Tag: vacation rentals

Use Our Packing Checklist To Make The Most Of Your Vacation

When planning a trip to the Finger Lakes and staying in a vacation rental its hard to know what you need to bring because each rental is so different from the other. Click below to download our packing checklist to help guide you when packing for your stay at a FLPP rental. This list will ensure you have everything you will need for your upcoming stay in the Finger Lakes!

Download Our Packing Checklist!
Finger Lakes Premier Properties FAQ’s
  • Do you provide coffee filters for the coffee pot or Keurig in the rental? – No, you need to bring coffee filters for whatever kind of coffee machine is in the kitchen. Please refer to the photos or amenities section on your rental property page on our website so you know which kind you need to bring.
  • When is check-in and check-out time? – Summer (April – September) check-in is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 10:00 am. – Spring, Fall, Winter (October – March) check-in is 3:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.
  • Are linens provided with my rental? – Sheets, pillow cases, and a comforter are provided for all beds in the home. In addition, 1 set of towels is provided for the number of occupants allowed to stay in this home. If you use more than 1 towel when you shower please bring another. Beach towels are not provided, please bring these with you as well
Download Our Packing Checklist!

Download our free Vacation Guide with local insight on the best places to play, dine, and more in the Finger Lakes region! 

2021 Vacation Guide

Browse a full inventory of our Finger Lakes vacation rental homes to start planning your trip!

Browse Rentals

2022 Vacation rental calendars are opening! Browse which homes are available below. Don’t forget to check back weekly.

2022 Calendars Open!

Top Tips for Successful Rental Management

For the busiest rental season EVER!

Ready or not, rental season is upon us! Here in the Finger Lakes we are seeing a 134% increase in bookings compared to 2020 with many summer weeks completely sold out. There is no better time to talk about responsible renting for vacation rental owners.

What are the biggest complaints about vacation rentals?

According to the Rent Responsibly, a national advocacy organization, the biggest complaints of short term rentals nationwide are:

1. Noise

2. Parking

3. Trash

Additionally, with vacation rentals surpassing hotels as the preferred accommodations in our region, the attention on management comes to forefront.

Other rental issues we frequently hear about in the Finger Lakes Region include septic systems and mismanagement.

Many homes in our region reside in rural areas where public water and sewage are not available. Before renting your home, you should always check the capacities of your septic system. Many were systems were installed for smaller families who would not be using the home as frequently. It is likely you will either have to schedule frequent pumps or install a larger system. Also, check with your local Code Officer to see if your township has requirements. There is no bigger damper on your guests experience than having a septic issue mid-stay resulting in refunds, future cancellations, and an overall 1-star experience.

Mismanagement of vacation rentals affects owners, guests, neighbors, and entire communities. This often occurs when a homeowner lists the home on a booking site, rents it, collects the cash, and is unavailable through the booking process. Sometimes guests will take advantage of the situation which then results in the three top concerns noted above. Neighbors are left with an uncomfortable situation, sometimes resulting in a call to authorities. If these situations remain unresolved, it may lead to further investigation by the local town board to then impose restrictions or regulations on all rental homes within the township.

As you begin to consider becoming a vacation rental owner it is crucial to understand how managing the home and guests are the most important factors for having a successful rental business.

How do you overcome these rental issue (and more)?

1. Communication – If you are renting, ensure you are setting the expectations for your guests. Let them know they are staying in a family community, not a resort destination. There will be quiet hours, there is limited space for parking and guests, and there is an expectation for caring for the property during their stay. This should be outlined in your contract with your guests.

There should always be a legal contract with your guests. This contract outlines the expectations, is agreed upon by both parties, and outlines all consequences of infringements of the contract.

2. Management – Ensure you are set up for success for this summer for both you and your guests. Make sure your neighbors know you are renting and provide them with your contact information in case there are any issues.

