Your home is your investment.
Our commitment is to its success.
A true partner in achieving
maximum revenue
for your home rental.
For 47 years, Surf or Sound Realty has set the standard for premier property management on Hatteras Island. As one of the last locally owned and operated companies on the island, our focus remains exclusively on Hatteras Island, providing unmatched insight into this unique vacation rental market.
Our owner-focused approach is built to protect your investment while maximizing revenue. Through data-driven rate optimization, strategic marketing, and industry-leading operations, we deliver consistent performance and true peace of mind.
Led by a highly experienced team specializing in vacation rental marketing, operations, and guest service, we do more than manage homes, we partner with homeowners. Together, we drive long-term success, strong rental performance, and exceptional guest experiences that inspire guests to return year after year.
Why choose us?
Owner Experience
Our relationship with our clients is first and foremost a partnership. We adapt our management program to fit your ownership goals and objectives. We believe in 24/7 responsiveness and transparency from the moment you sign with us. Our owners appreciate the following benefits of partnering with Surf or Sound Realty which are offered at no charge:
- Keyless electronic door lock entry for security and ease
- Professional photography including drone images and complimentary virtual floorplans
- Custom property description of your home by a top industry professional
- A private owner portal that allows you to check on your reservations and rental performance, book owner stays, and download statements and tax documents at your convenience
- Absolutely zero cost to get started
- Transparent and simple accounting for both homeowners and guests
- A revenue and profit projection for your home and its specific set of amenities, adjusted appropriately for location and season
How Easy Is It To Switch? One Call Does It All.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Surf or Sound Realty?
A:
As your local Hatteras Island neighbor widely known for our homeowner-centric culture, robust marketing efforts, and best in class operations team, Surf or Sound Realty strives to provide the best experiences for both our homeowners and guests. Surf or Sound Realty has a proven track record of maximizing rental revenue, exceeding projections, and retaining 99% of homeowners from year-to-year. With an enviable portfolio of premier homes, we have consistently led Hatteras Island in rental performance 16 of the last 17 years.
We also take great pride in caring for your home as if it were our own. Our in-house teams -including accounting, marketing, housekeeping, maintenance, standards and design - are comprised of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who are transparent in their communications and responsive to your needs.
How do I transfer my home to Surf or Sound Realty?
A:
We want to ensure our new homeowners experience an easy and seamless transition. First, email us at joinus@surforsound.com. We will provide a revenue and profit projection for your home, our commission rate, and other supporting documents for your review. When you're ready, we will ask you to sign an electronic management agreement that can be quickly and conveniently accomplished on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Will Surf or Sound Realty manage an Airbnb listing of my home?
A:
No. Airbnb does not provide the opportunity for us to represent your property directly and therefore, we are not able to manage the guest experience. Airbnb also insists on being the "merchant of record" and holds all funds until the occupancy has occurred. This provides them with control over your money and any refunds/discounts they deem necessary.
Will Surf or Sound Realty Showcase my home on Vrbo?
A:
Yes, we offer a complimentary parallel presence for your home on Vrbo. We achieved Vrbo Premier Host status for all our homes in part to receiving consistently outstanding reviews from our guests. Once a guest books a home, Vrbo allows us to immediately own the guest experience.
What are Surf or Sound Realty’s property management fees?
A:
We charge a flat rate commission to our homeowners on all bookings that is inclusive of the vast majority of services for you and your home. These services include but are not limited to:
- Marketing your home, including a descriptive write-up for your listing on our website, a parallel Vrbo listing, photography & drone photography, social media postings (Facebook, Instagram etc.), Google and other third-party advertising outlets
- Coordination of all maintenance logistic activities to include guest related concerns, investigation of all reports regarding issues at the house, homeowner projects requiring bids/estimates, coordination with contractors, dispatching SOS technicians, as well as securing and dispatching outside vendors/contractors, etc.
- Cleaning and inspecting of your home after every paid reservation. Our housekeeping managers and coordinators are at your service, restocking items such as coffee makers, toasters, blenders, mattress pads, pillows and pillow protectors as necessary, all sold at a modest mark-up and no charge to deliver. We'll also arrange vendor services like carpet cleaning, deep cleans, etc.
- All accounting functions such as monthly disbursements, online owners' portal, monthly statements, year-end statement, 1099, etc.
What are the key benefits of Surf or Sound Realty’s property management compared to competitors?
A:
We are locally owned and operated, with decades of direct local market knowledge and home management experience. We see every home as a distinct entity and personalize your plan accordingly. We do not utilize a national call center; we offer three office locations on Hatteras Island, staffed by a team of top-tier hospitality industry talent who make the Outer Banks their home and dedicate their unique skillsets to treat your home as if it were their own.
I’m building a home. How will Surf or Sound Realty help me market it before it’s ready to rent?
A:
There is no one better on Hatteras Island at marketing new construction homes than we are. At no extra cost we start reviewing, advising and supporting homeowners from the start of design all the way through to the Certificate of Occupancy. This includes:
- Reviewing floorplans and elevation drawings and providing feedback to maximize the marketability and subsequent income and ROI on the home
- Developing and customizing artist renderings, elevation drawings, complimentary floor plan drawings, similar to photos from comparable homes in our program, written description, and amenities list to make your home available for bookings on our website
- Scheduling and taking periodic "progress photos" of the interior and exterior as the project moves along to update you and your home's listing on our website
Still have more questions? Email us at joinus@surforsound.com
Contact us
Surf or Sound Realty is committed to nurturing your investment. If you are a homeowner interested in learning more about our property management company, contact us at joinus@surforsound.com or call/text Danny at 252.996.0499 for a no-obligation rental projection of your home today. As your neighbor, it would be my pleasure.
For all other guest services matters, please email rent@surforsound.com or call/text 252.995.5801.
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