Vacation Rentals Today from BETTER Vacation Rentals

Five Questions About Last Minute Lodging Bookings

2011-09-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Reading this piece about how much the booking window (how far in advance a guest confirms the booking) for hotels has continued to decrease raised more questions than I realized I had... "A recent Priceline survey showed that 60 percent of customers with mobile web access booked their stays within 20 miles of their lodging. Of those travelers, more than a third confirmed bookings just one mile from their hotel." according to: Fighting the Incredible Shrinking Booking Window | ehotelier.com News Archives.

1. Is this nuts or what?

2. Or do people just not really care where they stay?

3. Or has the traveling public bought all the press about "last minute deals" during the last 3 years of recession?

4. Or is it because we CAN book last minute as the author suggests?

5. What happens when the economy recovers and there is no room at the inn? Will the quality of service at lodging establishments decrease because management cannot plan staffing adequately?

Bonus Question: When do vacation rental managers get an automated RevPar based pricing model in their property management systems based on mathematical modeling, not our guts? Escapia has a clumsy tool, but it's far from the norm.

10 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Vacation Rental

2011-08-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

10 Questions to Consider Before Renting Vacation Accommodations Direct from an Owner or Property Manager:

Where exactly is your vacation rental cabin, condo, or cottage located? Can I see a map and or have the address? You want to ask details about location, not generalities.
Look at all the photos online and then ask (if it isn't clear) When was this rental last renovated or updated? With this question you are trying to find out if the owner has taken good care of their property. Renovations are not as important as a continual investment.
What are all the fees associated with this vacation rental? Be sure that you know how much you'll be paying for cleaning, tax, security deposit and anything else. Agencies often add on booking fees. Also find out when payments are due and what the refund policy is. Purchase trip insurance if need be.
Do you have an online guest book for your vacation rental (these may be on their website, on TripAdvisor/FlipKey/HomeAway/VRBO - check them all)? Or Do you have any references I can call or email?
Do you have a list of furnishings and amenities in the vacation rental? This will help you plan what you need to bring.
Do you clean or have the place cleaned between guests, or is this something the guests do? What kind of departure cleaning is expected? How do you ensure your place is clean?
Does the rental include parking passes, private beach passes, private country club membership? Or any other pass you might need.
Do you accept PayPal or Credit Cards? These payment methods offer the guest more security if after all your research, the place is fraudulent. Keep in mind that it is up to you, the guest, to make sure your vacation rental by owner or via a property manager is what you expect. Individual owners cannot offer refunds just because you don't like the weather, decor, or the area. Property managers may not be able to move you to an alternative property.
What time can I arrive and what time will I need to depart? What should I bring when I check in?
Last but not least: make sure that you and the owner or property manager complete a clear contract and/or that you read the terms and conditions when you make the reservation online. It is in everyone's best interest to have a record of expectations and the contract.

Meeting Guests' Expectations for Vacation Rentals

2011-08-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I hear potential vacation rental guests worry about the same thing over and over again: confidence that the property will be as advertised. The truth is whether they know it or not, guests worry if the property will be as they expected. I've found that the only time the typical vacation rental guest is unhappy is when the property they rented turns out that it's not what they thought they rented.

Guest expectations are comprised of many factors, only some of which are under the vacation rental owner or manager's control. For example: everyone expects a sunny day when they visit the Palm Springs area, but guess what? It occasionally rains in the winter, and when it does...it really rains. You can't control the weather, but the more information you give guests, the more you can control their expectations, and in turn be a honest AND successful vacation rental owner or manager.

Check out this video our our Palm Desert golf condo from this summer to see what anyone can do with a camera and a computer:

With a 1 minute video, you've shown them what they'll see when they first arrive, where they'll sit outside, what kind of BBQ they'll have, what their views will be, and where they'll be able to have fun (including the size of the pool - there are 46 at Palm Valley Country Club).

I'm Lost or Not?

2011-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Portland Maine sometime after 11:30 PM which is about 12 hours after I left my home in San Diego. My Maine camp is just 45 miles north of Portland, so I set off in the rental car happy to be "home." Alas, there were some obstacles to overcome, minor for me, but major had I been a first time guest to Maine.

It's drizzly and the roads are wet. This instantly makes signs harder to read. First stop: toll plaza: $1 please. Thank goodness for the crumpled up $1s in my purse. Who carries cash anymore? Next stop taking 295 which seems confusing, and another $1 toll.

I had forgotten there are two seasons in this part of the country: winter and construction. As usual there is plenty of road work and signage to distract anyone on this dark night. The lane markers and the lack thereof add to the discomfort. Mind you,I know where I'm going,but it's been 2 years. I'm driving a rental car and still figuring out the windshield wipers and trying to remember I'm heading north with the water on the right instead of south. By the time I get to exit 31 for Topsham I'm Doubting my memory. The local landmarks are reassuring and I'm feeling good. Until the first detour sign for Rte 1 north. I followed the signs faithfully and end up by Bowdoin, fortunately I knew the way from there because the signs disapparated.

By this time it's well after 1 in the morning and the rest of the winding lightless drive seems so much longer than I remember. When I arrive at the end my signs are illegible and the camp as dark as night. I would be very discouraged if I were a first time guest to this vacation rental. All I could feel was "I'm in the middle of nowhere and it's damp & dark. I wonder how our guests ever get there!

VRBO Gouging in most competitive locations?

2011-06-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does anyone else feel gouged by VRBO's pay for photos pricing model. Back when VRBO started out they sorted by listing number, so the older your listing, the higher you appeared in results. If I remember right 4 photos came with that listing. As VRBO grew and technology improved they started allowing more property photos at a price which would give you a higher position among your competition. Listing number still factors in all else being equal. When The competition heated up and the cost to store media came down, the same cycle repeated itself until we got to 16 photos being the max one can buy. I'm in one market where that still puts my listing at #19, even with a low listing number. So for my add I pay approximately $299 base rate plus $29.99/ photo more than 5. That's nearly $330 more to get those photos so I might get noticed. This was almost justifiable...but then came search by availability and more. No longer is it necessary for VRBO to find a way to justify listing rankings since the search algorithms can kick in. Only one thing! VRBO does not use a random appearance algorithm even when guest choose what's important to them. The properties are filtered and then show up by number of photos & listing number.

I ask: Why hasn't VRBO come into the 21st century where photos are free and virtually un limited(because guest want photos)? Why is every last dime squeezed out of the owners who are in the most competitive market places? I feel gouged. Do you.

A Young Adult with Brains

2011-05-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

I just hung up from a follow up call with a guy who clearly sounded 20-30 years younger than me. He lives inland and wants to come to the beach for a weekend with his friends to celebrate his birthday. I didn't ask which birthday, but needed to find out a bit more before I waived my three night minimum for a very "un-busy" weekend in May.

He was real up front that there would only be 6 sleeping there (yeah right "Joey I know you're toasted, but you've got to drive back to Corona because we might get caught with too many people here") because he knew there was a limit. He was also real up front that they'd be partying in downtown Oceanside - which is fine, after all, I understand, I was young once.

I listened, preparing in my head to tell him, "no our 3 day minimum is strict" when he said "hey this is a condo isn't it? I'm a little concerned about someone making noise when they come back to the place." Whew, a young adult with brains. Why make hassle for yourself? I quickly referred him to someone who rents in an area where the neighbors might enjoy a little party on a Saturday night and where he won't be hassled unless his friends don't have any brains! Hope he has a great birthday party and that he'll come back to stay with us when he's having a chill long weekend.

Vacation Rental Surveys: Why They Need to be Resurrected from the Dead.

2011-04-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

I just read a short article by a respected vacation rental management colleague, Michael McFadden, entitled: Do you have a good guest survey? His work is always thought provoking as he caters to the luxury end of the vacation rental market and getting things just right is his business, but his article left me thinking...not about what I want to know from a guest survey (which is the focus of the article), but what information I'm getting from collecting online guest reviews and how does this information serve my goal of providing a BETTER vacation rental experience? This was an "aha" moment, because surveys and reviews aren't the same, and I've been trying to kill two (or three) birds with one stone since the rise in popularity of online vacation rental reviews.

What does an vacation rental owner or manager want to know from a guest:

Why did you choose to stay with us; was your reservation and arrival made easy; were you comfortable; was the place clean; does anything need repair or replacement; do we need to supply something we didn't; can we book your next stay now; will you give us a quotable testimonial?

What a guest wants to be assured of when they read an online review:

Is this vacation rental for real; will it meet my family's needs and expectations of a place to stay; will I be able to reach someone if there is a problem; is it clean; will I get my deposit back without hassle; is the rental safe; is the vacation rental a good value; is the place the same as in the pictures and description; will we enjoy our vacation?

