Happy Anniversary to me and my hubby of 18 years. Do you know what I got for my anniversary? A new washer and dryer and a new refrigerator! No I'm not married to an unromantic dud; it was my vacation rental homes that got the new appliances—not mine.

I woke up on my anniversary to two phone calls from two different renters in different properties. One said the refrigerator went out and the other said the washing machine was broken.

We knew the refrigerator was going anyhow. The last time my hubby was there we knew it was on its last leg, but he made the executive decision to wait until it breaks before we replace it. And since I wasn't there to overrule the decision, we didn't buy a new one. So of course we get a call while renters are there. Thankfully I was able call Home Depot and get the new one delivered the next morning!

My renters offered to stay and wait for the delivery man, but I didn't want to inconvenience them while they were on vacation. My housekeeper was iffy as she had tons of places to clean, and there was no telling when it would arrive. You know how those delivery services are:

“We'll be there sometime between 6am and 10pm”
“Can you give me a better estimate?”
“Sorry Mrs. Karpinski, they will be there between 6am and 10 pm.”

Okay maybe those times are a bit embellished, but THIS is why you need to network with other owners! I remembered that my next door neighbor was going to be at her place that week. Bingo! A simple phone call and she said she'd be glad to assist.

Now for the washer and dryer. This was at one of my beach properties. The washer and dryer there get an overabundance of usage. All of my neighbors replaced theirs 3 or more years ago. I was really lucky mine lasted this long. We did have the repair man come out, but he said it would cost more to fix than it would have cost to buy new. So another call to Home Depot. That one I was NOT so lucky. It took them 4 days to deliver it. Thankfully I had repeat renters in there, and they were extremely understanding and accommodating. They insisted on accepting the delivery.

When the washer and dryer arrived - I replaced a combo unit with a stackable - they found out that there was only one plug behind my current unit. So my renter took the liberty to cut a hole in the drywall of the laundry closet and ran the plug into the next plug. They easily saved me a $300 electrician call! So for good will, I offered my renters a free stay during the fall.

So what did I really get for my anniversary? My husband and I are going on vacation (no kids allowed) to Exuma. We're leaving August 8th. I cannot wait!

Happy renting by owner!

Christine

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