Comments for Vacation Rental Owner Blog http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog Maximizing Bookings for Vacation Rental Owners Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:02:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 Comment on Can’t Rent A Week at Your Place? Consider an Exchange! by savvytraveler17 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=184#comment-40 savvytraveler17 Tue, 26 May 2009 15:11:03 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=184#comment-40 It is great to hear vacation home renters talking about considering a vacation home exchange as an alternative when faced with unrented weeks. Many of the members in our <a href="http://www.thevacationexchange.com" rel="nofollow">vacation home exchange network</a> do just that -- trade an unused week in their home for a vacation at one of our 1,500 properties in the US and internationally. Our <a href="http://www.thevacationexchange.com" rel="nofollow">home exchange program</a> has been in business for 13 years, and we have arranged thousands of home swaps. We are finding that this economy is inspiring home owners to use their properties in savvy ways, and <a href="http://www.thevacationexchange.com" rel="nofollow">home swaps</a> are one great example of this -- using their own vacation homes to enable them to vacation around the world for a fraction of the cost of traditional travel. We'd love for you to check out <a href="http://www.thevacationexchange.com" rel="nofollow">The Vacation Exchange Network</a>. You'll find a unique home exchange program, where membership is free for the first year, we arrange the exchange for you if you'd like, and you can stay in someone else's home even if they do not want to stay in your home. Looking forward to hearing from you! Jill <a href="http://www.thevacationexchange.com" rel="nofollow">The Vacation Exchange Network</a> It is great to hear vacation home renters talking about considering a vacation home exchange as an alternative when faced with unrented weeks. Many of the members in our vacation home exchange network do just that — trade an unused week in their home for a vacation at one of our 1,500 properties in the US and internationally.

Our home exchange program has been in business for 13 years, and we have arranged thousands of home swaps. We are finding that this economy is inspiring home owners to use their properties in savvy ways, and home swaps are one great example of this — using their own vacation homes to enable them to vacation around the world for a fraction of the cost of traditional travel.

We’d love for you to check out The Vacation Exchange Network. You’ll find a unique home exchange program, where membership is free for the first year, we arrange the exchange for you if you’d like, and you can stay in someone else’s home even if they do not want to stay in your home.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Jill
The Vacation Exchange Network

]]> Comment on Custom Gooogle Maps with Points of Interest by Vacation Rental Expert http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=276#comment-37 Vacation Rental Expert Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:48:57 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=276#comment-37 Andrew, great post, and I agree that maps are a great way to communicate with your owners. At our own vacation rentals by owner advertising website, <a href="http://www.findvacationrentals.com" rel="nofollow">FindVacationRentals.com</a>, we are going to release two new pretty important features around this that will allow our vacation rentals owners to not only display a Google map on there listing, but also add their own reviews of local restaraunts, beaches, and other attractions. Any review content that the vacation rental owner adds will show up on their own personal Google map that will be attached to their listing on <a href="http://www.findvacationrentals.com" rel="nofollow">FindVacationRentals.com</a>. The map will show how close the owner’s vacation rental is to the local attractions highlighted, and provide driving directions as well. And, no advertisements will be added in :-) In order for the map to display properly, the vacation rental owner will need to provide his or her address to the property. Some owners have been hesitant to do this for understandable reasons, but, in this day and age, its just too easy to find an address if you really want it, so I say why not make it as easy as possible for the renters to pick your vacation rental over anyone elses. Cheers, Jon Ludwig Owner, <a href="http://www.findvacationrentals.com" rel="nofollow">FindVacationRentals.com</a> Andrew, great post, and I agree that maps are a great way to communicate with your owners. At our own vacation rentals by owner advertising website, FindVacationRentals.com, we are going to release two new pretty important features around this that will allow our vacation rentals owners to not only display a Google map on there listing, but also add their own reviews of local restaraunts, beaches, and other attractions.

Any review content that the vacation rental owner adds will show up on their own personal Google map that will be attached to their listing on FindVacationRentals.com. The map will show how close the owner’s vacation rental is to the local attractions highlighted, and provide driving directions as well.

And, no advertisements will be added in :-)

In order for the map to display properly, the vacation rental owner will need to provide his or her address to the property. Some owners have been hesitant to do this for understandable reasons, but, in this day and age, its just too easy to find an address if you really want it, so I say why not make it as easy as possible for the renters to pick your vacation rental over anyone elses.