Back in 1999 when I first started with a vacation rental cottage in Maine, my collection of information from guests after arrival came in 3 forms:

A quick phone call to check in on the guest during their stay (satisfied guest's need for being able to reach someone);
A paper and pen guest book left at the property year after year, which I checked at the end of each season (satisfied my need for a quotable testimonial);
A paper survey mailed with a SASE (satisfied all of my other needs regarding guest feedback).

With those three methods, I had the perfect trifecta of information:

Fix any problems the guest was having and answer property or area questions;
A collection of guest thoughts, activities, emotions, while enjoying our property for use in marketing;
Comprehensive information for our own needs regarding why they booked with us, what maintenance we needed, what they enjoyed most, and even what they wished we could improve or provide.

For years, my system seemed perfect. Happy guests. Happy owners. Continually improving property and service. Over 90% of our paper surveys were returned, our guest books filled up, and our phone calls were more like welcomes than anything else. That said, it still took a leap of faith for guests and make the initial booking.

Over the last 12 years things have changed just a little:

guests can now do extensive research and even book online;
scams are easier to carry out with the anonymity of the web;
guest reviews are easily collected and shared online via a multitude of sites and social networks, whether the owner or manager asks for them or not;
guests expect to see reviews from other guests online before they make their decisions;
guests new to vacation rentals are expecting stays to be more hotel like than "old school" guests.

I embraced the world of online reviews. Before TripAdvisor was in the vacation rental marketplace, the big four online vacation rental marketplaces (now owned by HomeAway) supplied a free place for owners to manage calendars and reviews online. We at first entered reviews from our guest books (which of course were all glowing), and later provided the link to leave a review directly to guests. Then a few years ago, FlipKey (who's majority shareholder is TripAdvisor), began offering an easy and free system to collect guest reviews and publish them online. Included in this was a little whisper that yes, TripAdvisor would start carrying these reviews soon. "SIGN ME UP"...without abandon, I was all in. Confident from years of good reviews, with a business platform based on being "Better" (company is BETTER Vacation Rentals after all), and knowing from lodging industry research that quantity of reviews was even more important than quality of reviews, I was happy to quit using paper surveys and guest books. I had already switched to in room questionnaires instead of mailed surveys in an attempt to catch maintenance needs, and the phone call had become intermittent as I grew Better Vacation Rentals from 1 rental, to 3 rentals (by owner), and then to about 25 rentals and a full blown management company.

What I didn't count on was that fewer people would respond to my requests for online surveys (I'd like to know why) and that the surveys would not have the same feel as the in rental guest books. Instead, electronic surveys intended for review publishing seem to elicit less personal and more functional responses, including a list of even the tiniest maintenance issues. My first response was to take it all personally and begin to believe that the company was failing in critical areas like cleaning and maintenance. After today's epiphany, though, I know this isn't the case. We began failing in communication with guests. My zeal for collecting guest reviews for the number of stars and number of reviews (as a marketing tool to satisfy potential guests) left out what I needed for information and what current and former guests needed as a feedback mechanism, while satisfying the needs of only future guests.

Current (in house) guests need a forum to tell you that a lightbulb is out or that the drain ran slowly. To many guests on vacation, these small things don't warrant a call to management or owner during their stay, but when asked in an online survey about cleanliness, maintenance, service...the guest has found an easy forum. A guest review becomes a performance survey and small things end up looking bigger than they are. If a minor issue is cared for properly, instead it's either skipped in a review or turned into a "moment of truth" story. In addition, a third party online review provides a certain level of anonymity and lack of personal relationship that tends to pull out gripes rather than praises. How often do YOU leave glowing reviews vs less than glowing reviews. How many times have you told friends of bad service vs good service? My point exactly...

We're getting it all wrong. Online guest reviews are great. I'll keep collecting them. They are an invaluable source of information for potential guests to vacation rentals and hotels alike. Never, not once, have I personally experience, nor know anyone personally whose experience has been lower than the expectations set by TripAdvisor reviews. However, online guest reviews are NOT enough for the vacation rental industry. We still need guest satisfaction surveys that are used as a feedback mechanism for owners or management, and we still need to touch base with vacation rental guests during their stays to enhance the quality of the stay and let the guests know we are available to them for even the littlest things.

I've stayed in dozens of vacation rentals myself. Some great, some less so. NOT ONE ever called or emailed during my stay, and NOT ONE ever left or mailed a survey for me to complete. Several have asked me to leave reviews (with an easy link) on the vacation rental management site or on a review site like TripAdvisor, HomeAway, or VRBO. I think there is still a lot of room for BETTER achieved via satisfaction surveys and not just reviews. What about you?

When Did Cottages and Camps Become Vacation Rentals?

2011-02-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Midcoast Maine Camp

When the internet was born.

It never ceases to amaze me how few people consider a vacation rental when planning trips. I think they are just uncomfortable with the whole "vacation rental" term. Time to get back to our roots?

You see I grew up in an area with a cottage or camp culture: New England. Although my family never stayed or went anywhere but my grandmother's in Ohio, I was fortunate enough to be the guest of friends' families at Martha's Vineyard, Salisbury Beach, a Maine lake, a ski house in North Conway, and to be friends with the "summer people" from Revere MA who inhabited our own Millville Lake in NH. These weren't the summer places of wealthy people like the Bush's of Kennebunkport nor the glitzy places in todays' ads with granite counters. They were the type of vacation rentals where you didn't flush and shower at the same time. There were three things these camps and cottages had in common with each other and with modern vacation rentals: location, location, location.

Camps and cottages were by nature places to get away from everyday life in cities so they were located on lakes, beaches, and mountains. Whereas historic hotels like the Stanley, Hotel Del, and Wentworth by the Sea are becoming rarer and rarer; waterfront, slope-side, and lake front homes are becoming more available as people with second homes turn to renting out their places.

When I first had a family I had no idea how to find a vacation rental. I knew about Bed & Breakfast's, but with 2 little kids, we weren't very welcome. We couldn't afford waterfront hotels for four and we got tired of trying to lie still in a hotel room while the kids fell asleep (my husband always fell asleep first and bedtime was 7:30). Glossy specialty magazines like Down East and on location real estate offices were the primary sources for securing rentals. Some rental weeks were "passed down" generation to generation.

What's really changed is the ability to find these jewels via the internet and middle class affluence. When my family and I bought a "camp" on the midcoast of Maine in 1999 we put an ad in DownEast magazine and the WantAdvertiser and were full all summer and fall. Within just a few years I was building my own website and advertising on A-1 Vacations and Cyberrentals (predecessors to HomeAway). Now they're celebrating their second SuperBowl ad. No longer do families have to rely on knowing someone in a vacation area to beg a borrowed cottage; they can search online and get TripAdvisor reviews from the comfort of a mobile phone.

Why share this? Because I think it's time folks start thinking about todays' vacation rentals as camps and cottages again. We don't need to be compared to hotels because the cottage (condo, camp, villa, vacation rental) experience is unique. Find a location that can't be beat, hop on your favorite vacation rental site or do a search for " vacation rental," pack up the car and be on your way.

Cottage ON Champagne Pond HI

Here are my family's cottage rentals from our holiday stay in HI: Big Island Champagne Pond Cottage and eclectic Oahu Spare Room with Tropical Outdoor Shower. Were they perfect? Yes and No, but we sure had fun.

HomeAway Launches More than Just a SuperBowl Ad..."it's a bird, it's a plane, wait no, it's a test baby."

2011-02-07T01:29:00.000-08:00

Update 2/8/11: HomeAway issues sensitive apology AND changes their ads and social media campaign. NICE SAVE. Perhaps they should choose to support a preventing child abuse charity too. Read the HomeAway Superbowl Apology

I'll admit it, I'm a bit of a critic when it comes to $3 million dollar ad buys, but even more so when the company doing the buying is an important part of my own advertising plan. On top of that I'm a bit of a vacation rental nerd. Since 1999 I've been immersed in this world of vacation rental ownership, marketing, and management. When HomeAway placed their "Chevy Chase Vacation" ad in 2010's SuperBowl, I was unimpressed, but never the less very excited for vacation rentals to get national attention and press. After all, according to PhocusWright research, only 10% of US travelers even think of a vacation rental as a lodging option. So when word started to leak out and the hype for SuperBowl XLV begain, I was a bit surprised, and excited to hear HomeAway would be launching their second ad for the Big Game, and that it would be interactive and have the potential to go viral in social media (since I'm a social media nerd too). Then I watched the trailer for the ad online.

Hmmm.

HomeAway didn't launch an ad campaign: they launched a "test baby."

