Here is a list of questions and answers on topics that pop up often. Have additional questions or need clarification on something? Simply email us and we will get back to you ASAP, as well as post our exchange here so that others may benefit from the information.
A home inspection gives the buyer confidence and can discover any substantial defects before they become a larger problem, exposing the true quality of the home. Your home inspector should be licensed and can give you a good idea of what the costs of the repairs are going to be so that you know exactly what you are getting. Simply put, a home inspection offers peace of mind so that you can enjoy your new Island purchase without worrying, and gives you an education on how to better care for your home. Additional considerations should be given to pest control inspections ("WDIR"), surveys for property line issues, and mold inspections.
There are many facets of any real estate market, and even more so in a second home luxury market. The best way to find out about the sales market on Bald Head Island is to contact one of our Island Consultants and start the conversation. No pressure... No pushing.... No cost to you! Our team of experienced professionals are ready to help yu navigate the ever-changing waters of our real estate market.
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While ferry reservations are not required, they are encouraged. Boarding now occurs from two lines: Reservations and General Boarding. General Boarding availability is on a first-come basis and occurs after all reservaation guests have been scanned and loaded. Up to 100 reservations are available per ferry run, and those who have a reservation must be present in line no less than 15 minutes before scheduled boarding.
Tram reservations can also be made at the same time as your ferry reservation. If you choose to enter General Boarding, please make sure to call and schedule your tram reservation as soon as possible as space is limited, particularly in the peak summer weekends and any holiday weekends: (910) 457-5003
Tax rates for Brunswick County and for the Village of Bald Head Island can be found here: Current Brunswick County Tax Rates. Insurance costs will vary greatly according to where the property is located, and in which zone it sits. Your Agent can get information from the Sellers or Sellers’ Agent as to how much has been paid for the last few years on a property. For a list of local insurance agencies, please visit our Real Estate Resources page. Utilities costs will depend on how the property will be used and how often, if ever, the property will sit empty. Again, your Island Consultant can get this information on a specific property for you.
Age, square footage, and many other details can be found on individual listing by using our online search tool. For any information not readily available in our listings, your WWP Island Consultant can assist you in obtaining this information on any property on Bald Head Island. Please give us a call with a specific list of properties that interest you. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Every property and situation is unique, and there is no definite answer. Many factors influencing the amount of time it will take include: location, building restrictions in your area, strength of the market, your price-point and how aggressive you are willing to get on your asking price. Call us today – we offer free CMA/evaluation of your property and develop the right marketing strategies to fit your needs.
(910) 470-0000 | agent@wwpbaldhead.com
Closings on Bald Head Island are typically no different than on the mainland. CAsh buyers can usually close within 20-30 days, during which time they will move funds as needed and conduct due diligence inspections. Buyers choosing to secure a loan mayy typically ask for 30-45 days to close, during which time they will conduct due diligence inspections and appraisals. If purchasing a short sale or foreclosure property, the timeframe can take a bit longer, as there are bank processes to work through.
Presentation can mean the difference between selling a home and letting it sit for another season. Simple fixes, such as removing excess furniture to reduce clutter and open up spaces, adding furniture to a sparse room, keeping vegetation trimmed back and property well-groomed, keeping porches clear of sand and debris whenever possible, and keeping the interior clean and smelling fresh can make a significant difference to a potential buyer. Remember, it is much easier for a buyer to envision ownership if they are not having to look past too many personal items.
In general, a 1031 Exchange allows for the tax-deferred exchange of any business use or asset property for “like kind” property of equal or greater value. (The term “like kind” is very broad in definition, and does not mean that the exchange must be for an identical property. This exchange may occur between land and homes or even between residential and commercial properties.) This means that your capital gains taxes are postponed if you reinvest the proceeds from the sale of one asset property into another within the guidelines regulating 1031 Exchanges. Why sell a property that has significantly appreciated and put the proceeds in the bank before buying another asset property? You would just be paying hefty sums in capital gains taxes and depreciation. Using a 1031 Exchange could actually increase your asset leverage. Please consult your Investment Adviser and Tax Adviser for more information on 1031 Exchanges and how it will affect you financially.
Absolutely! WWP agents love to hold Open Houses as a way to meet more clients and to showcase a property. We usually hold an Open House all across the Island and advertise open houses in MLS, on our website, on Social Media, and paid marketing in the Maritime Market.