Make sure your trash pickup is scheduled and communicate the trash days with your guests. Housekeeping, lawncare, and septic pumps are other vendors who are in high demand this summer who will

3. Establish a 24/7 Contact Person – While it is helpful to have your neighbors keeping an eye on your property, they are not responsible for your guests. Do not rely on your neighbors to be the resource for your guests and do not give your guests their contact information. Unless you have a property manager, you should be the contact person before, during, and after their stay.

Some townships also require you to register your rental property to ensure they have a point of contact. Whether or not they require this, it is helpful for you to provide them with your contact information should they ever need it.

4. Welcome to the Hospitality Industry! When you become a rental owner, you are entering the world of hospitality. Keys to your success will be customer service, cleanliness, and did we mention customer service?

Envision your last vacation and the expectations you had. You expected to be welcomed into a clean space with all of the amenities advertised. Was something not working, who did you call and how did they respond? Were they prompt and were you able to enjoy the remainder of your stay? These (and more) will become the expectations of your guests.

With any vacation you likely wanted an understanding of the places to eat, visit, and experience during your stay. Providing your guests with local resources from grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and attractions will assist them with having a memorable stay and more likely to book with you again.

Want more resources about managing a vacation rental?

As the leading vacation rental management company in the region, we have established national and local partnerships with organizations that assist short term rental owners. Here are some more resources for you to visit:

Finger Lakes Vacation Rental Association

Rent Responsibly

Vacation Rental Management Association

Our local team of experienced vacation rental professionals is also- available to answer questions you may have about renting your home. If you are interested in learning more about our all inclusive services for vacation rental homeowners, you can reach us at 888-414-5253 Option 4 or NewOwners@FLPPlake.com.

3 Reasons Why You Should Book Direct This Year

Book Direct Day 2021 is February 3! It’s a day when vacation rental owners and managers from around the world promote a common message: bypass third-party channels to book your vacation directly at the source.

There’s a misconception that when guests book from a third-party site, like Airbnb and VRBO, that those companies are responsible for the rental. In reality, these sites act as a middleman while a local owner or management company oversees your stay from booking to departure. It creates confusion when policies don’t align or when guests don’t know who to call when problems arise.

Here are 3 more reasons why you should #BookDirect this year:

Save Money

Third-party sites tack on extra fees that can add up at checkout. When you book directly with a vacation rental management company, you can be certain you’re getting the lowest price guaranteed on the rental you’ve selected.

While third-party sites may display many rental options, not every owner or manager uses them. Only a fraction of our 270+ professionally managed rentals are on VRBO or Airbnb and 70% of our bookings come directly from our website or reservation agents. If you can’t find the right rental on a third-party site, contact a vacation rental management company in the area you’re traveling to see what they have available.

As an added bonus, vacation rental managers send out exclusive promotions and special discounts that can only be used when you book direct. Join our mailing list so you don’t miss an opportunity to save!

Local Experts

When you make the decision to book direct, you’re booking with a team of local experts in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our reservation agents, housekeepers, maintenance techs, marketing team, and more are all members of the local community. Our on-the-ground teams can quickly and easily respond to guest issues and requests. Plus, our local vacation planners provide the best recommendations for your trip based on their intimate knowledge of the area.

Services You Can Trust

You don’t always know what you’re getting when booking your rental on a third-party site. With numerous reports of scams and safety issues for Airbnb users, its more important than ever to know you’re renting from a reputable source. Vacation rental managers hold themselves to high standards with a focus on education, advocacy, and professional services. They elevate the industry and articulate best practices for others to follow.

With high standards and hyper-localized services, comes the ability for vacation rental managers to guarantee services many independent hosts cannot. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and has a fully staffed office during business hours to accommodate special requests. In addition, we have a housekeeping guarantee that promises your home will be clean upon arrival. If for some reason our services are unsatisfactory, a housekeeper will return to make it right, ensuring guests are comfortable in their rental.

To join in on #BookDirect Day, visit FLPPlake.com! Finger Lakes Premier Properties is largest, full-service vacation rental company in the Finger Lakes. Our team has been managing lakefront properties locally for 28 years.