Daring! Smushed test baby? British accents in the US? Ministry of Detourism? (I suspect they'll be running the ad across the pond). Not promising. Though I have to admit, I laughed the first time the test baby flung at the glass, even though I'm a very serious mom. I didn't laugh the next time when I watched it on the big screen during the big game. I don't like the ad. I don't think it targets my audience. It feels like it was written by 12 year old boys (kind of like GoDaddy). My guests are a bit more sophisticated and much more family oriented to really think this is funny and want to go book a vacation rental instead of a hotel because of this kind of ad.

Showing a miserable crying baby in a hotel room, waking up the other kid in the hotel room, and the parents trying to have a glass of wine in the bathroom so they don't wake them up would make a commercial that rings true. That's of course because it really is true (Chicago Marriott c.1994). This ad reminds me of the tragic story of a mom recently shooting her two teenagers for talking back. Every mom can at first relate to a mother's frustration with teenagers, but carrying through with frustration with an act of violence? No we get disgusted. The smushed test baby is pretty disgusting (even if we all know it's a test baby and meant to be funny). I don't see how gramps, mom, auntie, or golf buddies getting away are going to connect to that baby and remember vacation rentals supply more space when they make their next lodging choice. Plus smushed has taken on new meaning compliments of Jersey Shore and I have no patience for ad companies that don't properly vet everything.

There is a saying in publicity that no publicity is bad publicity, so at least HomeAway has some definite buzz happening. In fact "test baby" trended on Twitter for quite a while after the commercial.

What do you think? Is this ad a good thing for vacation rental owners and guests? If you are a vacation rental owner, are you excited about the message and buzz? If you are a guest, does this ad call you to take action? Will you play the games online (you can put your face in and choose the baby's fate or put your vacation rental in the ad)? Will you consider a vacation rental for your stay?

Looking forward to the buzz on this launched test baby.

Update 2/7/11

As the buzz comes in I wanted to share some more links with discussion on the HomeAway test baby ad. It looks like a cold blast is coming into Austin.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/02/07/2011-02-07_super_bowl_2011_commercials_top_five_best_and_worst_ads_of_the_game.html

http://www.facebook.com/HomeAway (comments section)

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/babies/story/2011/02/Parents-recoil-at-Super-Bowl-test-baby-ad/43392036/1

http://www.sbnation.com/2011-super-bowl/2011/2/6/1979154/super-bowl-commercials-2011-test-baby-homeaway

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/theticker/entries/2011/02/07/homeaways_super_bowl_ad.html?cxntfid=blogs_statesman_business_blog

http://wallstcheatsheet.com/breaking-news/will-these-super-bowl-ads-make-advertisers-money.html

http://mypostpartumvoice.com/2011/02/06/test-baby-superbowl-commercial/

@LizSzabo is tweeting about the issue and wrote the USA Today article.

http://kelloggsuperbowlreview.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/kellogg-super-bowl-advertising-review-2011-results/

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/02/homeaways-smushed-baby-super-bowl-ad-creates-controversy/141996/1

HomeAway is it all hype?

2011-02-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

View from Palm Desert Golf Condo

I just did an analysis of vacation rental stays in my Palm Desert California vacation rental home for the last 12 months. I've been in this particular market for 5 years now, so I've seen a lot change. Just when you think you have an advertising and marketing plan figured out for your particular location and property(ies), something changes. Like the formation of HomeAway in 2005. They bought up the big 4: Cyberrentals, A1 Vacations, VRBO, and GreatRentals. Next in was vacationrentals.com, and it continued. By 2010 the VRBO and Vacationrentals.com brands were still holding their own identities, but the others were really now distant memories and HomeAway got it's big launch with a SuperBowl ad.

By all measures things are good at HomeAway. Their inquiries are up, I'm told their inquiry per property is up, and the number of homes listed is up. However, as a homeowner, I wondered if they were up for me, since in the past the individual companies that made HomeAway worked.

So here are my top producers for the last 12 months. The numbers are based on revenue generated, not inquiries as I certainly got plenty from all parties.

VRBO 63.5%
FlipKey/TripAdvisor 10.7%
Bettervacationrentals.com 8.9%
Vrconnection 4.6%
Coachella 3.9%
Unknown 3.1%
Craigslist 1.3%
Email Marketing 1.3%
Referral 1.3%
Repeat 1.3%

Keep in mind if we add up Bettervacationrentals, Coachella, Craigslist, Email, Referral, and Repeat we get 17% of revenue generated by efforts under my own control. I truly wish that number were much higher as advertising costs have become out of hand for VRBO because of their charges for photos (which are what sells a listing).

Interestingly 37% of my inquiries were from VRBO, whilst 50% of my bookings were. That's a high quality lead. Ironically, I don't like the payment and listing priority model of VRBO, nor their stiff arm management, but that's another blog post. FlipKey/TripAdvisor for whom I have so much hope yielded 19% of inquiries but only 13% of bookings which means they are a lower quality lead. I noticed that even though my calendars are up to date on both, I received more inquiries via TripAdvisor for dates that were already booked.

How is it, though, that there was not 1 single booking sourced from HomeAway? This is the biggest vacation rental listing site in the world! I received at least 30 inquiries from HomeAway guests in the last 12 months. I should have statistically booked 3 stays if they were an average inquiry source. How can the biggest vacation rental listing site underperform so badly? Is it all just hype? Bad luck? A poor presentation of my property? The wrong customer base?

Finally, should I renew my listing with HomeAway?

Would love to hear. Please weigh in.

Tax Reporting Burden Buried in Health Care Reform Impacts Vacation Rental Owners

2011-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

2/11/11 STATUS UPDATE: According to Accounting Today in the 2/2 issue:
"Senate votes to repeal 1099 reporting requirement
The Senate has approved a measure that would repeal the expanded Form 1099 reporting requirements that were part of last year's health care law. The move has broad support because the Form 1099 rules, which are set to require businesses to report any purchases of more than $600 of goods and services from vendors in a year to the Internal Revenue Service, are expected to increase accounting costs for small businesses. The AICPA supports repeal of the expanded Form 1099 reporting requirements; however, it has asked the Treasury Department for guidance on several pressing issues if the rules are not repealed."

Vacation Rental Owners and Property Managers who pay for goods with cash or checks now have an extra IRS reporting burden in 2011. Our solution: use credit cards for every purchase possible. Unfortunately, we all know that using a credit card is not always possible and often can cost us more as cash prices are often lower because the retailer saves the processing fee.

You should already be issuing 1099s for service providers that are not corporations. Keeping good records and saving receipts just got more important, all at a time when our costs are going up, rentals are still soft, and rates have come down from historical highs...

For an excellent review and explanation of the changes visit HomeAway's Community forum.

Maine Vacation Rental Taxes Explained in New Bulletin

2010-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

Finally a State or City that makes it very clear which vacation rental stays are taxed, what ancillary charges are taxed, and who is exempt. Which one: Maine!

I've owned and managed vacation rentals now since 1999 and in two states, and 4 cities. Only one of these is in the 21st century. Only one of these sends emails when something changes in the code. Only one of these has a real definitive plain language bulletin. Only one of these allows filing and payment online. Yes, it's Maine.

Here's what's important for vacationers (and vacation rental and lodging owners) to know:

Stays of 28 days or more are exempt from tax.
All charges are taxable that are associated with your stay in a room, cabin, vacation rental. These include damage deposits, cleaning fees, pet fees, crib rentals.
If you cancel your vacation stay prior to the day of arrival, your cancellation fee is not taxable. Wait until the day of arrival, and yup, you pay tax on your cancellation fee.
If an owner rents their place out less than 15 day a year then they do not have to collect or pay taxes on those rents.

Mid Coast Maine Waterfront Vacation Rental

Most importantly: If you rent a place in Maine and the owner or manager is not charging you tax on your stay of less than 28 days, it should send up a RED FLAG! If the owner doesn't pay and collect the proper taxes, what else don't they do? Will the place be shut down before you arrive? Are they just out to make a quick buck or do they take their vacation rental seriously?

Maine is my favorite place to visit in large part because I associate it with my personal slice of heaven and because it's so peaceful and in some ways isolated and insulated. That said, Maine is in no way a backward state. Curious about the other state & cities that haven't quite got it together? Yup, California.

I share my little slice of heaven in mid-coast Maine if you care to check it out.

6 Tips For Keeping Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals Friendly

2010-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday we welcome our first furry friend to our first set of pet friendly vacation rentals at the beach. We're looking for input from guests, owners, and managers of pet friendly vacation rentals, hotels, bed and breakfasts to find out what makes lodging pet friendly, and how do you keep it human friendly for those guests who don't bring their pets?

I've stayed in just one pet friendly vacation rental in the last several years at South Lake Tahoe. There were water and food bowls, a dog bone, and a leash. We plan on providing the same plus bags.

Tell us here about your pet friendly needs, experiences, and tips for keeping pet friendly rentals human friendly.

