Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Premier Vacation Rental Experts in Emerald Isle
Sun-Surf Realty has been a trusted leader in vacation rental management and real estate services along North Carolina's Crystal Coast since 1978. Originally established as Singleton Realty, we rebranded under our current name in 1997 and have since grown to manage over 200 properties across Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Peletier, Newport, and surrounding areas. Our family-owned business combines decades of local expertise with innovative strategies, including dynamic pricing models and integration with major booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. We prioritize personalized service, treating every property as if it were our own while delivering competitive commission rates between 15-20%. Our team maintains active real estate licenses and holds memberships in key industry associations such as the Vacation Rental Managers Association and Emerald Isle Business Association.Through annual print guides reaching 20,000+ households and targeted digital marketing campaigns, we maximize exposure for our clients' properties. Our comprehensive services extend beyond rentals to include real estate sales, with specialized support for oceanfront homes, soundfront properties, and mainland residences. With a dedicated property management division overseeing maintenance, housekeeping, and guest relations, we ensure seamless experiences for both homeowners and visitors. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as one of the strongest sales teams on Bogue Banks, serving clients through every stage of coastal property ownership.
Services
Vacation Rentals
Property Management
Real Estate Sales
Annual Rentals
Rental Property Management
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 45+ years of Crystal Coast expertise
- Custom property management plans tailored to individual owner needs
- Dynamic pricing strategies optimized through advanced market analytics
- Integrated listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, and proprietary booking platforms
- Dedicated local team with active real estate licenses and certifications
Associations and certifications
- Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
- Emerald Isle Business Association
Services
Vacation Rentals
Sun-Surf Realty offers a diverse portfolio of 200+ vacation rentals across North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. Properties range from luxury oceanfront homes to pet-friendly mainland cottages, accommodating groups of all sizes. Our selection includes soundfront properties, second-row rentals, and specialty accommodations designed for family vacations, romantic getaways, or extended stays. Each property undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure guest satisfaction.
Property Management
Our comprehensive property management services cover maintenance, housekeeping, marketing, and guest relations for vacation rental owners. We implement dynamic pricing strategies, handle platform integrations with Airbnb and Vrbo, and provide personalized support through dedicated owner portals. With competitive commission rates (15-20%) and 45+ years of local market expertise, we maximize rental income while ensuring property care and compliance with coastal regulations.
Real Estate Sales
Specializing in Crystal Coast real estate, we facilitate sales of oceanfront homes, soundside properties, and mainland residences. Our licensed agents provide market analyses, property valuations, and negotiation expertise for buyers and sellers. Services include targeted marketing campaigns, MLS listings, and guidance through coastal property transactions. We maintain strong representation in both residential and investment property markets across Bogue Banks and surrounding areas.
Annual Rentals
We manage annual rental properties for residents seeking extended stays in the Emerald Isle area. Our portfolio includes fully furnished homes and apartments suitable for seasonal relocations, work assignments, or retirement living. Services include tenant screening, lease administration, and property maintenance, ensuring hassle-free experiences for both landlords and long-term renters in coastal North Carolina.
Rental Property Management
Our investment property management solutions combine local market knowledge with technological innovation. We offer revenue optimization through data-driven pricing, 24/7 guest support, and regular property inspections. Owners receive detailed performance reports and access to a private portal for booking tracking and financial statements. Our approach balances competitive commission rates with premium service standards for maximum return on investment.
People
Warren Chesnutt
Owner/Operator
Warren Chesnutt co-owns Sun-Surf Realty with his wife Tracey. Raised on the North Carolina coast, he brings decades of real estate experience to the business after transitioning from a corporate career in Winston-Salem. Holding an active real estate license, he focuses on strategic operations and client relations while maintaining deep community ties through local business associations.
Tracey Chesnutt
Owner/Operator
Tracey Chesnutt co-founded Sun-Surf Realty's modern era with her husband Warren. Her coastal upbringing and real estate expertise shape the company's customer-centric approach. As an active licensee, she oversees daily operations and property management standards, ensuring personalized service for homeowners and guests. The family's generational connection to Emerald Isle informs their long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Kathy Flick
Housekeeping & Maintenance Manager
Kathy Flick has directed Sun-Surf Realty's housekeeping and maintenance departments for over 15 years. Her team ensures all rental properties meet strict cleanliness and functionality standards between guest stays. With extensive experience in hospitality operations, she manages service schedules, quality control, and emergency repairs to maintain property readiness and guest satisfaction across the Crystal Coast.
Martha Martin
Real Estate Agent
Martha Martin serves as a broker/Realtor specializing in Emerald Isle real estate. A former Virginia real estate professional, she transitioned to North Carolina after establishing weekend residency in the area. Certified as ABR, CRS, and SFR, she assists clients with residential purchases, sales, and investment properties while leveraging local market insights from her family's generational presence in Carteret County.
Questions
What types of vacation rentals do you offer in Emerald Isle?
We manage 200+ properties including oceanfront homes, soundfront rentals, pet-friendly cottages, and mainland residences across Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Peletier, and Newport.
How does your property management commission structure work?
Our competitive rates range from 15-20% based on property size, location, and revenue potential, with transparent breakdowns of included services and platform fees.
Can I list my rental property on Airbnb and Vrbo through your service?
Yes, we integrate listings with major platforms while optimizing visibility through proprietary marketing channels and dynamic pricing strategies.
Do you offer real estate sales services beyond vacation rentals?
Our licensed agents specialize in residential and investment property sales, including oceanfront estates, soundside homes, and mainland properties across the Crystal Coast region.
What support do property owners receive through your management program?
Owners access real-time performance dashboards, personalized communication, maintenance coordination, and exclusive marketing exposure through print guides and digital campaigns.
How do you ensure quality control for vacation rental properties?
We conduct regular inspections, enforce strict housekeeping standards through Kathy Flick's team, and maintain 24/7 emergency support for property issues.