Browse our selection of over 270 lakeside vacation rentals here or call our reservation agents for a personalized booking experience – (800) 897-8161

How to Make a Finger Lakes Premier Properties Vacation Home Your Own

One of the greatest perks of staying in a vacation rental rather than in a hotel room is that you can make yourself right at home! With their beautiful accommodations and top-notch features, it’s easy to make a Finger Lakes Premier Properties Vacation Home your own during your stay! Something so magical happens when you’re able to settle into one of our properties with your family. It transforms into a real home away from home.   

Read on for some thoughtful tips that will help make your rental feel like a home during your stay. For more travel planning ideas, be sure to download a free copy of our Vacation Guide!  

Download the Vacation Guide

3 of the Best Ways to Make a Finger Lakes Premier Properties Home Your Own During Your Vacation 

Your vacation should be all about making lifelong memories with the people who matter most! You know what they say, “The home is where the heart is.” So, make one of our vacation rentals your home away from home!  

1. Gather Around the Table for a Family Meal  

Sharing food with your loved ones can do wonders for your relationships! It will also make you feel right at home, being in the kitchen cooking up a hot meal. In all our vacation rentals, you can expect to have access to a fully equipped kitchen that has everything you need to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner at your vacation home!  

2. Bring Your Furry Family Members  

What’s a vacation without your best friend? There’s no better way to make somewhere new feel like home than having the whole family there with you. It can cost so much money to board your pup in a kennel or hire pet-sitters during the length of your vacation. Plus, it’s just not the same traveling without your furry companions. Pack up the pooches for the ride and stay in one of our pet-friendly rentals!  

3. Enjoy Your Vacation Rental’s Exclusive Features 

Make the most of your stay in one of our premier vacation rentals by taking advantage of the property’s wonderful amenities and features! Enjoy a glass of wine on the back porch and take in views of the lake. Gather the kids for a game in the living room. Many of our homes have everything from flatscreen televisions and private dock access to non-motorized watercrafts available for guest use and more! 

Choose Your Dream Home from an Impressive Selection of Vacation Rentals  

Two chairs sitting on a jetty at dusk, form a tranquil and idyllic scene at Lake Seneca, a popular vacation destination and located in the famous Finger Lakes region in New YorkState.

The most important part of making a Finger Lakes Premier Properties vacation home feel like your own is booking your dream rental in the first place! Choose from over 250 properties across the Finger Lakes region. Each of our homes is entirely unique and features one-of-a-kind furnishings, amenities, and features. If you’re hoping to save on your stay, be sure to check out our current specials, as well!  

Browse our impressive selection of vacation rentals and book your stay today! 

Check Availability

3 Reasons Why You Should Prepare Your Vacation Rental NOW for 2021

Finger Lakes travel trends for 2020 showed a significant shift in accommodation preferences. Demand for private vacation rentals has soared above traditional hotel stay by travelers. As the year progressed and our reservations inquiries swelled by 61% year-over-year, one thing was clear, people still want to vacation.

What is the outlook for vacation rental demand in 2021?

Demand for Finger Lakes vacation rentals continues to soar. In fact, our bookings for next year (2021) are up 56% compared to this time last year! Our private rentals have become the preferred choice of accommodations for travelers seeking comfortable, clean, and dependable lakeside spaces.

Our guests and owners value the services included with their premier property. Such services include our 24/7 guest services, professional housekeeping standards, keyless check-ins, and travel planning assistance by our local agents. As we continue to accommodate inquires for our short term rentals, we want to ensure our owners and prospective rental homeowners are optimizing our partnership for the 2021 season.

Why list your home for rent now? Isn’t the season slowing down?

Many assume this is the time when we are winding down for the year. Not true. Yes the rush of peak season is behind us, but with arrivals still 88% higher this fall than last, the momentum continues. Plus, our inquiries for 2021 bookings are flowing in! Now is the time we work with our owners in preparation for next year with optimizing their home, online listing, and rates for the next year.