There is always a slight difference on BHI from the mainland. We recommend using your favorite weather app to see what to expect during your vacation. Keep in mind that most golf carts are open, so it's never a bad idea to bring your rain coat 'just in case.'
Yes, there are many different types of insects on Bald Head Island, including palmetto bugs and mosquitoes, and it’s quite possible you will see one in your rental home. All of our homes are on a quarterly pest control program. However, like humans, when it’s hot or rainy, insects come in looking for a place to escape the weather. They can sneak in when you least expect it and usually die pretty quickly from the preventative pest control. While WWP does not have control over these occurrences, we are happy to come look at any specific issues and see if there is anything that can be done in-between services.
The keys to your house will be located inside on the kitchen counter with information about the Island.
Your house will have linens, bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels and a one-day starter supply of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and paper products (toilet paper and paper towels). The Maritime Market on BHI will have all of the additional supplies you may need. Beach towels are not provided, so you may want to bring your own. Liquor can only be purchased at an ABC Store in North Carolina and is therefore not offered at the Maritime Market. However, the Maritime Market does offer a wide variety of Wine and Champagne. There is an ABC Store on Howe Street of Southport before you get to the waterfront.
You can only play golf with a Bald Head Island Club Membership (Sports or Golf) in which the house is designated with golf privileges. On our website for each rental it will say “No Golf Access” for houses that do not offer golf privileges. There is no way to play golf without a temporary membership from a house that has that privilege. With golf privileges, you will still need to pay for the rounds of golf that you want to play (it is not included with the membership). Contact the pro shop at (910) 457-7310 for current green fees and rates and to schedule your tee times. To secure guest membership to the BHI Club: BHIClub.net
Yes. All of our rental houses have some type of grill. We do not provide charcoal for charcoal grills. If you run out of propane, we will replace the tank during business hours upon request. In the list of amenities on our website, we will specify what type of grill is at your house. Please note that any of the condo rentals (Royal James and Timbercreek) are not allowed to have private grills, but do offer community grills.
Yes, all of our houses have central heating and air conditioning.
All of our homes have internet access. Under the list of amenities on our website, will specify whether or not your house has internet available. If it is not listed, then the house does not have internet. However, if your house does not have internet, or the internet is not working properly, there is free WiFi at the Bald Head Island Club, Shoals Club, and the Maritime Market. You will need a valid membership to access either club.
No. Swimming is at your own risk and we highly recommend adult supervision for any children playing in the water. South Beach and East Beach are the better areas for swimming, as West Beach is on the river side of BHI and has stronger currents. Please be aware that it is not advisable to swim out onto the Shoals, as it is a dangerous environment and swimmers can quickly become trapped.
Not all WWP rental properties have Club memberships, so please make sure to carefully read the descriptiion on the individual rental listing pages to confirm.
Not every home offering a BHI Club access will also have access to golf privileges. If there is no golf access available, this will be identified in the rental home listing page.
Please consult the rental listing information to determine what club offerings are included in a rental home.
Also, please note that the cost of a temporary membership is NOT included in the price of rental. Temporary club memberships to the BHI and Shoals Clubs must be made by the guest directly with each Club. WWP strongly recommends making all arrangements as soon as possible. Both clubs charge an additional $100 fee for any reservations made within a week of check in. For questions about the BHI Club, please contact the club at (910) 457-7300. For questions about the Shoals Club, please contact the club at (910) 454-4888.
Click Here to Obtain BHI Club Guest Membership (if your chosen property offers availability)
Click Here to Obtain Shoals Club Guest Membership (if your chosen property offers availability)
No. Having an animal in a home advertised as non-pet-friendly may create a potential health risk to any future visitor with pet allergies. We have pet friendly homes available. Click here to check out our pet-friendly options!
Cancellation of a reservation shall be deemed a material breach by Tenant and no refunds will be made unless the Property is re-rented for the full rental term at the same rental rate. In the case of such re-rental, monies paid or deposited by Tenant will be refunded, less an administrative fee of $150.00 that will be disbursed to WWP, but if the Property is not re-rented, no refunds will be made. If the Property is re-rented for less than the full term and/or full rate, the difference between Tenant's rental obligation and the amount of the re-rental will be disbursed to WWP from monies paid or deposited by Tenant, to defray the actual damages suffered by WWP &/or rental homeowner as a result of Tenant's breach and the balance of the monies (if any) will be refunded to Tenant. ll tenants are offered the opportunity to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance through the Travel Insurance "TGTI" program of Travel Guard Insurance. Such insurance coverage (or a similar policy) shall be Tenant's sole recourse for cancellation of reservation.
