Outer Banks Home Owners Association Grade Certification provides an independent guarantee to discerning guests that want to be assured their upcoming stay will be in a quality property.

As a vacation rental owner on the Outer Banks, separating your high-end property from those that are less than ideal can be a challenge. The same challenge as for guests when trying to select a premium quality property for their next stay. Prospective guests often only have questionable reviews and photos of uncertain age to rely on when deciding. Separating your high-end property from the group is crucial.

Our certification program not only confirms for potential guests of your property’s quality but also increases revenue and number of weeks booked. Be part of a community that values excellence and reap the rewards of higher occupancy and guest satisfaction. Get a grade certification for your home to stand out in the market.

Elevate Your Vacation Rental with Our Certification Program

Our exclusive certification program is designed to:

• Validate Quality: Ensure potential guests can trust the quality and condition of your property.
• Boost Revenue: Enjoy increased revenue through higher booking rates and occupancy levels.
• Enhance Guest Satisfaction: Give guests peace of mind knowing they are choosing a certified, top-tier accommodation.
• Join an Exclusive Community: Connect with other like-minded property owners who value excellence in hospitality. Earn your house grade certification today and let your property shine in the competitive Outer Banks market. Elevate your reputation and reap the rewards of improved visibility and guest loyalty.

When Outer Banks Home Owners Association began to establish the certified grade program for vacation rental homes they started with what would later be termed “benchmark homes”. The plan to keep these homes in “like new” condition began before they were built. Design and construction standards were planned for keeping the properties like new for over 20 years. Having been in Outer Banks construction for over 20 years the organizers already had a good understanding.

For owners wanting to raise their beach house from its current standard, please contact us for more information regarding North River Properties “Like New” Program. These homes are maintained to “like new” standards throughout the year. Whether it needs just a little freshening or complete remodel; NRP has over 20 years’ experience to ensure every dollar spent is focused for a return on investment.

Certification Explained

The certificate has multiple categories addressing specifically the property condition as well as other criteria important to guests such as proximity to beach. Additional house details with notes are listed on back of certificate.

Example          Certificate Condition Grade    5 Stars / 1A / Like New

This is the best possible grade.

Five out of five available stars. The “1” is the location zone. Primarily represents proximity to the beach (Zone 1 is Oceanfront or Semi-Oceanfront). Grade(A thruF)  Ais the highest available property condition. With representative term “Like New”

Additional house specifications are tracked. Ie. Appliances mfg date, updates, painting, furniture replacements, etc.

Property Location Zones

Zone l: Oceanfront or Semi Oceanfront (Walk to beach is less than 3 minutes)
Zone 2: Walk to beach in less than 5 minutes.
Zone 3: Walk to beach in less than 10 minutes.
Zone 4: Walk to beach in less than 15 minutes.
Zone 5: Walk to beach in less than 20 minutes. 
Zone 6: Considerable walking distance to beach 
Zone 7: Not considered typically walkable distance to beach 
Zone P&T: Trolly Service or Parking at Beach Access.

Letter Grade Is Actual Property Condition 

Condition ” A “: This house is being kept in “Like New Condition” Even if several years old, there is no signs of wear-tear, no scuffs, no stained or worn furniture. 

Condition ” B “: This house is considered in “Excellent Condition”. Year built or last major renovation should be noted. A house 10 years or more old with ” B ” grade is very well maintained. 

Condition “C “: Vacation Beach Houses in average condition show considerable wear & tear even if only a 2 – 3 years old. 

Condition” D”: Many Beach Houses are showing significant wear & tear. Many guests do not mind ” D” grade beach houses. 

Condition” F”: If you truly do not mind “roughing -it”. But, hey you are at the beach. 

Descriptive Property Label 

“Like New”
“Fresh”
“Comfortable”
“Worn”
“Rough”
“Very Rough”

Contact us for more information or click link to pay application fee

Email: top100@obhoa.org      Call: 252-491-8765

The certification program is administered by Gary Woodson. He has built and owned over 10 vacation beach rentals and involved in Outer Banks investment property for over 20 years.

Gary Woodson                        gwoodson@obhoa.org / 252-473-7240 (cell)

Degree: Accounting

Licenses
N.C. General Contractor Residential & Commercial Unlimited (15yrs+)
N.C. Real Estate Broker (15yrs+)
Private Pilot (20yrs+)