Owner Listing Guide
Enclosed in this guide are topics to help you list your vacation home.
All of our Beach home rentals, Ski home rentals, Cabin rentals or Inner city rentals from coast to coast can be TRUSTED when booking with us guaranteed.
To view our Membership Agreement please click here.
1. Renting and listing with Reserve My Home
Renting and listing your home with Reserve My Home offers several great ways to get your vacation home booked more, to save you time, and to give you peace of mind that transactions are safe and accurate.
Use our "Reserve My Home Book Instantly" button by placing the button on any website where you currently advertise your vacation home for rent with a simple cut and paste of your home's personal code. ie: Craig's List, VRBO or any other vacation home listing site that accepts links. When a renter decides to rent your home, clicking the button will instantly direct them to our booking engine to book your home - sign up today
-We will handle any email or phone inquiries.
-We will upload your personalized Rental Contract (which the Renter must agree to in order to complete the booking process). Renters will receive your Rental Contract immediately at the completion of their booking process.
-A map is automatically included in your Property Profile. Renters will receive directions immediately at the completion of their booking process.
-Renters are provided with your designated contact information to arrange access to your home and in case of an emergency.
-Property Managers may place the "Reserve My Home Instantly" button on their websites, may list homes in our database, may reserve homes manually themselves to accommodate special pricing, and also have the option to manage their maintenance operations with our state-of-the-art system.
Back to Top
2. Advertising and marketing - effectively maximizing internet exposure
One of the keys to being successful in the vacation rental industry is in the advertising and marketing of your home. Websites can be 100% effective when advertising and marketing rental properties, and Reservemyhome.com should not be the only site you use for advertising and marketing your vacation home. You may currently advertise and market your vacation home on any of the many available sites. Placing the "Reserve My Home Instantly" button on each of these sites will seamlessly bring your renters from exploring to booking. Reservemyhome.com can be used to not only advertise and market your vacation home, but to manage the entire booking process as well. We list properties, bringing them to life and creating accessibility to them online. Here are some key questions to consider to determine which sites will provide your vacation home with the best advertising and marketing:
- Does the site allow you to upload, change, and update enough of your own quality photos, detailed property descriptions and your own rental agreement?
- Does the site have a calendaring system that is easily updated and easily searched by renters?
- How frequently does the site require you to re-post your listing?
- How much does the site charge?
- Does the site offer the service of professionally handling and processing all inquiries for you?
- Does the site provide renters a resource for assistance?
- Does the site provide renters the ability to sort listings by different categories that make sense to them?
- Does the site clearly display different pricing models for different times of the year?
- If the site handles reservations and booking:
Does it automatically generate rental contracts?
- Does it securely store your private information?
- Does it provide tools to assist in tracking accounting and year-end tax preparation?
3. Property description - Information to include (no matter where it's listed)
Property headline: a simple description that gives potential renters a feel for your home and a good idea of its location. "Welcome to True North - your sunlit gateway to Idaho's back country! or "Fantasic Lake Tahoe Vacation Home near North Star Ski Resort."
Description: a more detailed description that includes number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor living space, and general references to amenities. "True North comfortably sleeps 10 people in 4 bedrooms and has 3 bathrooms. Prepare gourmet meals in the recently updated kitchen. Enjoy mountain sunrises from the deck during the summer, or watch the snow fall from the windowed great room."
Photos: see below for more information
Rental contract: outline your requirements. Do you accept pets? Smoking? Is your home located in a region that experiences extreme weather or encounters with wildlife?
Contact information: an easy way for renters to get their specific questions answered.
Max sleeping capacity and beds: provide not only the number of people, but the bed sizes.
Amenities: a concise yet complete list of amenities. (Plasma TVs, DVD players, internet access, beach accessories, fully stocked kitchen.)
Attractions: Is the beach within walking distance? How far to the nearest and furthest ski resort? Amusement parks? Shopping and dining?
Back to Top
4. Photos
BIG and CLEAR PHOTOS SELL - Photos are perhaps the best thing that internet advertising and marketing have made available to renters. Be sure your photos accurately represent your home in its best light. Nothing is more disappointing than to arrive at a home you've pictured in your mind only to discover it's actually much smaller, or closer to the highway than the photos led you to believe. You don't have to be a professional photographer to take good photos. Some pointers to keep in mind:
Horizontally oriented photos display best on most sites.
