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KURE BEACH — Beach rental properties are filled for the July 4 holiday. It is good news for realty businesses, whose owners say they have not been this busy in years.

However, all of the new business means people will have to make reservations a lot earlier if planning on renting. Bob Raynor and his wife Kate Johnson-Raynor knew what they were looking for when they reserved their rental property in Kure Beach.

Raynor said he wanted nothing more than easy access to the ocean.

"Walk down the stairs, walk onto the beach, get in the water. I love it," said Raynor.

Joy Donat with Intercoastal Realty said beach access is always high on renters' priority lists. "People don't like to be more than about four blocks from the access," said Donat.

This season, there are more people looking to rent. In fact, Donat said they are having one of their busiest summers in years.

"We definitely were booked earlier this year. We're booked solid for the 4th of July week, and that's the first time it's happened since the 2007 summer," said Donat.

Any vacationers who are looking to rent, Donat recommends reserving early. Reservations for larger homes start coming in the beginning of the year.

If people are looking for something this summer, they may already be out of luck. Donat said properties are full.

"We're pretty much sold out from now until the third week of August when all of the kids go back to school," said Donat.

While the economy may not be completely turned around just yet, Donat and the Raynors said they think the upturn in business shows that people are starting to make relaxation a priority.

"I think that people are starting to spend money again. I think people are ready to take a vacation, take a break from hectic work schedules and what not. We just think it's a positive trend," said Donat.

Intercoastal Realty reports they have seen more repeat renters from last year than previous years. They also say people are focusing more on location and less on the cost of the properties.