Our Tips for a Good Pet Friendly Lodging Experience:
1. Provide bowls for water and food.
2. Provide a leash.
3. Treat the animal with a treat upon arrival.
4. Pay the cleaner a bit extra when the guest brings pets, and let them know ahead of time that a pet was there.
5. Supply bags for guests to clean up after the pets.
6. Supply a list of dog friendly places in the area (maybe restaurants with outdoor seating, a local dog park, local vet, local pet supply store.

8 Tips to a Great Beach Rental this Year

2010-05-04T12:11:00.001-07:00

Some great tips on getting the right beach rental over on our Oceanside CA and San Diego area blog.

Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams - Shop Smart For Vacation Rentals | Daddy Dewberry

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some interesting points given here. Always good to have some more perspective. A few comments though:
I would recommend FlipKey.com (owned by TripAdvisor) or VRConnection.com for both professionally managed and private vacation rentals managed by owner with plenty of online reviews. I've never REALLY heard of a confirmed bait and switch, but property managers who are members of VRMA are listed on Discover Vacation Homes, and tend to be the best of breed. You might also look to see if the vacation rental property manager is licensed by the state real estate board (we at BETTER Vacation Rentals are even though it isn't required for stays of less than 30 nights, and we have to pass plenty of educational requirements, background checks, and audits). In short: do your research, pay by credit card, and have fun.

Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams - Shop Smart For Vacation Rentals | Daddy Dewberry

Travel Trends for Europe’s Popular Vacation Rental Destinations by Lodging Directory Rentalo.com

2010-02-26T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's interesting to see the stats on European vacation rental guests. I'd love to see the same information for US travelers.

I never would have guessed that Barcelona was a vacation rental (or holiday home) mecca. I think European travelers are much more comfortable with the self catering experience in general and that North Americans have been slower to embrace this fantastic value for travel. I was especially impressed that so many couple going to Paris were looking at the vacation rental alternative. Next time we go to Paris, it'll definitely be in a vacation rental flat. The hotels there are really a very poor value.
To read the entire release go to: Travel Trends for Europe’s Popular Vacation Rental Destinations by Lodging Directory Rentalo.com

Super Bowl Ad Brings Vacation Rentals to Hotel Guests

2010-02-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Did you catch it? Super Bowl 44, 3rd Quarter, 2nd "time out" aka commercial: The Griswolds visited "Hotel Hell" and America was introduced to vacation rentals as a lodging alternative to hotels, at a cost of 50% less than those hotels.

Funny thing is, the HomeAway Video has started to spurn other videos...could vacation rental videos go viral?

Here's a Super Bowl Vacation Rental Ad from the kids of Second Porch's founder:

Here's an ad from VacationRental.org - funny, says banned from the Super Bowl.

Here Escapia, a leading vacation rental management system provide, starts to address what "mainstreaming" of vacation rentals might mean to the professional manager (and owners):
Escapia Blog - Vacation Rental News and Trends: Super Bowl Vacation Rentals

So what do you think? Will guests leave their tiny over priced hotel rooms and flock to vacation rentals? Will these same guests be willing to change their own lightbulbs or empty the trash? What's the best way to position vacation rentals to hotel guests? After all only approximately 10% of US travelers have stayed in vacation rentals in the last year surveyed.(Source PhocuWright)

What to Do When Things Go Wrong in a Vacation Rental or Hotel

2010-02-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

Daniel Craig must have been listening to my mind this morning. I have been mulling over a review (3 star which is not up to our usual standards) that mentioned one of our places (in fact MY place in the desert) was not clean enough. Now anyone that has known me since I've owned and managed vacation rentals wants to yell at me to just "shut up" when I talk about "deep cleaning." In fact my husband made a funny candid video about deep cleaning when I tested my Flip video camera on him last Christmas. So when a guest I just spoke to a few days ago left public reviews that I requested and said the place wasn't clean enough I winced; I lost sleep; I can't stop thinking about it. I've had the same cleaning crew for several years on that property. I pay a lot higher than the going rate for real clean. They deep clean 1 room every time they clean. I replace towels once a year or more. We deep clean at the beginning of the season, end of the season, and every time we visit the place ourselves. We spent thousands upgrading the place, get the upholstery, carpets, and windows cleaned regularly, hire the exterminator, repair everything, and owe more money than the place is now worth... I contacted the cleaners right away, not giving them the benefit of any doubt, but since then I've wondered a couple of things:

1. Why didn't the guest tell me there were dust bunnies under the furniture when I called him? Or better yet when he discovered them? After all we provide free long distance phone service, wifi, and an 800#.
2. Why is the guest looking under the couch instead of golfing or even watching one of the 3 HDTV's? (Insert smiley avatar here and laugh).
3. Do vacation rental guests expect more from vacation rentals than they do from hotels? I've never been in a hotel room as clean as our vacation rentals. I've rarely been in a vacation rental as clean as ours! Plus we are cleaning far more rooms and a kitchen to boot!
4. Why don't guests complain to us when we can fix the problem? If something isn't clean, we'll send a crew out to make it right!
5. If the issue didn't matter enough to mention it to the owner or manage, does it matter enough to leave on a public review site where it will be archived for eternity?

So please dear guests. We take you seriously. We take pride in what we offer. We want to please you. Please treat us fairly and:
Let us know if something is not to your satisfaction.
Contact us at a reasonable hour (since you know we aren't a hotel with 24/7 desk staff) unless it's an emergency.
Be nice.
Be reasonable.
Remember you are a guest in someone's vacation home. You looked at the photos before you came, so if you think the walls should be a different color, perhaps complaining about the color is a bit frivolous.
Relax; you're on vacation. Have fun.

I like the article below from Daniel Craig. It applies to all lodging in my opinion.

What to Do When Things Go Wrong in a Hotel | ehotelier.com News Archives

Shoes That Make Travel Better

2010-01-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

When I departed for a networking event tonight I never dreamed I'd walk out and have to write a post about shoes, but I did! Tonight I discovered a shoe that is only 5.5 oz light: so light you'll think you are barefoot! More importantly these shoes are so light that you can pack them and they won't make your bags rock heavy.

So why do I love these shoes (even though I haven't tried them on...just held in my hands) for travel?

Glagla shoes slip on & off: great for the airport security check point;
These light shoes keep your feet cooler and dryer even without socks;
The shoes dry quickly and come in tons of colors so can go from water, to walk, to casual wear!

If you've read my last blog post on traveling lightly, you know that I think women just bring too many shoes. Not only can this shoe do double and triple duty, you can even cheat and bring these as an extra pair because they are so light!

I'm either going for the understated silver or olive color. What color will you pick?
If you order these, be sure to leave some feedback here after you've worn them a while. It's been some time since I got excited about a shoe. You've GOT to pick these up to believe how light they are.

Disclosure: I am in no way affiliated with The Coolest Shoes in California or GlaGla shoes. I met Christina Davis, who is distributing these shoes in the San Diego area at a networking event tonight where she brought a few samples and just had to share the news with fellow travelers.

Fight Back by Packing Light-Tips to Slay Airlines' Baggage Fees

2010-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure of taking two trips in the last few months with other female traveling companions: one for business and one for pleasure. The trip for business was for just 6 nights and 7 days to a slightly cooler climate to Washington DC with one of my colleagues. The trip for pleasure was with my teenage daughter. My teen was traveling for just under a month to two very different destinations: the city of Cape Town South Africa, and the bush of Botswana-one warm and one hot. I was going for just about 10 nights, 3 spent on airplanes, and just to Cape Town. Can you guess who had the most luggage, heaviest bag(s) and who needs lessons on packing and traveling lightly: me, my colleague, or my teenage daughter?

If you guessed the teen, you were wrong! It's my middle aged, professional colleague! What is it about women and shoes?

First, I forgot to tell her that I didn't rent a car and we'd be catching a subway from the airport to the hotel since it was just a few blocks of walking. However, I did tell her to pack lightly and she has traveled with me before and knows my passion for public transit (and frugality since it's my company). Of course I asked her about the rocks in her suitcase which was fortunately a roll around, but one of those meant for round the world cruise ship journeys, not a week on business in the US. We flew Frontier airlines San Diego to Dulles, and she didn't have to pay a fee... but that was in October. The funniest part for me though, was when we left the subway near the National Zoo, and we had to navigate a few steps and some cobblestones. She laughed as I paid the taxi bill for the ride back to the airport.

I always pack too much. The problem for me is different though. It's a three-fold problem:

I don't want to waste time shopping for necessities when I travel. I want to spend it siteseeing, learning, doing, eating, or sleeping.
I'm a big girl. I can't just buy my clothes as easily or cheaply as the perfect size 8.
I have big feet. Size 11 womens US. Shoes are very hard to find. Comfortable shoes even harder. Comfortable, cute shoes, nearly impossible.

