Owner Community Newsletter - April 2009
How to Market to Families with Children
Learn how to boost the kid-friendly factor of your vacation home and your listing.

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Seminars and Workshops
San Jose, CA......... May 4
San Francisco, CA. May 5
S. Lake Tahoe, CA. May 7
Boston, MA............ June 2
New York, NY......... June 3
Melville, NY........... June 4

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Looking for a refresher course on the basics of renting? Read our free booklet, Renting Your Vacation Home: A Step-by-Step Guide.

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New York Times
Everybody in the Rental Pool - Featuring homeowner Victor Nawrocki, HomeAway Property 202548

SmarterTravel.com,
Tight Budget? Save Big with Vacation Rentals

Chicago Tribune
Tight Economy Creates Opportunity: Vacationers can find Bargains at Others’ 2nd Homes
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Letter From the Editor
In this uncertain economic environment, it’s time to gear up your marketing efforts and take matters into your own hands. But wait! This doesn't mean you have to slash your prices and give your vacation home away to the lowest bidder.

Bargain hunters are out there, so why not make lemonade out of lemons? Instead of alienating deal-seekers, learn how to attract these travelers without sacrificing a penny of your rental rate.

This month’s newsletter includes advice on marketing to different types of travelers, from discount shoppers to discerning vacationers, family functions to fervent foodies. And by expanding your breadth of renters, you just might land a few extra bookings.

Happy Renting!
Christine Karpinski


Featured Article
How to Handle Inquiries from Bargain Hunters
What the heck is going on with all these "let’s make a deal" inquiries? We sat back and thought it over, and here’s our take:

This year, the press has taken notice of vacation rentals as a great alternative to hotels and, in turn, has brought a new pool of travelers to the vacation rental industry. Hotel guests are used to comparison shopping or even naming their own rate for a room. So, when responding to bargain hunters, learn how to sell them on the value of your home without compromising your rates. Read more

Specials to offer without lowering prices
1. No Cleaning Fees. No, it doesn't mean that your housekeeper will be out of work or that you'll have to switch to a diet of Ramen Noodles and Crackerjacks to afford the cleanings yourself. You don't really have to eat (no pun intended) that $100 or $150 cost for housekeeping; just bundle it into your base rental rates.

2. Free Welcome Gift for Confirmed Bookings in the Next 2 Weeks. Wait, you're already offering a welcome basket? Imagine that! We know a lot of you enjoy the element of surprise when your guests arrive and find a gift or treat. But if prospective renters are comparing your home to another, this special touch might just make them book your home. Read 3-10

news & updated articles
Types of Travelers  
A light-hearted look at the easy-to-book renters, the tough-sells, and the ones to avoid altogether
   
Pull in the Procrastinators  
Reach out to those last-minute travelers and learn how to simplify your processes for eleventh-hour bookings.
   
Reach Out to Repeat Renters
With just a little bit of extra effort you have the chance to turn a one-time renter into an annual guest.
   
Lure in Large Groups  
Learn how to market to extended families or large groups even if you have a small home.
   
Prep for the Putters
Golf may not be "fore" everyone, but it can be a pretty major selling point for some of your travelers.
   
Bring in the Beach-Goers  
Beachfront homes are always in high demand, but there's still room for improvement when marketing your coveted location.
   
Entice the Extravagant  
Boost the luxury factor at your home and live up to the expectations of your most selective travelers.
   
Feed the Foodies What They're Craving
Food and wine can play a major role in travel plans. Help foodies and wine aficionados plan their trips with updates to your home and your listing. 
   
Bienvenida, Benvenuto, Willkommen
A growing number of travelers from outside the US prefer vacation homes over hotels. Are you targeting international guests?
 

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Upcoming Seminars


Learn the ins and outs of vacation rental ownership from industry expert Christine Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner and Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream.

Feb. 17 - Austin, TX
Mar. 6   - Las Vegas, Nev.
Mar. 7   - Irvine, Calif.
Mar. 8   - Palm Springs, Calif.
Mar. 9   - San Diego, Calif.
Apr. 18 - Atlanta, Ga.
Apr. 19 - Nashville, Tenn.
Apr. 20 - Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 21 - Knoxville, Tenn.

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