Seminar Attendee Takeaways

After each seminar, we ask our attendees to fill out a quick survey about what they learned (both from Christine and from each other).

Here';s a sampling of their responses:

Confidence In Renting by Owner

"My problems are not unique - other owners face the same situations."

“Not to fear long distance renting”

“I felt confident that I could manage my property myself.”

“That I really am doing better than I was giving myself credit for. This was a confidence booster.”

“The seminar reinforced things that I already knew. For example, I have more conviction now when I turn away a single night or a two night rental because it is too much work for the return!”

“It';s easier than I thought to run the unit my self”

“I need to treat this venture as a real business & it will treat me with great rewards!”

“Renting by owner can be rewarding, but not necessarily easy”

Handling Bookings

"There is no one best way to handle inquiries or bookings."

Setting Rates

“Not to price the property too low. That there is a perception with pricing and that price and value are related and that we tend to under price.”

“Set a stay minimum”

“How to get the right price for your rental property.”

Writing Ads

“Think like a potential guest.”

“Wording/technique of how to write the property listing.”

“First paragraph has to say everything about your property”

“Know your audience.”

“Headlines are more effective than I thought.”

“It is important to update often, including headline and new photos and to put more thorough descriptions up; also in captions under photos.”

“Need to write for the search engines using key words throughout my descriptions.”

“Keeping/Focusing on key points in Property Description”

“Better ways to generate traffic through the search engines like Google, etc.”

“The importance of creating your listing with a search engine in mind.”

Handling Cleaning and Maintenance

“Managing from a distance is possible but your cleaner/maintenance person on the ground is the key to success.”

“Information regarding cleaning persons...keeping in close contact and determining if they are ‘good communicators';; respecting their skills and paying them appropriately.”

“Maintenance is a Hurdle not a Wall.”

“Calling for repairs is easier than I thought.”

“Just like finding a good management company is trial and error, so is finding reliable housekeeping and maintenance”

Photography

“You have 15 seconds to capture your audience.”

"A good picture is in the staging."

“More pictures = more inquiries.”

“Photos are really important to recognize from an outsiders perspective.”

Advertising Websites

"Some web sites are working better than others"

“Need to market on as many sites as possible.”

“Internet advertising is the way.”

“How to move up the list on HomeAway and VRBO.”

“Constantly update websites and be proactive”

Screening Guests and Responding to Inquiries

“Always telephone a prospective tenant to get a sense of them.”

“Knowing we can screen/turn away renters by age”

“Respond to potential renters in a timely manner (and in person via telephone)”

“Confidence to turn down possible renters and to hold fast to set rates”

Pets

“Pet friendly rentals are a good idea and can really boost income.”

“Accept pets in the off season.”

“I should allow pets and charge for them (which I just did and got my first pet booking!)”

“The increase of customer base for those taking pets.”

“Accepting pets is an advantage”

Contracts

“I need to expand the detail in my rental contract!!!”

“Include provision for a walk-through during first hour of occupancy.”

“That I need to "tweak" my contract -- get signature. “

Calendars

“The importance of calendars and clearly displayed rates.”

“That SEO on your Rentors.org calendar can help”

“Update calendar regularly”

“Scheduling tricks to maximize rentals”

Amenities

“What the most sought after amenity was.”

“Water, water, water. It's what people want. “

"Great website to purchase sheets from.”

“The importance of Internet service in vacation homes.”

Other

“Burlington has good pizza.”

“Using the guest's zip code for the keyless entry code”

“A new credit card perspective”

About HomeAway, Inc.

"The industry should improve with HomeAway's input."

“Your company is young-- you';re going in the right direction and very much on top of it.”