How to Maximize Rental Income on Your Second Home in Coastal North Carolina

By Jessica Soles-Moore | Soles-Moore & Associates Real Estate

If you own a second home near Hampstead, Topsail Island, Sneads Ferry, or anywhere along the beautiful North Carolina coast, there’s never been a better time to turn that property into an income-producing asset.

I’m Jessica Soles-Moore, a lifelong local and experienced real estate broker. I’ve personally managed short-term rentals in this region and helped countless homeowners turn their beach properties into high-performing vacation rentals. Whether you’re just getting started or want to fine-tune your existing setup, this guide will walk you through practical, high-impact ways to increase your rental income.

1. Look Clean. Sell Clean.

One of the most effective (and affordable) ways to increase bookings is to improve how your home looks in listing photos. Studies show that white bedding and towels increase click-through rates. White conveys cleanliness, openness, and freshness.

Starter must-haves:

• Crisp white duvet covers

• White bath towels and hand towels

• Light-colored or neutral linens

Pro tip: Target, IKEA, and Amazon Basics all offer affordable, durable white linens that photograph beautifully.

2. Invest in What Guests Actually Want

Some upgrades are non-negotiable. Others are the secret to higher nightly rates and more 5-star reviews.

Bare minimum guest expectations:

• Fast and reliable Wi-Fi

• Smart TV's 

• Smart locks for self-check-in

• Outdoor seating (picnic tables, lounge chairs)

• Emergency items: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight

• Safety features: stair tape, night lights, extra handrails

High-impact upgrades that justify higher prices:

• Hot tub, small pool, or outdoor shower

• Outdoor games (cornhole, beach toys)

• Chef’s kitchen or fully stocked gourmet setup

• Kayaks, paddleboards, or beach gear 

• A welcome basket with snacks, sunscreen, and local goodies

• Stocked fridge with breakfast essentials like OJ,  granola, eggs, or muffins

3. Use Smart Pricing (Without Pricey Software)

You don’t need a costly monthly pricing tool to stay competitive. Airbnb and VRBO both have automated pricing suggestions built in. These adjust for holidays, weekends, and local demand. Don't be intimidated; use the pricing tools to work smart, not hard. 

Managing 5+ properties or hosting on behalf of others? Then look into tools like PriceLabs or Wheelhouse for dynamic pricing across multiple platforms.

4. Sync Your Calendars

If you list your property on more than one site (like Airbnb and VRBO), syncing your calendars is non-negotiable. Double bookings result in guest refunds, lost revenue, and lower ratings.

Use iCal or consider a free channel manager like Hospitable or Smoobu to keep everything updated automatically.

5. Automate What You Can

Even if you manage your property yourself, there are plenty of free tools to help you automate basic tasks:

• Turno: coordinate cleanings with local providers

• Airbnb/VRBO: set up automatic guest messages

• Templates: create check-in/check-out instructions, house manuals, and review reminders

Automation = less stress, faster responses, and happier guests.

6. Your #1 Investment? Local Human Resources

If you don’t live nearby, your most important decision will be building the right local team. This includes:

• A reliable, detail-oriented cleaner

• A handyman or contractor for quick fixes

• Pool/lawn care service

• Someone you trust to be your “eyes and ears” when you can’t be there

I offer personalized consulting and local referrals for trusted professionals — I’m here to help you build your STR support system from the ground up.

7. Know the Local Trends (and Use Them to Your Advantage)

Based on data from KeyData:

• Booking windows are shrinking (many guests now book just 2–4 weeks out)

• Peak season remains mid-May through mid-September

• Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) are seeing stronger occupancy increases

• Peak Demand is typically highest for 3-4 bedrooms in our local market

If you’re in a highly seasonal area, make the most of summer and prep for off-season specials to stay booked longer into the shoulder seasons. 

8. Safety First (and Liability Protection)

Every rental should have:

• Well-maintained decks and structures

• Fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near fireplaces

• CO and smoke detectors

• First aid kit

• Hurricane Preparedness Kit
  
  
• No paints, chemicals, or tools in guest-accessible areas.
  
  
• Recent Elevator Inspection (if applicable)

Protect your guests — and your liability.

9. Stock the Kitchen Right

Basic must-haves:

• Dishware and glassware for 1.5x occupancy

• Large plastic tumblers, wine glasses, juice glasses

• Standard coffee maker, blender, toaster, oven, and microwave

• Large fridge with ice maker

Luxury-level upgrades:

• Extra fridge (especially on lower levels for beach access)

• Stocked spice rack

• Convection oven

• Espresso machine or French press

• Wine fridge, warming drawer

A well-appointed kitchen boosts reviews and guest satisfaction.

About Jessica

I’m a licensed real estate broker with over 8 years of experience in coastal property sales and short-term rental consulting. I’ve managed homes just like yours, helped clients launch profitable STRs, and know the ins and outs of our market.

This guide is just the beginning — let’s chat one-on-one about your goals, your home, and how I can help you maximize your return.

Ready to Create Your Custom Strategy?

Book a free 30-minute call and let’s talk about your home’s potential: 👉 Schedule Your Strategy Session

Need help buying, selling, or building your STR portfolio? Visit hampsteadrealtor.com for more resources and local support.