Check the details in the photo (crooked rugs, slanted blinds, dishes in the sink, the neighbor's house in the background, cars driving by).
Backlighting is much more pleasant - have the sun at your back when taking photos.
Check the exposure - too light or too dark?
Ensure the photos reflect your written description. If you've described wide-open spaces, don't show photos of a cramped living room.
Stage a scene: set out nice candles on a dining room table along with place settings to show how elegant or cozy a gathering can be at your home.
Reservemyhome.com specifics:
- Use 3 1/2" x 5" or 4" x 6" 35mm photos for best results.
- Photo images must be in .jpg (JPEG) format (open photos in a photo editor and use the Save As function if necessary).
- Each photo file should be between 600 and 2000 kilobytes (kb) in size or have a maximum of 1000 pixels in each dimension.
- For best photo results use a 600 pixel count in width. The largest file size that you can upload is 4MB.
- We recommend reducing image sizes to less than that so that renters will not have to wait for your photos to load.
- Nine photos per listing. The first photo is the main photo and the largest. The remaining eight photos are thumbnail size. Photos can be viewed as-is or in slide show mode.
Back to Top
5. Pricing
Out of ten rentals in an area, 3 will get 50% of the calls, 6 will split the remaining 50% and one will get very few. The main determining factor? Price. Price is often the first and final decision-making factor that renters consider. There is a lot to consider when setting the pricing for your vacation home.
There are four major pricing seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. There are also sub seasons such as peak times or holidays like winter ski season in the mountains, beach-going summer months and Thanksgiving or 4th of July. At these times prices can be higher as the demand is higher. Write out a simple table listing 6 columns: Season, Start, End, Per Night, Per Week, and Per Month. Create rows to represent seasons (Summer, Fall) and periods (Holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Fill in chart with appropriate rates. Consider the following:
- Research the market and be competitive: find out what other similar homes in similar areas are renting for.
- Rates should not include security deposits, lodging tax or cleaning fees. These items will be charged separately.
- Charge by night stayed - this is what people are used to.
- Charge for a certain number of people; add a set additional charge per person for any number over that.
- Utilize minimum-nights-stayed during peak and holiday periods.
- Offer discounts in off seasons.
- Promote special offers to catch last-minute renters or to highlight your vacation home during slow periods.
- Update your dates and rates at least one year in advance. Many renters make their travel plans 6-12 months in advance.
- State your policy regarding property exchanges and how interested parties should make arrangements for this.
- Devise and clearly state your cancellation policy to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Specials
Reserve My Home will periodically run specials for all owners who wish to participate. If you wish to participate in these specials, you can identify which property you would like included through your booking settings. Your property(ies) will automatically be included in our specials and discounts will be provided to your renters. You may wish to run your own specials. To do so, manually enter a statement in your listing directing customers to call Reserve My Home to book your home. We will then manually reserve the home for you and apply the appropriate discount. For more information on running specials click here.
7. Cancellations
Reserve My Home Refund And Cancellation Policy;
This Reserve My Home refund and cancellation policy supersedes any and all refund and cancellation policies, by an Owner, Property Manager, Agent or User: all deposits and booking fees (less a 50% cancellation fee retained by ReserveMyHome, LLC) are refundable for all cancellations made 91 calendar days or more in advance of the arrival date.
There are NO REFUNDS under any condition, circumstance, illness, or acts of nature (i.e. floods, weather, earthquakes, flight cancellations, etc.) for cancellations made within 90 calendar days prior to your arrival date. There are no refunds for late arrivals and or early departures.
No cancellations fees will apply to reservations cancelled within 24 hours of the booking date. To cancel your reservation without penalty you must send Reserve My Home an email to; cancel@reservemyhome.com which must include your Transaction Number provided in your reservation confirmation. Otherwise, the reservation will be considered final and subject to cancellation fees. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Back to Top
8. Calendaring
Maintaining accurate calendars of availability on each site where your vacation home is advertised is obviously very important.
