As either a property manager or individual property owner there are several things you should be doing on a regular basis to ensure you’re doing everything you can to increase your bookings and revenue. Being vigilant and diligent is key to capturing more bookings.

List All Your Rentals

A frequent mistake that many managers make is to list a small number of rentals online. Each vacation rental is unique so having a subset of your rentals online really limits the number of inquiries and bookings. Don’t expect that because you have your top performing rentals online that people who are interested in those will want something else. You will lose bookings. You should also list your rentals on several sites. The bottom line is that you want to cast a wide net so you catch the most number of renters!

Rapid Response

The #1 activity you need to stay on top of is rapidly responding to renter inquiries. Whether its by phone or email, if you are not responding to potential renters you’ll never get bookings. You also need to respond in a timely manner. Many renters are looking at more than one property and you could lose a booking because someone else was faster at responding to a renter than you. In this day and age, it is highly recommended you carry a Blackberry, iPhone or Palm so you can email renters back even when you’re out and about.

Make sure to keep your contact information (phone and email) updated. If you change your phone number, go to your listings and change it otherwise you’re missing out on bookings you never knew you had coming.

Calendars

Most renters look at your rental’s availability before they will contact you so make sure it is updated on a regular basis. There are web based calendars and tools you can use so you don’t need to update dozens of calendars. And of course, Surf to Ski Retreats allows you to embed a web based calendar into your listing! Keep your calendar up to date. If you’re getting inquires for a rental that is not available, you’re wasting your time and the potential renters.

Pictures

There’s nothing more important than showing renters what the vacation rental looks like and it’s critical to include pictures of both the inside and outside of the vacation rental, even if it’s a condo, house or townhouse. As the decor changes, take new pictures. Renters will be disappointed if they arrive and find the vacation rental does not match what they saw online.

Publish Your Rates

Many owners don’t want to publish rates but that’s a big mistake. Renters have a budget when they are looking for their next vacation rental and they are not about to send off dozens of inquiries to see if that “perfect” rental is affordable to them. Keep your rates updated when they change. Renters don’t like surprises and when they see one rate and are given a higher rate, you’ll lose them right there.

Policies

With the current economic situation we are seeing more and more renters asking about cancellation and deposit policies. When two or more couple get together to go on vacation together and one pulls out it generally means they need to cancel the entire vacation. Publish these policies so renters feel more comfortable renting from you as they know what they are getting into and how they can get out. We always recommend to renters that they purchase travel insurance, but they don’t always do.

Conclusion

All these items might seem simple, but so many owners and manager fail to execute them and miss out on thousands of dollars in revenue. Just remember to post all the information about your rental, frequently update it and immediately respond your renter inquiries. These 3 items will help you increase your rental booking and revenue!

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Michael

Surf to Ski Retreats - Vacation Rentals For Every Season

If you’re looking to stay in a quiet, well situated condo complex in Kailua-Kona, you won’t go wrong staying at Casa de Emdeko. Last year I stayed in this complex and simply loved the location, amenities and views!

Located right on the oceanside of Ali’i Drive, this complex is only a 15 minutes walk into Kona town. It’s a central location that is both close to town and to the many beaches along Ali’i Drive. (it’s also a short walk to the market). There is a small business front that has a marketplace to get a bite to eat or drink.

The amenities at Casa de Emdeko are good. There is a wonderful common area that has 3 gas BBQ’s, lots of tables, chairs and umbrellas along with a cabana that allows you to host a small party. There are 2 swimming pools - one freshwater and one salt water pool. The salt water pool is located right at the ocean’s edge and is fantastic to float, or swim in. The complex also has a man made private beach area complete with beach chairs and palm trees - located next to the pool and on the oceanside. There’s an on site manager and laundry facility with plenty of coin operated washers and dryers. This is a 2 story complex and there is an elevator for those who need one.

Whale watching from the sea wall is popular and you can often see breeching humpback whales. Many residents and vacations sit on the wall and watch the sunset, marine life and cruise ships go by.

