Below are some hints to successfully list your vacation property on sites, such as http://www.rentals2remember.com/
1. SET RENTAL RATES APPROPRIATELY. If you want to successfully rent your property, it is important to compare, and set your rates to similar rentals in your location with the same amenities. You don't want to be too greedy and overprice yourself, and you don't want to undervalue your rental either. You may be able to charge a premium if your property has distinctive features, or be willing to discount your property when necessary, such as for the off-season.
2. CHECK E-MAIL REGULARLY. Remember that many of your potential customers are using the internet to search properties and are computer "savvy". These users tend to check their email frequently (especially if they have requested information). Be sure to include your phone number also for those customers who would prefer to call you directly. In this case, you would want to make sure you check your phone messages frequently, too.
3. RESPOND TO INQUIRIES QUICKLY. Vacationers usually view a couple of properties that are of interest to them, and then contact the owners. The faster you respond, the better chance you have of winning them over, before they have an opportunity to choose another property from someone else.
4. YOUR LISTING SHOULD BE ACCURATE & COMPLETE. Be sure that your listing details are current and complete. Review your online listing frequently to make sure that your contact information is up-to-date. Also make sure that your property description and amenities are accurate. It is helpful to include any extra expenses added to the rental rate, such as security deposit, local taxes, etc. This will help you with repeat customers and keep you out of trouble with rental contracts and laws in regard to such things.
5. USE GREAT PHOTOS. It is true what they say, "A picture speaks a thousand words". Remember from an internet site, vacationers generally consider staying at your home based upon what your home pictures look like. The more pictures (and the prettier they are), the more comfortable vacationers feel about renting from you. Be sure to include pictures of your rental amenities such as the beach, pool, a mountain view, lake or golf course. These are top vacation sellers.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Scam Alert for Vacation Property Owners
Many property inquiries on vacation rental sites such as Rentals2Remember.com are legitimate and result in good rental income. However, there are a few scammers out there that property owners should be aware of. That doesn't mean that you should be afraid to rent on vacation rental sites, but that you should learn some basic tips so that you don't get taken in by one of these crooks!
One of the warning signs of a scammer is someone who poses as a prospective renter who wants to pay for their rental by money order or cashier's check for an amount that exceeds the rental rate, in the hope that you will refund them the difference before you find out from the bank that their money order or cashier's check is fraudulent.
Many of these scams come from overseas. It is important that a property owner ALWAYS makes sure that they wait for funds to clear the bank before ever refunding to any renter.
One of the scams we've recently come across is a scammer who poses as a military officer currently serving in Iraq, who wants to book a rental as a surprise wedding gift for his godson. This person wants to pay by money order, of course. These scammers use a similar script, but different names and rental dates. We have encountered a couple of scammers using this ploy with email addresses ending in "gmail.com".
We've also seen multiple scams from England from scammers who pose as a representative for a Christian group that wants to make accommodation bookings. We recommend that you are cautious with this type of inquiry.
We feel it's important that these scams are exposed so that fewer people get taken in by these schemes. Just remember to beware if someone wants to pay for a rental with a cashier's check or money order, particularly in an amount that exceeds your rental charge. If you ever accept this form of payment, it is wise to wait to ensure that funds clear through your bank before any other transaction is made with your renter.
Author, Tamara Camden, http://www.rentals2remember.com/
One of the warning signs of a scammer is someone who poses as a prospective renter who wants to pay for their rental by money order or cashier's check for an amount that exceeds the rental rate, in the hope that you will refund them the difference before you find out from the bank that their money order or cashier's check is fraudulent.
Many of these scams come from overseas. It is important that a property owner ALWAYS makes sure that they wait for funds to clear the bank before ever refunding to any renter.
One of the scams we've recently come across is a scammer who poses as a military officer currently serving in Iraq, who wants to book a rental as a surprise wedding gift for his godson. This person wants to pay by money order, of course. These scammers use a similar script, but different names and rental dates. We have encountered a couple of scammers using this ploy with email addresses ending in "gmail.com".
