Still have August vacancies?
Do you still have the last week of August available? If so, you're not alone. As of mid-July, there were 11 times as many available rentals for the last week of August as there were for the first week of August.
Because the last week of August is traditionally the most difficult summer week to book, many homeowners have it priced lower than the rest of the summer weeks.
If you have lowered your price, let vacationers know! Be sure to change the price on your calendar to the current price. You can post an Owner Special highlighting a discount, and, as of a month prior to the available week, you can post a
Last-Minute Availability Alert.
 And, even if you don't change the price, keep your calendar date stamp
current so that vacationers will know that they can trust your calendar’s accuracy.
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Other popular posts on our Homeowner Blog:
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Every summer we get panicked calls from tenants who don't have the address of the property, don't know where to find the key, can't reach the owners, etc. To avoid issues like these, email or call your tenants a week or so before they are due to arrive to be sure they have the address and directions and know how to get in. Even if you already sent them all of this information months ago, they may misplace it or even forget that they ever received it.
Be sure to get your tenants’ cell numbers before their arrival (renters rarely answer the house phone at the rental), and then check in by phone within 24 hours of their arrival to see if they have any questions or concerns. It just takes a few moments of your time, but your vacation rental tenants will appreciate the gesture. Even though you will have left your contact information, many vacationers hesitate to contact the homeowner with what they might consider to be trivial questions.
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| This newsletter is sponsored by the following Home Services |
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Conducting business with respect to our community and the environment. Year round and seasonal services are our specialty. From Rubbish removal to portable toilets, we've got you covered.
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Cape Associates, Inc. is one of the largest custom builders on Cape Cod offering additional services in home remodeling, property management/property watch and painting. We have offices in Eastham and Yarmouthport, MA where we proudly serve the communities of the Cape and Islands.
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 Browse All by Service Category or Location |
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Be sure to consult the clause in your lease that pertains to cancellations. Most leases say that monies received will be refunded only if the home is re-rented and that the owner will make every effort to find a tenant . Also included in most leases is a clause indicating that if the rent is reduced, the reduction amount would be deducted from the monies returned to the tenant who cancelled.
The first step to take in an attempt to refill a week is to open up the week on your availability calendar. Then, if you reduce the price, be sure to reflect the reduced price on your calendar and promote the reduction with a free Owner Special (example: “Save $xxx for week of August 17-24 due to cancellation. Now $XXXX.”) Posting a
Last-minute Availability Alert will call particular attention to the cancellation.
Read more about how to fill a cancellation.
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Vacationers are actively looking for fall rentals, giving you the opportunity to extend your summer booking season with minimal extra effort or expense. There are a number of ways for you to edit your listing slightly in order to attract fall bookings. The age and interests of fall vacationers is quite different than those of the typical family vacationers renting during the summer. By adjusting your calendar and editing your title and description, for example, you can target your marketing more effectively to increase your fall bookings.
Read our recent Homeowner Blog post on attracting fall renters.
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Guest reviews are more important than ever!
Dozens of guest reviews are coming in daily from this summer's tenants. Guest reviews can be one of the most effective marketing tools for renting your home. Some vacationers tell us that they won't even inquire about a home that has no reviews. Also, if by some chance you ever receive a negative review from one of your tenants, the best antidote is to "drown it out" with plenty of positive ones.
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Tip: Build a request-for-feedback into your regular management practices. Return your tenant's security deposit as soon as possible after they've left your home, and then send them a Guest Review Request Form. In it, you can notify them that their security deposit check is on its way and also ask them to click a link right in the email to provide you with some valuable feedback on your home.
Read our Homeowner Blog posts about the value of Guest Reviews and soliciting reviews from your tenants.
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September is an excellent time of year to take photos and video of your home. Flowers are still in bloom, and the fall light casts a wonderful glow. With new pictures, you can take advantage of having nearly full-screen size pictures in both your slideshow and photo gallery.
If you need help, our staff photographer & videographer, Becky Fischer, is now booking for the fall. You do not need to be on the Cape for the appointment, as Becky is accustomed to working independently. The average photo shoot, including all interior, exterior, beach images plus fresh flowers, extra lighting and simple staging costs $275. If you would like to arrange for an appointment or hear more about her service, email her at becky@weneedavacation.com.
Becky lives in Brewster and has photographed or created videos for more than 350 of the homes on our website. Invest in your property now to ensure future bookings. Learn more
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Be sure to adhere to your lease regarding the return of security deposits. Every year, we receive many complaints from tenants who are concerned about not receiving their deposit when it was scheduled to be returned. Returning security deposits promptly with a nice note encourages vacationers to return to your home the next year!
When returning security deposits to vacationers, don't forget to ask them to write a guest review!
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Click on your area:
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| Reminders |
| Lawn Signs |
Refer-a-Friend |
Homeowner Service Providers |
Pick up a complimentary lawn sign, which may help you fill a vacant week or last-minute cancellation this summer, as well as some fall weeks or weekends. Many vacationers will be thinking ahead to the summer of 2013! For a free sign and goody bag, contact Becky@weneedavacation.com.
If shipping is required ($10 shipping and handling fee), log on to your Homeowner Center page and click on the lawn sign link. Log in
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Refer a friend and receive 2 free months if you list for a year or more, or 1 extra month if you list for 6 months! And, don't forget: referring a Vacation Planner or Home Service business counts, too! |
If you find yourself in need of an immediate repair this summer, remember to consult our Home Services Directory for businesses that specialize in home maintenance/repairs. And if your tenants need baby equipment, linens, or other rentals, our directory features those businesses, too.
Browse all Home Services by category or location
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