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Managing Short-Term Rentals

Marketing Trends and Management Advice for Short-Term Rentals

  • Due to the continuing impact of the new lodging tax, our recommendation to Cape and Islands homeowners is that they not raise their weekly rates for the 2020 season.

    By Elizabeth Weedon | 9/8/2019

    Pricing and marketing for the 2020 rental season

    Due to the continuing impact of the new lodging tax, our recommendation to Cape and Islands homeowners is that they not raise their weekly rates for the 2020 season.

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  • So far, Cape and Islands vacation rentals are off this season. We believe it's the new lodging tax that's responsible and not sharks or higher inventory.

    By Joan Talmadge | Updated 9/9/2020

    The Impact of the Lodging Tax on the 2019 Cape and Islands Rental Season

    So far, Cape and Islands vacation rentals are off this season. We believe it's the new lodging tax that's responsible and not sharks or higher inventory.

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  • Learn how Massachusetts short-term rental lodging taxes work, including tax rates by town, registration with MassTaxConnect, exemptions, and filing requirements for STR owners.

    By Joan Talmadge | Updated 9/3/2026

    Massachusetts Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax Guide & FAQs (2026)

    Everything Massachusetts short-term rental owners need to know about lodging taxes, including registration, tax rates, exemptions, and filing deadlines.

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  • Discover how to build guest loyalty and drive more bookings with these 5 proven vacation rental tips. Learn how reviews, personal touches, and follow-ups can turn guests into repeat visitors.

    By Elizabeth Weedon | Updated 6/17/2025

    5 Tips to Retain Repeat Guests and Attract New Ones

    Want more repeat bookings and glowing reviews? Great guest experiences don’t happen by chance—they’re built through thoughtful communication, personal touches, and timely follow-ups. Learn 5 simple strategies to keep guests coming back and attract new ones through word-of-mouth and online credibility.

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  • Learn what to include in a vacation rental pre-arrival email, from check-in instructions and property access to linens, parking, local tips, and guest contact details.

    By Samantha Williams | Updated 9/9/2026

    Vacation Rental Pre-Arrival Email Checklist for Owners

    Help guests arrive prepared with a clear vacation rental pre-arrival email covering check-in details, property access, linens, parking, contact information, and local tips.

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  • Including the lodging tax in your vacation rental rates places you at a competitive disadantage when vacationers compare listings by price, possibly even restricting your listing's exposure.

    By Elizabeth Weedon | 4/25/2019

    Absorbing the lodging tax in your rental rates is a bad idea

    Including the lodging tax in your vacation rental rates places you at a competitive disadantage when vacationers compare listings by price, possibly even restricting your listing's exposure.

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  • How to protect yourself and your vacation rental from scams or from being scraped/copied to take advantage of unsuspecting vacationers. 

    By Elizabeth Weedon | Updated 11/19/2021

    Protect your vacation rental from fraud

    How to protect yourself and your vacation rental from scams or from being scraped/copied to take advantage of unsuspecting vacationers. 

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  • Learn Massachusetts short-term rental insurance requirements, including the $1 million liability coverage rule for vacation rental homeowners.

    By Samantha Williams | Updated 5/7/2026

    Is Your Massachusetts Vacation Rental Home Adequately Insured?

    Massachusetts short-term rental operators must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance. Learn what vacation rental homeowners need to know before renting.

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  • Vacationer inquiries are like gold, don't squander them! Here is how you can convert them into bookings.

    By Joan Talmadge | Updated 12/18/2024

    Successfully Converting Inquiries to Bookings

    Vacationer inquiries are like gold, don't squander them! Here is how you can convert them into bookings.

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  • The Mass Lodging Tax on short-term vacation rentals imposes up to 14.45% taxes on weekly Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket rentals starting July 1, 2019.

    By Joan Talmadge | Updated 2/18/2019

    The Lodging Tax is here - What do you need to know?

    The Mass Lodging Tax on short-term vacation rentals imposes up to 14.45% taxes on weekly Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket rentals starting July 1, 2019.

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