service.

“I worked with Stuart at Hatteras Realty and am confident that together with our dedicated staff, we will continue to foster admiration and respect among our peers and loyalty from our vacation rental homeowners and real estate sales clients,” states Harrington.

Pack has a true understanding of the Outer Banks rentals market having lived in the area for many years and is excited to return again to put his experience to work. He currently resides in Kitty Hawk with his wife Suzanne, a math teacher at Manteo High School, and four children. 

About Resort Realty: Resort Realty is one of the Outer Banks leading sales and rental companies of vacation homes.  Resort Realty’s Sales division is affiliated with the strongest global referral network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.  With offices located in Duck, Corolla and Nags Head, Resort Realty has served the area for 24 years. Resort Realty currently manages approximately 500 vacation homes on the Outer Banks, from Corolla to South Nags Head.  To learn more about owning or renting a beach getaway, visit www.resortrealty.com or call 800-458-3830. 

Media Contact:

Jenna Pempek, Marketing Director

(252) 441-5000, ext. 2048

Jenna.Pempek@resortrealty.com

Then the weather breaks and there is an explosion of color.  Trees in every imaginable shade of green, the sky a deep blue that doesn’t seem to exist in a city.  During the spring dogwood trees are everywhere, their flowers seem to sparkle among the foliage in shades of pink and white.

One of the most surprising things about the Outer Banks is how heavily forested it is–so heavily forested, in fact, that until just about 1920 there was a very significant commercial logging operation in Kitty Hawk.  That’s one of those small amazing facts that you learn as you spend more time here.

For good reason, people come to the Outer Banks and stay in Outer Banks Vacation Rentals because of the beauty of the beaches.  From Corolla in the north, to Nags Head, all the way down to Ocracoke there’s over 120 miles of some of the finest shoreline in the world–and that’s not hyperbole.  There may be other places that match it’s beauty in shorter distances, but you would be hard pressed to find any other place that has such an extended shoreline holding such exquisite splendor.

The reason, though, people keep coming back, and the reason so many people want to own a home here, is that the beach is only one part of that story–important and as beautiful as it may be. 

The Outer Banks is a bike rider’s dream come true–beautiful scenery, relatively flat with miles after mile of interconnecting paved bike paths.  And once again, the annual Outer Banks Bike Week is back to bring these kindred spirits together.  

So, how interconnected is the Outer Banks for motorcyle lovers?  It is possible to ride from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla to Bodie Island Light in South Nags Head, and except for some short stretches, never be on the main road.  Actually there are ways to avoid almost all of the highway in Corolla, but you’ll need a mountain bike for that and that’s a story for another time.

The lighthouses that line the shoreline of the Outer Banks are another part of the fascination of the area–for this is a place that is rich in history.  The lighthouses are the most visible evidence of that, yet there are stories dating back to the first European settlers (The Lost Colony), and archeological digs are unearthing earlier stories.

Even more recently, there are the 20th century tales of the Wright Brothers, the explosive growth of the hunt clubs along the Outer Banks sounds and Cape Hatteras National Seashore which was established in 1953.

All in all, a pretty complex place, yet for all of that, life seems to move to a slightly slower beat.  You look outside, see the sun is shining, the temperature is warm and think about the things you have to do.  Review your options, get on your bike and take a ride through Kitty Hawk  Woods and then, perhaps with a sigh, make your phone calls, place your orders and go to work.

“The VRMA Seminars have a history of bringing together the top decision-makers in the industry and providing insightful tips that vacation rental managers can implement to make their businesses more successful,” Harrington said. “I am honored to have been selected to speak at this event, and I look forward to sharing the successes we’ve had at Resort Realty as a model for other businesses.”

A committee of industry leaders selected Harrington because of his expertise in using technology to create a more efficient management program for his company’s homeowners. Harrington, who has been in the vacation rental industry for 7 years, will present a session titled, “Using Technology to Streamline Operations.” This session will focus on how companies are using existing technologies and best practices to communicate more effectively with homeowners and guests, and streamline the back-end processes of managing a vacation rental home.

Over 350 attendees are expected at this Seminar, which will provide two days of education and networking opportunities with the most influential players in the vacation rental industry.

ABOUT R. Michael Harrington:  R. Michael “Mike” Harrington is the CEO and Principal Broker for Resort Realty of the Outer Banks, managing almost 500 properties.  As CEO, Mike is charged with all phases of Resort Realty’s business growth and profitability.  Since beginning his career in the Real Estate and Vacation Rental Management industry, Mike has worked in just about every capacity from Rental Management, Maintenance and Housekeeping, to Marketing.   Since taking over as CEO at Resort Realty in 2007, the company has developed and implemented a variety of Outer Banks homeowner centric programs and offerings to maximize their investment potential.  Mike is a two time graduate of East Carolina University, obtaining his MBA with a concentration in Development and Environmental Planning.