We've also seen multiple scams from England from scammers who pose as a representative for a Christian group that wants to make accommodation bookings. We recommend that you are cautious with this type of inquiry.
We feel it's important that these scams are exposed so that fewer people get taken in by these schemes. Just remember to beware if someone wants to pay for a rental with a cashier's check or money order, particularly in an amount that exceeds your rental charge. If you ever accept this form of payment, it is wise to wait to ensure that funds clear through your bank before any other transaction is made with your renter.
Author, Tamara Camden, http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tips in Preparing a Vacation Property Rental Agreement
I have encountered many vacation home owners who rent without a written contract. They do so at their own risk. Although the majority of vacation renters are very good, and go out of there way to keep your property in order, it just takes one bad renter incident or one misunderstanding that can really spell trouble.
For example, I had an experience where 12 people showed up to rent an island rental home that only specified an occupancy limit of 6 in the advertising and rental contract. A dozen people in a smaller place can put a lot of wear and tear on the property, not to mention utility use. If there had not been an occupancy limit in the contract, it would have been more difficult to enforce, and ask the additional people to find another place. Another reason to have an occupancy limit is to restrict large parties in the vacation home. You many not want renters to hold parties of fifty people in your 4-6 capacity person home for weddings, reunions, etc.
Rely on personal experiences to help customize your contract. Once I had a short-term renter who re-arranged the living room furniture around and put all the knickknacks in the closet. It was a hassle to move everything back to its original order. Now I include the phrase in our contracts, "re-arranging the furniture or decor is not allowed".
As owner of the vacation homes rental website, http://www.rentals2remember.com/ I thought it was important to provide contract tips that may be beneficial to property owners. All rental agreements may differ a little, but there are some items that should be essential to your vacation rental contract:
Payment Terms
Security Deposit & Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy (to include no-shows, late arrivals & early departures)
Check-in and Check-out times
Occupancy Limit
Care of Property, Furniture, Appliances (don’t move furniture around)
Cleaning Policy, Trash Removal
Policy of Keeping Home Secure (locked when away)
Other considerations might be a pet policy or a smoking policy.
I recommend that you always consult with an attorney first to review your rental contract to make sure it is in compliance with local and state government regulations or any association regulations, and to make sure it covers all necessary issues to protect yourself as a property owner.
If you would like to search for vacation home rentals worldwide, please visit our website:
http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
For example, I had an experience where 12 people showed up to rent an island rental home that only specified an occupancy limit of 6 in the advertising and rental contract. A dozen people in a smaller place can put a lot of wear and tear on the property, not to mention utility use. If there had not been an occupancy limit in the contract, it would have been more difficult to enforce, and ask the additional people to find another place. Another reason to have an occupancy limit is to restrict large parties in the vacation home. You many not want renters to hold parties of fifty people in your 4-6 capacity person home for weddings, reunions, etc.
Rely on personal experiences to help customize your contract. Once I had a short-term renter who re-arranged the living room furniture around and put all the knickknacks in the closet. It was a hassle to move everything back to its original order. Now I include the phrase in our contracts, "re-arranging the furniture or decor is not allowed".
As owner of the vacation homes rental website, http://www.rentals2remember.com/ I thought it was important to provide contract tips that may be beneficial to property owners. All rental agreements may differ a little, but there are some items that should be essential to your vacation rental contract:
Payment Terms
Security Deposit & Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy (to include no-shows, late arrivals & early departures)
Check-in and Check-out times
Occupancy Limit
Care of Property, Furniture, Appliances (don’t move furniture around)
Cleaning Policy, Trash Removal
Policy of Keeping Home Secure (locked when away)
Other considerations might be a pet policy or a smoking policy.
I recommend that you always consult with an attorney first to review your rental contract to make sure it is in compliance with local and state government regulations or any association regulations, and to make sure it covers all necessary issues to protect yourself as a property owner.
If you would like to search for vacation home rentals worldwide, please visit our website:
http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
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