After my last trip to Paris, though, I vowed to lighten up. Even though I can fit everything in a standard rollaboard bag, and not go overweight, 40 lbs is just too much to lug around Paris subways! For me it's not so much about the checked baggage fee, it's about the freedom to move.

My daughter, nearly 17, has been traveling since she was 6 months old. She was never a light traveler since she tended to get cranky easily. However, I did one thing right: as soon as she could walk, she had her own backpack for every trip. She could put whatever she wanted in that pack, but she had to carry it NO MATTER WHAT. I confess dad and I bailed her out a few times, but not often. I knew we had succeeded during that trip to Paris when she was so proud that she needed no help with her bag, when her younger sister just stopped moving! She laughed hardest when my suitcase got stuck in the turnstyle and broke, and she had every right to laugh. This girl managed to pack for a month in two climates and types of trips in one duffle bag and a backpack, and well under the baggage weight! She even lightened the load when we split company, and sent me home with those clothes she didn't need in the bush, and I proudly passed the weight limit with my one duffle bag too. I could have carried on, but I chose to check since I'm old. She even had plenty of room for gifts from Cape Town to Botswana too!

What are the teen's secrets?

Layers: tanks, solid tees, cardigan, light jacket
Only enough clothes for 5 days regardless of how long the trip
Take time at night to wash out undies, socks, and light tops every 3 days which leaves drying time. When we stay in vacation rentals, we use the laundry facilities.
Shoes: 4 pair only: flip flops, hiking boots, Toms (they give 1 pair for every pair purchased)-the 4th pair is optional and were nice leather boots that she could dress up or down - often this would be a pair of heels for nights out
Bottoms: plan on wearing each bottom piece at least 3 times
PJ's sleep in a big t-shirt and yoga pants-they can be used for exercise
1 bathing suit-no matter wear you go

She even managed a sleeping bag this time!

My secrets to add:

Pack a scarf or wrap-you'll be able to use it for warmth or sun protection
Purchase good 3 oz containers for beauty products or just use what your provided
Leave the hair appliances at home and invest in a good style and 1 styling product instead
Put everything out on your bed and then remove at least 1/3 of it
Pack an empty small duffle for anything you purchase enroute
Leave your big purse at home and put the one you do bring inside your carry on
Choose 1 pair of versatile earrings, 1 necklace, 1 bracelet if you must: my colleague had pounds of jewelry
If you are going on a casual or active vacation consider bringing older clothes and throwing them away or donating them before heading home to avoid excess baggage charges on the way home

If you aren't traveling a long haul, wear your heaviest items on the plane: jeans, boots, jacket.

Remember, people manage every day with far less than what most Americans pack in their suitcase for a one week trip.

If you want some more tips, here's the article that inspired me to write this post.
Tips On Traveling Light To Save On Baggage Fees

The Benefits of a Vacation Home-Cooked Meal

2009-11-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

The Benefits of a Vacation Home-Cooked Meal
Traveling doesn't have to mean ruining dedicated diets or budgets

Budgeting for food expenditures during travel to any destination can be almost as difficult as forecasting the week's weather. When staying at a traditional hotel, the challenge is multiplied as travelers face the added expense of dining out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the majority of quality hotels do not offer full kitchens, professionally managed vacation rentals allow guests to enjoy their favorite (and often healthier) meals and snacks, as each property provides a full kitchen stocked with clean utensils, pots, pans, plates and ample cabinet/refrigerator space for food storage.

"For my family, including grandkids, the best part of staying in a vacation rental was having breakfast in our jammies," explains Kathy Ogden, a traveler from Clovis, Calif., who stayed with Monterey Bay Property Management. "We loved the freedom to have meals at our leisure and have home-cooked meals instead of dining out."

Often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space (both for living and dining), amenities, guest services and privacy than other, more traditional lodging options. For answers to common questions, along with additional tips and tools for choosing a rental that fits travelers' needs and budgets, visit Discover Vacation Homes.

Dining on a Dime

The average daily cost for lunch at a full-service restaurant for a family of four is approximately $40.00; dinner prices can jump as much as $6/person totaling $64/day. As the majority of traditional hotels do not offer in-room kitchens or adequate amounts of pantry space, many families are forced to dine out for all three meals per day. Access to a full kitchen adds up to major savings throughout trips of any duration - For example, enjoying cereal for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch, rather than a full-scale restaurant meal, can save enough for additional activities, a nice night out, or more!

Sticking to a Healthy Living Meal Plan

While on vacation, travelers can easily consume more than 4,000 calories a day, translating into an average 5-pound weight gain for a one-week trip. With an in-home kitchen, vacation rental guests are no longer slaves to fast food or other high fat dining options, but are now back in control of their personal menu, allowing them to cook their food, shop for healthy snacks and accurately monitor their caloric intake.

BETTER Vacation Rentals is a member of Discover Vacation Homes and the Vacation Rental Managers Association. We are dedicated to providing professional property management with the pride of ownership associated with "rent by owner" properties. All of our vacation rentals offer fully appointed kitchens. Most have microwaves, full refrigerators, ranges, ample cook and serve ware, and food storage. Many have disposals, dishwashers, full pantries, ice makers, and full gourmet appointments including slab granite counters. We provide all of our guests with common starter supplies like coffee, salt, sugar, oil, and spices, making our vacation rentals and even greater "kitchen value." Perhaps more importantly, our owners and staff choose vacation rentals for their own travel plans for the convenience and cost savings associated with having breakfast, packable lunches, and snacks available at our fingertips!

About Discover Vacation Homes

Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice and an expert resource on behalf of the professionally managed vacation rental industry. As the awareness initiative of the long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), it represents approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America and the Caribbean. Often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space, amenities, guest services, and privacy than other lodging options.

Much of the content in this article was supplied by Discover Vacation Homes, with their permission.

Long term tenants get 60 days notice

2009-10-17T00:50:00.001-07:00

Another reason we prefer to manage vacation rentals...
Gmail - New California Laws for 2009-10 Affecting REALTORS(R) - mkdiperna@gmail.com
"60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenants Extended: Existing law generally requiring a 60-day notice to terminate a month-to-month residential tenant, which was originally slated to sunset on January 1, 2010, has been extended indefinitely. A 30-day notice to terminate is sufficient if the tenant has lived in the property for less than one year, or if the landlord has sold the property and certain requirements are met as specified in our standard-form Notice of Termination of Tenancy (C.A.R. Form NTT). The 60-day notice requirement does not apply to fixed-term leases, such as a one-year lease. Other laws address tenants in properties foreclosed upon. Senate Bill 290."

Why we no longer accept PayPal!

2009-09-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Personally, we were early adopters of PayPal since it made trade on eBay so easy and "secure," so when as soon as we could, we offered PayPal to our vacation rental guests as a payment option. We've always tried to make payment as easy, secure, and convenient as it could be for both us and our guests. For years PayPal seemed like a good answer...
They even backed me, the purchaser, when I received goods "significantly not as described" and the vendor lied and said I'd used the towels, that I returned immediately. Then in June of this year everything changed regarding our experiences with PayPal.

We had a guest who gave us a credit card number, and out of confusion, also paid via the same credit card via PayPal. Not being a regular PayPal customer, nor having spoken with us yet to realize we would reverse the credit card charge right away, she put in a reversal with her credit card company for the PayPal charge. That was the first week of June. We quickly worked out the proper payment with this guest, and she removed her charge back, all within 24 hours. Funny, she still hasn't received her money back from her credit card company via PayPal...for weeks PayPal told her we had the money...now they tell her the credit card company hasn't resolved the charge back. The credit card company, with whom she has a trusted relationship tell her it's PayPal, and now PayPal won't tell her anything because we are their customer and not her...So the poor woman is still out over $1000 and we can't help her, since we didn't get the money.

But wait, there's more...shortly after this charge back occurred, PayPal issued us a form letter that said they had reviewed our account and would NOW BE KEEPING A ROLLING RESERVE OF 20% OF ALL PAYMENTS for 60 DAYS! Mind you, we've had an account with NO chargebacks for many years...WE appealed, and they refused, twice now, to stop. So every payment a guest makes, they hold 20% of the revenue, yet we have to pay the owners without the revenue even in our account yet!

But wait, there's more...we have a PayPal credit card for the business, and one time we paid it twice in the same month...When asked for a credit to our account, we were told NO "we'll issue a check within 60 days."

Basically, PayPal is using our money, and floating it. While it may not be illegal, we won't stand for it anymore.

Unfortunately, we all lose. For the lack of this convenient payment option, PayPal, we apologize, but we are voting with our dollars and will not allow PayPal to stomp on us (or our customers) any more.