Most condos have an ocean view (several are oceanfront) and the entire complex is right on the ocean so no matter what condo you rent you’ll be able to hear the ocean break on the sea wall. If you want a great ocean view, it’s recommended to be on the second floor. The grounds are well kept and there are plenty of palms, plants and birds.

This complex is perfect for anyone on a budget, those looking to relax and sit by the pool or those wanting a central location to head out and fill their day with local activities.

Find and rent a Casa de Emdeko vacation rental!

Sunset from the sea wall at Casa de Emdeko.

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Michael

Surf to Ski Retreats - Vacation Rentals For Every Season

Whenever you’re planning a vacation, you should always consider staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Many people still use a booking agent to help them find a vacation rental, but you no longer need to do that. You can find a rental on your own. Surf to Ski Retreats is just one such website that allows you to search and book a rental online.

Here is a quick list of things a vacationer should always do when looking for and renting a vacation rental:

1. Look at all the pictures (and ask for additional images). Unlike a hotel room, each vacation rental is unique. Even if you have stayed in the same condo complex before, every unit in that complex will have slightly different amenities, features and appliances. Make sure you can see pictures of both the inside and outside of the unit. Depending on the location, the surrounding area is important so you know what the pool area looks like, as well as nearby beaches, and complex amenities.

2. Read feedback or testimonials. Know what other vacationers think of the vacation rental. Is it a good fit for you?

3. Understand the contract. Make sure you know what the cancellation and refund policies are.

4. Buy travel insurance. You never know what will happen and most owners/managers have strict cancellation policies. Buy insurance to protect yourself. It costs so few dollars and it can save you thousands!

5. Get check in & out instructions before you leave. Know how to get to the rental and how to get into the rental. Most vacation rentals will have a lock box and you’ll need a combination to open it. When you’re ready to leave, make sure you know what you need to do when you check out. You may be required to do some laundry, dishes or other tasks so that you don’t pay extra cleaning fees. This is very normal and since you’re staying in someone’s home, we want to encourage you to keep the vacation rental clean and think of the owner and next guests.

Do your research! This quick list handles the basics of renting a vacation rental. If you don’t feel comfortable renting the vacation rental, then don’t. Keep looking until you come across the right rental for you.

Get more information on our main website about why you should choose a vacation rental instead of a hotel: Vacation Rental Education

Once you stay in a vacation rental, you’ll always rent one for every vacation and trip you take!

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Michael

Surf to Ski Retreats - Vacation Rentals For Every Season

I recently spent some time on Kauai and stayed in the resort area of Princeville. The North side of Kauai has excellent golf, shopping and lots of sightseeing and activities, but most importantly - there are a lot of vacation rentals in the area.

Although there are almost 2 dozen condo complexes in, and around Princeville, I had the pleasure of staying at the Nihilani at Princeville. The unit was a two story condo with a living room, bedroom and bathroom on each floor. This makes for a great rental when staying with a second couple, or a family, as you get your own space and time away, even when you’re back from a day’s adventure.

The complex is very well maintained, lots of nice hedges, plants and palms. The community pool area is secure so that outsiders can not get in and while I stayed there, it was barely used and I quite enjoyed having the whole pool to myself! Even on days when other guests or residents were in the pool, it was still a pleasant time as everyone was respectful of each other.

If you plan to stay in this complex, find an inside unit (one not facing the road) as there is traffic and this could be a negative for some people. Nihilani has both permanent residents and traveler staying in the complex. Each building has 3 units and it was very, very quiet. This complex is not oceanfront, but it is within a five minute walk of the Princeville cliffs and shoreline. There are lots of good walking paths, especially around the golf courses. Runners, joggers and walkers will enjoy this area.

Other vacation rental complexes to consider in the Princeville area are:

Alii Kai
Hanalei Bay Villas
Pali Ke Kua
Plantation at Princeville
Sandpiper Village 1
The Cliffs
Villas on the Prince

As with any vacation rental - check the pictures and feedback of the unit as each one is unique!

Finally, I would recommend Nihilani to anyone. It was a good place to stay and had easy access to everything.

Enjoy your next stay in Kauai!

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Michael

Surf to Ski Retreats - Vacation Rentals For Every Season