ABOUT VRMA: The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is the professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Founded in 1985, VRMA has more than 600 property management and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean representing approximately 150,000 vacation rentals, condos, and villas.

As the united, authoritative voice of the vacation rental industry, VRMA works to advance the lodging category by providing members with invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the vacation rental experience through its public awareness initiative, Discover Vacation Homes (www.discovervacationhomes.com), and by fostering broad professionalism and growth.

To learn more or to register for the VRMA Eastern Seminar, visit www.vrma.com.

ABOUT Resort Realty – Outer Banks, NC: Resort Realty is one of the Outer Banks leading sales and rental companies of vacation homes. The company currently operates 3 offices located in Duck, Corolla and Nags Head.  In addition to offering high-end Real Estate Sales services, Resort Realty also manages nearly 500 Outer Banks vacation rental properties. To learn more about Resort Realty and/or how you can own or rent an Outer Banks vacation home, call 800-458-3830 or visit www.resortrealty.com.

Preferred Alternative

So close and yet so far–that seems to be the story of the Mid Currituck Bridge, and now when the project is closer than ever to actually becoming reality, the specter of a financial straight jacket is raising its head. 

Anyway you look at it, the bridge is the best way to alleviate the horrendous traffic jams that have plagued the Outer Banks and Outer Banks Vacation Rentals traffic on Saturdays and Sundays for the past 20 years or so. Also, about the only way to get people out of here in a timely manner in case of an evacuation.

The alternatives? Way more expensive and not as effective. 

Widen Route 12 through Southern Shores and Duck? Even with property values where they are right now, it’s still prohibitively expensive.  And that doesn’t even consider what it will do to the towns. It would ruin the residential character of Southern Shores and absolutely destroy the commercial district of Duck.

Doing nothing?  That’s what we’re doing now, and look what it’s getting us.

The solution before us is probably the best one by far, and that is remarkable considering the path we have taken to get to where we are today. It has been a path filled with confusion, false starts and misinformation–yet here we are, at the brink of moving this forward with minimal cost to the state.

When the Turnpike Authority announced the project would go forward as a private public partnership (PPP if  the acronym is used), it seemed at long last that a solution had been found to getting the bridge built.  PPPs are being used increasingly to complete new road projects internationally as well domestically as governments at all levels find themselves strapped for cash but still needing to develop road systems.

The initial steps of this are being handled by ACS International, a Spanish company that specializes in this type of work.  The concept here is simple–the company that builds the project (probably ACS, though that has not yet been determined) issues bonds, the state guarantees those bonds and the builder of the project collects revenues from the bridge.  In this case, tolls that are being planned for the Mid Currituck Bridge.  Admittedly, this is a very stripped down version of what is involved, but for our purposes, it gives an idea of what will happen.

What will it cost the state of North Carolina? $15 million per year for the next three years to build a $670 million project.

And here’s the problem. According to our new state senator for Dare and Currituck Counties, Stan White (D), when he asked the Republican leadership in the legislature if the funding for the bridge was still in the budget, he was told that although funding for the bridge is still in the budget, nothing is cast in stone.  Meaning the budget axe could fall on a project that has been a part of NCDOT’s transportation improvement projects (TIP) for over 20 years.

Yes, there is a $2.5 billion budge gap to fill, but it would take 166 projects of this size to fill that hole. It may look like low hanging fruit, but this is money that needs to remain on the tree and ripen.

Not going forward on this will restrict the growth of a sector of our economy that continues to expand–and therefore pay more money to cash-strapped state coffers. And, frankly there are circumstances under which not building the bridge could endanger lives.

Yes–times are tough, and we all have to pull together to make some very difficult decisions; but those decisions must reflect what is best for our future.

Guest Post By:  Kip Tabb

The OBX Real Estate mobile search application is a free MLS listing search tool for the entire Outer Banks area. Looking for active Real Estate listings from Corolla to Hatteras Island or westward in the mainlands of Currituck and Dare Counties? Download the OBX Real Estate mobile search application now and find your dream home, landsite or investment opportunity using the dynamic map search tools.

No registration needed, simply install and start searching for active listings anywhere in the Outer Banks MLS service area.  This real estate search application for the Outer Banks area is provided by Resort Realty.

For over 20 years, Resort Realty has been the leader in Outer Banks Resort Real Estate, Outer Banks Vacation Rentals , and Property Management. With four convenient office locations in Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, we are uniquely qualified to offer unparalleled service.  We know our market area and we appreciate the special qualities of aiding the absentee buyer and property owner. Our seasoned Outer Banks real estate agents can guide you every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to contact Resort Realty regarding any Outer Banks real estate property you see listed for sale, regardless of the listing company. The
real estate professionals at Resort Realty are committed to providing the most up-to-date information possible to assist you in making your Outer Banks dream a reality. CALL 866-928-2674 for more information.