If you are interested in joining for the 2021 season, now is the best time to get the most out of our partnership for three reasons:

  1. It’s all about the photos! Joining now will allow us to optimize your listing with premier photography before the leaves fall. We will send our staff photographer to your home to get interior and exterior photos PLUS a virtual tour. Photos are one of the most important assets to your listing and will help generate demand for your home.
  2. Take advantage of expert recommendations. Our partnering owners have full access to our team of industry experts. When you join, talk to our Owner Services team about possible upgrades. From remodels, furniture upgrades, to bonus amenities, these will help secure bookings, enhance your guest’s experience, and capture more revenue. If you join this fall, you’ll have more time to make these enhancements before your first guest checks in.
  3. Secure 2021 revenue now! With demand up 56% for 2021 vacation rentals, joining now will get more traffic to your listing and secure more bookings for next year. Secure revenue now for 2021 at the best rates possible.

Want to learn more about partnering with us?

Whether you are currently renting your home, looking to purchase an investment home, or are just starting to explore what it means to be a vacation rental owner, we’re here to help.

We have a dedicated Owner Services Team ready to answer any questions you may have about renting your lake home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Contact us today for more information by calling 855-585-5877 Option 4 or by inquiring here.

The Premier Advantage of Booking a Vacation Rental

If one thing is certain during these unprecedented times, it is that travel will look different going forward. We will be more conscious of space and human contact. Our choices of transportation, locations, and especially accommodations will have more inquisition in the planning stages of your next vacation. But yes, travel will happen.

While you are listing the needs and wants of your next getaway, a private home to host your next vacation may be key to creating the best trip yet. Here’s why staying at one of our rentals gives you a premier vacation advantage.

No Contact Check-in

From the moment you pull out of your driveway to the time you arrive at your lakefront rental, you will not come in contact with any of our staff. There is no lobby, no desk to check-in at, simply drive to your private home to check in. Key less entry systems are on all of our rentals, providing you less stress, convenience, and a safe start to your vacation.

Cleanliness Standards

The elephant in all our minds is the cleanliness of the vacation rental prior to arrival. We continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff has increased their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc.  For more information on our cleaning standards, click below.

Our Cleaning Standards

Private Spaces Inside and Out

Keuka Lake Vacation Rentals
“This house was perfect for our family! It is so beautiful inside. Everything was very clean and well kept. It felt like home. The mattresses were very comfortable, unlike some homes we have stayed at in the past. The kitchen was well stocked and had everything I needed to cook all the meals for the week. There is plenty of outside seating to accommodate all guests. We caught pike, large and smallmouth bass, and a catfish right off the dock. There were 2 kayaks that came with the property. We enjoyed the house so much we are going to book it for the same week next year. This home exceeded our expectations!”

Travel with the peace of mind knowing you don’t have to share a home with other guests or the owner of the rental like you would if you rent through VRBO/Airbnb. You’re also eliminating the contact you would have in lobbies or common areas of a hotel. The entire home is for your full enjoyment and relaxation.

In addition to the social distancing advantage, there are economic benefits of staying in a vacation rental when it comes to dining. All of our vacation homes come will fully equipped kitchens. You’ll eliminate the search for safe dining or take out and be able to cook every meal, snack, and baked dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you plan ahead, you can even order all of your groceries online and pick them up curbside on your way to your rental.

Take a step outside of your rental to find your personal paradise. The only people you will be sharing the beach, porch, yard, outdoor kitchen with is the people in your group. No need to worry about crowded beaches, or your spot getting stolen from another vacationer. Some lakefront homes in our region are in close proximity to neighbors. Be sure to review the photos or ask our vacation planners if you’re looking for a secluded home, we have plenty of these too!

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Entertainment is Included

Finger Lakes rentals
“We booked a Honeoye Lake home for a quiet week away. It was perfect. My favorite was taking our 2-year old son out for a paddle in the provided kayak each day. His favorite was probably the s’mores at night.” – L.B., September, 2014

One of the best benefits of staying in a vacation rental is you have the space and amenities to keep you entertained for days! Below is a list of commonly found amenities to help you enjoy your time on vacation safely.

