“You never mentioned Green Shag Carpet!” - “You never asked!”

Vacation homeowners and managers remember that our guests are on VACATION and property descriptions need to be accurate. Some people vacation once a month while others save enough to vacation one time annually or once in a lifetime. No matter the frequency of travel it is imperative that expectations are set up front as to the vacation accommodations and experience to be had at an advertised vacation home. You can set the expectations of those visiting your vacation rental and prevent a lot of heartache for everyone.

How can you set the expectations? First - keep it real. If you have a condo in the heart of the city next to rail road tracks it’s not appropriate to advertise “rural getaway, peaceful and quiet”. Don’t advertise your kitchen as a “chefs delight” or “cook up a storm” if it you would be lucky to find a pan to boil water. Do you really have a vacation rental for people seeking a quiet location or a those looking to prepare gourmet meals?

It is tempting for owners and managers to embellish advertising. Don’t do it! It will only create heartache and grief for everyone. Vacationers will arrive to take in the incredible views you have described only to find that their dream vacation rental is tucked in the middle of a highrise condo development and the only view to be had is if you stand on your tippy toes in the guest bathroom. Not acceptable. You will get phone calls to complain about your advertising, lose repeat business and worse yet - receive bad press. If travelers like your vacation condo they will tell a few friends. If they are not happy with your exaggerated claims they will tell many people about how misleading your ad is.

Put yourself in the shoes of the vacationer. Many have planned for a long time to find the perfect vacation getaway - Yours. They have searched vacation rental websites for days on end, clicking on the photos of your rental ad many times and imagining how great it will be to stay at your place. Most guests have traveled many miles, they are tired, hungry and in no mood for surprises. If your cleaning crew has properly prepared the home, it smells fresh, a light is on in the home, and a small welcome snack or gift is waiting for your weary vacationers then you will be off to a great start with your guests. Even better if there are no trains rattling the house at 2 a.m. Accurate descriptions and a small unexpected perk can go a long way in successful vacation rental management.

Respond quickly to email inquiries and phone inquiries with accurate information. Most owners and managers are excited to talk about their vacation rentals and provide excellent descriptions and great area tips. Owners and managers should be asking good questions and listening. “What is the purpose of your visit? Vacation or business? What is most important for your stay - Views? Heated Pool? Wireless internet? The Kitchen? King beds? and the list goes on. Ask good questions and tell it like it is!

It works both ways - A few words to vacationers and travelers. You have responsibilities too. Ask good questions, make clear requests, have realistic expectations and listen. For example if the listing has a check mark in the box next to “Pool Available” don’t just assume the home has the pool you have been dreaming about -You should be asking “is it heated, is it private or community, heated to what temperature (some like it like bath water and some like it refreshing), in ground or above ground, gated, alarmed, suited for children, is there a spa too, scheduled pool service and….” The same goes for renting a budget vacation rental. Don’t expect to have daily maid service, polished shoes, a personal chef and a daily massage.

Own a beach house that is located on miles of private white sandy beaches? By all means you toot your horn and let everyone know that the beach house is….yes, located on miles of private white sandy beaches. If your vacation condo has green shag carpet and is a bit out dated then say so and price it accordingly. The expectations will be set, the price will be right and everyone will get what they expect.

Vacation Rental Listing -“Cozy retro condo, furnished, enjoy lush Green Shag Carpet - renters must agree to rake daily!” Expectations are set.

Renters Reaction, “Honey, I love the Green Shag Carpet! It’s so retro!” Hey, if the price is right and my wife expects Green Shag Carpet - then it’s all good! “Where’s the rake?”

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