Christine Karpinski:  Today's question comes from Irene. She asks,

Q: "I like to develop a relationship with my renters and also remind them that my vacation home is also my second home. So, I'm asking if it's OK for me to display family photos and have some of my personal belongings in my home."

 

A: Well, Irene, it's a good question. I think, yes, it's OK to put a family photo. The only thing that you need to worry about is striking a balance between having a few personal effects and making it look so much like you're staying in someone else's home so that they feel uncomfortable.

 

So, I think a few family photos are OK. I would certainly keep them in the living area. I wouldn't put them in the bedrooms. Maybe, a hallway is OK as well.

As far as your personal effects, it's OK again to leave some of your personal belongings there. I certainly would not leave any clothes in the drawers or toothbrushes in the cabinets in the bathroom. You have an owner's closet for those things, but anything that you're OK with the renters using is fair game to leave out.

What's your opinion on leaving a family photo in your vacation home? “I've always kept a photo album near the guest book for folks to put their pictures in it and for the guests to enjoy. They either take them while they're at Kiawah or send them to me later and I put them in. I also put some of our pictures in so that the guests can see what the owners look like. It makes it feel more intimate and everyone seems to enjoy. Try it! It's fun for the guests and the owners!”–Joy, Kiawah Island, S.C. (HomeAway #305304, VRBO #134490)

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Preparing Your Second Home for Vacation Rentals  Which items should be removed and which are expected in your condo rental, cabin rental, cottage rental, or villa rental? Ten Personal Affects to Leave at Your Property  Tips for which items to leave at your vacation rental home-- and which to leave behind.   Tips for Furnishing Your Vacation Rental Home  Guide to choosing new furnishings for your vacation rental home.   Security for Your Vacation Rental Home  Tips for keeping your home, your possessions, and your guests safe at your vacation home.

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