Discounts are difficult to determine for your vacation rental property. When should you and when should you not give a discount? During the low or shoulder season, I generally prefer to have my vacation home rented. However, for peak season I would rather risk not renting than give a discount. Understand that this is just my personal preference and opinion.

I have made my share of mistakes. In 2002 I had people contact me wanting 3 full weeks for 2003 during what was normally the time when I would not have rented. So, a full year away I chose to give a discount. Well lo and behold, the schools changed their schedules, and I gave my second home away for 3 weeks away for $500 a week.  Subsequently, I had numerous calls and could have rented them for $1000 a week! The lesson I learned?  Don't give discounts so far off, and do consult school calendars!

© Christine Karpinski 2006

Determining Your Vacation Rental Seasons    Do not make the mistake of underselling your vacation home by choosing the wrong seasons.

Offering Discounts to Potential Vacation Rental Guests    While it may be tempting to jump on any offer from a renter remember not to sell your property short

How to Handle Inquiries from Bargain Hunters    When responding to bargain hunters, learn how to sell them on the value of your home without compromising your rates

VRBO Listing Critique: Ariel Dunes (Destin, FL)    The listing for this Destin vacation condo is very thorough and makes good use of the space.

Easing Your Renters' Minds During an Economic Downturn    Before you and your guests start to panic, learn how to work with your renters' financial concerns and keep your bookings strong.

Top 10 Most Common Vacation Rental Rates Mistakes    A light-hearted take on common pricing mistakes.

The Skinny on HomeAway Special Offers    Just what exactly is a Special Offer and what can it do for you?

How To Use iTravex.com: A Vacation Home Travel Exchange    Learn how to fill last-minute vacancies at your vacation property and earn next-to-nothing* stays at other vacation homes.

Christine's Blog: In a Holding Pattern (5/19/09)    The summer season is shaping up to be a good one for bookings. For refinancing? Not so much.

Christine's Blog: A Slow Thanksgiving (12/1/08)

Christine's Blog: Budget Travel's Vacation Rental Handbook, Part 2 (11/6/08)    Christine offers her feedback to points 6-10 of the Vacation Rental Handbook in Budget Travel (Nov. 2008).

How to Lower the Cost of Water Heating at Your Vacation Home    Keep your guests in hot water without breaking the bank.

How Much Should You Charge Friends For Rentals?     Information on renting to friends and how much to charge your friends to stay in your vacation rental home.

Operation Off-Season: 12 Tips For Attracting & Accommodating Guests    Tips on renting your home in the off season and keeping your cabin, cottage or condo booked even during the slower months.

Top 10 Specials to Offer Without Lowering Prices    Learn how to attract vacation rental guests with special offers without losing your shirt.

Setting Rates for 2009, Part 3: Sticking to Your Guns    If your home is booking slower this year than in the past, don't jump the gun and give a discount too early.