Travelers are busy booking summer rentals at the beach

On the Bay is a rental home in the Outer Banks of N.C.

KITTY HAWK — North Carolina is home to more than 300 miles of coastline. The ocean front communities are home to rich culture, historic areas, natural greens and sandy beaches. With warmer temperatures approaching, many residents are preparing for spring and summer rentals on the coast.From the middle of May through the middle of October is considered the high volume period of rentals on the coast with the holidays of Thanksgiving and Easter falling second and third.”This season of 2017 is more brisk than any season before. We’re looking forward to a great summer,” said Dan Hardy, president of Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates.Travelers begin booking summer rentals eight to nine months in advance. Seventy-five percent of contacts by travelers looking for rentals are done through website traffic noted Hardy.”People are finding us by directly googling our company name as we’ve been here for 50 years and are the oldest company on the Outer Banks,” said Hardy.With a total of 10,000 vacation homes on the Outer Banks, Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates manages 600 properties from Duck to Nags Head.”While North Carolina is growing as a state, investments are growing here as well,” said Hardy. “The Outer Banks is known for beautiful beaches and accommodations.””People seem to feel more confident in the economy.”Whether its beaches, serenity or the new Outer Banks waterpark set to open, more and more people from in and out of state are flocking to the coast.”We’ve seen a large increase in traffic from the Triangle. Transportation changes to the Outer Banks have been key — it only takes three-and-a-half hours to get from Raleigh-Durham here,” said Hardy.For Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates, North Carolina makes up the company’s fourth largest market of renters with Virginia being number one.”Property values vary depending on the age and condition of the home, the location and the amount of amenities offered. Renters should do their homework to know what they are looking for and ask questions. Decide if beach access if a big deal. Do you want an older home on the beach or a newer home on the beach with pools, game rooms and elevators?” said Hardy.Prices for summer week rentals range from $955 to $14,000 depending upon size, location, amenities. Those wishing for a week stay along the coastline should make plans now, as rental spaces are starting to fill.