The Vacation Rental Pricing Dilemma: Go up, go down, or stay the same?
That’s the question on the mind of vacation rental homeowners as another peak booking season approaches. Before making a decision on which of the three is right for you, we recommend first asking...
View ArticleVacation Rental Security Deposits – Too much or too little?
When it comes to vacation rental security deposits, the question is not whether to require them, of course, but how much, right? Certainly all homeowners should indeed require a security deposit: not...
View ArticleBuild the Ideal Listing Part IV – Using special offers to draw attention to...
Given current economic conditions and the relatively large inventory of vacation rental properties available on the Cape and Islands, it’s more important than ever to make your listing stand out in...
View Article2012 Cape & Islands Vacation Rental Booking Season Sets Strong Pace
Each year brings different dynamics and this year is no different so far. Based on January bookings, we are off to a strong start for next summer, as bookings for the Cape & Islands are up a...
View ArticleWhen should you consider lowering your prices?
Still have a few stubborn vacancies at your vacation rental property this season? Although the decision is totally dependent on how incented you are to fill those vacancies, it’s probably a good idea...
View ArticleHandling International Inquiries, Payments and Bookings
As the global economy begins to stabilize and consumer confidence grows, more and more vacationers from other countries are resuming vacations to the US. And with this winter’s devastating effects on...
View ArticleA Theory – Why certain summer weeks go like hotcakes one year, and fall flat...
Yesterday, July 9, I received an email from a homeowner concerned that she hadn’t rented her home for the July 6 week, so it is sitting empty all this week. After commiserating with her, I proceeded...
View ArticleTips for attracting fall vacation rental bookings
Looking to extend your booking season beyond the high summer season? If priced appropriately and marketed well, your home can provide you with some additional revenue with very little added effort....
View ArticleDon’t let poor business practices result in lost bookings
Despite your home being a perfect fit for a prospective vacationer, it’s possible that you can lose the booking due to an ill-advised booking procedure. A recent email correspondence with a vacationer...
View ArticleHonoring promises to past tenants without losing new prospects
Every year, vacation rental homeowners hope that a few of our past tenants will choose to return to our homes the next season: they obviously are a great fit and love the home, and we can trust that...
View ArticlePress Release: Vacation rental bookings and prices increasing across Cape...
Price increases for the coming summer season are at their highest in all of WeNeedaVacation.com's 17 seasons. In a 2014 Pricing Report, our CEO, Jeff Talmadge, provides an in-depth analysis of...
View ArticleShould I provide linens in my vacation rental?
Homeowners frequently ask us, “Should I provide linens?” Although there’s no right answer, I have to say that linens and towels are a very popular amenity, particularly for vacationers who are...
View ArticleBloomberg Real Estate Report – Radio Interview with Jeff Talmadge
In a recent episode of the Bloomberg Real Estate Report, Denise Pellegrini asks our CEO and Co-founder, Jeff Talmadge, about WeNeedaVacation.com's reported increase in 2014 bookings and pricing.
View ArticleA Quick Update on the Proposed Vacation Rental Lodging Tax Issue
A recent article in the Worcester Telegram prompted me to look into the current status of any proposed legislation regarding the extension of the lodging tax to private home rentals. For the past ten...
View ArticleUse Local Festivals and Events to Help Fill Vacancies
Still have availability for the summer or fall season? Consider promoting a local festival, fair or other fun event close to your home's location!
View ArticleEntering pricing for future seasons
How soon do you set up your pricing and availability for the following seasons? If you’re like some of our Cape and Islands homeowners, you hold off until late in the fall or even the beginning of...
View ArticlePricing Your Home
When pricing your vacation rental home, it’s very important to get it right. Naturally, those of you who have been renting for a few years have a pretty good idea what your weekly rate should be, but...
View ArticleShould you charge a cleaning fee?
Homeowners new to renting frequently ask whether to include cleaning in the rental cost. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when making this decision There really isn’t a right or...
View ArticleImportant Tips when Retaining Security Deposit
We all know the importance of requiring a security deposit and returning it quickly. But often homeowners are unclear about which issues justify withholding the security deposit, whether they need to...
View ArticleCurrent View of the Proposed Lodging Tax
Although no new developments have come from the State House recently regarding the status of the proposed Lodging Tax bill, Tyler Pyburn recently discussed the current status of the bill with Joan...
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