 |
The Benefits Of Networking With Other Vacation Rental Owners
The benefits of knowing your vacation rental neighbors goes well beyond borrowing a cup of sugar.
It's easy to overlook the value of networking with your vacation rental property neighbors. When owning a second home from a distance, you're wise to collaborate for many reasons—well beyond borrowing a cup of sugar. It's important to get to know your neighbors—they are a commonly untapped resource! Here are several reasons why:
Referred bookings
When you're booked - You can refer potential vacationers to a neighbor's condo or cabin with a hearty recommendation. After all, people always feel more comfortable dealing with someone who is recommended. In my experience, a high percentage of referred vacation rentals get booked after receiving a referral from another vacation rental owner.
When renters need two properties - Often, several families are vacationing together. Many times they'll only rent your vacation home if there are neighboring properties available.
Shared Maintenance
You can pool your resources - Find maintenance people and/or housekeepers, whom you can hire collectively.
Double visits to your property - If you visit your vacation rental property two to three times per year and your neighbor visits two to three times per year, then your property can be checked on four to six times per year.
Here's a personal example that explains it all:
Dianne and I have each owned a condo in the same building for over seven years. Whenever Dianne goes to Florida, she checks on my condo; when I go, I do the same for her. We've collaborated and had many maintenance projects done to our vacation rental properties with the same contractors at the same time. Sometimes I oversee the work and sometimes she oversees it. We both visit our places two to three times a year. Interestingly, during nearly 10 years of vacation rental ownership, we've never been there at the same time. Our arrangement allows for each property to be checked on four to six times a year.
© Christine Karpinski 2006
Related Tips
|
|