North Carolina is a prime location for short-term rental investments, with its diverse range of attractions such as beaches, mountains, historical sites, and local cuisine, as well as its high demand from tourists all year round. This guide features a list of every Airbnb property management company in North Carolina by city.
Top North Carolina Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in North Carolina include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Better Reach Rentals: Best For Local Presence
- Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals: Best for Mountain Properties
Top North Carolina Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top North Carolina Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in North Carolina include:
- Services: We looked at whether a company is a half-service or full-service provider and whether it covers all expected services within each category.
- Pricing: We considered whether an Airbnb property manager has a clear pricing structure covering all services. We also looked at what additional fees hosts will need to pay.
- Value for money: We evaluated whether the provided services and the expected fee offer the best value for money.
- Business model: We investigated whether a company uses the latest real estate technology while retaining human touch, which is crucial in property management.
- Reviews: We took into consideration whether companies have a strong online presence and whether reviews are positive or negative.
- Number of listings: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the market.
To maximize your vacation rental investments in North Carolina , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a North Carolina Airbnb Management Company
Choosing a reputable Airbnb management company is just as important as choosing a lucrative rental property for the success of your short-term rental business. This is especially true in North Carolina, where many cities have strict regulations for short-term rentals.
When making your decision, focus on the following criteria, similar to what was used in the ranking of top North Carolina Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Determine if you want to be hands-on in managing your property (half-service may be appropriate) or if you want a completely passive income stream (full-service is a must). Consider what services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what tasks you'd like to handle yourself. Do you have a furnished property ready for guests, or do you need help with this aspect?
- Pricing: Consider how much you are willing to pay for a passive investment experience or for added support in managing your rental.
- Value for money: Evaluate the services offered by several different property management companies and compare the fees they charge, including monthly fees and any additional charges.
- Business model: Decide if you prefer working with a local property manager or a national company. Consider if you want accountability from a national company or a more personal touch from a local one. Make sure the company you choose is transparent and honest.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak to local investors who have worked with each property manager you are considering.
- Number of listings in North Carolina: Look for a company that has a proven track record in the North Carolina market, but isn't overburdened with too many listings. Choose a professional with enough local expertise and capacity.
When interviewing potential North Carolina short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
- How many years of experience do you have managing short-term rentals?
- How many properties are you currently managing?
- What is the size of your local team?
- Do you have an in-house team or do you work with contractors?
- What kind of increase in revenue have you achieved in the local market?
- Do you help with preparing properties for guests, such as interior design, furnishing, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Who handles collecting money from guests and remitting it to property owners? Do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you conduct property inspections and handle maintenance work?
- Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
- What is your fee for Airbnb property management? What does this cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding fee or an early-termination fee?
- May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
- How can I cancel your services if needed?
- Do I retain my property reviews if I opt out?
Having the answers to these questions will aid in selecting the best North Carolina Airbnb property management company that suits your specific needs.
How Airbnb Management Works
There are two broad types of Airbnb property management companies: full-service and half-service.
Full-service property managers are those that take care of all the aspects of owning and running a short-term rental business.
The best full-service Airbnb management companies help investors achieve passive income while boosting performance.
Half-service Airbnb property managers usually focus on listings, marketing, revenue management, guest communication and support, and taxes. Some of them offer to connect property owners with vetted local vendors for the services they do not cover.
Vacation rental property management companies can be national (covering most US markets) or local (focusing on a specific city). Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Property management fees range widely in the US market: between 10% and 50% of revenue, with 20-25% of revenue being the average for full-service providers. Some companies charge different rates for different markets and different property types. Property managers frequently charge extra for services outside the core package, like interior design, furnishing, insurance, linen, etc.
The top vacation rental management companies have flexible terms and do not require long-term commitment on behalf of property owners. However, some expect quarterly or annual commitments.
Some Airbnb property managers focus on specific property types, like luxury rentals, group travel rentals, apartments, etc., while others work with most residential properties. Different companies have different eligibility requirements; for example, half-service property managers work with furnished short term rentals, while some full-service companies prefer to be directly involved in design and furnishing.
One thing property owners should keep in mind is that most Airbnb management companies list rentals under their brand name, so hosts lose the reviews and rankings once they leave. A noticeable exception is Awning, which allows properties to keep reviews.
How to Start an Airbnb in North Carolina
To begin an Airbnb venture in North Carolina, investors should:
- Pick the ideal North Carolina investment property location (where Airbnb is permissible and yields a good return)
- Discover a high-potential property
- Ensure that the zoning district permits short-term rentals
- Employ a real estate agent to assist in purchasing the property
- Remodel the property (if required)
- Furnish the rental unit
- Determine the preferred business structure
- File tax and employer identification papers
- Acquire a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the North Carolina Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Obtain necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits from the city (most North Carolina cities demand local licenses or permits)
- Decide whether to manage the property personally or to hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property and commence renting
- Offer consistent services to guests and handle property maintenance and upkeep
The choice between self-management or hiring a property manager for your North Carolina vacation rental will impact whether you earn passive rental income or not.
North Carolina Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Airbnb hosts in North Carolina must comply with a number of state and local laws and regulations. Here are some key requirements:
- Taxes: Airbnb hosts in North Carolina are required to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes on any short-term rental transactions. Hosts can register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain a Certificate of Registration and file monthly or quarterly tax returns.
- Insurance: Airbnb hosts in North Carolina are encouraged to obtain liability insurance to protect themselves and their property in case of any accidents or damages. Some cities and counties in North Carolina may also require hosts to obtain specific insurance coverage.
- Building and zoning codes: Airbnb hosts must ensure that their rental property complies with all applicable building and zoning codes. Hosts should check with their local government to see if there are any specific requirements.
- Occupancy limits: Some North Carolina cities and counties have occupancy limits for short-term rentals. Hosts should check with their local government to see if there are any specific requirements.
- Safety regulations: Airbnb hosts in North Carolina must comply with all applicable safety regulations, including fire safety, building codes, and health regulations.
- Noise and disturbance: Airbnb hosts in North Carolina must ensure that their rental property does not create excessive noise or disturbances that could negatively impact neighbors or violate local noise ordinances.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in North Carolina can be a lucrative venture for real estate investors. However, North Carolina and its cities have strict regulations for short-term rental properties, and there is significant competition from other investors. To maximize success, it is crucial to have a well-optimized vacation rental property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.