I got a call today from the realty on Hatteras Island that the house I rented for July 2004 was not going to available that week because the owners decided to take that week and just let the realty know today. I know that they have until the 15th of Dec. to pick their weeks but I always thought that the owners were advised to take off season weeks. I just hate the thought of looking for something else, they did give me some choices but it's just a pain. I really don't think I was meant to stay in this particular house, this Fall we were supposed to stay there but because of Isabel it was no go and now this, it would have been our first time in this house. Has this ever happened to anyone else, I think that the weeks for owners should have to be chosen in the Fall for the following year, it's like second pickings this late for prime weeks. Just my opinion.

We have a house in Hatteras and from the time we built it back in 1990 we always took the last week in June and the 1st. week in July...this year the real estate office didn't block it out for some reason... and it is rented...the real estate said that they would tell the renters that we wanted the house and find them another house...I told them No...we would come a different week...that happened to us before we had our own place and I never rented that house again. We will miss being there over the 4th. of July but that's how it goes.

So it happens in both directions. That was very nice of you cscape to back off the 4th of July.

Yes, I agree, that was very thoughtful of you, I guess you knew how it felt.

Robert, have you ever considered buying a home on the OBX? Just curious as to why you didn't or didn't want to.

Robert I wasn't very happy with the real estate..because they were told never rent those weeks.......but.......I couldn't do that to the renters it wasn't their fault it was the real estate office......

One fall a few years ago we decided top head down to the OBX for a long weekend we called our realty co. and they fixed us up with a placed for 4 days when we got down to check in they told us that the owners had decided to be there! The realtor went out of there way to find us a great house!! When we went and looked at the other house we had rented first we realized the house we were in was much better and cheaper!! We ended up renting that house for many years till this coming year Izzy did a number on it and we needed something a little bigger anyway!! Personally if I owned a place in the OBX I would be there at least 1 prime week isn't that why you buy a place in paradise to be there when you want to be there!!!

I agree A-not, but I guess it depends on if the house is paid for and what your priorites are. I would hate to miss out on a week of $$ in the prime season.
Hey cscape, is your house in Hatteras Village or on Hatteras Island? How did it fare during Isabel?

Just curious cscape.....did your real estate agent offer you anything for their error? Maybe a reduction in their fee or a % rebate for the 4th of July week.

I think you are right about wanting to be in your place a little during primetime, but if your financials aren't working at the time you may have no choice but to offer it for rent during all the prime time.

In addition, unlike the folks on this board, my guess is that numerous homes, especially in certain areas (Pine Island maybe) are owned strictly by people for purely investment reasons. They couldn't care less about vactioning on OBX.

I have considered it for three weeks (the two I'm on OBX and the following week) every year since 1986.

Purely financial arnold. When I go on vacation to OBX, I must stay oceanfront. In my opinion if you are going to stay at the beach, then stay at the beach, or why bother. Therein lies the problem in that I would want to purchase oceanfront. I know, it stupid, but that is the only thing I would buy. But of course, I would need to be extremely wealthy to first afford to purchase the property, second to maintain it, and third not to worry if it got destroyed in a storm and my property was rendered worthless.

I remember when first when up to Whalehead Beach you could buy oceanfront lot for $20,000. OMG was that tempting!

Our house is Hatteras Village....we lost our septic system...bnoth sets of our steps...and my neighbors boat went into our storage room under the house....suppose to start working on fixing it up REAL soon????

Robert.. I agree with you...some of those big houses in Hatteras are just an investment...if I could I'd never rent our place...I love being there

NO

Maybe time to do a little shopping around for another real estate company.

Whoa-- I know that you are understandably disappointed that the owners took your week, but this is different from a motel or hotel industry. Many of these homes are not for investment but are purchased by people like you who love the Outer Banks and want a piece of the islands. They bought them to use and enjoy and, perhaps, to make ends meet on a second home, they may have to rent them out. That does not mean that they can't use it themselves just because then choose to rent it out for some weeks. No rental company would get away with telling the owner what weeks they may choose as their own. Since your owners have beaten the Dec. 15th deadline they are following the rules of that company.
When we rented out our house I was a school teacher in the north. Just about the only time I could enjoy my house was the summer. (Yes, we came down Easter week to get the house ready for the season and after Christmas) You are still early enough to find a good house.
If I can be of service, feel free to ask. I would be glad to check on a house of your choice if it is in Avon or Buxton. I also have friends who work at Hatteras Realty, if that is the company you are using, and I would be glad to ask about a house to see if it is a dud or a gem.