Office Hours

Bluewater Rental Office Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. seven days a week off season and 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. in season. Our toll free number is (800) 367-3381. Our reservation staff is familiar with each cottage and condo and would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Check-In Procedures

Bluewater GMAC has two locations for check-in.

Location 1 - Emerald Isle and Salter Path Rentals Check-in takes place between 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Bluewater GMAC Rental office located on the corner of Emerald Drive (Highway 58) and Mangrove Drive in Emerald Isle. Drive-thru service is available during the summer for those tenants paid in full. If you arrive between 6 p.m.- 8 a.m. when Bluewater Rentals is closed, you may pick up keys and directions at the Emerald Isle Police Department, 7500 Emerald Drive. Proper identification will be required.

Location 2 - Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach Rentals (with the exception of Summer Winds Condos). Check-in takes place between 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Atlantic Beach Bluewater GMAC Rental office. To get there from 70, you would go through Morehead. When you take the Atlantic Beach Causeway Exit off of Highway 70, you are approximately 1.3 miles from our office. After you come over the Atlantic Beach Bridge, the office is on your right (beside Bella's Pizza). If you get to the Scotchman’s Gas Station, you just passed it. The address for the office is 311-C Atlantic Beach Blvd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. If you plan to arrive between 6 p.m.- 8 a.m. when the Atlantic Beach office for Bluewater Rentals is closed please call 1-866-467-3105 to make arrangements for key pickup.

Reservations

Reservations for your Emerald Isle vacation can be made in person, by phone or online. A completed Vacation Rental Agreement will be forwarded to you with specific terms & conditions by fax, email or regular mail. If you agree to the terms of this Agreement, we require the initial payment be made within 48 hours from the time of reservation. Initial Payment includes ½ rent, the travel insurance premium (if purchased) and the Reservation Fee. We accept Credit Cards (Visa or MasterCard). If your Check-In date is less than 30 days, full payment is required and no personal checks will be accepted. If your Check-In date is more than 30 days, only an initial payment is due within 48 hours and the remainder is due within 30 days of Check-In. For customers not having access to fax or email, Agreement will be sent via US Mail to be signed and returned with 7 days; however, your payment is still required within 48 hours of the date of the reservation. Please overnight funds to Bluewater GMAC Real Estate, P.O.Box 4340, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. After receipt of your initial payment and signed Agreement, we will send a confirmation receipt. No further reminder will be mailed.

After reviewing your Vacation Rental Agreement, should you decide to continue with your Vacation Rental please sign the back of the Agreement and return original along with 1/2 the rent, a $55.00 (plus tax) Reservation Fee added to cover administrative costs, and optional Travel Insurance payment. Initial payments can be made by credit card (Visa/Master Charge). There will be a $25 charge for all returned checks due to non-sufficient funds or stop payment. Please do not send cash through the mail.

Should you decide not to continue with your proposed vacation rental, you are under no financial obligation. As a courtesy to Bluewater, please call to let us know that you no longer need the rental home we are holding off the market for you! This will make the rental home or condo available for other Emerald Isle vacationers to enjoy! Should we not hear to the contrary, your tentative reservation will automatically be cancelled if the signed contract and required payments are not received within 10 days from the date your reservation was made.

If you make a reservation less than 30 days prior to check-in, the entire balance is due within 48 hours. We will fax the Vacation Rental Agreement to you and would need it signed and returned as soon as possible. We will not accept personal checks for last minute reservations, but will accept credit cards.

Final Payments for Reservations

Your balance due and due date will be included on your receipt confirmation. All reservations must be paid in full within 30 days of tenancy. Final Payment will include remaining ½ rent, rental items (if purchased) & taxes. Personal checks for not accepted less than 30 days prior to occupancy.