#paypalfail

Vacation Rental Websites for Owners and Property Managers | EasyBroker Blog

2009-06-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Finally... a comprehensive list of places to list vacation rentals on the web. Great tool for vacation rental owners, vacation rental managers, and vacation rental guests!

Vacation Rental Websites for Owners and Property Managers | EasyBroker Blog

Travel Alert Mexico - Oceanside CA Vacation Rental to Provide Special Lodging Packages to Anyone Canceling Mexico Plans Between Now and 5/14/09

2009-04-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Due to the current Travel Alert and fears of Swine Flu associated with travel to Mexico, BETTER Vacation Rentals announces today, 4/28/09, that to anyone holding airline tickets or hotel reservations dated 4/27/09 or earlier for travel to anywhere in Mexico from 4/28-5/14/09, we will offer the following specials in Oceanside CA for stays from 4/29-5/14/09. Proof of Mexican travel plans will be required.
Stay 3 nights, get one free.
Stay 5 nights, get two free.
Stay 7 nights, get three free.

Call 1-800-277-2734 or www.BETTERvacationrentals.com for your reservation and mention our "Mexican Relief Packages"

The current Travel Alert is copied below. Please check the latest at the state department.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

This information is current as of today, Tue Apr 28 2009 16:51:44 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time).

MEXICO

April 28, 2009

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 influenza(“swine flu).” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 27 issued a notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. CDC’s notice also suggests precautions that travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico, provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area where cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported, and recommends measures travelers should take following their return from an area that has reported cases of H1N1 influenza. The complete CDC notice can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ . Please check this site frequently for updates. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert dated April 27, 2009 and provides updated information on closings of schools and commercial venues in Mexico and U.S. consular operations throughout Mexico. This Travel Alert will be reviewed and updated as necessary, and is valid until further notice.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities.

The Government of Mexico has announced that as a precautionary measure, all schools throughout Mexico from kindergarten through university level will remain closed until May 6. All government-sponsored events involving large crowds have also been canceled, and museums and most tourist attractions are closed. During an April 28 press conference, the Mayor of Mexico City announced that all establishments where large numbers of the public gather will be closed, including restaurants, bars, discos, night clubs, movie theaters, gyms, and convention centers. The Archdiocese of Mexico City has also closed Catholic churches for services.

Effective April 28, all nonimmigrant visa operations at all consular posts in Mexico will be suspended until May 6. American citizen services are restricted to passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and emergency services. Please refer to Embassy Mexico’s web page at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/main.html for the latest information on closings and service reductions. Immigrant visa appointments in Ciudad Juarez will be cancelled for the week of May 4th. Further information on rescheduling visa appointments is available on Ciudad Juarez’s web page at http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/ .

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not H1N1 influenza. Any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Mexico City medical authorities are urging people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals can be centers of infection; instead, those with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians to avoid potential exposure. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following links: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish) http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)

More Competition in the Vacation Rental Marketplace. Good for Guests or Not?

2009-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

According the the National Association of REALTORS latest Investment and Second Home Buyers Survey (March 30, 2009), 27% of second home buyers now plan to offer these homes for rental. In 2005 this figure was only 14%. That's good news for people who want to stay in vacation rentals for their next getaway. Or is it?

What's Good About More Second Homes in the Vacation Rental Market for Guests:
-more selection for the guest
-more supply usually means lower rents due to increased competition

What's Bad About More Second Homes in the Vacation Rental Market for Guests:
-lower rents mean less money for the home owner to invest in amenities, maintenance, and cleaning
-when rents do not cover ownership expenses, more vacation homes in foreclosure; will it be the one you rented?
-less experienced owners doing vacation rentals by owners may mean a poorly managed vacation rental experience

Like any travel accommodation choice it comes down to doing your homework. There are some tools for the traveler now that can make doing homework easier.
1. Find a trusted source of vacation rentals. How?
a. This can mean using the same management company or owner year after year, and asking them for referrals when you go somewhere new (many experienced owners travel themselves and are active in online groups so they may "know" more people than you realize."
b. Use a service that specializes in vacation rental homes and let them do the leg work for you. Specialists are popping up all over the place and with online connectivity, it's easy to find them. I personally like the business model of Beach Vacation Rental Scout because I met the owner through Twitter and she actually stayed in one of my rentals before publishing her profile on BETTER Vacation Rentals and actually stays in the rentals she recommends. The owner is a professional freelance hotel reviewer so she knows her stuff.
c. Vacation Rental Managers Association "VRMA" - members of this association represent just a fraction of professional vacation rental managers so you will typically find that they are specialists and committed professionals. Get ready for their launch of Discover Vacation Homes shortly which will make it easy for guests to search for professionally managed rentals.

2. Read Real Guest Reviews. There are a plethora of web sites out there where anyone can list a vacation home for rent. Not all homes, owners, or managers are created equal, though most are honest and have good intentions. See what other guests have to say. My favorite site for these reviews is also my first stop for any travel choice I make: TripAdvisor. Through a recent partnership with FlipKey, TA has brought vacation rental reviews to the masses and they are working with both property managers and individual homeowners. Hint: search first for the location in TripAdvisor, then on the tab "Vacation Rentals." FlipKey verifies that the guests actually stayed...so no fake reviews. If you cannot find the home you are looking at on TA you will probably be able to find reviews on the owner or managers' listing sites as well as all of the major portals for rent by owners. Personally, I'd ask the owner or manager why they aren't on Trip Advisor - it shows a dedication and a no fear approach to guest reviews. For a sample look at my Oceanside CA beach condo reviews.

More vacation rentals - good or bad for consumers? Generally good. Just do your homework.

What Happens if You Leave Something Behind at a Vacation Rental?

2009-04-27T09:44:00.001-07:00

What happens if you leave something behind at a vacation rental where you've just stayed?

We all know it happens. You've checked everything twice; you've done a walk through of that great condo or vacation home that you have to leave; everything is in the rental car or the SUV or minivan; off you go to the airport or home.

Then the pit in your stomach hits. Maybe it's 30 miles down the road and it's too close to your flight time to turn back. Maybe it's when you are unpacking your bags and you realize the phone charger isn't there. Maybe it's on Monday morning when your teen sheepishly admits he left all his clothes in the drawer...but it happens to everyone sometime...you left something behind.

This should be a Frequently Asked Question by guests to property managers or owners when booking a stay (or even to hotels if you still squeeze into those): what do you do if we leave something behind?

The answer should be: we box it up and mail it to you of course!
The answer should not be: no one ever leaves anything behind (someone is taking the loot and keeping it for themselves).
The answer should not be: we put it in a lost and found box and will mail it out if you notice it's missing and ask us too.
The answer should not be: we mail it back to you after you send us a check (or we charge your credit card) for shipping.

What is our answer at BETTER Vacation Rentals:
1. If we already found the item: we'll have it in the mail to you tomorrow (or the next business day if it isn't already).
2. If we didn't find the item: we ask where you think it may be and we will send someone in as soon as the current guest departs.
3. In the case that the item is urgent (a medical device or cell phone for example) we will contact the current guest and retrieve the item for you and express it to you.
4. We don't charge for this lost and found service within reason. Since 1999, there is only once that we have charged, and that is for something that had to be sent to Mexico City.

Now for some fun! Here's a list of some of the items found (but not always claimed):
-phone chargers, camera chargers, chargers of all kinds (always plugged into the wall)
-DVDs
-cameras
-sleep apnea equipment
-lingerie (clean and dirty)
-full drawer of clothes
-travel alarm
-travel flashlight
-family reunion photo
-clothing (usually hanging on the back of a bathroom door or in a closet)
-game boy
-socks under beds
-medications left in medicine cabinets
-personal sundries/full sundry bags
-sweatshirt with all of the grandchild's hand prints
-CD's
-wallet full of cash and credit cards

So with your next trip, ask your host: What happens if I leave something behind? Their answer will be very telling of the type of operation they run...

Tight Budget? Save Big With Vacation Rentals - SmarterTravel.com

2009-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

GREAT ARTICLE ON VACATION RENTALS - FINALLY:

Read the whole thing at this link:Tight Budget? Save Big With Vacation Rentals - SmarterTravel.com: "Tight Budget? Save Big With Vacation Rentals
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff - March 9, 2009

Cottage RentalIf your idea of a vacation consists of staying in a private cottage on an island, then look no further than Nantucket. This New England island offers the best of both worlds with its quaint downtown area filled with shops and fine dining, and miles of white, sandy beaches. Cottages typically rent by the week, and can start at about $750. This can be the perfect getaway for those who want to escape from it all, and be completely self-sufficient. (Photo: iStockphoto)

If you've never stayed at a vacation rental before, this may be the year to try one. Economical, spacious, and often in stellar locations, vacation rentals can be an ideal money-saving option for all types of travelers. In these tough economic times, finding a great property that matches your taste and budget can be only a few clicks away.

