Latest Updates

Date: 2/23/21 2:30pm

Face Coverings in Public Spaces are Required in North Carolina

The State of North Carolina still requires that all people over the age of 10 must wear face coverings in public spaces, whether inside or outside, where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. This includes but is not limited to: Retail Businesses, Restaurants, Personal Care & Grooming. Face masks do not need to be worn outside, or on the Beach, if you are able to maintain physical distancing. Check with your favorite retailers and restaurants on their websites and facebook pages for any special requirements.

Date: 6/25/2020 1:00pm

NC Governor Mandates Face Coverings in Public Spaces thru July 17, 2020

The State of North Carolina remains in Phase 2 until at least July 17. In addition, the Governor has updated the state of emergency to include that all people over the age of 10 are now required to wear face coverings in public spaces, whether inside or outside, where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. This includes but is not limited to: Retail Businesses, Restaurants, Personal Care & Grooming. Face masks do not need to be worn outside, or on the Beach, if you are able to maintain physical distancing.
Please read the full statement here for a list of exceptions and for more detailed information.

Our Commitment to the safety of our guests

Read below to learn about our enhanced cleaning protocols

Date: 05/08/2020 11:00am

Topsail Island is Now Open for Rentals

Dear Valued Guest,

We are excited to announce that all three municipalities of Topsail Island are lifting the restrictions on vacation rentals. Surf City and Topsail Beach are open May 8 at 5:00PM and North Topsail Beach will open Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 AM. You are now welcome to visit and stay in the vacation rental that you reserved with Ward Realty! We know how much you are looking forward to getting away with your family to a nice relaxing and quiet beach! The weather has been great lately and we look forward to being a part of your well-deserved vacation.

Updates on Each Town

Each town on Topsail Island is open for rentals

Additional Safety Precautions & Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

Ward Realty has always taken cleaning very seriously, and we want to reassure you that we have everyone's best interest in mind. Due to COVID-19, we are following CDC recommendations, and increasing the cleaning and disinfecting in all of our vacation rentals with special focus on the high touch areas. We are implementing new enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of you, the guest, as well as staff, and the homeowner. All of our cleaners will be using EPA-registered household products to disinfect the following high touch areas after every rental:

doorknobs
slider handles
light switches
thermostats
interior handrails
countertops
appliance handles
small appliances
kitchen knobs
bathroom vanity knobs
bath fixtures
comforters/top bedding
pillows
pillow protectors
mattress pads
bedroom furniture hardware
blind/curtain hardware
shower curtains/ liners
nightstands
lamp switches
ceiling fan pull chains
dining tabletops
hard-backed dining chairs
remote controls

*Please note that bath fixtures and many kitchen areas have always been disinfected during departure cleans.

New Check-In Time

Due to the additional cleaning protocols that we must incorporate for your safety, we will need more time in between rentals. Therefore, we adjusted our check-in/check-out schedule to the following:

All check-ins begin at 4:00 PM (though not guaranteed to have all accommodations ready at 4:00)
All check-outs will be by 9:30 AM.

Thank you for your understanding as your safety is critical at this time.

Social Distancing at Check-In

Ward Realty offers keyless check-in for 80% of our vacation rental homes. You'll get a text when your home is ready, and you can go straight to the home and enjoy your vacation. No stopping by our office. It's so easy for you and your family!

For the other 20% of our vacation rentals, you must check-in to our office to get your keys. We will text you when your home is ready for occupancy - please do not come in the office until you have received a text. We are abiding by social distance rules and regularly cleaning and disinfecting the office, but we please ask that only the leasee enter the office for keys. We promise it will be quick and you will be on the beach in no time!

Out in Public

The beach is a safe place to be to spread out and enjoy the sun, surf and sand. If you want to venture out (and we hope you do!) and visit our local shops and attractions, you must still practice social distancing and you may wish to wear masks when indoors! At this time, the towns are not requiring face coverings when entering shops and businesses, but you may wish to do so - probably like it is in your home town. Restaurants are offering take out and delivery right now, and many are beginning to allow limited dine-in as North Carolina relaxes some restrictions. You may want to call ahead to verify hours, menu, etc.

What to Bring

So that you will be prepared for your vacation, you may want to bring a little more with you to Topsail Island this time. Our grocery stores and retailers look a lot like yours from home - so please take the time to look over our complete list of what to bring with you on vacation to Topsail Island.

Couple of highlights for 2020

Supplies:

Bring hand sanitizer, hand soap and other items to help you with personal hygiene. Bring toilet paper and other paper products with you. Toilet paper and other paper products can be purchased ahead of time as a starter kit with Paradise Provisions directly or call our office at 910-328-3221 and we can add it to your rental agreement.

Groceries:

Grocery stores in the area are overall well-stocked (with the exception of paper products), but some items may not be available when you go. You may want to bring a few more items with you this year. Order online here: Publix, Harris Teeter, Wal-Mart. We also have the IGA in Surf City.

Disinfectant:

We are providing an EPA approved disinfectant for your use during your stay. This product has no bleaching elements and it safe to use on all surfaces. Please use as directed and keep out of reach from children. We do not want any products that may contain bleaching elements in the house for fear of damage to the homeowner's property.

Removal of Extra Items:

Also, we are stowing away extra items around the house like throw pillows, extra pillows, kitchen towels and bath mats. We want to limit everyone's exposure to superfluous items that won't necessarily affect everyone's stay. If you sleep with an extra pillow or want a blanket, please bring your own. Please note that all comforters, mattress pads, pillows at the home will be disinfected in between occupants.

Information on Topsail Island & COVID-19 Virus: An important guest update

Date: 05/07/2020 11:00am

Surf City Ends Short Term Rental Ban, Open on May 8, 2020

Town of Surf City – Short term rental ban has been amended. Rentals may begin on May 8. See Town’s amended declaration. This includes information about public parking, face coverings, etc.

Date: 05/06/2020 3:00pm

Topsail Beach Ends Short Term Rental Ban, Open on May 9, 2020

Town of Topsail Beach – Short term rental ban has been amended. Rentals may begin on May 9. See Town’s amended declaration. This includes information about public parking, face coverings, etc.

Date: 04/24/2020 3:00pm

North Topsail Beach Ends Rental Ban on May 8, 2020

Town of North Topsail Beach – Short term rentals may begin on May 9. See Town’s updated declaration.

NC Mandates Stay at Home

Due to COVID-19 and the N.C. Shelter in Place order, our office is temporarily closed through May 8th, 2020 in order for us to do our part to flatten the curve. We are practicing social distancing and working from home, so please email us at rentals@wardrealty.com. Email is the absolute best way to contact us, so please do not call us at this time due to obvious restraints. Please know that we are constantly checking emails throughout the work week of Monday - Friday, and we will return all emails just as soon as we can. Thank you for being patient with us during this time! Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you on Topsail Island soon!