Tips for Saving Time and Enhancing Communication

Vacation Property Owners Checklist:

1. Answer rental inquiries in a timely fashion (usually 24 hours is acceptable).
2. Develop a website for your property to address as many questions as you can think of: rates, availability, lots of photos of the property – inside and out, frequently asked questions, amenities, activities, area attractions, maps, driving directions, lease agreements, rental packets, etc. – this will save you time in the long run when you can direct the renter to your site to answer questions first.
3. Email the renter a rental agreement with as much information as you have available i.e. phone, email, name, dates, etc. – they don’t always complete all the information and this saves you time when you have to mail keys, deposits, etc. – its all on the computer on the original rental agreement you sent.
4. Email the renter packets of information: Welcome letter with confirmation of reservation, house rules, driving directions, restaurants, important phone numbers, inventory checklists & receipt of deposit with balance due.
5. Email reminders of when the full balance is due.
6. Get a key box and email the code or check into an electronic keybox – a bit pricey but worth it in the long run.
7. Mail keys if necessary with check-out list & contact numbers to call if they have questions upon arrival.
8. Upon departure, get a full report from the cleaning service.
9. Mail security deposit with thank you and reminding them to bookmark your property for next year.