Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Calabash North Carolina.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Calabash, North Carolina for 2024

Registration and Permits

• Hosts must register with the city and obtain a short-term rental permit.

Taxes

• Hosts are required to collect a state sales tax of 4.75% and a local sales tax of 2-2.75% from their guests.
• Hosts must also collect a local occupancy tax, which is 6% in Brunswick County where Calabash is located.

Health and Safety Standards

• Properties must meet health and safety standards, including the installation of fire and safety equipment such as smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors.

Occupancy Limits and Noise Regulations

• Hosts must abide by occupancy limits and noise regulations set by the city.
• The number of occupants allowed can be limited based on state and local building code standards and septic tank capacity.

Vehicle Restrictions

• The number of occupant vehicles can be restricted to one vehicle per bedroom.

Zoning Compliance

• Short-term rentals must comply with all applicable residential zoning requirements and are prohibited in certain areas such as mobile home parks.

Contract and Ordinance Compliance

• All contracts for short-term rentals must include a copy of any city ordinances that regulate noise, waste removal, and parking, or a written summary of these ordinances.

Local Contact Requirement

• A lodging operator or authorized agent must be within a 50-mile radius of the short-term rental when an occupant is staying there.

Parking Availability

• Property owners must provide the required number of parking spaces based on the number of bedrooms rented out.

Liability Insurance

• Hosts are often required to have liability insurance to operate short-term rentals.

Compliance with City Ordinances

• Short-term rentals must comply with all applicable city ordinances and codes, including building and housing codes.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Calabash, North Carolina

Understanding Calabash's Unique Style

• Calabash, known for its coastal charm and proximity to beaches like Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, benefits from a design that reflects its beach-themed and relaxed atmosphere.

Key Design Elements

• Coastal and Beach-Themed Decor: Use light colors, natural materials, and coastal-themed decor to mimic the surrounding beach environment. This includes elements like sea-inspired artwork, shells, and driftwood.
• Comfortable Seating Areas: Invest in comfortable, durable, and easy-to-clean furniture that encourages relaxation after a day at the beach. Consider plush sofas, cozy fireplaces, and inviting porches.

Essential Amenities

• Outdoor Spaces: Create inviting outdoor areas such as large front porches, screened back porches, and patios. These spaces should be equipped with amenities like fire pits, grills, and comfortable seating.
• Beach Equipment: Provide beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, and beach towels to enhance the guest's beach experience.

Neighborhood Considerations

• Proximity to Local Attractions: Ensure your Airbnb is conveniently located near beaches, local shops, and restaurants to cater to guests seeking convenience and accessibility.

Furniture and Decor Styles

• Blend of Rustic and Modern Styles: Combine rustic and modern elements to create a cozy yet contemporary vibe. This can include nautical-themed decor to echo the lake and ocean scenery.
• Local Artwork: Incorporate local artwork to personalize the space and create a connection to the region's culture.

Practical Considerations

• Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials: Choose furnishings made from durable and easy-to-clean materials to maintain the property in excellent condition, especially if you are catering to families and pet owners.
• Well-Equipped Kitchens: Ensure kitchens are well-equipped with modern amenities to allow guests to cook family meals comfortably.

Additional Touches

• High Tech Amenities: Consider adding high-tech amenities like smart TVs, streaming services, and high-speed Wi-Fi to cater to both leisure and business travelers.
• Family-Friendly Features: Include family-friendly amenities such as high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers to make the space welcoming for families.

By incorporating these tips, you can create an inviting Airbnb in Calabash that reflects the city's unique coastal style and meets the expectations of your guests.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Calabash, North Carolina

To ensure a smooth and profitable short-term rental business in Calabash, North Carolina, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a peaceful environment and comply with local laws. Clearly outline these rules in the house manual and during the check-in process to avoid any misunderstandings.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important details. This manual should cover everything from appliance usage to emergency contact information, ensuring guests have all the information they need at their fingertips.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed instructions on how to access the property, along with parking instructions accompanied by photos to avoid any confusion.

Additional Tips

• Ensure the property meets health and safety standards, and obtain necessary permits and licenses as required by local and state regulations.
• Collect and remit the appropriate taxes, including state sales tax and local occupancy tax, which can be managed through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and upkeep, and leverage local services for cleaning and maintenance to enhance guest satisfaction.

By following these tips, you can create a hassle-free experience for both yourself and your guests, maximizing your rental income and ensuring a successful short-term rental business in Calabash.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Calabash, North Carolina:

House Cleaning Services in Calabash, NC

Classy Cleaners, LLC

• A family-owned and operated business serving Brunswick County, including Calabash. Specializes in commercial, residential, and newly constructed properties.

Sparkling and Beyond

• Offers professional standard cleaning services for commercial and residential properties in Calabash, NC.

Various Providers Listed on Care.com

• Multiple house cleaning services available in Calabash, starting at $19.00/hr, with options to search by rates, reviews, and experience.

Top Rated House Cleaners on Angi

• A list of top-rated house cleaners in Calabash, NC, with real reviews and ratings.

Maid Services on HomeAdvisor

• A list of the best maid services in Calabash, NC, including costs and reviews.

Calabash, North Carolina: Understanding Short-Term Rental Management Fees

In Calabash, North Carolina, managing a short-term rental property involves a range of fees that can vary significantly based on the level of service provided. Typically, short-term rental management fees range from 15% to 30% of the rental revenue. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 20% of the revenue.

Basic services, which may only include booking coordination and minimal support, can be less expensive. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for cleaning, repairs, or design services, which are usually charged separately. For instance, some management companies charge a consumables fee to cover items like linens, toiletries, and light bulbs.

Choosing the right management company involves balancing the level of service needed with the associated costs to ensure maximum revenue and guest satisfaction.