All Forum Posts by: Lynette Guy

@Julie McCoy just a regular post.

@ Julie McCoy I just post some pictures and a short description along with the listing for VRBO where they see the entire description and amenities. I've gotten several reservations via the Nextdoor app. My cabin is in North Georgia, about 2 hours from where I live and it's a popular destination.

@Maribel Aviles sorry I'm just now seeing this and I'm sure you've already gotten in touch with Evolve by now.  I tried to include their phone here but it isn't allowed.  You should have received the contact information for your host as well when you initially made your reservation.  Please contact your host.  It's their property and they will be able to answer any specific questions you have much better than someone from Evolve that has never set foot in the property.

@Daniel Kauffman for one, I didn't like the lack of control over my own rental and it took the personal aspect away.  I enjoy hosting and like to be the first point of contact with my guests.  Evolve is not personable.  I've rented a listing through them before and it adds another party to go through that is completely unnecessary.  I like to charge more when there are extra guests, but Evolve won't allow you to do that.  

They also won't allow you to list on other sites if you are listed with them.  I didn't get any more reservations with Evolve and I was driving a lot of traffic there myself via the Nextdoor App, Facebook groups, etc.  

I am listed on both Airbnb and VRBO and I'm working on a website through Lodgify.

Several people using Evolve Vacation Rental had concerns about how difficult it would be to leave Evolve.  I just made that transition and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was.

• I can keep all my current bookings with Evolve.
• I was able to transfer my reviews back to my VRBO listing.
• For $250, I can keep my photographs and listing description.

I am now back on my own and the transition was fairly quick (it took a few days) and simple. I contacted them via email and informed them of my desire to terminate my contract and be the initial point of contact with my guests once again. They were understanding and only made minimal attempts to try and persuade me to stay.

If you've been considering making this transition but thought it would be difficult, hopefully, this will be useful in your decision-making process.

vrbo.com/4961130ha

I currently have a cabin in North Georgia. I always have a gift basket with snacks, cold water in the fridge, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider. 

I live a few hours from the cabin, but if I happen to be there, I'll bake cookies for the next guest.

Charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill, hairdryers, first aid kit with itch relief ointment for bug bites, etc., umbrellas, ponchos, spices, cooking oil, coffee, tea sugar, detergent. 

The kitchen has everything needed to cook, including a crock pot, panini maker, fondue pot, coffee grinder, water bottles to take hiking. 

I have extra blankets, pillows, throws, oscillating fans, small heaters in each bedroom.

If the guest informs me that there is a special occasion, I'll do my best to customize the gift basket. One mom requested a special ice cream for her teenage daughter. The ice cream wasn't available in any local grocery store, but Blue Bell Creamery delivered it to my local store and I filled the basket with ice cream toppings.

When a recent guest requested wheel chair friendly activities for her teenage daughter, that was somewhat challenging since most of the outdoor activities in the area involve hiking and water sports. I spent a few hours on the phone and online and compiled a list of activities. Sure, she could have done this herself, but she appreciated me going the extra mile and now I have it for anyone else that might need it.

I also have beach towels since river tubing is nearby and the cabin is dog friendly, so I leave a bag with dog treats and the water bowl is filled.

There is always a hand written, personalized note.

I enjoy making the guests feel welcome and at home and they always comment on these amenities when leaving their reviews.

I currently have a cabin in North Georgia. I always have a gift basket with snacks, cold water in the fridge, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider. 

I live a few hours from the cabin, but if I happen to be there, I'll bake cookies for the next guest.

Charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill, hairdryers, first aid kit with itch relief ointment for bug bites, etc., umbrellas, ponchos, spices, cooking oil, coffee, tea sugar, detergent. 

The kitchen has everything needed to cook, including a crock pot, panini maker, fondue pot, coffee grinder, water bottles to take hiking. 

I have extra blankets, pillows, throws, oscillating fans, small heaters in each bedroom.

If the guest informs me that there is a special occasion, I'll do my best to customize the gift basket. One mom requested a special ice cream for her teenage daughter. The ice cream wasn't available in any local grocery store, but Blue Bell Creamery delivered it to my local store and I filled the basket with ice cream toppings.

When a recent guest requested wheel chair friendly activities for her teenage daughter, that was somewhat challenging since most of the outdoor activities in the area involve hiking and water sports. I spent a few hours on the phone and online and compiled a list of activities. Sure, she could have done this herself, but she appreciated me going the extra mile and now I have it for anyone else that might need it.

I also have beach towels since river tubing is nearby and the cabin is dog friendly, so I leave a bag with dog treats and the water bowl is filled.

There is always a hand written, personalized note.

I enjoy making the guests feel welcome and at home and they always comment on these amenities when leaving their reviews.

I was really glad to come across this post. I live in Atlanta and work at the Atlanta airport. Ive been rhinking about buying a house near the airport to use as a crash pad. Sure, it's more work than a long term rental, but there's a lot more profit as well, just like having a vacation rental. Not all things are for everybody. Living in ATL, home of the world's busiest airport, this is a great opportunity. 

Mike Verna and Travis Rasmussen appreciate both of your replies as they related directly to my question. I'm sure it was quite an insignificant question to some people but it does affect your bottom line.

I completely agree and I know my door had to left open as well.

Thanks for your input on the settings you utilize. It was helpful hearing from both of you and your experiences. 

I stayed in a house last year in Utah and while the owner didn't have a Nest or the equivalent, she requested that the a/c be turned up when leaving the house. Every morning I left to go hiking and was gone all day. It made perfect sense to me turn the temp up while I was gone.

Thanks again guys. I know we all want to be profitable and be a good host as well.

I'll keep you both in mind if I'm able to vacation in your area!