  • Game rooms
  • Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards
  • Fire pits
  • Hot tubs
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Free WiFi (for those that continue to work or school from home)

Many of our amenities are search options on our site. If you need assistance of finding the perfect home to suit the needs of your group, contact our vacation planners at 888-414-5253.

For more information on how to safely experience the Finger Lakes region through the COVID-19 changes, click here.

Search our entire vacation rental inventory by clicking book now below. No matter which rental you choose you will always receive the premier vacation rental advantage.

Book Now!

Financing Your Lake House in 2020

You’ve decided to dive in and buy your dream house on the lake, but how do you finance this life changing decision? From vacation rental income to second home mortgages, you have many options when it comes to affording your lake house in 2020.

Here are some tips to make buying a lake house a sound financial decision.

Finance during a year of stability.

mortgage interest rates to consider when financing your lake house

The real estate market experienced a year of declining interest rates in 2019. With few economic risks and low inflation, borrowing costs are expected to remain low, making 2020 a great year to take on debt for a long-term purchase.

According to Bankrate, the rate on a 30 year note fell from an average of 4.68% at the beginning of January 2019 all the way down to 3.9% by Christmas. This is really good news for homebuyers.

The lakefront real estate market ended on high note in 2019, with average sales price for lakefront homes projected to continue increasing this year. If you haven’t read our analysis of last year’s lakefront market, start hereand learn why 2020 is the year to finance your lake house.

Consider your use and classify appropriately.

how will your lake house be used?

When financing your lake house, you will need to classify your property based on how it will be used. Typically your lake house will fall into one of three categories for financing: primary residence, secondary residence, or investment property. The type of home you buy will affect your interest rate and may require you to have a higher credit score.

Secondary Residence vs. Investment Property

If you plan to use your home as a short-term rental, you can still classify the property as a secondary residence instead of an investment property, taking advantage of lower interest rates and qualifying for mortgage interest tax deductions. This will vary by lender, but typically your lake house can remain a secondary residence if your home is rented no more than 180 days a year and you occupy the home at least 10% of the time you would rent it. You will have to report rental income on your taxes if you rent for 15 or more days. Learn more about mortgage classification here.

Look for niche lending options.

Niche lending options for financing your lake house

With vacation rentals gaining popularity over the last few years, most lenders should have a base level of knowledge when it comes to financing your lake house for short-term rental use. If possible, seek out a finance professional familiar with the vacation rental industry. You lakefront sales specialist may have recommendations for you.

If you don’t intend to rent out your lake house, there are plenty of lending options to meet you where you are financially. Many banks, such as M&T, offer bridge loans to help you purchase a new home before your existing home sells. You can also tap into the equity of your primary home to fund the down payment for your second home (cash-out refinance). Learn more about your lending options here.

Determine your Vacation Rental Income Goals

If your lake house is a second home or investment property, vacation rental income could factor into what kind of lake house you can afford. Your rental rate is determined by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, amenities, and updates your home has. The larger and more modern the house, the higher the sales price – but also consider that you’ll most likely be able to rent it out more often and for a higher rate.

Our real estate team can provide a vacation rental income analysis for any lakefront home in the Finger Lakes. We provide income projections for the lake houses you’re considering and you can compare side by side how much each will earn, making it easy to determine the level of financing you’ll need.

Consider the extra costs.

Costs to consider when financing your lake house

Your lake house will incur higher costs than a traditional or primary home. Here are a few expenses to budget for when determining how much lake house you can afford:

Flood Insurance

Being so close to the water might warrant purchasing flood insurance. Though not required by New York State, your mortgage lender may mandate that you purchase a policy in addition to homeowners insurance. Flood damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners insurance and less than 50% of flooding incidents are covered by federal disaster assistance.

Maintenance

You’ll likely need a larger maintenance budget for your lake house, especially if it’s a second home or investment property. Lakefront property components, such as docks, decks, boathouses and beachfronts, will need routine maintenance, pressure washing, replacement, clean up, and more.

