As with many efforts, the first season you rent your vacation cabin may be the most complex.  During this time, you’ll have to determine how to catch the attention of potential guests, how to keep track of bookings, how to make certain of an effortless transition between guests, and how to handle the diverse troubles that may occur.  Whether you own a lake cabin in Big Bear or a mountain cabin in the Smokies, the key to starting the process off right is to be knowledgeable about your options and industry best practices.

Decide on your expectations.  Prior to renting, you should lay down goals for the number of weeks you’d like to rent and the amount of revenue you’d like to make.  It’s essential to be reasonable when setting your targets and to have researched to make sure that you’re not setting yourself up for disappointment.  For instance, if you own a cabin in the Lakes region of New Hampshire, you may find it hard to rent 52 weeks per year.  However, if you own a luxury cabin rental in Aspen, you’re much more likely to be able to rent year-round. 

Investigate other cabin rentals in your market.  Peruse your location where you cabin is located on websites like HomeAway.com and VacationRentals.com.  Look at comparable properties in your area:  What do other owners charge?  How many weeks are they rented in the coming season (you can see this on their availability calendar)?

Prep your vacation cabin for guests.  While your second home should be homier than a hotel room, you should transfer your personal items to a locked owner’s closet and leave the rest of your home clutter free.

Carefully consider the bed setup in each room.  Think about the types of guests who will be staying in your home.  Is it families with small children?  Groups of adults?  Corporate travelers?  The groups you plan to host will sway which size beds you should have in each bedroom of your ski cabin or lake home.

Choose the right rental rates.  Compare your home to similar properties in your area.  Adjust your rates higher or lower depending on how your vacation cabin falls into the property spectrum in your market.  Be careful not to set your rates too low.  This is the most common pricing mistake made by cabin rental owners.  Also, remember that your rates can be easily changed.  It’s better to start off a bit high and knock off a few dollars than to undercharge and lose potential rental revenue.

Clearly outline your refund and cancellation policy to protect yourself from lost rental revenue.  Many owners of cabin rentals charge a nominal fee for cancellations more than 60 days out, but offer no refund for cancellations within 60 days, unless they’re able to rebook the cancelled days.

Create a list of service providers you may need in the coming year.  If you’re running your cabin rental business from a distance, it’s important to be proactive.

The key to fruitfully renting your vacation cabin is to have a strategy in place before you start and to be ready to learn by trial and error.

Foghorn Outdoors: Northern California Cabins and Cottages

Perfect for readers who want hassle-free accommodations with convenient access to outdoor recreation, this guide provides a broad range of lodging options — from rustic to luxurious — regional descriptions, tips for making reservations, and details on each cabin’s ambience, amenities, and nearby activities. Coverage includes Monterey, wine country, and the Tahoe region.

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We welcome you to a time of refreshment and adventure at the River House. Resting upon 5 acres of beautiful property along the New River, this is a place for you and your friends or family to come, to be refreshed, to relax, and to play. As you arrive, you will round a small curve and the gentle, bubbling, New River comes into view on the right side of the road. To the left side of the road is a large rolling lawn of apple trees, blueberry bushes, a grape arbor, and the River House. This five bedroom, three bath, 3-story house is set-up off the quiet road. There are two levels of deck with your choice of outdoor entertainment options, including hot tub, grill, ping pong, outdoors fire place, rocking chairs, fishing, etc. The top deck contains dining tables and chairs, rocking chairs, grill, sofa, chimenea, storage of the life vests & paddles for the canoes, etc. The bottom deck is made of beautiful stone pavers with a hot tub, picnic table, ping pong table and table and chairs. The large lawn is perfect for children to play, group games, and picnics. As you enter the house, you will appreciate the 25 foot cathedral ceilings and large two story windows. The kitchen is spacious and open, including a long bar area with Tibetan wood stools for chatting with the cook or gazing out the windows to the river and woods below. The kitchen opens into the dining area and living area with a large stone fireplace as the centerpiece of this room. This room is furnished in a dark leather …
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Cabin Rental Guide: How to Rent Your Vacation Cabin is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

The Everything Family Guide to Timeshares is your comprehensive handbook for choosing, purchasing, using, and selling the “perfect” timeshare. You’ll learn how to: Separate the deals from the scams Choose the right timeshare location for their needs Negotiate a successful contract Swap timeshares with other owners This all-inclusive guide includes information on exchange companies, free timeshare vacations, top properties, and unique timeshare opportunities such as yachts and recreational vehicles. Whether you’re looking for ideas on where to buy your first timeshare or tips on selling or trading up, The Everything Family Guide to Timeshares is just what you need! Kim Kavin is an award-winning writer, editor, and photographer, working at everything from newspapers to luxury lifestyle magazines.

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The Everything Family Guide To Timeshares is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

Are you looking for a landlord guide to unravel the big words and confusing terms used by rental property owners? Our plain English landlord guide will explain every common word and crucial term that you will need to know.

