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For folks who have only recently discovered the Outer Banks, it may be hard to believe that so many successful, modern businesses have been operating here for such a long time, even in the seven quiet and remote villages of Hatteras Island. Surf or Sound Realty is one of these businesses with a long history of success. This year they are celebrating 45 years of creating priceless memories and experiences for Hatteras Island vacationers.
Past Successes
Since 1978 Surf or Sound Realty has been serving the guests and homeowners of Hatteras Island, offering an ever-expanding selection of homes while still staying true to their family-oriented roots.
As the only locally owned and operated Vrbo (vacation rental by owner) Premier Host Partner, their dedication to high-quality vacation homes is unmatched, proven by their impressive track record. Surf or Sound Realty repeatedly outperforms its competitors in numbers, leading all rental companies on the island in the average number of weeks booked. They also dominate client satisfaction, boasting a 99% customer retention history.
“The island’s visitors have wide-ranging vacation tastes,” says Vice President of Business Development Danny Register. “Some families still prefer a cottage, but more and more people are seeking luxury accommodations.”
In the Now
These days Hatteras Island is not quite the secret it used to be. Its recent ranking as one of the “top 15 best stateside spots to relax island style” by Travel+Leisure magazine cements that fact. But that does not mean that Surf or Sound Realty has lost touch with its humble beginnings. They continue to pride themselves on a deep familiarity with Hatteras Island inside and out.
“At the end of the day, we need to be able to keep ourselves rooted in what we are, which is a local Hatteras Island property management company,” Register says. “We want to be able to tell people things like where they can get the best crab cakes. It’s that simple!” Register makes sure the company’s values hold steadfast: “Renters want a well-maintained home with all the amenities they sought while searching and booking, great customer service and positive, long-lasting memories for their families.”
The Surf or Sound Realty team is not spread out in call centers nationwide; they are all on Hatteras Island, ready and waiting to assist clients and homeowners however they can.
“Our homeowners are located all over the country, and they count on us,” Register says. “We’re the eyes and ears to their home – caring for it, cleaning it and making their guests’ experience excellent. We’re here, and we have the local knowledge and are continuing to expand those important areas. That really sets us apart from a homeowner standpoint.”
And so, what was once a small vacation rental company has blossomed into Hatteras Island’s premier property management company.
“Surf or Sound Realty was founded as a property management company but stayed small and only served a portion of Hatteras Island for the first 14 years in business,” Register says. “When our current owner purchased the business, we saw tremendous growth, and what was once a 100-home program is now 600 strong.”
The more the Outer Banks housing market grows, the more their guests and homeowners expect. The amenities Surf or Sound Realty provides are exceptional. Aside from the clean, comfortable spaces and excellent service with every vacation home rental, you can also find any extras you desire to make your vacation memorable. Pools, hot tubs, game rooms, elevators and home theaters are all options when booking with Surf or Sound Realty, but if you want to stick to the basics and unplug at a quiet cottage, that’s just fine too.
“From a guest standpoint, we want them to arrive and feel like they are getting exactly what they saw online,” Register says.
Looking to the Future
To continue accommodating Hatteras Island’s visitors to the best of their ability, Surf or Sound Realty must grow with the local tourism industry organically. For many companies, this can be a tough line to toe without straying too far from its roots. But not for Surf or Sound Realty.
In May of 2023 they opened their third Hatteras Island-based office to better serve the growing number of vacationers looking for top-notch rental amenities. Moving forward, they know their strategy must prioritize manageable expansion, focusing on adding new homes to their program, offering more versatile booking options, increasing revenue for homeowners and refining their hospitality operations. So far, their efforts have paid off, earning them 14 times more 5-star Google reviews than the next leading competitor.
Surf or Sound Realty does not take its status as a Vrbo Premier Host Partner lightly.
“Being a Vrbo Premier Host Partner is like icing on the cake,” Register says. “It’s extremely difficult to become and retain that Premier Partner status, and it’s the proof in the pudding that we are very serious about maintaining our homes at a high level and creating a great guest experience.”
Register adds that being locally owned and operated is very important to homeowners on Hatteras Island. “We owe them a fiduciary duty, no different than an attorney-client or financial adviser-client relationship. We focus on maximizing their income and taking great care of their homes as if they were our own,” he says.
Coming soon will be a revamped Surf or Sound Realty branded website for easier booking access and customizations. Yet no matter how their operations may grow, the heart of Surf or Sound Realty remains the same.
(252) 995-5801
40974 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
About the Author Leah Wingenroth
Leah was born and raised on the Outer Banks and is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and King's College. She currently resides in England, writing and managing content in the lifestyle, education, travel and literary publishing sectors.