Cheers,
Jon Ludwig
Owner, FindVacationRentals.com

]]> Comment on Talking to Guests of your Vacation Rental by Grundig http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=225#comment-33 Grundig Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:50:31 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=225#comment-33 Here! here!... I can't agree with Hayley's comments enough. I talk to every one of my tenants and avoid canned emails. I feel the relationship developed this way makes a HUGE difference in how they treat your propery when the visit and most treat it as if they were renting a friends car versus a rental. Andy Here! here!… I can’t agree with Hayley’s comments enough. I talk to every one of my tenants and avoid canned emails. I feel the relationship developed this way makes a HUGE difference in how they treat your propery when the visit and most treat it as if they were renting a friends car versus a rental.

Andy

]]> Comment on Barack Obama selects beachfront Kailua Hawaii vacation rentals by julesmaui http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=254#comment-31 julesmaui Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:29:06 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=254#comment-31 Kudos to Barack Obama for choosing to stay in a vacation rental. It is by far the best way to travel with a family. I was also happy to see that he chose a region in Oahu where vacation rentals have been under the gun by the county. We personally know a woman who has fought tooth and nail to establish legal vacation rentals in Kailua. Hopefully this will help their cause. I own a vacation rental website, and can honestly testify that once people start choosing vacation rentals over hotels, they are sold for life on this wonderful and affordable way to travel. Please check our website for worldwide vacation rentals: http://www.idealvacationrentals.com Kudos to Barack Obama for choosing to stay in a vacation rental. It is by far the best way to travel with a family. I was also happy to see that he chose a region in Oahu where vacation rentals have been under the gun by the county. We personally know a woman who has fought tooth and nail to establish legal vacation rentals in Kailua. Hopefully this will help their cause.
I own a vacation rental website, and can honestly testify that once people start choosing vacation rentals over hotels, they are sold for life on this wonderful and affordable way to travel.
Please check our website for worldwide vacation rentals:
http://www.idealvacationrentals.com

]]> Comment on How to Help Your Vacation-Rental Property Manager Work for You! by Jon M http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=237#comment-28 Jon M Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:07:11 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=237#comment-28 Great post and points, Emily! We have many listings on our site that are paid for by owners, but list the phone number of the property management company. By the way, our "Deluxe" plan or higher also allow you to send email inquiries directly to your management company while you would still get account/renewal emails in your inbox. As an owner, if you pay for online advertising, you should try to negotiate a different management fee for renters you refer. Since you are doing the hard work to get the renter to the management company, they will likely discount their fee for that rental a significant amount. Jon M. (FindVacationRentals.com) Great post and points, Emily! We have many listings on our site that are paid for by owners, but list the phone number of the property management company. By the way, our “Deluxe” plan or higher also allow you to send email inquiries directly to your management company while you would still get account/renewal emails in your inbox.

As an owner, if you pay for online advertising, you should try to negotiate a different management fee for renters you refer. Since you are doing the hard work to get the renter to the management company, they will likely discount their fee for that rental a significant amount.

Jon M. (FindVacationRentals.com)

]]> Comment on Vacations For Veterans by Jon M http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=198#comment-27 Jon M Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:51:58 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=198#comment-27 Andy - I'm sure Chris & Peggy (the founders of VFV) are grateful for your generosity! You can deduct any "real" cost you incur. That is, you can deduct the cleaning (and linen service if you do that separately). I am not sure you can deduct any loss of rent. I would talk to your CPA, but I doubt that's allowed under IRS rules. When I donated my condo, I talked to my local manager and cleaning crew about my donation and asked if they would reduce their fees at all for that stay. They offered to waive the cleaning fee completely. So - you might want to see what your housekeeper will do for that particular stay. You never know! Jon M (FindVacationRentals.com) Andy - I’m sure Chris & Peggy (the founders of VFV) are grateful for your generosity!

You can deduct any “real” cost you incur. That is, you can deduct the cleaning (and linen service if you do that separately). I am not sure you can deduct any loss of rent. I would talk to your CPA, but I doubt that’s allowed under IRS rules.

When I donated my condo, I talked to my local manager and cleaning crew about my donation and asked if they would reduce their fees at all for that stay. They offered to waive the cleaning fee completely. So - you might want to see what your housekeeper will do for that particular stay. You never know!

Jon M (FindVacationRentals.com)