Partial Week or Additional Day Rentals

Most cottages are available to rent for less than a full week. Full week rentals have first priority and partial week or additional day rentals cannot be made during the summer season more than seven days in advance. The nightly rate for partial week rentals is the weekly rate divided by 4. Ergo, if you stay for 4 or more days the cost will be the normal weekly rate. Travel Insurance rates & Reservation Fees are the same for partial week rentals. Partial Week rentals must be made by phone, as all Internet reservations are for full weeks only.

Traveler Protection Insurance

CSA Travel Protection Insurance is offered to every guest and is automatically included when you make your reservation. The cost of this optional insurance is 6.5% of your rental amount. If you decide to decline this coverage, please initial appropriately on your Vacation Rental Agreement. If you decline the Travel Protection Insurance, Bluewater is under no obligation to refund monies in the event of cancellations (including hurricane evacuations) unless we are able to re-rent.

Should you decide to purchase this coverage, you must pay the premium with your initial payment. This insurance coverage not only protects your vacation investment against, hurricanes, but also covers other unforeseen circumstances that could cause cancellation of your trip and forfeiture of payments. It even covers some circumstances that might affect other members of your group who would be vacationing with you.

For more information, click here.

Cancellation

In the event you have to cancel your reservation, doing so as quickly as possible will increase the possibility of re-renting your rental home. The cancellation must be in writing and can be received by fax number at 252-354-2324. We will put the property back on the rental market immediately. If the property successfully re-rents, your money will be refunded less a $125.00 Cancellation Fee and Travel Protection Insurance. If we are unable to re-rent the property, your payment will be forfeited (with the exception of taxes if you are paid in full). If you elected to take Travel Protection Insurance, you may be eligible for a refund through CSA.

Linens and Rental Equipment

Bluewater homeowners do not provide bed linens and towels, unless otherwise specified. The Bluewater GMAC rental department can provide linens and towels for you along with a startup hospitality kit and have all the beds made upon your arrival! Prices for this service vary with the number of bedrooms in your cottage or condo. We also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, porta cribs, rollaway beds, etc. Please refer to our brochure or check out our website by clicking here.

Cleaning

Upon arrival to your rental home, please notify us immediately if you are not satisfied with the cleanliness. We will send a Bluewater housekeeping person to address the cleaning deficit. If Bluewater has not heard to the contrary within one hour of check-in, we assume that you have found your rental home in acceptable condition. No discounts will be given at a later point for lack of cleanliness.

Selection and Standards of Rental Homes

All vacation homes rented by Bluewater are furnished and decorated by the individual homeowner according to their personal tastes. Since the majority of our homes are rented sight unseen, you should do all you can to communicate your expectations and needs prior to your arrival. All of our rental homes have complete interior, exterior and view photos available online for your inspection. Simply go to a specific rental home's page and click on "See Additional Photos" to view the entire home. If you need further information about any specific home or condo, we will do our best to assist you.

Please remember that when you enter into a Vacation Rental Agreement for a particular home or condo that you cannot be moved upon arrival to another property if you are not satisfied with your choice. Once Bluewater receives your rental monies, they are disbursed to the individual homeowners. The vast majority of homeowners will not return this money so that a guest can move to another person's home, so be very sure to make the most educated and informed decision possible.

Don't Forget to Bring...

All cottages provide the following for at least the maximum occupancy the home allows: Blankets, Pillows, Mattress Pads, Bedspreads, Vacuum Cleaner, Plunger, Mop, Broom and Dust Pan.

You need to supply the following:

• Bed Linens (unless Linen Service is provided)
• Bath, Kitchen and Beach towels
• Special Cooking items
• Cameras and film
• Baby Equipment (if not specified in brochure)
• Food and condiments
• Flashlights, radios and batteries
• Personal toiletries
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
• Beach and fishing equipment
• Alarm clock (If needed on vacation!)
• Suntan lotions, etc.
• Cash or traveler's checks (Personal checks and credit cards may not be accepted at some establishments)

All kitchens are adequately stocked for everyday meal preparation. You can expect to find the following items for at least the maximum occupancy: coffee maker and toaster, dishes, glasses, coffee mugs, flatware, dishes, pots and pans and cooking utensils. Some cottages provide extra kitchen equipment, but others do not. Extra kitchen items are provided according to the individual homeowner's preferences, not according to the size, location or price of the cottage. If you are planning special meal preparations you should bring with you such items as: blender, food processor, extra large or specialty pots or pans, chef's knives, specialty cooking utensils, etc.

