How many times have you borrowed from and shared ideas with your neighbors at home?  Well, the same dynamic exists within a vacation home community.  Your neighbors are a great resource for a number of reasons.  You can bounce ideas off one another and lend support to each other. In fact, you may even find you have more in common with your second home neighbors than those at your permanent residence because you're in the same business.

It's generally easy to find out who the other vacation rental owners are—you'll meet each other when you visit your properties. If your vacation home is part of an association, you can obtain a list of owners directly from the association. When the association holds its annual homeowners' meeting, take time to socialize with your fellow vacation rental owners. Try to find owners who live in your hometown. This can be especially helpful when you want to transport small items and supplies to your vacation rental property.

While visiting your property, don't be shy. If you see your neighbors, strike up a conversation.  If they aren't the vacation rental owners themselves, their renters may know how to reach them.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

Creating a Top-Notch Marketing Plan for Your Vacation Rental    Pointers for attracting more travelers, getting your financials in order, and determining your personal keys to success.

Using a Property Manager vs. Renting Your Vacation Home by Owner    Tips on renting your home through a property management company or on your own.

Managing Cleaning and Maintenance at Your Vacation Home from a Distance    How to overcome the biggest challenge that you will likely face as a vacation rental owner.

Finding Service Providers: The Key to Renting Your Vacation Home by Owner    A quick list of service providers you may need as you embark upon when renting your vacation home.

Owners' Favorite and Least Favorite Parts of Renting Their Vacation Homes    Results from vacation home owners regarding the highs and lows of renting their vacation homes as vacation rentals

The Pros and Cons of Renting To College Students    Here are some considerations to take into account when deciding whether to welcome young renters.

How To Avoid (and Handle) Cancellations from Vacation Rental Guests    The best way to avoid a cancellation: Don't book a reservation without having money in hand

SF Seminar Response Page

Decorating Your Vacation Home for the Fall    Learn how to spice up your decor and cozy up your furnishings to attract fall renters.

Welcome Baskets and Gifts for Your Renters    Gather some great ideas for gifts and treats for your vacation home guests

How to Hire a Housekeeper for Your Vacation Rental    Whether you are new to the business or just looking for new help, here are some insights on where to look, what to ask, and what to (reasonably) expect from your housekeeper

Sales Tax and Vacation Rentals 101 (Transcript)    Christine speaks with CPA and co-owner of HotSpotTax.com K. Stephens about collecting and paying sales taxes for vacation homes.

Ask Christine #3: Refunds for Inclement Weather in Your Vacation Rental Market (Transcript)    Christine answers a question from a Winter Park, Colorado owner.

Fighting a Short-Term Rental Ban Within an HOA (Transcript)    Palm Desert owner, Melinda DiPerna talks about her experience fighting a short-term rental ban in her complex.

Ask Christine #3: Refunds for Inclement Weather in Your Vacation Rental Market (Transcript)    Christine answers a question from a Winter Park, Colorado owner.

Homeowners' Association Meetings and Vacation Rental Homeowners    Attending your annual Homeowners' Association (HOA) meeting can serve as a way to voice your opinions and form a vacation rental owners association.

Being Involved In Homeowners' Associations (HOA)    Easy ways for YOU to get involved with your HOA from afar.