No refunds or rental rate adjustments will be made for malfunction of air conditioners, hot tubs and/or hot tub equipment, pools and/or pool equipment, televisions, electronics, appliances, golf carts, phone, internet or cable outages, or the like. Tenant should, however, notify WWP immediately if any of the above circumstances arise and every reasonable effort will be made to make repairs and resume service. WWP cannot predict the location of construction activity on the Island and may not be able to inform Tenant at the time reservation is made whether the Property is near a construction site. WWP will not make refunds due to construction activity. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS GIVEN FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER, HURRICANES, PANDEMICS, OR CANCELLED FERRY SERVICE. When a voluntary evacuation has been put into effect, the Village of BHI considers this as mandatory for Island guests and is thus beyond the control of WWP. The ferry stops running once winds reach approximately 40 knots. In such a case, per the NCREC, if your home is rendered inaccessible, you may be entitled to a refund.
Accidental Damage Protection ("ADP"), the cost of which is $28/day and backed by Safely, is a requirement for all reservations less than 30 nights in lieu of a security deposit. [NOTE: Long term reservations of 30 days or more shall be required to pay a refundable security deposit.] Subject to the provisions of the policy the maximum benefit is $10,000.00 per reservation. Accidental damage protection is included for any damages or accidents, subject to exclusions and limitations that occur to the premises during your rental period. Additional coverage is also included for personal injury while on the property, subject to maximum coverage amounts. Information brochure available upon request.
Tenant understands and agrees that any damage to the Property, its furniture, furnishings, appliances, vehicles, or equipment, must be reported to WWP immediately, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours after Tenant check-out. Failure to timely report damage or missing property may result in denial of coverage under the ADP and Tenant shall be personally liable for the full cost of repair or replacement. If unreported damage or missing property is discovered at or immediately after Tenant's departure from the Property, or if a claim for damage or missing property under the ADP is denied for any reason, or if the cost of repair or replacement of damage or missing property exceeds the maximum benefit under said ADP, then in any of those cases, Tenant will be responsible for the difference and WWP shall be entitled to charge Tenant's credit card account for said additional charges as well as actual damages suffered as a result of Tenant's breach. Note: The ADP does not cover theft or purposeful or malicious damages. Such will be the full responsibility of the tenant.
The ferry terminal is similar to an airport terminal. Properly labeled luggage, coolers, boxes, etc. are acceptable cargo. Loose items, grocery bags, etc are not acceptable and they may require you to purchase a large Tupperware container in which to put these items, or you may carry them onto the ferry. Any items that cannot fit in their dollies require a cargo ticket for an additional fee (such things as kayaks, bicycles, surf boards, and any other large items). For more information on how to pack, please click here for current ferry guidelines.
Only licensed drivers are allowed to drive golf carts. There are Police on the Island and they will cite drivers without a valid license. Golf carts may seem like a toy, but they are very expensive and dangerous when not being used properly. Golf cart accidents have caused serious injuries and even deaths on the Island, so please do not allow unlicensed children to operate a golf cart.
The ferry terminal is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC 28461.
Residents utilize the Bald Head Island Barge to transport larger items, approved vehicles, and moving trailers. For a specific list of fees and the Barge schedule, please call (910) 457-5205. If you are a member of the BHI club, you may have access to use the BHI Club truck. Please contact the BHI Club for more information (910) 457-7300.
To send large packages or receive FedEx or UPS packages to the Island, you will need to use the "IPC/PO" (Island Package Center & Post Office) located across from Old Baldy beside Town Hall. It is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm. To have something shipped to you, use our company address (6E Merchants Row, PO Box 3259, Bald Head Island, NC 28461) and your cell phone number. It is also a good idea to place the name of your rental home on the package. When your package arrives on BHI, the IPC/PO will call you and you may go and pick it up. Their phone number is (910) 454-4864 should you have any questions.
For Bald Head Island residents/owners, PO boxes are available for a nominal annual fee.
There are paramedics on duty 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 911. For all other medical issues, there is an Urgent Care facility in Southport as well as a hospital. For a list of local hospitals, urgent care facilities and pharmacies, please click here to see our Island Resources page.