If your lake house is a secondary residence or investment property, consider hiring a management company to perform these tasks for you. In addition, property managers having a year-round presence at your home can reduce the chances of a break-in and quickly address storm damage or pests to avoid long-term issues and higher costs later on.

Lifestyle

There’s a reason you’re buying a lake house – you want the lake lifestyle! You’ll want to set aside some funds to buy that boat you’ve always wanted, and don’t be surprised when the family asks for a couple kayaks and a jet ski! Prioritize which gear you’ll need once the house is yours – and plan for more fun purchases later on.

What’s the best thing you can do when purchasing your lake house? Work with a professional that specializes in lakefront real estate. With 95% of our sales being on the water, our team is ready and excited to answer your questions and find the right lake house for you! Call us today (855) 683-8429.

Lake Houses For Sale

How the Finger Lakes Benefit from Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals may feel like a new trend, but the short-term rental industry has been around for decades in destinations worldwide, including the Finger Lakes. With third party booking sites, like VRBO and AirBnb making vacation rentals more popular and plentiful than ever before, its important to explore what responsible renting looks like and how short-term rentals can continue to add value to our region.

Here are just a few of the ways that the Finger Lakes benefit from vacation rentals:

Vacation rentals uphold the lake culture of our communities.

The Finger Lakes are a traditional summer vacation destination. Our shorelines are lined with seasonal homes and cottages, where families have experienced lake life together for generations. Short-term rentals support the culture of our lake communities, extended stays in the region, and the need for more property tax revenue.

Vacation rentals supplement hotel room supply.

Local hotels book up fast for peak season. Short-term rentals not only supplement hotel room supply, but can better accommodate larger groups and niche travelers. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has hosted over 80,000 guests since 2015. The more tourists our region can lodge, the more we encourage economic growth for local businesses and communities.

Booking and packing for a vacation

Vacation rentals keep family homes in the family.

Short-term rental income makes it possible for families to afford the increasing costs associated with owning a lake house. This allows the tradition of gathering at the lake to continue for years to come.

Vacation rentals support property values.

In 2018, 32% of investment property owners planned on renting their home as a short-term rental, up 24% from 2017. The demand for lakefront homes is growing because of increased demand for short-term rentals.

keys to a house

Vacation rentals create opportunity.

Short-term rentals make the lakefront experience affordable and accessible to everyone. Families have private, recreational access to the water, regardless of whether they have the means to live on the lake. In addition, the vacation rental industry creates a variety of skilled and unskilled jobs throughout the region.

Family by the lake at a vacation rental

What does Responsible Renting look like?

Vacation rentals managed by professional property managers add significant value to the community by expanding the tax base and attracting direct and indirect spending in our area. Unfortunately, popular listing sites have portrayed the ease of owning a vacation rental without highlighting the importance of managing the experience for the guest, owner, and local community. Read more about what responsible renting looks like here.

To learn more about professional property management services for your short-term rental, visit our website.

Ask Your Agent: Purchasing an Investment Property

Lakefront living has its perks – gorgeous views, a place to cool off, an escape from everyday life – but it can come at a cost. As a result, many homeowners are looking to short-term renting to pay taxes or generate extra income.

If you’re in the market to purchase a lakefront home and are interested in making it an investment property, here are a few questions you should be asking your agent:

Has this home been rented before?

This is a great place to start. Homes with vacation rental history have the advantage of past and repeat guests, so you won’t be starting from scratch. Knowing a home’s rental history will also give you a better understanding of rates to set and revenue generated by the home, helping you know if this is a solid investment.

What are the local vacation rental regulations?

Working with a real estate agent that’s also in property management is a huge advantage. They will be up-to-date on any local vacation rental laws in place that might limit the return on your investment. For example, you could purchase a 6 bedroom house with a potential occupancy of 14 people, but a local law may limit you to renting out only 4 of those rooms. That effects your rental rate and your bottom line.

