Hosts
Wilmington Host Values
- Taking proactive measures to protect Short Term Rentals (Homestays & Homeshares) on both the local and state levels
- A committed belief that Short Term Rentals play an important role in a healthy economy and diversified tourism
- Serving as leaders within our local communities, boards, non-profits and advocating at the state level for STRs
- Consistently working with local citizens, officials, and politicians to enhance a fuller understanding of Short Term Rentals
- Fully committed to ethical policies and responsible practices
- Recognition that we are part of a larger community and strive to enhance that community
Wilmington's Hosts Speak Out:
"STRs in our neighborhoods host family visitors, visiting professionals, families checking out Wilmington schools, coming for sports tournaments, former residents who now vacation here, and visitors for film.These folks are spending their money at our shops and restaurants, visiting our sites and returning home to tell people how friendly and hospitable our wonderful city is. They are looking for an authentic Wilmington experience, and are glad to have alternative lodging choices with amenities that go beyond what a hotel can offer. There is room for both types of lodging in our city, and we should not pass all the revenue STRs generate to the beach communities."
"We believe that the short-term rental of our apartment is beneficial to the community in a variety of ways, and that our guests actually enhance the quality of the downtown culture, as they patronize our local businesses and create additional demand for services. STR expands the options that travelers may consider in planning a visit to our area, increasing the pool of tourists to the Historic Riverfront who ultimately enhance the local economy for all residents. In nautical terms...a rising tide lifts all vessels."
Host Highlight
When Harry and Nancy Smith bought the old Smith Funeral home (no relation) at 402 N. 7th Street two and a half years ago, the house was on the endangered homes list and under ownership of the NC Preservation Trust. Here is their story of historic preservation and cultural celebration through STR:
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Our commitment to historic preservation, and to this house in particular, has had a positive impact already, and since we started this project, eight other houses on our street have been updated with painting, roofs, etc... largely because there is no longer an abandoned funeral home dragging down the neighborhood.
As a three-time combat wounded US Marine, with five spine surgeries that cause me to live and work in pain every day. I cannot take pain medication because I work with power tools, and my retirement relies on the income that I can generate from short-term rentals of the attached apartment.
When we complete this renovation, we look forward to interacting with visitors to our community, and teaching people about local history. Did you know our house was the first black funeral home in Wilmington? Did you know that right around the corner lived the first NC man to graduate MIT? The first nationally published black author?
We love this city, we love the “Sugar Hill” neighborhood, and we always support local merchants’ goods and services.
Harry Smith, Jr
As a three-time combat wounded US Marine, with five spine surgeries that cause me to live and work in pain every day. I cannot take pain medication because I work with power tools, and my retirement relies on the income that I can generate from short-term rentals of the attached apartment.
When we complete this renovation, we look forward to interacting with visitors to our community, and teaching people about local history. Did you know our house was the first black funeral home in Wilmington? Did you know that right around the corner lived the first NC man to graduate MIT? The first nationally published black author?
We love this city, we love the “Sugar Hill” neighborhood, and we always support local merchants’ goods and services.
Harry Smith, Jr
Historic Preservation
Below are examples of Historic District makeovers with a Preservation Award Winner!
