Crystal Coast Vacation Rental Show

Good morning and welcome to our Monday News Round-up where we take a look at a few news items. Typically they’re involving short term rentals or the Crystal Coast. It might also be anything that I find interesting.

What To Expect From The Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Decision on Wednesday. The Fed is largely expected to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at its meeting this week. Continuing inflation concerns are expected to keep the rate higher in an effort to slow spending. Economic policies are currently in flux. It’s a good bet that the conservative Fed will remain stationary, they will wait until there is a more certain indication of what the future may hold.

Carteret County beach parking fee increases. In the always contentious world of beach parking fees, Atlantic Beach is the latest target of ire. The paid parking season lasts April 1 to September 30. Atlantic Beach is increasing their beach parking rates from $4.00 an hour to $5.00 an hour. Annual paid passes are available for Carteret County residents and Atlantic Beach property owners can get a free pass. There is a narrow slice of users who use these facilities and are quite vocal about the cost. People who live in the beach communities rarely use them. (I never have.) While people coming from farther away rent and have a place to park wherever they are staying. This leaves those in surrounding communities using the paid facilities, which are quite nice. Carteret County does not fund these facilities and the local communities want them to be revenue neutral. Personally, I think paid for by the users is a fine way to go.

Ocean City Mayor & Council now requiring some renters to book minimum 5 day stays. Popular tourist spot Ocean City, MD has struck a hard blow to many STR owners. For properties in R1 (low density single family) or MH (mobile home) zoned areas, any booking made after March 3, 2025, must be at least five days. January 1, 2027 that will increase to a 31 day minimum. This reinforces a few things we have said in the past. Always be a good neighbor, stay abreast of what your local government is doing, and always have an alternative plan for your property.

We will be at the Carteret Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Expo April 29 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. We will be promoting our exhibition spaces and are planning some great giveaways and promotions. See you there!

As always, if you are interested in the Vacation Rental industry or are already involved, we encourage you to join us at the Crystal Coast Vacation Rental Show October 18 and 19 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Subscribe and follow our social media links above and below to stay on top of what’s coming next.