What to Expect When You Arrive

Checking In

Check-in time is 5:00 PM on your arrival date and check-out is 10:00 AM on your departure date. We cannot guarantee anything prior to that so please plan your day accordingly. Traffic is an issue on Saturdays and Sundays. If you want to arrive early and will be comfortable hanging out on the beach all day, biking, shopping or visiting the sites, that may make your first day more fun. However, if you have infants, elderly family members, pets or anyone requiring special needs, you need to plan for a later arrival.

We make every effort to have all our homes ready by 5:00 PM but we cannot guarantee this due to unforeseen circumstances. There is a lot going on between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Our maintenance staff may have to complete some repairs or routine maintenance, the pool and/or hot tub will need to be serviced (if an amenity at the home) and the home must be cleaned and inspected prior to your arrival. All this must take place in a very short time and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we get your vacation home ready for your arrival. Please do not go to the home before you are given the keys.

• Please walk through the property immediately when you check in and report any issues or problems you find. The property will have been cleaned and inspected prior to your occupancy. Each bath will have starter toilet tissue and the kitchen will have a starter trash bag. If you would like to have cleaning services or linens during your stay, these are available for a nominal fee.
• If you are unfamiliar with the area, please feel free to check with the staff for recommendations of things to do and places to go.
• We have office services if you should need mail, copy or fax assistance. The fax services are available to our guests at a nominal fee of $1 per page. The fax number is 252-928-1065. If you are expecting a fax please let us know in advance and ask the sender(s) to put the leaseholder's last name and the property number on the cover sheet so we can reach you quickly.

Late Arrivals

If you will be arriving after office hours (and we have a signed lease and your balance in paid in full), take the stairway on the right side of our building. You will find your keys and a highlighted map of directions to the house in the After Hours Check-In Box located right outside the front door. If you will be late please call if you have the opportunity, and let us know. If you have not paid in full and/or we do not have a lease it is *very important* that you call us at least one day prior to check-in to make arrangements with us.

Checking Out

We will take care of your departure cleaning. All we ask is that you wash all your dishes and put them away, take out your trash and basically leave the home as you found it. Please check carefully for your belongings. Finding your forgotten items is often difficult. If you do forget something, call us immediately. We will do our best to find your items but cannot guarantee this. After 30 days, all "lost and found" items are donated to a local charity.

Please return all keys to your check in office by 10:00 AM. If you choose to leave prior to that time, simply put the keys in the late arrival box outside the office door.

You may pre-reserve your home for the next year. If you would like the same property for the same week next year, all you need to do is complete the Vacation Club flyer in your check in package and return it with your keys at check out or anytime prior to your departure. This will give you first option for that week the following year. There is a $25 non-refundable reservation fee. If you want to choose a different home, then please call on the Tuesday following the departure date you want to check availability for that home.

Home Furnishings

All of our homes are individually owned. Therefore, the furnishings and equipment vary according to the tastes of the owner. However, we will try to provide you with all the equipment advertised for a comfortable stay.

Refrigerators

Prior to your arrival, the housekeepers have emptied and cleaned the refrigerator. Quite often it is open for a while during this process, and then you stock the refrigerator with warm food. It is of the utmost importance to keep the refrigerator and freezer on medium settings. Moving the dials to maximum settings will cause the unit to freeze up and not cool at all. It will take 12 to 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool completely after you check in.

Ranges and Stoves

Self-cleaning ovens are put through the clean cycle on change-over day. If your oven door is locked, make sure the cleaning cycle is finished and check for a release switch. The oven will not work if the door is locked.

Air Conditioning

During the summer months, it may take air conditioners 24 hours to cool a cottage properly. Most of our systems are heat pumps and function best if the thermostat is set at a constant temperature, not lower than 72 degrees. This will prevent the unit from freezing up. All windows and doors should be closed when the air conditioner is running. In very hot weather, the upper floors will not cool down until after the sunsets. It will help if you close the blinds. On cooler days, you may want to turn off the air conditioner and enjoy the ocean’s prevailing breezes.

Furnishings

Please do not rearrange the furniture, especially the beds. A security deposit deduction may be charged for our housekeepers to return furniture to its original location. Please do not move or rearrange TVs or other electronics.

Telephones (Local Area Code is 252)

The telephone is provided as a courtesy for your convenience. All Ocracoke calls are local and free, as are all 800 numbers; all long-distance calls must be charged to your credit card or made collect to another number. Most homes have a phone block for long-distance calls. You may place your long distance call by using your calling card or major credit card, utilizing the 800 access number on the back of your card. Dial 0 for the operator to place collect, third-party billing, or international calls. If, after you depart, it becomes necessary to bill you for long distance calls, a $10 surcharge will be added to the cost of the calls. If you are not sure what the phone number is at your location, simply press 311 and a recorded message will give you the number you are calling from. The phone number is also listed on your check in packet as well as your confirmation letter.

Cellular Phone Service

Cell phone reception can be expected with Alltel and U.S. Cellular (Verizon service is sometimes available.)

Security Deposits

A Security Deposit may be required at Agent’s discretion. Tenant is responsible for damage due to willful negligence and/or pet damage if in a pet friendly home. Please report anything questionable immediately upon checking in. If you paid a security deposit by check or credit card, it is refunded within 45 days of check-out. If there are damage charges, you will be notified in writing.

When You First Arrive

Please walk through the cottage and check thoroughly to make sure it is clean and everything is in working order (appliances, doors, windows, etc.). It is imperative that you call our office immediately if you determine there is a problem. We will schedule service as soon as possible. If any appliance or electrical outlet does not work, please check the circuit breaker box and/or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) reset switch, usually located in a bathroom or kitchen electrical outlet. Simply press the GFCI reset button. If power is not restored, then call our office.

Check out our Rental Agreement and Policies.