Host, Christine Karpinski: Today's question comes from Steve. He asks,

Q: "I'm getting ready to take new pictures of my vacation home. I'm wondering whether or not I should hire models to pose for the photographs."

A: Steve, this is a common question that we get. The answer to this question is absolutely not! You should not hire models to be in the photographs for your vacation rental, and let me explain why.

Your travelers want to imagine themselves in your photo. So, if you have a person in your photograph, it is not going to clearly show to them that they can be there in their minds, especially in private areas.

I would never, ever, ever put people in photographs in bedrooms, bathrooms, Jacuzzi tubs, or saunas. Those are private areas. People don't want to see someone else in there. They feel like they want it to be theirs, when they're there. Like I say, it's a common question that people ask, "Should you hire models?" and the answer is "No."

I hope you enjoyed this episode of "Ask Christine." If you have a question, we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a message at (512) 493 4340. Again, that's (512) 493 4340.

Don't forget to enjoy your vacation home yourself. Happy renting by owner!