]]> Comment on Marketing a Vacation Home by jegior http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=168#comment-26 jegior Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:22:11 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=168#comment-26 My rentals are on the FL Gulf Coast, complete turn-key. Present economy and stock market has made it a challenge for the vacationer/snow bird due to affordability. Supply with increased volume due to lack of home sales, I've been successful in renting. My attitude is "some rental income is better than nothing!" I've incorporated high season rentals all inclusive with utilities and 11% tax, showing value and a 'bargain', while accommodating their incoming arrivals, not always on the 1st of the month. I'd prefer during "rough times" to work with renters while still able to meet expenses. 85% incoming is better than waiting for full price and collect zero while having empty units! Amenities are as if I, the owner, were living there with high count linens & towels, new furnishings, and appliances. I also include local phone coverage and a TRAC cell phone with agreement and instructions of how to replenish. This is most appreciative to international renters. Internet is available via the cable company to obtain a modem for their minimum 3 months duration at their cost. This is very simple and affordable for at home convenience. Every condo community is different. Some have activities with a TV channel giving the calendar of social events and activities to network. I've been told, if you are lonely, it is your own fault. Lastly, I've learned everyone has their own definition of "clean"; hence, going foward I insist on $100. cleaning fee, and for them to leave their short-term home how it was upon arrival. "Leave it as you found it for the next tenant, not as if you were at home!" My last repeat tenant left the floors and ceiling fans dusted; however, every cabinet, drawer and linen closet was another story! Here's to a better 2009! This is a great site! Thank you! I've also incor My rentals are on the FL Gulf Coast, complete turn-key. Present economy and stock market has made it a challenge for the vacationer/snow bird due to affordability. Supply with increased volume due to lack of home sales, I’ve been successful in renting.

My attitude is “some rental income is better than nothing!” I’ve incorporated high season rentals all inclusive with utilities and 11% tax, showing value and a ‘bargain’, while accommodating their incoming arrivals, not always on the 1st of the month. I’d prefer during “rough times” to work with renters while still able to meet expenses. 85% incoming is better than waiting for full price and collect zero while having empty units!

Amenities are as if I, the owner, were living there with high count linens & towels, new furnishings, and appliances. I also include local phone coverage and a TRAC cell phone with agreement and instructions of how to replenish. This is most appreciative to international renters. Internet is available via the cable company to obtain a modem for their minimum 3 months duration at their cost. This is very simple and affordable for at home convenience. Every condo community is different. Some have activities with a TV channel giving the calendar of social events and activities to network. I’ve been told, if you are lonely, it is your own fault.

Lastly, I’ve learned everyone has their own definition of “clean”; hence, going foward I insist on $100. cleaning fee, and for them to leave their short-term home how it was upon arrival. “Leave it as you found it for the next tenant, not as if you were at home!” My last repeat tenant left the floors and ceiling fans dusted; however, every cabinet, drawer and linen closet was another story!

Here’s to a better 2009!

This is a great site!

Thank you!

I’ve also incor

]]> Comment on Vacation Rental Scams by Grundig http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=101#comment-25 Grundig Sun, 14 Dec 2008 03:29:51 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=101#comment-25 Thanks, I have found it fairly easy to identify these scammers. One dead giveaway is a novel with lots of information about WHY they want to rent your unit, not questions (other than price) about your unit. They usually have overseas connections and tend to be for longer stays but recent inquiries have also been from domestic(USA)looking individuals/companies for weekends. They usually do include more personal information than is typical - "We own a construction company", "I'm arranging a honeymoon". The english is also usually not quite right. If your not sure and you think its possibly a scam (it probably is) I found you can generally scare them away by saying something like. "My rate for that week is xxx, unfortunately due to the prevalence of scams I cannot accept cashiers checks but will gladly accept credit cards via paypal" Andy Thanks, I have found it fairly easy to identify these scammers. One dead giveaway is a novel with lots of information about WHY they want to rent your unit, not questions (other than price) about your unit. They usually have overseas connections and tend to be for longer stays but recent inquiries have also been from domestic(USA)looking individuals/companies for weekends. They usually do include more personal information than is typical - “We own a construction company”, “I’m arranging a honeymoon”.

The english is also usually not quite right.

If your not sure and you think its possibly a scam (it probably is) I found you can generally scare them away by saying something like. “My rate for that week is xxx, unfortunately due to the prevalence of scams I cannot accept cashiers checks but will gladly accept credit cards via paypal”

Andy

]]> Comment on Vacation Rental Bookings over the Phone by Grundig http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=138#comment-24 Grundig Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:48:49 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=138#comment-24 I forgot to add that it also helps to build a rapport with folks and make them feel like they are staying in someone's house not a commercial property. I think it helps ensure folks will treat your unit well and keep breakage and damage to a minimum. Andy I forgot to add that it also helps to build a rapport with folks and make them feel like they are staying in someone’s house not a commercial property. I think it helps ensure folks will treat your unit well and keep breakage and damage to a minimum.

Andy

]]> Comment on Vacation Rental Bookings over the Phone by Grundig http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=138#comment-23 Grundig Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:44:35 +0000 http://www.vacationrentalsindustry.com/blog/?p=138#comment-23 Perhaps it's me, I talk to every one of my tenents on the phone. I think you can get a good feel for folks by talking to them. Andy Perhaps it’s me, I talk to every one of my tenents on the phone. I think you can get a good feel for folks by talking to them.

Andy

]]>