Comments on: Advanced vacation rentals: 9 things to know

By: Thomas Stone

Thomas Stone — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:17:06 +0000

Vacation rentals are GREAT alternative to hotels. I only travel by way of vacation home! There are so many fantastic sites out there that make finding the perfect rental super easy. One site I came across, that I actually really like, isMetroFlats.com. Check these guys out, the site looks very easy to use and even lets users post their own vacations homes/properties.

By: Dave Ness

Dave Ness — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:51:57 +0000

As someone who has rented vacation rentals and owns VR property which we manage ourselves I would like to see our industry become more efficient on the booking side but keep the personal touch of renting a VR. I feel so passionate about this that I and others have developed a management tool for VR owners that not only saves them time but also results in faster response to the guest, accurate calendars, an immediate response when dates are taken and the ability to pay by credit card in a very secure fashion. Sure, we expect to make money at this business but we also have an objective to improve the process for owners and guests. http://Www.snapvr.com

By: Vikki Woods

Vikki Woods — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:37:20 +0000

I have been in the B&B business for over 12 years and in the vacation rental business for 5. My guests have become friends and have taken very good care of my homes. They are all welcome to return.
But I also live in the town where my rentals are and I’m on call 24/7 if there are problems. So for those who are looking at out of town owners, be sure the owner gives you the name of a local person to call in case of problems. AND the owner should give you her/his number in case of problems so he/she is aware of them and can make sure the problems are solved quickly,.

By: Big news day for vacation rentals and for social media « Second Porch: Rent & Trade Vacation Homes

Fri, 28 May 2010 19:04:19 +0000

[...] And lastly, Christopher Elliott has a nice write up and features Second Porch in his 3rd tip: http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/advanced-vacation-rentals-9-things-to-know/ [...]

By: Sol

Sol — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:46:41 +0000

Great article! Once you have found a reliable site or agency it turns out to be quite easy! For me that has been the clue! Since I doscovered and tried guesthousenetwork.com my vacations are all about enjoying!

By: Tim L.

Tim L. — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:18:09 +0000

As someone who has been on both sides of the transaction, it’s the responsibility of both parties to do their homework. And if it’s a bad fit, the owner has to be willing to say no. Less short-term gain, but also less pain that way. This is a great checklist. 30 people though? That’s a royal coordination pain.

By: David

David — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:10:04 +0000

Thanks for a well-written and informative article. I want to point out that if you are renting from a licensed rental company, in most states they must be licensed real estate companies, which means they have to escrow all monies until the guest departs, whereas individual owners have no legal requirement to do so, so if you rent from an Owner, be sure to only pay by credit card, or even better, by PayPal, which doesn’t require giving your credit card info to a stranger.

Also, if you are the property owner, and want guests to be sure to repect your house as a “home”, a few well-placed family photos help people to realize that this is a home, not a “rental property”. Also, a guest book for people to sign and leave memories of their stay, plus a notebook full of local restaurant, shopping and activities helps guests appreciate the hospitality you are sharing.

And last, a great new source to locate professionally managed beach houses, beach condos, and luxury mountain cabins in the Southeast USA can be found at BestSoutheastRentals.com.

Hope this helps,
David in Dauphin Island, AL

By: Karen Fawcett

Karen Fawcett — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:31:22 +0000

Marge: to answer your question, you are perfectly entitled to interview potential tenants as well. And don’t think they’re be put off because if they are, you really don’t want them anyway. I have rented properties in France and have found that if you speak to people, they understand your property is special and not simply a flop house furnished solely to generate rental income.

And BTW – some have my worst experiences have been renting to friends (or friends of friends). SOME feel they can take advantage because of “friendship.”

Always draw up a contract specifying conditions and how many people may occupy the premises.

And Chris – my teeth shutter when I hear the words a vacation for 30 people! Be still my heart!

By: marge

marge — Thu, 27 May 2010 10:42:51 +0000

Now if we could only hear the flip side! How does one find responsible, caring renters for a cherished family cottage? We plan to start renting ours – a beauty on Lake Michigan – a few weeks a year but we’re obviously leary of renting to total strangers.