1031 Exchange – Refers to the section 1031 of the U.S. revenue code. What makes it important is that it allows you to avoid paying capital gains taxes when selling your rental property if you use the money to buy another like-kind property.

Capital Gains Tax – The taxes you have to pay if you sell your rental property for a profit. Some countries do not require landlords to pay capital gains taxes.

Eviction – The legal process that rental property owners use to remove nightmare tenants who don’t pay rent or break the terms of their rental agreement. As this can be a costly and messy process, it’s highly recommended that you look for a landlord guide to do it property.

Fixed Term Tenancy – A popular type of rental agreement where there is a fixed starting and ending date.

Landlord Liability Insurance – Insurance that protects you in case you are being sued by your tenant for injury or losses. This insurance will cover your legal costs and any claims that are made by your tenant.

Notice to Quit – This is a written note that is commonly given to tenants in advance to end a periodic tenancy. Before you can file an eviction lawsuit, you will also have to give your tenant a written notice to quit as a final warning.

Occupant – An occupant is someone who is legally allowed to stay on your rental property as stated in your lease agreement. He is different from a tenant in that he is not responsible for paying you rent. An example of an occupant will be your tenant’s children.

Periodic Tenancy – Another common type of lease that is renewed from one time period to another instead of having a fixed end date. A periodic tenancy can be week to week, month to month or year to year.

Section 8 Program – Also known as a housing choice voucher program. This is a U.S. government housing program that helps people with low income by paying 60 to 70% of their rent. As there are many rules regarding this program, read your section 8 landlord guide before accepting a section 8 tenant.

Squatter – Someone who is illegally living on your rental property. This usually happens when your tenant invites someone to stay over for a long time without your permission.

Subtenant – When your tenant re-rents your rental property to someone else, that person is known as your subtenant. In most cases, you will have little control over your subtenant so it is recommended that you do not allow them.

Surrender of Tenancy – When both the landlord and tenant agree to mutually end their rental agreement, the process is called a surrender of tenancy.

Tenancy at Sufferance – If the time period for your lease is over and the tenant continues living on your rental property without your permission, he will be known as a tenant at sufferance. In most cases, he has to continue paying you rent and you can file an eviction lawsuit to remove him.

Tenancy at Will – This is a more informal type of lease where there is no proper written rental agreement. It is commonly a verbal arrangement preferred by landlords who need temporary tenants.

Tenancy for Years – This is another name for a fixed term tenancy. For the full explanation, look for “fixed term tenancy” above.

Teo Zhenjie has been showing landlords how to manage their tenants and rental properties effectively on Propertydo http://www.propertydo.com/ – Visit his website today for your step-by-step landlord guide, free resources and forms.

To evict a tenant, first consult with an attorney to make sure they have violated his or her lease, deliver an eviction notice to the tenant in person and file all of the proper paperwork before going to court, if necessary. Evict a tenant and reclaim the rental property with advice from an experienced property manager and landlord in this free video on rental property. Expert: Damon Thompson Bio: Damon Thompson owns three rental properties in Detroit, Mich. and has owned up to seven rental properties at once for more than 15 years. Filmmaker: Lynell Doyle
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Your Landlord Guide To Important Rental Property Terms And Words is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

Apartment hunting and renting can be a very stressful time your life. Because of the overwhelming amount of properties available, you might get frustrated or confused. You must also look out for dodgy realtors, they can easily get you into something that you do not want. On the brighter side of rental hunting, if you plan carefully, weigh all your options and research your decisions, property hunting can be really fun.

You will find in this book a wealth of information with regard to rentals and finding a suitable place to stay. Read and study this guide carefully, and you will be greatly rewarded with exactly the kind of rental you want.

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The South Sea Whaler – W.H.G. Kingston

“Excerpt from the book…”

THE CHAMPION WHALER–THE CAPTAIN AND HIS CHILDREN–SIGHTS AT SEA–
FRIGATE-BIRDS AND FLYING-FISH–A BONITO–CATCHING ALBATROSSES–MUTINOUS

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Best Vacation Rentals: Caribbean : A Traveler’s Guide to Cottages, Condos, and Castles is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

Have you ever dreamed about a few idyllic weeks in Italy, staying in a lovingly restored historic villa or apartment? Can you imagine yourself wandering through vibrant villages and towns, seeking out art treasures in tumble-down churches, and shopping for antiques, fine wines and the latest fashions along streets that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries? Does dining in rustic country trattorias, chic city restaurants, or even trying your hand at cooking authentic Italian meals in your own villa kitchen appeal to you? If you thought that this kind of vacation was only for the super-wealthy, you are in for a surprise. Your Own Private Tuscany is the first guide that helps you turn this fantasy into an affordable reality. Your Own Private Tuscany is not like other guides. It won’t dictate where you should go or stay, what you should see, do, or eat, but it will give you all the tools required to custom-design a trip that suits your own personality and interests. In the pages

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Your Own Private Tuscany: A Guide to Italian Vacation Rentals is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

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Best Vacation Rentals: United States and Canada : A Traveler’s Guide to Cottages, Condos, and Castles (Best Vacation Rentals, Us and Canada) is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

• ISBN13: 9781413310634
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

The only book on tax deductions specifically for residential landlords!

