TheRealOBX's Blog: Outer Banks

One thing you will find when you invest in real estate is that all markets are local.  While markets are definitely affected by what is happening nationally and internationally, take availability of credit and interest rates.  The greatest influence is exerted by the local area. 

Often areas are greatly influenced by the predominant industry.  Here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, our main industry is tourism.  Tourism swells the summertime population and local businesses reap the benefit.  With very few hotels and motels, the majority of Outer Banks visitors stay in vacation rental homes. Often it is possible to forecast the coming season by how local property managers are doing. 

Initial estimates were very gloomy.  It seems now, that the numbers…

This summer we saw the beginning effects of rising energy prices throughout the US.  Here on the Outer Banks it was no exception.  In early summer as gas prices began to climb to the $4 a gallon and above offshore drilling began to make the news.   Much postering was made back and forth by canidates for and against offshore drilling.  It seems  the effect of tourism dollars often are not factored into the expense of offshore drililng.

A minor oil spill could cost the Outer Banks hundreds of millions of dollars a year in lost tourism revenue.  Depending on the severity of the oil spill, cleanup could take years.  I for one am not ready to risk, guaranteed tourism money for a few pennies savings on gas.  I have to believe this is the case for most coastal…

Before I moved to the Outer Banks, I like most people would constantly get caught up in running from one thing to the next.  When you live that way It is amazing how much can pass you by.  You never realize how unimportant many things are.  So many of the things we think are of utmost importance are merely distractions.  Since I moved to the Outer Banks I try to remind myself of the importance of everyday. 

     Now when I wake up every morning, as my dogs and I are getting ready for our morning walk I take a minute and just smell the air.  It is amazing what you smell when you take a minute to do nothing but smell.  This simple step puts my entire day in perspective.  Since I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to wake up, I have to take… Read Full Post

This post is to show anyone can have their website on the first page of Google if they apply a little effort.  I started my Outer Banks website, The Real Outer Banks, just over 8 months ago.  When I started it I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I created the initial pages using a 5th grade book.  I made my first hyperlink and was so proud.  After creating a couple pages I realized i wanted people to read what I wrote and visit my site.

     It was the desire for visitors that lead me to SEO or search engine optimization.  When people search the internet the majority of the time its through a search engine.  If your website does not show on the search engines results, no one is ever going to be able to find your site.  Actually if your not on…

Every year the media reports that direness of the Outer Banks vacation season.  The articles always convey the same general message,  this year vacationers are going to wait until the last minute to reserve their Outer Banks homes and find the best possible deals.  This invariably leads to many people waiting until the last minute and then finding there is not nearly the choice of homes they thought would be available.  This year is no different. 

     Each year the headlines are different explaining why people are not reserving and that they are waiting around for a deal.  It is often the case of the local media outlets providing misinformation to possible vacationers.  As you can imagine this year's headlines all use the issue of rising gas prices. …

     It's that time of year.  Memorial Day is almost here.  It is time for Dr. Beach's annual list of America's top beaches.  Making this list often results in additional tourist income for the areas selected.  This is the second year in a row the Outer Banks has made the list of top beaches.  Last year's #1 beach, Ocracoke Island had a significant increase in visitors.  

     Dr. Beach is also known as Dr. Stephen Leatherman.  He uses over 50 criteria to assess the beast beach in America.  His 50 criteria include: air temperature, water temperature, wildlife, number of sunny days, and amount of rain just to name a few.  After he compiles his data his yearly list is released.  His #1 beach this year was Caladesi Island in Clearwater Florida. 

     Cape…

     With Memorial Day just around the corner I was sitting thinking about the official start of summer 2008.   Summer brings a boom atmosphere to many resort communities.   Here on the Outer Banks it is no different.  A beautiful day today had me day dreaming.   My thoughts drifted not to this summer but future summers.  As an Outer Banks property manager it is sometimes hard not to think about future seasons.  Sitting thinking about this got me thinking about enviromentally friendly tourism.

     I believe it is the duty of the entire Outer Banks community to work towards sustainable tourism.  The future effects of global warming could have disastrous effects on the East Coast's barrier islands.  Sustainable or 'Eco' tourism definitely needs to be…

Well it was bound to happen.  More franchises are gaining a foothold in the Outer Banks.  New for this summer are Dunkin Donuts, Rita's Water Ice and Starbucks Coffee.  All these chains are bound to put much pressure on local businesses.  Local companies like Duck Donuts and many of the local coffee and breakfast shops will now be in competition with the national giant.  It will be interesting to see how Dunlin Donuts will affect tocal business.  The impact of Rita's and Starbucks will most likely be less due to their locations in Southern Shores.  Dunkin Donuts has two locations on US-158 that will offer them maximum exposure. 

     Trying to operate against a behemoth like Dunkin Donuts will be a major challenge.  Being part of a franchise network…