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Christine Karpinski, Director of the Owner Community at HomeAway.com I have found one problem where I actually (possibly for the first time in my life) mumbled the words, “This would be easier if I had a property manager!” Let me set the stage: I have owned and rented vacation homes for well over 10 years. I have successfully managed all sorts of problems, even from afar. I’ve encountered damage from hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes. I’ve had refrigerators, heaters and air conditioners suddenly conk out. I’ve had to replace supplies such as towels, glasses and trash cans. All of these problems were rectified with a few simple phone calls.  But this is the first time I have run up against a problem that I found difficult to handle from a distance. The big disaster? I had a TV go out at one of my Tennessee cabin rentals. Although this seems like a relatively simple problem to resolve, it ended up driving me absolutely crazy.
...Read more in Christine's weekly vacation rental blog


>Christine Karpinski
Vacation Rental Security Deposit FAQs
Answers to common questions about security deposits.
>Getting Started
  How to Market Your Vacation Home to Golfers
Learn how to attract golf enthusiasts to your vacation rental.
>Advertising & Networking
What is a Reasonable Vacation Rental Cleaning Fee?
How do you determine how much you should be paying for housekeeping between guests?
>Cleaning & Maintenance
  Buying a Condo as a Vacation Rental Home
Condominium tips to consider when deciding between buying a vacation rental condo instead of a single-family home
>Buying & Selling
How To Avoid (and Handle) Cancellations from Vacation Rental Guests
The best way to avoid a cancellation: Don't book a reservation without having money in hand
>Your Renters
  Stocking Your Vacation Rental Kitchen: Ketchup, Coffee and Beyond
Some inexpensive pantry items and condiments your guests will be grateful to have on hand
>Amenities & Furnishings
Ask Christine #16: Responding to Renters Asking for Discounted Rates
Christine explains how to engage with bargain-hunting travelers
>Podcast Transcripts
  Security for Your Vacation Rental Home
Tips for keeping your home, your possessions, and your guests safe at your vacation home.
>Policies & Procedures
July 22, 2009: Proposed Ordinance in Chicago
Learn about the proposed vacation rental ordinance in Chicago and how you can submit testimony
>Local Rental Alerts
  10 Ways to Defend Against Vacation Rental Bans in Your Area
Tips for staying one step ahead of short-term rental bans.
>Vacation Rental Bans
How to Write a Standout Description for Your VRBO Listing
Learn pointers for creating a thorough and easy-to-read property description.
>VRBO.com How To's
  How to Build the Perfect VacationRentals.com Listing
Follow these pointers for developing a stand-out ad on VacationRentals.com
>VacationRentals.com How Tos
Sample Short-Term or Seasonal Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts
Use our sample short-term or seasonal rental agreements for summer rentals or short-term rentals throughout the year.
>HomeAway How Tos
  HomeAway Listing Critique: Park Ave Condo (Park City, UT)
With brighter photos and a stronger headline, this listing should be able to stand out in the crowded Park City marketplace.
>Listings 101
Vacation Rental News All News
Submit News
Low prices attract vacation-house lovers 06/26/2009 
WashingtonTimes.com
Commission OKs vacation rental bill 06/25/2009 
KauaiWorld.com
Cottage owners plan to rent for short-term stays 06/26/2009 
SMDP.com
Vacation rentals stay afloat in summer of recession 06/13/2009 
OCRegister.com
Trinidad considers vacation rental ordinance 06/16/2009 
Times-Standard.com
Owning a second home more common thanks to Baby Boomers 06/20/2009 
FinancialPost.com
Weed out the bad renters before handing over the family cabin 07/05/2009 
HeraldNet.com
Venice advances ordinance on rentals 06/24/2009 
HeraldTribune.com
Maui may tax vacation rentals, B&Bs like hotels 06/17/2009 
VictoriaAdvocate.com
Coeur D'Alene, Idaho: Outdoors for All Seasons 07/02/2009 
NYTimes.com
Upcoming Seminars  
 

Christine Karpinski giving condo rental tips at a seminar for condo rental owners.

Registration Now Open:

San Antonio, TX: Jan. 13, 2010

Austin, TX: Feb. 17, 2010

See the seminars page for a complete list of upcoming seminars, or request a seminar in your city.

Learn the ins and outs of vacation rental ownership from industry expert Christine Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner and Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream.

 

August 27, 2009
The Art of the Off-Season: An Owner's Innovative Solution to Boosting Off-Season Revenue at Her Vacation Rental Home

Vacation rental owner Kirsten Apple has developed an innovative way to boost off-season revenues at her vacation home in the South of France: all-inclusive art workshops.

Kirsten, a U.S. resident, explains how she runs her workshops from afar — and how she ended up buying a house in France to begin with.

[download in iTunes]
  Click here for all audio