Snow bird booking from previous owner

[Ben Cogdell]

We are closing on a beach condo in Orange Beach AL on 11/15.  The previous owners have a snow bird booked from 12/20-3/10 which I understand we don’t have to honor. The rate is pretty good for a snow bird and considering keeping it. My concern is that I won’t have time to book many short term rentals until after the stay and how that might delay boosting rankings,etc on Airbnb/Vrbo. 

Thoughts/advice?

[Jeffrey A. Brown]

I'd probably stick with the bird, but 3/10 departure is going to give you very little time between their last day and your spring break bookings.  One thing to keep in mind is if you're planning on doing any maintenance/upkeep/upgrades/furniture swaps before spring break, you'll have a short window to do it in.