The Crystal Coast Blog

I have received many calls and questions emailed to me from readers wanting information about Crystal Coast homes and specifically about Emerald Isle condos for rent and for sale. Most of these questions center around the local Emerald Isle real estate market, and questions about things to do in Emerald Isle.

My Personal Favorite Entries From the Crystal Coast Blog

To help provide the answers many visitors to this blog have asked, here are some of my personal favorite past Crystal Coast Blog post.

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I often receive phone calls from renters seeking a long-term Emerald Isle beach front home or condo. I’ve found most of these inquiries come from younger couples especially military couples stationed at Camp LeJeune who are looking for a long-term rental. A few of things occur during these calls.

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10 Tips to Making Your Crystal Coast Vacation More Affordable

If you have a job and your finances are such that you can afford a vacation to Emerald Isle (or any of our other beautiful NC beach towns), how can you make your trip to the NC coast more affordable? Here are a few tips to help make your Crystal Coast vacation go easier on your wallet:

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Based on current projections issued by the National Hurricane Center, it appears Tropical Storm Hanna will intensify into a hurricane before making landfall along the South Carolina/North Carolina border. NOAA’s website also indicates the developing tropical storm will make landfall shortly after midnight Saturday morning. Because major damage can occur especially on the east side of a hurricane, all precautions should be made to protect life and property along the Southern Outer Banks.

Listen to Local Crystal Coast Authorities

If you reside along the Crystal Coast towns of Emerald Isle, Salter Path, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach it is strongly recommended you be attentive to any and all announcements by local authorities as this storm approaches the east coast of the US. If orders are given to evacuate the barrier island of Bogue Banks, do so. If you have rented a beach cottage or condo on the Crystal Coast and plan to arrive this weekend, it is recommended you contact your Crystal Coast real estate agency for information about your rental prior to your arrival date.

It is obviously our prayers this storm stay far out in the Atlantic away from the coast of the US.

Do You Think the TBJ Reads the Crystal Coast Blog?

If you’re like me, I like to read my area’s local Biz Journal. In fact, even in this day and age of RSS feeds, Google Reader and news aggregators, yes I still read the paper. Archaic isn’t it. Because I have a subscription to the TBJ, I receive their daily email updates on “breaking news stories.” Well I received an email today from TBJ and it included a story entitled “Study: Few execs leave the office behind while on vacation“. Wouldn’t you know I had to go leave a comment and gloat a bit. You see, I wrote (dare I say scooped!) a post on a similar topic entitled  “Wireless Web the Most Requested Amenity for Hotel Guest“. Me thinks the writers of the TBJ are reading my Crystal Coast Blog!

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Lately I have been thinking about the direction of topics and information provided in this blog. One key element I teach every blogger is you must know who your audience is and then provide “high-value” content to your audience in your blog. That way, loyal readers will return time and again to read your fresh content.

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But What About Vacation Rentals?

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), hotel guest believe a wireless Internet connection is the most important technology amenity when selecting a hotel. Here is a quick breakdown of leading technology amenities hotel guest rank for importance:

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And I Did All the Work for You!

I realize some of you just don’t have the time to search for the spring rental and hotel deals on the Southern Outer Banks (or some are just to dang lazy to do it!), but I decided to see for myself if all this “talk” about NC Coast spring vacation rental and hotel discounts was just that – a lot of talk. Well guess what? There are spring beach deals out there but who knows how long they are going to last. Remember – it’s first come, first served!

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I read an interesting article in the business section of the News and Observer this past Saturday. The article implied that people are waiting before they book their vacation rentals and make their hotel reservations for the Crystal Coast. It seems the primary reasons we are “sitting on our hands” is because of the economy, the gas prices and the elusive search to save a buck!

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With Memorial Day less than 2 weeks away, the peak vacation season at the Crystal Coast is about to begin. Pack your bags and head to the beautiful beaches of the Southern Outer Banks. What better way to spend your summer vacation. Sure gas is expensive but if you’re headed to Emerald Isle be sure to take advantage of the bike paths. Why not park your car in the driveway of your rental and pedal to almost any where you want to go.

Helpful Crystal Coast Rental Agency Websites

Planning your vacation is part of the fun. Go on line and do a search of rental properties on the Crystal Coast. There are several easy-to-use rental property websites from the local Crystal Coast real estate agencies. Each one has it’s own unique features. I suggest you find one that makes your rental search easier and gives you the best results for your family’s needs.

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