As our customer, Reserve My Home will manage your calendar based on the bookings processed through reservemyhome.com, however, it is also important for you to manage this calendar for one reason: PREVENTING DOUBLE BOOKINGS. Your user name and password give you access to block off times on your calendar as necessary. You will not be able change any bookings processed through reservemyhome.com.
Back to Top
9. Keys
There are several options to handling keys:
- Make several sets of keys, send them to your renter via a guaranteed carrier placing a return pre-paid envelope inside the home so the renter can drop it in the mail when they're on their way out of town. Provide a list of convenient drop-off locations with check-out instructions.
- Combination key lockbox: installed in an inconspicuous place on a porch, yard, or side of house. There are also those that hang from your doorknob. They are going to open almost all of the time in all elements making them very reliable. All you have to do is give the combination via email or phone just prior to their vacation. Cost is approximately $20-$30.
- Keyless entry system: There are several brands to choose from. The device is placed directly above your doorknob and can be either a keypad alone or both a keypad and entry key. Cost is approximately $100-$150.
Owners are responsible for informing renters about the access to the home and for maintaining necessary codes, envelopes, spare keys, etc.
Back to Top
10. Screening Renters
Every vacation homeowner is reasonably concerned with getting quality renters. The best thing an owner can do is connect with any potential renter and engage in a conversation designed to create comfort on both sides: that your home will be treated with respect and cared for and that your home will be what you represent it to be. There are no 100% accurate ways of determining beyond a shadow of a doubt that a renter will be the perfect tenant. The tips below will greatly increase the likelihood that you will be able to make a fairly accurate character judgment and that the renter will also feel comfortable.
*Please also read about our fantastic Security Deposit Waiver Plan. This plan provides coverage to your home up to $3,000.00.
When your renter books a home using our service they must call you for entry instructions.
- Always talk to your renter in person or on the phone and be friendly.
- Tell the renter this is your family's vacation home too and you use it as much as possible.
- Ask them how many adults and children will be staying at the home, also how old the children are.
- Ask questions about activities they plan on doing to determine if the home and location will be suitable for them.
- Make sure your renter(s) are age appropriate for the location, layout and amenities of your home.
- Tell them about any special amenities that specifically relate to their situation (kids, snow equipment, etc.).
- Ask how many cars they will be bringing and advise them of parking availability.
- Ask them directly to take care of your home. Ask them to ensure that their other guests take care of your home.
- Ask them to give you a call upon their arrival or anytime during their stay if they notice anything wrong with the home.
- Tell the renter your house cleaner (provide their first name) knows the home better than anyone and always provides you with a property inspection report.
Make sure your renter is provided with the following information:
- Your check-in and check-out policies, including arrival and departure times. they will already have this in their booking agreement but repeat it to them.
- Clear directions to your home. Yep, they will have this information in their booking agreement but it is a nice way of establishing conversation.
- Access instructions. Your renter will need this information from you.
- Your contact telephone number(s). You may consider providing your renter with a neighbor's telephone number as well, or another local resource.
Our booking engine will approve and process payments in minutes, which helps to alleviate the threat of fraud. There is nothing which substitutes for the live conversation between owner and renter.
Back to Top
11. Payment
Your payments will be mailed, direct deposited or provided through PayPal (whichever method you designate when you sent up your account on reservemyhome.com) every month. You will also receive an itemized breakdown of transactions and rentals on your property for your record-keeping convenience. Any special items that you indicate through the booking process (pet fees, etc.) will appear as separate line items for both you and your renter.
Back to Top
12. Lodging tax
Lodging tax is the Owner's responsibility and is a demand set by the government. Occasionally, renters refute lodging tax, although any hotel or resort charges this tax. Reserve My Home provides two options in this area for your convenience. The first option is to charge the Renter this tax as a separate line item in the booking process. The second option is to include allowance for tax in your rates and pay the lodging taxes on behalf of your renters.