Named a “Top 10 Real Estate Book” by Robert Bruss, syndicated real estate columnist

If you own rental property, you should be taking advantage of the many tax write-offs available. Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide gives residential landlords the plain-English guide they need to save money on taxes — without the services of a pricey accounting firm.

This book explains how to maximize your deductions without drawing the ire of the IRS. Find out how to:

fill out IRS Schedule E
take real estate tax credits
figure out if an expense is a repair (deductible) or an improvement (depreciable)
maximize your depreciation deductions
deduct losses arising from real estate ownership
keep proper tax records
deduct home office, travel, and casualty losses

Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide is comprehensive yet easy to read and p

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Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide Reviews is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

When you are house or apartment rental hunting, many people have fallen in love with a place then moved in. After all the hard work of getting all your stuff in place do you discover that this new abode of yours, isn´t exactly the answer to all your rental apartment or rental house dreams. A lot of people fall into the trap, excited by the thoughts of living in a new apartment or house. These renters tend to overlook some important details.

Some of these details include: just a month after you move in, you discover that your neighbor upstairs likes to play bowling in the hallway in the middle of the night or those thick plaster walls you were so happy with, block your cell phone signal.

Do not despair. There is a quick and easy list for you to follow when apartment rental hunting. By following these tips you will be able to find a house or apartment rental which will fit perfectly for you.

The Lease

• Is there a security deposit? Are there any move in fees? Many larger houses and apartment buildings limit the days and hours when new residents can move into a rental apartment or house. This is to limit the disruption to other residents.

• Are the utilities included with the house or rental apartment?

• Are the lease terms flexible? Some larger houses and apartment buildings offer options such as six month or 12 month leases.

• Is the house or rental apartment rent controlled?

• Is there a broker’s fee?  The fees for house or rental apartments are common in cities such as New York.

Amenities

•  What´s the cell phone reception like? When you are house and rental apartment hunting, be sure to take out your cell phone and walk around the property to test the signal.

• Is there off-street parking available? If so, how much does it cost? On-street parking is another option. This works out cheaper but be sure to check if you need to register your car or if you have to buy a resident parking sticker.

• Does the house or apartment have extra storage? Sometimes if the closet or storage space is small, some buildings have extra storage for a fee.

• Is the laundry on site or in the house or rental apartment unit? Do the washing machines look new or look worn out? What kind of system do they use, a card system or coins?

• Does the house or rental apartment have air conditioning? If not, is it allowed to install air con units?

• Does the kitchen have appliances like garbage disposal, a stove, a refrigerator or a dishwasher? Are they new?

• It´s a good idea to bring along a tape measure so that you can measure the rooms and doorways.

• Are pets allowed in the building? If so, are there any fees to be paid.

The Neighborhood

• What is the access to public transportation like? Sometimes an ad might say that the rental apartment or house is “close to the subway/bus”, its better to walk it yourself to see exactly how far it is.

• Is the house or rental apartment far away from grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, drugstores, discos, bars or cafes?

Building

• What type of people live in the building? Is it full of college students or retired people?

• If the ad says the house or rental apartment is “walk-up”, that means there are no elevators. This might be of concern if you have a lot to move or if you have some oversized furniture.

• It´s a good idea to visit the house or rental apartment during the evening when more of the residents are more likely to be home. What is the noise level like?

• If you need work done, how fast is the landlord to respond?

Ask these questions, and you will surely find a rental apartment or house that suits you and your lifestyle perfectly. Are you into keeping it real estate …? A good place to start house or apartment renting hunting is www.keeping-it-real-estate.com. We have a lot of houses and apartments for sale and for rent. Happy hunting!

Apartment Rental: Finding a Place to Live [VHS]

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Apartment Rental Hunting: A guide to finding your dream place is a post from: Vacation Homes Help

Maximize profits in the single-family and multi-unit rental market. You probably know that small rental properties are among the safest, most affordable, and most profitable investments around. With the a little help, however, you can minimize both your investment and your costs and send your profits straight through the roof! In this comprehensive handbook, real estate investing expert Steve Berges reveals the secrets that have made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the field. He shows you all of the indispensable tricks of the trade, explains why they are so important, and connects them to other essential steps for super-profitable investing.Arming you with his Five Golden Rules for Success, Steve Berges also shows you how to: select a house and negotiate the best price and terms; perform a comprehensive financial analysis to maximize value; secure financing and prepare for your closing; find qualified tenants and draft favorable lease agreements; reduce operating costs

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The Complete Guide to Investing in Rental Properties is a post from: Vacation Homes Help