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I hope the January inquiry season has started off strong for you. For me, it's been a pretty busy month answering phone calls and inquiries.
I noticed, sandwiched between some of the great inquiries, I have gotten a few requests from renters asking for a discount.
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You all know my thoughts about discounts, but I'd like to remind you all again—though it might be tempting to just take the booking and give them the discount, bear in mind that it's still very early in the booking season.
I'm holding strong to my rates for now.
On a different note, we're about to kick off our spring seminar tour and registration is now open for Stamford, Birmingham, Atlanta, Toronto, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Hope to see you there!
Happy Renting by Owner,
Christine Karpinski
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10 Things to Include in Your Directions
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1) Your physical property address. You'd be surprised how many owners give step-by-step directions without noting the exact address.
2) Directions to the nearest grocery stores, attractions, hospital/clinic, and 24 hour pharmacy. When writing these directions, don't forget to tell your guests which way to turn out of your driveway. Also consider including directions and schedules for local religious services.
3) Detailed arrival and departure instructions.
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4) Trash pickup and recycling information.
5) Items that you recommend guests bring. Give a detailed list of all of the items in your home (hair dryer, iron, etc.). This will help your guests know what to pack.
6). Items that you supply (starter pack of paper products but not a full week's supply). Be sure to remind them what items you do not supply (beach towels, beach chairs, laundry detergent, etc.).
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7) Who to contact in case of an emergency. Include a list of your phone numbers, as well as, those of your housekeeper or maintenance person. Nothing is more frustrating to a renter than having something go wrong and not being able to reach anyone to fix it.
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8) Tap water information. Does your well water give off an unpleasant odor? If your tap water may be unpleasant to some guests, explain this in your directions and suggest that your renters stock up on bottled water.
9) Tips for energy conservation. It's never a bad idea to gently remind your guests to turn off the lights and lower/raise the thermostat if they're going to be gone for the day.
10) Directions for how to use your door lock or lock box.
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"We have a home on Martha's Vineyard that we rent by the week during the "high season". Most of our inquiries, and rentals, do come from the internet but we've found a few other reliable sources. I always put a flyer on the bulletin board of my pediatrician's office - and, at no cost, we've gotten a few rentals from that. Since we live in a large apartment building in Manhattan, we also use the bulletin boards in our building and ask friends to stick them up in their buildings or office coffee rooms." -Kathy, West Tisbury, HomeAway #105691
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| January Vacation Rental News |
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Visit the Owner Community for more January Vacation Rental News and 100s of articles in the Vacation Rental News archive.
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Special Offer: No Sign Up Fee Offer Extended Through Jan. 31st
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