We don’t live far from the Northern Outer Banks. On a good day, it doesn’t take us more than an hour and a half to get to the Northern Outer Banks side of the shoreline. Usually if we find we’re in the mood for a night near the beach and a good seafood dinner, we’ll drive down for the night. Spontaneous vacations can be fun, and if you have the time to spare you know some of the best deals are found last minute. If you desire a vacation in the Northern Outer Banks and are looking for a vacation home for the week, you may find you can get a good price if you wait.

Usually, last minute deals come about when a property agent has listings that remain vacant during a peak period. In the Northern Outer Banks, for example, one will find a multitude of two- and three-story homes along the shore and sound. Many can sleep up to twenty people and come with nice amenities like swimming pool access, BBQ grills, and hot tubs. During the high summer season, these homes can rent weekly for as much as five to seven thousand dollars. This of course depends on the house and location. When a home stands vacant for a week, no money is made for the rental agency or the home’s owner. It makes sense, therefore, to post special reduced rates in order to get some money for that week.

Question is, how do you find the deals? In the Internet age, we know that information comes rapidly. If you know where to look, you may be able to enjoy a beach vacation at a fraction of the cost. Here are a few tips to consider.

1) Get on mailing lists. Many of the area property management companies in Currituck and Dare counties have websites and contact information. Find out who has an e-mail alert system and subscribe. Then pay attention to deals happening when you have time to go on a trip.

2) Facebook is also a great source for discounts on rental homes in the Northern Outer Banks. Property management companies may list homes that have upcoming availability on their Facebook pages.

3) Download our Northern Outer Banks App. We have a “Deals” section that lists any of the property management companies that offer deals or specials on featured houses, links to their pages are provided in this section on our app.

4) Some of the property management companies are even offering flex stays, which helps with keeping the cost down since you can stay fewer days at their rentals.

Ask friends who have stayed at your intended destination as well, and see what companies they recommend. While the majority of homes are situated near the beaches, there may be a few inland rental homes that do not cost as much. You can still enjoy the sunny weather and attractions, if you don’t mind a short drive.

Vacation rentals are very popular year round, so keep an eye out for deals.

Kathryn Lively