How close is this home to attractions?

The Finger Lakes region is a tourism destination, host to numerous festivals, graduations, weddings, and well-known events. The demand and rate for your vacation rental is directly impacted by your proximity to attractions and venues. While some guests may come to spend time on the lake, most are here for a specific experience and will pay more to be close to the action.

Can this home be used year-round?

Many lakefront homes are seasonal – they may lack heat or have a driveway that’s impassible in winter. While demand and rates peak in the summer months, there is still potential to profit during the off-season. Consider a location near a popular winter festival or ski resort, or transition to long-term renting to college students or professionals outside of peak season.

Do you have property management experience?

Work with a real estate team that has property management experience and leverage that expertise! Our Owner Services team works closely with our real estate agents to provide an analysis based on the criteria we use for homes in our vacation rental program. This helps you to compare properties and make the best financial decision. Plus, you have already have a team in place to help you manage your investment.

Our Real Estate team has over 25 years of experience in vacation rental and lakefront property management. Call (877) 211-5917 today to discuss your revenue goals and real estate investment options with our team!

FAQ Friday: Managing the Guest Experience

When you own a vacation rental, you aren’t just responsible for maintaining a home. You become the key person that oversees reservations, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance calls, marketing – everything that when combined, creates the guest experience. When you host a family or group looking to make memories on vacation, you take ownership of their experience before, during, and after their stay in your home.

The bottom line: owning a vacation rental is WORK. And if you’re not interested in being the Director of Hospitality for your own home, working with a vacation rental management company may be the best option for you.

Here we’ve answered some frequently asked questions on how we manage the guest experience for you:

Q: What type of communication do you have with guests leading up to their stay?

A: We have a team of local reservation agents that are constantly responding to inquiries coming in from booking platforms, our website, social media, email, and phone calls. Our team is available to answer any questions a guest has leading up to and throughout their stay. In addition, we send out pre-stay email communications that provide quests with information about their upcoming trip and a key-less entry code to enter the home.

Q: What happens if there is a guest emergency?

A: Our team is available and responsive to guest needs 24/7. During office hours, our centrally located team of professionals should be able to dispatch and resolve the issue quickly. After hours, guests are provided an emergency contact number, where they will reach a manager on duty.

Q: Do you provide the guests with any supplies for their stay?

A: Yes, we stock homes with clean bed linens, bath towels, and a starter kit containing 2 rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, sponge, garbage bag, and a dishwasher tab, if needed. Our pet-friendly rentals are provided with waste bags. In addition, we include small touches throughout the home to welcome guests, from bed-made cards introducing the home’s housekeeper to locally sourced gifts for our returning guests. We also provide a spice jar for all guests to use during their stay and to take home.

And this is just the minimum provided! Our team will work with you to customize the level of hospitality you want your guests to receive, whether it’s a bottle of wine with every stay or a list of professional chefs that service the home.

Q: What if my neighbors are uncomfortable with a guest during their stay?

A: We make it a priority to ensure that the communities we manage vacation rentals in feel safe, respected, and heard. All neighbors are notified that the home next door will be used as a short-term rental and we provide them with a magnet containing our contact information, so that they can reach out any time with concerns.

We’ve built a courtesy to neighbors section into our rental agreement, so that guests know not to enter neighboring properties without permission and that quiet hours are to be observed between 10:00pm and 9:00am. However, we receive few complaints, as we maintain a family atmosphere at our rentals and all guests are vetted before arrival.

Q: How do you gather feedback from guests regarding their stay?

A: We encourage guests to provide us with feedback regarding their stay! We send out a guest satisfaction survey via email and constantly request 3rd party reviews from guests on Google, Facebook, Yelp, The Knot, and VRBO. We compile this feedback, so that owners are always aware of how their rental is perceived and performing. Owners are also welcome to leave their own review cards and surveys in their homes for guests to fill out.

If you need help with managing the guest experience or simply want to work less and enjoy your lakefront home more, call our Owner Services team today! (866) 317-2109