Q: Hello:

 

I love your website and I enjoy my e-mail updates.

 

I currently own a house in Nova Scotia that I have rented out for six years on a yearly rental. Our house is located near a lake and has an ocean view. We have decided to try it as a vacation rental this summer.

 

The trouble is I currently live in Houston and I have tenants until June. This summer we did extensive work on the grounds (we have seven acres) and painting outside. I have pictures of the house outside and the view. Can I still start my vacation listing, showing pictures of the outside and the view even though I don't have any indoor pictures? I have my listing ready except for the indoor pictures and I would like to list my property as available on July 1st. I will be going to Nova Scotia in the second week of June to completely furnish the house with its new furnishings.

Any help, suggestions or ideas would be welcome. I am very excited about becoming a vacation rental owner.

 

Thank you. Kim

 

A: Hi Kim,

 

Congrats! That is exciting. I think you';ll love running your home as a vacation rental as opposed to a long-term rental. 

 

As for starting to list your home---great idea to start listing it and taking reservations now. This way you can get bookings ready for the summer busy season. 

 

As for your photos—I think it';s fine for now to just have the exterior photos but make sure to write “interior photos coming soon” and try to describe your interior with words….something like “ The master bedroom has a comfortable ___ size bed with windows overlooking _________. The room is pained ____color with _________décor …”

 

Just make sure to mark off all of your dates on your calendar before the home will be ready. 

 

Happy Renting by Owner!

 

Christine Karpinski