Back to Top
13. Problem prevention and solving
Cleanliness complaints: This is easy to resolve, have your housekeeper's contact information handy so the renter can contact the housekeeper in the event they are unhappy. By the way, your new best friend will be your housekeeper or cleaning service. They are reliable because they want you as their client for as long as possible. The better the relationship you have with them the more they will do for you especially when you need them in emergencies. You will also find it very efficient and effective to use them to check for damaged items or missing belongings throughout the house. Last but not least they can update your key box with new codes when you want them changed or updated. They will be one of your best assets in your business.
Weather complaints: Remind the renters in your Rental Contract, Description, Notes or anywhere you can, to check the weather prior to leaving on their vacation so they know what to expect. We all know there's nothing we can do about acts of God but we do have the gift of the weather channel!
The Never-Satisfied-Renter: There's always the renter who will find something, anything to complain about. Expect it, and then be nice.
Neighbor complaints: If you live within an HOA community, research your CC&R's to understand the community. Post the relevant community regulations inside your home. Inform your Board of Directors that your home is a rental property and that you are professionally and carefully managing it. Inside or out of an HOA community, inform your neighbors of the same. Enlist their support to alert you to any problem situations.
Minor Damage and/or Theft: First, never put anything in your rental that is expensive or has sentimental value. Second, realize that whatever is broken can be replaced. Accidents happen, expect it and stop worrying!
Maintenance: Prevent problems by keeping up with the maintenance on appliances, exterior lights, heating and ventilation systems. These items may seem minor to you but huge for those who are renting, when they're not working properly. It could cost you money and wasted time and energy on those who cut their vacation early or never come back.
Back to Top
14. Hospitality - keep them coming back!
Now here are a few suggestions to make your renter feel a little extra hospitality, feel welcomed and taken care of, which they'll remember and tell their family and friends about.
To start, here are some essential items that will make a difference:
Internet service
Local attraction book(s), magazines or newspapers
Guest book
DVD's
CD's
Books
Games for kids, including playing cards
Blow dryer
Soap
Shampoo
Razors
And now, some extras that are easy to supply and will create a special experience that feels like home for your renters:
Higher thread count bed linens
King or queen bed
Comfortable pillows, varied types
Extra sets of dishes and silverware
Serving dishes
Plush bath towels
Accoutrements for coffee/tea
What attractions are around your house? Pool, beach, lake, river? Have a few inexpensive items in the closet for your renters and let them know they're available, they'll love you for it!
Buckets, shovels, beach balls, floaties
Beach towels, pool towels
Sunblock for adults and kids
Plasticware for sitting by the pool or at the lake with the kids
Overall, all the thought and effort placed into the items above will be greatly appreciated and very comforting to your renter. Go that extra mile and they'll give you much more in return! They'll return and give you referrals! Please see Owner FAQ's for more information.
BACK TO TOP
15. Don't forget to post all your homes amenities!
| WIFI Internet
Air Conditioning
Alarm Clock
Antenna TV
Apple Computer
Balcony
Barbecue Grill
Bath Linens
Beach Chairs
Beach Towels
Bed Linens
Bicycle
Binoculars
Blender
Board Games
Cable TV
Canoe
CD Player
Ceiling Fans
Charcoal Grill
Coffee Maker
Coin Laundry Room
Cook
Deck
Dishwasher
Dryer
FAX
Fireplace | | Firewood
Flat Screen Television
Games for Adults
Games for Kids
Garage
Gas Grill
Golf Cart
Golf Clubs
Golf Privileges
Heating
High Speed Internet
Hot Tub
Housekeeper
Ice Maker
Inflatable Boat
Iron
Ironing Board
Kayak
Microwave
Mini-Refrigerator
Motor Boat
Off Street Parking
On Street Parking
Patio
Phone
Pool Table
Porch
Portable Radio | | Private Indoor Swimming Pool
Private Swimming Pool
Public Swimming Pool
Radio
Raft
Refrigerator
 Resort Swimming Pool
Row Boat
Sailboat
Satellite TV
Sauna
Screened Porch
Sleds
Ski Rack
Step Stool
Stereo
Stove and Oven
Telescope
Toaster
Toaster Oven
Toys for Kids
Vacuum Cleaner
VCR
Washer
Water Skis
Wet Bar
Windows Computer
Wood Stove |
