​When entering the short term rental business, there are many things to consider.  The ever growing number vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Homeaway prove that more travelers than ever are opting to skip the hotel and use the alternative option of staying in a vacation rental.  As the vacation property market has become more sophisticated, it follows that travelers are now after more than just a bed or basic essentials. From weekend breaks to longer out of town escapes, renting a vacation property has become the preferred choice for those after the complete “home away from home” experience. So, before signing up to any of these vacation sites, take note of these simple tips to make sure your space is ready and able to compete with "hotel quality."

​Having strangers stay in your home is kind of a big deal. Who are they? What are they like? Will they mess up my furniture or go through my things? How will they take care of my property? While you won’t be able to answer all of these questions  before (or even after) letting someone into your home, there are a few tricks  which can help you get a better sense of who it is you’re hosting.

Hotels make you feel like a guest at all times, but short term rental properties let you have the opportunity to live in the comfort of your own temporary, furnished home, with a private kitchen, bath, and rooms to relax in while you are visiting different places. Also, it saves you more money. Flexible, furnished units are much more cost-efficient than hotels and allow you to spend less on services such as laundry, dining out, and other things that are not included with accommodations like a hotel, motel or Holiday Inn. Fully equipped kitchens (most) are a standard amenity included for short term rental listings (at least for those who are renting out their entire home). This has great appeal when for a family with small children in temporary accommodation looking for a more permanent place.

Reliability, cost effectiveness, and a job well done is what every vacation home owner looks for in a cleaning company. The upkeep of a home isn't an easy task, especially paired with the constant shuffle of travelers in and out. It can be overwhelming  if you're handling this task on your own as an owner. More often than not, vacation home owners seek out a cleaning company they can rely on to make sure the house is clean and cozy for their next guest. If you are looking for a cleaning company, here are a few things to consider when making that decision.

Whether you are purchasing a home in warm weather for winter or a getaway home in the mountains, a vacation home is a good investment. During those times you won't be there, you can make extra income utilizing your home as a vacation rental for travelers. While it does make sense financially and logistically though, there are a few things to consider. Before you choose your vacation home, let us walk you through some things to think about.

Having a Welcome Guide for your home not only is a great resource for guests, but it SAVES a lot of time for you! Welcome Guides are the go to resource for common guests questions about your home and surrounding areas. What your welcome guide looks like and consists of is solely up to you and there are a few options depending on your time frame and budget. Let's take a few minutes to ensure that your Welcome Guide is just what your guests need...

 You have the perfect vacation home, now what? Decorating is exciting but we understand it can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. As an owner, you want the best and take pride in your home. The first thing a traveler looks at when choosing a vacation rental are the pictures of the home. Presentation is everything and a lot of pictures with beautiful décor will definitely contribute to booking success! Need some tips? Read on.

1.  ​PUT YOUR GUEST'S NEEDS FIRSTS
Offer amenities to guests that will make them feel right at home. A house guide is always a great resource to let guests know where everything in the house is located. Convenience is key! Make  sure to have new age, modern necessities : Wifi, Cable, Flat Screen TVs, Bluetooth Stereo, & Coffee Maker. Having extra items to enhance the guests' stay will encourage them to book your property.  Travelers with children will be pleased to find Pack N Plays, board games, pool toys(if applicable), and other kid friendly items. Grills are always a plus for guests wanting to kick back and enjoy the outdoors. Going above and beyond with your kitchen and bath features is always a plus and draws attention to your property. Having a well equipped kitchen with cooking utensils, pots/pans, and baking dishes will attract those who are seeking a homey feel. Make sure your bathrooms have blow dryers, shampoos/conditioners/body wash, toothpaste, and the basic necessities needed that we often forget when packing.  Little things make a BIG difference, after all, it's the little things that matter most! ​