Q: I own multiple properties in the same vacation destination.  Isn't it better for me to leave my calendar blank so that I don't miss out on any potential renters?

A: I was not the first person to jump on the whole calendar bandwagon back years ago when it first started. However, I do think that you should keep your calendars up to date a hundred percent of the time. I'll tell you, since I've done it I've gotten many more inquiries and more bookings.

I think what happens is a lot of people look at your property, see an empty calendar, and initially think, 'hmm, what's wrong with that place? There's got to be something wrong with it; nobody wants to book it.' Or they think that you're not an active owner, and you might not be quick to respond to them if you're not quick to keep your calendar up to date.

The other thing that has been a benefit for me is I've had to reply "sorry I'm booked" far fewer times since I keep my calendar up to date than I did before. My occupancy rates seem to have increased since I've started using a calendar. So, I understand, if you own multiple properties in the same destination because, believe me, I do as well, that your instinct might be to leave those calendars open.

However, we found that most often people have specific dates in mind, and their dates aren't as flexible as we think that they might be. The only people you're hearing from are the ones that might have flexible dates, because the people that have very set dates aren't even going to contact you if your calendars are not up to date. So, I highly recommend you keep your calendar up to date all the time. I know, I know, there's going to be a lot of opposition to this podcast and a lot of opposition to my viewpoint; however, as always it's my viewpoint.