About Epic Stays
More than just a place to stay.
Epic Stays was created with a simple belief: where you stay should enhance the entire trip. We curate vacation homes that feel personal, well cared for, and connected to the destination—so guests don’t just visit Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, they experience it.
We intentionally partner with a small number of homeowners who value quality, consistency, and long-term performance—allowing us to stay closely involved in every home we host
Our partnership with Epic Excursions allows us to offer something most hosts can’t...access to exclusive local experiences that elevate the stay and encourage repeat bookings. For homeowners, this means stronger differentiation, better guest engagement, and reviews that reflect more than just a clean home—they reflect a memorable stay.
meet the founders
We’re Kristi and Ian Balding—the husband-and-wife team behind Epic Stays.
Before hosting for others, we built and operated our own short-term rental from the ground up. Through that process, we learned exactly what works—and just as importantly, what doesn’t. From trial, refinement, and real guest feedback, we’ve dialed in the details that consistently lead to five-star stays.
As active owners and consecutively awarded five-star Airbnb hosts, we understand firsthand how every element impacts performance—communication, pricing strategy, amenities, presentation, and guest flow. Hosting isn’t guesswork for us; it’s a system built through experience.
Because we’ve been in the owner’s seat ourselves, our approach is practical and results-driven. We focus on what earns strong reviews, attracts the right guests, and supports steady bookings over time—not trends that fade or shortcuts that cost you later.
Kristi is a licensed real estate professional with a background in corporate sales and hospitality. As a seasoned traveler and FORA Travel Advisor, she brings market insight and a deep understanding of guest expectations—helping properties stand out while guiding owners with clarity and confidence.
Ian brings a background in design, remodeling, and custom building, with experience at Balding Brothers and later launching his own handcrafted surf and paddleboard line. He focuses on how homes look, feel, and function—prioritizing comfort, durability, and layouts that support seamless stays.
Together, we built Epic Stays to apply proven hosting systems to every home we care for—helping properties perform consistently, earn strong reviews, and remain competitive in an evolving short-term rental market.
Buy, Sell & Invest
In REAL ESTATE
With Kristi & Ian of EPIC STAYS
Whether you’re purchasing your first short-term rental or expanding your investment portfolio, Kristi and Ian guide you every step of the way—with hosting in mind from day one.
Kristi, a licensed real estate professional, helps you identify the right property and negotiate with confidence. Ian brings hands-on experience in design, renovation, and guest-ready preparation—ensuring each home is positioned to attract the right guests and earn consistent five-star stays.
Together, they offer end-to-end support that bridges smart investing with elevated hosting—so your property stands out, stays booked, and performs long term.
