[chris_from_CT]

Been going to OBX for 4 years, this year stayed in Corolla and loved it - a little more so than Nags Head where we stayed the previous times. We usually go with about 5 other couples + kids. Does anyone wait until last minute to book a rental? We usually get 6 - 8 bedrooms. I know waiting is a gamble, but has anyone done this? We always go the 3rd week of August. Thoughts appreciated

[Itsanot]

I've always been a organized renter picking out just the right house sometimes a year in advance. there is less worry about getting the perfect house for our group. I just canceled my July 2010 reservation just this past week though. I'm going to take the wait and see approach this year and just wing it! First of all I'm not sure we will be able to afford to head down this coming summer as we really need to do some remodeling work in our Kitchen and my husband is barely working so money is tight. I know there are great bargains for those last minute renters sometimes, most rental agency's run specials on unrented houses that you can book a day or 2 before you need to be there. I'm not sure that would be so wise with such a large group going down like you have you may not be able to find what you need. It would be a gamble to wait but if you like a challenge you might be able to save a few bucks! I personally like the peace of mind I have when I rent well in advance! Good luck!

[Kimco]

For those of you who are renters and are waiting til the last minute hoping to snag a deal, just a word of advice from my point of view. We are having our strongest prebooking season ever. Our homes are booked for more weeks, full price, earlier than ever. If you have specific needs or wants in a rental house, don't wait! Don't haggle! Book it now! One of the reasons the prebookings are getting stronger and stronger is that there have been essentially no new rental vacation homes to speak of built in the last four or five years. So now there's increased demand for the same number of houses, thus less for you to choose from. Good for owners, good for the economy here on the Outer Banks, and a hopeful sign of a turning economy. Look on the bright side that things are getting better!

[Kara_OH]

Kimco, on 10 February 2010 - 03:16 PM, said:

For those of you who are renters and are waiting til the last minute hoping to snag a deal, just a word of advice from my point of view. We are having our strongest prebooking season ever. Our homes are booked for more weeks, full price, earlier than ever. If you have specific needs or wants in a rental house, don't wait! Don't haggle! Book it now! One of the reasons the prebookings are getting stronger and stronger is that there have been essentially no new rental vacation homes to speak of built in the last four or five years. So now there's increased demand for the same number of houses, thus less for you to choose from. Good for owners, good for the economy here on the Outer Banks, and a hopeful sign of a turning economy. Look on the bright side that things are getting better!

I would DEFINITELY agree with this, Kim! We just booked for this coming summer a little later than usual and there were far fewer options available than I can remember. Thankfully the house we rented (and loved) last year was not only available but also on discount for our week so we took it! I'm glad things are starting to look up for you and all rental owners, Kim!!

[valleywx]

Hello...we have been vacationing on the Outer Banks since 1991. Life has kept us from going down since 2007, but we have booked our home for May in Hatteras. I am counting down the days. But I agree with Kim, there were far less homes available than normal this year, and we go in the pre-season. Very exciting news, glad to see the economy rebounding.