Over the past decade, the Outer Banks has seen a rollercoaster effect in its most prized commodity, Real Estate.  We have seen the market go from some of the best times to buy and sell property to some of the worst.  There is no hiding the fact that second and investment home markets like the Outer Banks are usually the first ones to feel a downturn in the Real Estate market.  However, the good news is that historically markets like the Outer Banks are also on the forefront of the recovery as well.

The overall picture for calendar year 2009 saw a relative plateau-ing effect with regards to total sales and sales volume compared to the sharp decreases during the 2006 and 2007 calendar years.  Sold transactions for 2009 increased by 7.0% while total listings on the market decreased by 6.5%.  Total Sales Volume (Listing Side Volume only) was only down 4.8% from 2008 compared to a 22.6% decrease between 2007 and 2008. 

Average sales price’s on the Outer Banks, however, have continued to decrease steadily from the highs in the mid 2000’s.  These figures are affected greatly by the number of bank-owned and foreclosure properties that have sold over the past year.  Taking this into account, the Average Sales Price for 2009 dropped 11.0% from 2008 and has dropped 23.9% from calendar year 2006. 

It is our hope you will view this report as a trusted source for Outer Banks Real Estate and will call a Resort Realty expert with any questions.  Although 2009 ended on a relatively down note, things are looking bright for the upcoming 2010 calendar year.  We are proud to offer our local expertise and hope you find it educational in your Outer Banks Real Estate search.  Remember, Nobody Knows the Outer Banks Better!®

We will be releasing our first Market Update after the new year, so please check back.  Included will be some overall comparisons from for the last three years on overall occupancy percentages as well as a second post on the 2009 year in review for Outer Banks Real Estate sales.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year’s.

VACATION RENTAL SPECIALS

From 10 bedroom luxury homes to 2 bedroom condos, Resort Realty has a vacation property to fit every lifestyle and budget. View current rental specials online at ResortRealty.com/Specials.  Resort Realty is also currently offing these great incentives:

Thanksgiving Special

Resort Realty wants to give thanks to its customers by offing a FREE early check-in on weeklong and partial stays for the Thanksgiving holiday!*

“We Help Pay for Your Stay” Promo

Pre-reserve your 2010 vacation home by January 31, 2010 and be entered in the drawing to have your remaining balance (up to $4,000.00) paid by Resort Realty!*

*Certain restrictions may apply. Call 800-458-3830 for details.

TIPS AND INFORMATION

A multitude of general topics, tips and resources will be available online at DiscoverVacationHomes.com and ResortRealty.com throughout November, including answers to frequently asked questions, debunking the top vacation rental myths, as well as planning tips, 10 secrets to saving on travel with vacation rentals, the option’s advantages over hotels, tips for choosing the right vacation rental, lists of travelers’ testimonials and more.

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH SOCIAL TOOLS ONLINE

Making it easier for vacationers to ask questions, connect with past vacation rental guests, view and share travel photos and more, “Discover Vacation Homes” has also launched a Twitter profile and Facebook page for the traveling public in November’s honor. Twitter users can direct questions about the category to @GoVacationHomes for knowledgeable and personal responses by experts on the category, and Facebook visitors can utilize a public discussion board, post past vacation rental reviews and browse and post vacation rental images among other interactions now available at http://www.Facebook.com/DiscoverVacationHomes.  Visitors can also find Resort Realty on Facebook and on Twitter or stay connected on specials and news by joining the Resort Realty E-Mail List.

“Despite the increased attention brought to vacation rentals in recent years, the majority of travelers remain unaware of the option and its benefits,” explains Alex Risser, President of the VRMA. “Almost nine in 10 past vacation rental guests would rent again in three years, and would recommend the option to friends and relatives. Once travelers try vacation rentals for the first time, the satisfaction rate is incredibly high.”   

Lucy McCaffery, a past Outer Banks vacation rental guest with Resort Realty from Levittown, NY, states that her family has been visiting the Outer Banks for many years and plans to continue for many more. “Of all the real estate companies we have dealt with in the 10 years we have been coming to NC, Resort Realty was the best. When we called for service we got immediate attention. The home was the most fabulous home we have ever stayed in. Clean, perfect and beautiful. We had everything we need to make our vacation perfect. We cannot wait to return next year.”

ABOUT DISCOVER VACATION HOMES

(www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com) is the trusted public voice and an expert resource on behalf of the professionally managed vacation rental industry. As the awareness initiative of the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), it represents approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America and the Caribbean. Often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space, amenities, guest services, and privacy than other lodging options.

