Vacation Rentals

[Justin Herrema]

Does anyone do this as their primary investments focus?
I am looking to do more of these and have a few questions for someone a little more seasoned on this topic.
1. Have you been able to create an automated system for booking?
2. Do you use a management company and if so what do they charge?
3. Do you advertise aside form VRBO.com, Homeaway.com & vacationrentals.com?

[Patrick K]

Originally posted by Bradz:

I have always thought about doing this. For those that manage themselves how do you handle the day to day remotely? such things as cleaning between tenants, inspections after tenants vacate to assess if the security deposit is going to be returned, etc...?

I'll walk you through my basic routine.

We have a keypad on the door so I never have to mess with keys or anything, just give them their code which is usually their zip code so they come and go.

I will walk the entire inside and start throwing away anything visible that is out and would need to be, though there usually isnt....checking for any damage along the way and inspect each closet for left items, all drawers in night stands etc.

Next, pull all the sheets/pillow cases off beds even if they dont appear to be slept in and place them all in a laundry basket and inspect/fold all comforters/blankets. I then leave out fresh back up sheets on the bed for the maid service to make the bed as we have doubles for all the beds.

Go to laundry room and throw in a load of towels pulling any out of the bathrooms if left wether appear to have been used or not. We ask that they place all used towels in a laundry basket in the laundry room before departure and 90% do. Run washer.

Clean out fridge/freezer of any items left behind. If its anything unused like beer or water bottles or soda I will leave them for myself or the next tenants, throw away all other used items.

Check the back patio and tidy up if needed.

We leave instructions asking to load and run the dishwasher before departure as well....again 90% or more have done so, and I simply check this and clean anything thats needed, then put away dishes once ready and kind of look around to make sure everything in order.

Leave a check for the maids and run all the bed sheets up to a wash and fold service that has them ready usually in 3 hours.

That is about it in a nutshell....once you get a routine down its pretty automatic and probably spend no more then 30-45 minutes running through the house dealing with things.

We have been very lucky by not having any problem tenants who trash the place or done anything wierd or crazy. Its a brand new house though so I dont know if that influences people to take care of it more or what, but the rent is where I believe most of the clientele is going to be of a "respectful" character I guess you might say.