'Most people always save when going the vacation rental route, especially in a group of four or more,' says TJ Mahony, CEO and co-founder of SmarterTravel sister site FlipKey.com. 'And they can be some of the nicest accommodations around.'"

Love - It's in the Towel Origami!

2009-03-05T10:51:00.002-08:00

Who needs the Four Seasons anyway?

We've had the great fortune to work with Sue Strandberg of The Final Touch in Oceanside CA. She came to us this fall just when we were in search of a sort of quality control and detail person for our vacation rentals at the beach in Oceanside. Sue's attention to detail was just the missing piece we were looking for to help make the promise of a "BETTER" Vacation Rental come to life. What do you think? Has she done it? Enjoy these photos of some towel origami (she taught herself from a YouTube Video) that she leaves for our guests in Oceanside CA. You won't get this at the local hotels or motels - and certainly not in our price range!

Call 1-800-277-2734 or go to BETTER Vacation Rentals for reservations to make your next holiday memorable.

Groups? Endured or Embraced? BVR Embraces.

2009-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's a conversation I've heard among vacation rental owners and managers many times: "We don't like family reunions. Weddings are too hard. Our stuff all gets mixed up with other condos' stuff."

We at BETTER Vacation Rentals disagree. Groups are more work, but groups are important. Groups mean memories in the making. We embrace them. We help them rent condos from other owners and agents, we set them up to rent the party room, we retrieve our towels from the other condos.

Here are some good posts on the subject:

Groups? Feared or Endeared by You? | The Pulse of Online Vacation Rentals: "Read the article: Big spring break group? Try renting a house!

“It was the perfect option. With a full kitchen, our meals weren’t subject to the whim of the hotel restaurant, especially when it came to the demands of two toddlers who preferred boxed mac-and-cheese over fish tacos. Everyone had their own room and bathroom. No bunking up. No fighting over who got to shower first before the wedding.
And, with a full house, it turned out to be a cheaper and more flexible option than most hotels.
We could hang out with the wedding guests at Costa Azul’s pool, or wander home and relax with homemade margaritas on our rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. “

…..we know all the reasons……Now I insert the challenges.

1. The only option for finding a vacation home that is mentioned in the article is www.vrbo.com . Unfortunate. WE as a vacation management industry need to step on the gas to get the vacation home management company message out there.
2. Groups are often feared by many of us. They definitely require more due diligence and care to ensure proper care for the property, limiting liabilities, and ensuring safety."

Lodging for Coachella and Stagecoach Still Available

2009-01-18T11:12:00.001-08:00

Coachella - Official News
COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2009 SET FOR APRIL 17, 18 AND 19;

STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA'S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 26

Goldenvoice has confirmed the dates for this year's COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL--Friday, April 17, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19--to be followed a weekend later by STAGECOACH: California’s Country Music Festival, set for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. The two critically acclaimed events will again take place at the breathtakingly beautiful Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA, the same grounds where the COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL debuted in 1999.

Additional details about both the STAGECOACH and COACHELLA line-ups and ticket sales will be available in the coming months.

Lodging for both Coachella and Stagecoach is still available in Palm Desert at Palm Valley Country Club - approximately $300/nt - sleeps up to 6 people. Responsible adults 25 and over only - no party houses! If I'm booked - I will provide referrals until all condos are booked that I used to manage.

Obama's Choice for Lodging? Vacation Rentals of Course!

2008-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

According to the Associated Press, President Elect Obama has stayed in Oahu vacation rentals at least twice in 2008 while staying on the island with his family. Oahu is where Obama grew up, and it makes sense he'd bring his family back there on vacation. Who wouldn't? What many people don't realize, is that he doesn't have an estate, and the US government doesn't have on there. Often President's will stay on local military installations, but for a family...is that really a vacation? It's hard enough with all the needed security for them. I don't envy them as a family, but I am happy for them that they could stay in this beautiful estate. It's far higher priced than we could afford (and unless I'm terribly naive that the Obamas could afford until recently), it's a great option for them. To see more about the house take a look: Oahu Vacation Rental for Obama family Christmas 2008

To see a bit more about his stay and the history of the home (notice how the media focuses on the fact it's a $9mm house, but not on the rent for his stay) at APNews from The Associated Press: "Obamas rent beach home in low-key Hawaii town

Later news posts have Obama working every day but Christmas, working out at the local Marine Base gym, having a power outage (generators on site for him), and dealing with paparazzi.

Vacation rentals: Gunning for the leisure hotel shopper

2008-11-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Lot's and lots of vacation rental press now coming out after PhocusWright 2008 and the upcoming ground breaking vacation rental industry research report.

Read more: Vacation rentals: Gunning for the leisure hotel shopper: "Vacation rentals: Gunning for the leisure hotel shopper

November 18, 2008 | Online Travel

OTAs take notice. Hotels watch out. And online travelers… get ready for an upgrade. The vacation rental marketplace is gearing up to go after all of you, according to PhoCusWright."

Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations - Great Resource

2008-11-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

Condé Nast Traveler: "Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations
by Wendy Perrin | Published June 2008 | See more Condé Nast Traveler articles ›
Travel photo: Concierge.com
Affordable Villa Vacations

* Worldwide Guide to Affordable Villa Vacations
* Wendy's Rolodex ›
* Villa Rental Guide Worksheets ›

An unfavorable exchange rate need not turn a dream rental into, well, just a dream. With the challenge of stretching the weak dollar in Europe, Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin honed strategies for getting the most value out of a villa vacation. She shares her field-tested tips—and renders the process foolproof with a directory of 50 villa rental specialists who hold the keys to an array of properties on six continents, from modest beach cottages to opulent castles"

Vacation Rentals as Corporate Housing, Medical Housing, Military Housing-Why Not?

2008-11-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

I've always called the condos and homes that I rent out "vacation rentals," but that may really be a misnomer. Today, in our "off season" (though in Southern California the term is relative when you are from Nebraska), out of 9 guests in our beach condos, not one of them is here on vacation, at least not officially:

-We've got 2 Marines recently home from Iraq acclimating to life back in the States - one looking for work, and one looking at Camp Pendleton
-One young Marine family getting to know each other again after deployment to Iraq
-One family who was awaiting and is now helping their child to recover from heart surgery at nearby Sharp Medical Center
-One couple who work locally, but haven't found permanent housing yet and find it nicer and more affordable to live at the beach than to buy in North San Diego County
-A new teacher at Oceanside High School who didn't have time to find an apartment when she got hired and who didn't know the area well enough to know where to live
-A medical device engineer who is just transferred from Chicago who is waiting until the school year is out to move his family, but wants room for them to come visit him
-Just two vacationers: - one from the drive in market, and one family from Italy

Now, in the summer, our short term rentals are generally too expensive for those who need to spend a month or more because of our proximity to the beach. They are still a great value for those who would normally stay in a hotel and have more than two people though.

What makes an off season vacation rental such a perfect match for interim housing solutions? Space, amenities, location, and price. For example a one bedroom one bath condo at the beach rents for $1500-$2000/mo ($50-70/night) and provides 760 square feet of space, cable TV, beach location, less than 1 mile to the 5 Freeway and the train (Amtrak, Metrolink, Coaster, Sprinter), usually high speed wireless internet, a full kitchen and ocean or garden views. Top that off with free underground parking, fitness facilities, pools, spas, and beach side - why would anyone stay in a hotel? Truth be told...with the exception of June-August - vacation rentals are the perfect answer to corporate housing. See what some owners are doing and why at:

Some owners rent out homes as corporate housing - USATODAY.com: "As the housing slump drags on, homeowners unable to sell their properties are taking an unusual approach. Instead of taking in long-term renters, many are offering unsold properties as fully furnished rentals for corporate housing.

Since these leases are typically short term, homeowners can easily put their property back on the market should buying activity increase.

Companies benefit because renting private homes can be cheaper and more desirable than traditional corporate housing options."

Vacation Rental Site Raises $250 Million - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

2008-11-11T01:01:00.000-08:00

Get ready to see a LOT more from the giant HomeAway.

Vacation Rental Site Raises $250 Million - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com: "To make the investment worthwhile for the venture capitalists, HomeAway will have to eventually sell itself for a high price or raise a lot of money in the public markets. “Everybody believes that’s very doable,” Mr. Sharples said. The company has lots of room to grow, he said — there are between 3 million and 4 million homes for rent in the United States and Europe, and HomeAway lists only 325,000 of them. The vacation rental marketplace in the United States is valued at $24 billion, according to travel industry research firm PhoCusWright, and the market in Western Europe is about the same size, according to research firm Illuminas."