Pets

MOST COTTAGES DO NOT ALLOW PETS! If you wish to bring your pet, be sure to select a cottage that allows pets. Homeowners that allow pets in their homes generally charge an additional $100.00 - $250.00 (plus tax) per pet (2 dog maximum). Sorry, no cats. This pet fee covers additional cleaning and extermination. Emerald Isle has a mandatory "leash law" and "Pooper Scooper" rule stating you must clean up your pet waste.

Please remember that many people are allergic to pets and it is extremely unfair to future tenants to introduce a pet in a non-pet home. If you cannot find an appropriate home that allows pets, we suggest you either kennel or leave your pet at home! There are two good kennels within a few miles of Emerald Isle: Brigadoon Animal Hospital & Hadnot Creek Kennels. ANY PET FOUND IN OR AROUND A NON-PET COTTAGE IS GROUNDS FOR EXPEDITED EVICTION, FORFEITURE OF ALL MONIES PAID AND NON-DECLARED PET FEE OF $100 AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF BLUEWATER. Please do not jeopardize your vacation - be honest and up front with us.

Maintenance

Each Bluewater rental property has a "Guest Guide" that addresses general maintenance concerns. Specific issues are posted on the refrigerator to address things peculiar to your vacation home.

All efforts will be made to expedite repair, but no refunds will be made for mechanical failures of appliances and/or electronics or interruption and/or loss of utilities (including cable TV). Please also report any inoperative and/or missing equipment to our maintenance department.

For routine maintenance problems during business hours, please call 252-354-2323 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. For emergencies only after hours, call 252-354-2323 ext 522. Remember, Bluewater authorized repairmen have the legal right to enter your rental home as required to accomplish needed repairs.

Mail, Messages and Internet

If you are receiving mail, Fed Ex or UPS during your vacation you should have it sent to Bluewater GMAC Real Estate, 200 Mangrove Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Please make sure to tell the sender to put your rental home name on the address label. Do not have anything sent to your rental home or condo since there are no mailboxes available.

Remember to provide the phone number of your vacation home, as well as the phone number for Bluewater GMAC Real Estate to family or friends. You will find your rental home's phone number on your Vacation Rental Agreement.

There is a long distance phone block on all rental home phones; therefore, it is necessary to use a credit card or phone card when calling long distance. Local calls are free. If you intend to use the house phone for Internet access, you will probably have go through our local Internet service to acquire access. Our area does not have local numbers for such Internet providers as AOL, CompuServe, etc. and the long distance blocks will generally prevent access without a local provider. We offer this Internet service to our renters for $25.00 for the first week, and $5.00 for subsequent week rentals. You can sign up to receive a Username and Password for this service at the Bluewater Rental Office.

Tenant Configuration

BLUEWATER RENTS TO FAMILIES ONLY UNLESS THE HOMEOWNER HAS GIVEN SPECIFIC EXCEPTION. Should the configuration change or a house party ensue, all tenants will be subject to expedited eviction procedures set forth in Article 4 of the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act. A house party is defined as occupancy by more than the stated allowable tenants and unruly or other objectionable behavior carried on inside the vacation property or on the premises.

Check-Out Procedures

Check-out at the Bluewater Rental office is 10AM. No exceptions during summer seasons! Please understand that it is difficult, at best, to prepare our cottages between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the next guests. Your assistance in promptly leaving the cottage by 10 a.m. and completing our Check-Out Departure Duties is greatly appreciated. There is drive-thru Check-out service during the summer months. During the off-season we may be able to offer a late Check-out if there are no incoming guests. We require the return of all keys and, in the case of condos, return of all gate cards, pool and parking passes.