ABOUT RESORT REALTY

Resort Realty is one of the Outer Banks leading sales and rental companies of vacation homes. Resort Realty’s Sales division is affiliated with the strongest global referral network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. With offices located in Duck, Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and The Landings at Sugar Creek office Resort Realty has served the area for 20 years. Resort Realty currently manages more than 450 Vacation Homes on the Outer Banks, from Corolla to South Nags Head. To learn more about owning or renting a beach getaway, visit www.ResortRealty.com.

# # #

* Ypartnership / Yankelovich, Inc. 2009 Travel MONITOR (SM)

** PhoCusWright’s Vacation Rental Marketplace: Poised for Change

Media Contact:

Jenna Pempek, Marketing Director

Resort Realty

252-441-5000 ext 2048

 jenna.pempek@resortrealty.com

October 2, 2009 (Outer Banks, NC)

Resort Realty has been providing families with memorable Outer Banks Vacations and professional Real Estate services since 1987.  Resort Realty manages over 450 privately owned Outer Banks Vacation Rentals along nearly 50 miles of barrier islands that make up the northern part of the Outer Banks. They have 4 full-service offices in Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk and Nags Head to serve their clients and homeowners. Resort Realty offers vacationers a variety of different properties to suit every lifestyle and budget from two bedroom condos to 10 bedroom luxury homes located from soundside to oceanfront.

The new website has been completely redesigned with many user friendly features to enhance the vacation rental experience for visitors. Some of these features include:

• Detailed descriptions of all properties including multiple large pictures and real-time availability and booking
• Advanced search options based on preferences such as rental specials, military discounts, private pools, partial week stays, and pet friendly accommodations
• Mailing list sign-up which allows site visitors to receive emails on specials and news
• Current information on Outer Banks events, attractions, and area information
• “Email a Friend” feature which allows visitors to email descriptions and pictures of rental properties
• Live Chat for a visitors to easily communicate with a vacation reservation specialist
• Property Management section for Outer Banks homeowners looking for information about listing their rental home with Resort Realty
• “Owner Link” section where homeowners can log-in to view information about their property, see availability, view statements, and download “Resort Record” (Resort Realty’s owner newsletter)
• Link to ResortOuterBanks.com and OBXMarketWatch.com the premier Outer Banks Real Estate Sales sites which contain informational pages for buyers and sellers

“Resort Realty’s vision is to be the industry’s leader in Property Management and Guest Services; therefore we are always looking for new and innovative ways to enrich the booking experience for our vacationers. We decided to redesign our website to make it as user friendly and advantageous for all visitors as possible.  By embracing new technology and trying to keep our image fresh we hope to stand out among the rental industry crowd. We feel we are on our way to achieving this and ResortRealty.com will become the premier website for people who want to vacation in the Outer Banks,” stated Michael Harrington, Resort Realty’s CEO.

About Resort Realty:
Resort Realty is one of the Outer Banks leading sales and rental companies of vacation homes.  Resort Realty’s Sales division is affiliated with the strongest global referral network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.  With offices located in Duck, Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and The Landings at Sugar Creek office Resort Realty has served the area for 20 years. Resort Realty currently manages more than 450 Vacation Homes on the Outer Banks, from Corolla to South Nags Head.  To learn more about owning or renting a beach getaway, visit ResortRealty.com.

“Debbie is an industry expert who possesses the knowledge and expertise in building, growing and managing a premier Outer Banks Real Estate Company,” says Michael Harrington, the newly announced CEO of Resort Realty. “I have worked with Debbie for nearly two years now and am confident that under her management, Resort Realty will thrive as she continues to foster admiration and respect among our peers and loyalty from our customers, sales agents, and employees.”

Moving to the Outer Banks from upstate New York in 1999 with her husband and two sons, Ianetta began her career in the vacation rental industry as a reservation specialist with Seaside Realty. In 2000 she earned her broker’s license and was promoted to various positions within Seaside Realty, allowing her to gain experience in all aspects of the industry. Before accepting the Director of Corporate Development position with Resort Realty, she worked in sales management with BD&A for over three years.

Ianetta is looking forward to applying her expertise to Resort Realty. “My past experiences in both sales and rentals have prepared me for this dynamic position,” she says. “My goal is to help build Resort Realty by reaching out to agents, vacation guests, property owners, clients and employees to reaffirm our relationships and expand our core business.”

Her love of the area convinced her whole family to relocate to the Outer Banks. Over the past years, her parents, an aunt and uncle, two sisters, and cousins have all made the Outer Banks their home. She currently lives in Kill Devil Hills with her husband of 22 years and two sons. In her free time, Ianetta is an avid reader and also likes to spend time with her family and relax on the beach.

If you would like to speak to Debbie about Resort Realty’s Property Management Program, feel free to contact her at Debbie.Ianetta@ResortRealty.com.