Practical Traveler - Readers Sound Off on Private Rentals - NYTimes.com

2008-11-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of press for vacation rentals lately. An October article in the NY Times received some pretty strong response from rent by owenrs, but the nice thing that came out was a good discussion. As an owner, traveler, and manager, I've found that making a good match between the guest and the property is the key to a successful vacation rental. Read what others think at:Practical Traveler - Readers Sound Off on Private Rentals - NYTimes.com: "Regardless of whom you rent from, communication is the key. “Communicate with the agency or owner often — let them know your priorities, ask questions and get references and pictures,” offered a reader named Kathy from California, who said she has rented in various parts of Europe, and “you will learn quickly who is responsive and on top of things. Many people who rent really love their properties and locations and are happy to give you the scoop.”

Making a priority list of what you’re looking for in a rental can also be useful, she noted: “Are you looking top notch accommodations? A good location? An inexpensive place? A kid-friendly place?”

Travelers can also learn a lot from a vacation rental ad, if they know what to look for. A lack of interior photos can be a clue that something’s not quite right, a reader with the screen name, “nyc10012” pointed out, adding:

“Make a point of asking a question in your first query to the owner — did you get a quick and reasonable reply to your question? If not, trust your instinct and keep looking.”"

Oceanside vs Encinitas and Del Mar - What a Bargain!

2008-11-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

As a business person in Oceanside (vacation rentals) at first I resented the 10% transient occupancy tax our guests have to pay. Then as I became more involved I began to understand that a good portion of that money does go back to making Oceanside a good tourist destination. Yes, 10% is hefty...but wow, it looks like a bargain compared to the 13% that Del Mar is now going to levy! and the money isn't even for tourist related impact! Oceanside has always been an excellent value, but now we are 3% less expensive before you even consider rent differences!

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Politics -- Measures to raise North County tourist taxes appear on track: "NORTH COUNTY – Ballot measures aimed at raising taxes on tourists in two North County cities appeared to be on track to pass as early returns were counted Tuesday night.

Del Mar voters also showed overwhelming support for the first major commercial development in the village area in two decades.

The tax increase proposals are in Del Mar and Encinitas."

When Your ‘Flip’ Flops: 5 Tips for Offering Your Investment Property as a ‘Vacation Rental’ | RISMedia

2008-11-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

The authors of this article, the Glossbrenners are well respected in the vacation rental by owner industry. The thing to remember is that those markets where your "flip flopped" are the same markets where now the general rental and vacation rental markets are flooded. Although renting your investment out will certainly help with the cash flow, and maybe even break even, don't expect to get rich quick. This is real work, and takes a real commitment to do it right. Their tips are sound for getting a start. You may also want to consider hiring a professional to manage the place for you.

When Your ‘Flip’ Flops: 5 Tips for Offering Your Investment Property as a ‘Vacation Rental’ | RISMedia: "When Your ‘Flip’ Flops: 5 Tips for Offering Your Investment Property as a ‘Vacation Rental’

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By Alfred and Emily Glossbrenner

RISMEDIA, Nov. 10, 2008-You remember the news stories: People buying condos in Florida, Nevada, California, and other hot markets and “flipping” them for a fat profit before even a single spade of earth had been turned. Then everything went crazy, and hundreds of thousands of investors were stuck with new bricks-and-mortar properties that no one would buy.

Fortunately, for many, there’s a very palatable alternative: offering those properties as vacation rentals or “VRs.”

As hard as it is to believe, there may be a silver lining to the current turmoil. First, people will always take vacations. But now they’re more likely to stay on U.S. soil. Second, with their full kitchens, washer/dryer laundry rooms, swimming pools, and other amenities, vacation rentals not only offer much more space than a hotel, they are much more"

Renting a Villa, Not a Dump

2008-11-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

Althought I'm thrilled to see vacation rentals getting a lot of mainstream press lately, what is so discouraging is the sensational headlines like this one that the Wall Street Journal use.

Regardless, the article is a good one to read for those in the business and those considering renting a vacation home from a stranger for the first time. I was at the Vacation Rental Managers Association meeting last week and learned that finally, TripAdvisor is going to have a good medium for reviews of vacation rentals. I've been routinely writing emails and begging them for a few years now! The fact is, most guests at vacation rentals would come back again according to some new research - incredible satisfaction ratings can be found in this business!

So, relax, read the whole article (there's just and excerpt here, and start looking for an affordable alternative to hotels for your next vacation.

Renting a Villa, Not a Dump - WSJ.com: "Renting a vacation home may be cheaper and provide more space and privacy than the typical hotel room, but some travelers still hold back for fear of falling victim to the phenomenon industry insiders call SNAD: significantly not as described. You know, the property that looks like a slice of paradise in the photos, but when you get there, it's all leaky roof, blocked views and bad plumbing.

What advice would you give travelers considering a vacation rental? Have you rented a vacation home or condominium? What was your experience, and would you do it again? Share your thoughts.

Now, hospitality companies are trying to find ways to make booking a vacation rental less mysterious and more reliable, to compete more directly with the familiar brand-name hotel experience. The industry is also betting that the often lower cost of staying in a vacation home will hold particular appeal as the economy heads south.

Homeaway Inc., the world's largest vacation rental booking company by the number of properties listed, is moving to increase reliable user reviews on its Web sites, so potential renters can have more confidence in their choices. Tripadvisor, a unit of Expedia Inc. that is the market leader in hotel user reviews, plans to add vacation-rental reviews to its site by the end of the year.

Other companies are trying to make"

Private owners leave light on for you -- chicagotribune.com

2008-09-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Private owners leave light on for you -- chicagotribune.com: "Private owners leave light on for you

Mary Umberger
September 14, 2008

When Christine Karpinski visited downtown Chicago on a business trip a few weeks back, her lodgings were definitely on the luxe side.

'I had a gorgeous, corner view from the 32nd story, wireless Internet, big flat-screen TV, plush linens and towels,' she said. She also had a full kitchen with granite counters and access to a washer and dryer. The building had a gym and a pool.

She wasn't at a hotel. She was in a privately owned, two-bedroom Gold Coast condo rented out by its owner for $275 a night."

5 Hottest and Coolest Real Estate Markets

2007-05-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

To buy or not to buy? That is the question...

Time to look at Florida property? Or is that market still too saturated from recent speculation? Sure would like a vacation home and rental in the southern gulf area?

Weigh in on the changing markets, and if there are any good spots to invest other than the stock market today.

RealEstate.com – 5 Hottest and Coolest Real Estate Markets: "What are the hottest and coldest real estate markets in the country? According to the February 2007 National Association of REALTORS® home sales report, the percentage change in the median sales price of existing single-family homes between the fourth quarter of 2005 and the fourth quarter of 2006 was as follows:

Metro areas that increased in value the most in 2006
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey +25.9%
2. Salt Lake City, Utah +22.7%
3. Trenton-Ewing, New Jersey +18.9%
4. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas +15.1%
5. Salem, Oregon +14.9%

Metro areas that dropped in value the most in 2006
1. Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Florida –18%
2. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida –17%
3. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida –11.7%
4. Springfield, Illinois –10.4%
5. New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, Louisiana –9.3% "

Setting Expectations and Truth in Renting

2007-04-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity today to have a lengthy discussion with an property manager at North Coast Village in Oceanside, CA today while waiting for a refrigerator delivery (one of the thrills of owning a vacation rental). We were discussing demand, pricing, advertising, honesty, and disclosure. Demand for 2 bedroom units is strong in all categories as there is a product and price for every person and every budget. Some guests want their units to be top of the line in all aspects, and some are happy to just be staying in a property that has great amenities and sits on the sand. The key to guest satisfaction, we both agree, is setting guest expectations.

Calling a noisy unit quiet is a mistake as is touting a dated unit as luxury. Not everyone wants to pay for a full ocean view and plasma TV, but everyone wants to get what they EXPECT. I'll never forget those guests who expected something that I didn't provide in a property: an icemaker, air conditioning, a TV in the bedroom? Did I somehow lead them to believe these were at the rental? Or did I just not mention the lack of these amenities? I'll also never forget the photos the hotel in Nice France that lead me to believe they were on the water, but were in fact across a busy street. The truth is, most property managers, marketers, and owners try very hard to be truthfull, but finding out the guest's expectations as well as setting those expectations is the key to success in vacation rentals!

Vacation Rentals for Profit Seminar - February 2007

2007-02-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Joe Godar from www.ivacationonline.com has launches his vacation rental education series with "Vacation Rentals for Profit" in Cincinnati, OH as well as his new book.

See the press release on Vacation Rentals for Profit.

If you are thinking about renting out your own vacation home or considering using a property managment firm, and live in the Cincinnati area, it looks like a worthwhile seminar.