If you need to get an early start home, there is a convenient drop-off slot in the window to the left of the rental office door.

Departure Duties

• Wash all dishes, cookware, utensils, etc.
• Empty dishwasher and return all items to their proper place.
• Remove all food from refrigerator.
• Return all furniture to original location.
• Put all trash in plastic bags and place in outside trash container.
• Check closets, dresser drawers and under beds for personal belongings.*
• Turn off all lights, set thermostat at 78 in summer and 55 in winter.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Please take the time to fill out our Guest Comment cards. (We would like to hear if anything could have been improved during your stay with Bluewater.)
• Return all keys and passes to the Bluewater office and report any damages or maintenance needs.

* We are not responsible for personal items. When requested by you, items turned in by housekeeping will be returned COD with a $25.00 processing fee. Unclaimed items are donated to charity after 30 days.

Next Year's Reservations

Bluewater GMAC Real Estate strives to have you return year after year. Advance tentative reservations will be accepted for the following year but cannot be guaranteed. This year's guests have priority for the same cottage/condo for the same week(s) assuming that the homeowner makes the property available. However, you must book your reservation by the close of business of the first Wednesday of your stay. Please contact our office for further details.

For Sale

Occasionally a rental property may go on the market for sale. In such case we reserve the right to show the property to qualified buyers. We will make every effort to schedule the showing at a convenient time and not interrupt your vacation. Your cooperation is appreciated. If your rental property is sold within 180 days of your rental departure date, your lease will be enforced. If the property is sold more than 180 days from your departure date and no longer offered for rent, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs or refund your money.

Disclosure

All money received by Bluewater GMAC Real Estate is placed in an interest bearing account with interest being paid to the Agent. The Agent may disburse, upon receipt, up to 50% of rent to the homeowner and fees to the appropriate recipients. The Agent may receive a percentage, commission or profit from services provided to guests. These services include, but are not limited to, Vacation Traveler's Insurance, telephone toll blockage, guest rental items and guest activity packages.

Disclaimer

All information is presented as an informational piece and no misrepresentation is intended. Every effort has been made to ensure all information contained on this website is accurate. Bluewater GMAC Real Estate shall not be held liable for unintentional errors, omissions or changes in furnishings or equipment by the homeowner.

Please direct all inquiries regarding vacation rentals to rentals@bluewatergmac.com.

By signing this agreement, I and my guests understand that the use of the Golf Cart is "At Their Own Risk". We will relieve and hold harmless Bluewater GMAC Real Estate and the Homeowners of subject property for any and all debts that might occur from accidents involving the golf cart. Bluewater GMAC Real Estate and the Homeowners of subject property are not liable for any damages or bodily harm incurred with use of golf cart. We understand that there is no insurance of any type on this golf cart. We also agree to pay for any damages done to the golf cart itself.

GOLF CART MUST: Stay in the subdivision where the rental property is located. Be driven by person's 16 years or older with a valid Driver's license Stay on paved areas only. Abide by all stop and speed limit signs.

Reckless driving will result in revocation of golf cart privileges for all rental guests for the entire rental period.

The decks are provided for your convenience and enjoyment. The tenant is responsible for insuring that all guests maintain a proper and safety-conscious demeanor while on the decks. The tenant acknowledges that small children shall not be left unattended while on the decks. There should be no running, jumping, or throwing items from any level of the decks. There should be no sitting, standing, hanging, or walking on the railings. Damage to the decks due to tenant misuse will result in additional charges to the tenant.

Tenant does hereby covenant and agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, both the owners of subject property and their Agent, Bluewater GMAC Real Estate, from, and against, all liability, loss, damage, claims, or actions (including costs and attorney fees) for bodily injury, paralysis, or death and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law, arising out of, or in connection with, the misuse of Decks.