All Forum Posts by: Monique P.

Wow, nicely done!  I agree with John, there are so many things you did right especially as a first time rental host! 

I agree with Trent, if you can add some more artwork on the walls that will help. It can be tricky with an A frame, looks like it will work in the game, dining & living rooms though.

Loved reading your description but i wanted to read more. Lol. You could carry that same playful language by captioning all your photos. Rather than saying "exterior" or "property grounds", maybe consider something like "grab the marshmallows & head to the fire pit".

Since you allow 1 dog maybe consider allowing 2 dogs to increase bookings? A lot of families have more than 1 dog, that way you'll capture a bigger audience. You can always change it later as you get more bookings.

The check in time of 4pm is standard for a lot of rentals... how would you feel about changing it to 3pm while you're a new listing to encourage more bookings? You can always change it later.

Always check your rates against the competition while you're brand new, you want to be sure you're not charging more than others while you wait to build up reviews.

These are tiny little things, just trying to be helpful but it's hard because you did a wonderful job Ravi! Now you just have to wait for it to roll in. 

Good luck! 

Your clients are lucky to have you! I would be pleasantly surprised to receive a message like that along with the reassurance! 

Well done!

Great discussion Tom. Going off grid sounds so nice right now. Ahh. Looks like Michael would be the perfect fill in. LOL. ;-)

I try to schedule my big vacations during my low season but if it can't be done, i use my house cleaner as a back up. The guest will have her number and vice versa. It's great because she can be over in 10 minutes to trouble shoot. She hasn't been called yet so most of the time, things work out.

I like booking these kinds of trip when i have repeat guests booking. I know how easy going they are and have no worries so makes for a carefree vacation.

I agree with the gang.

If you're after ambiance & trying to elevate the space a bit, try some battery operated flameless candles. You can set them on a timer too.  They can look realistic.

You get an A for effort, you're always asking lots of questions on BP, i'm sure your property will be a great success!

Yes, it's a scam. Unfortunately, new hosts are targeted for this. Being encouraged to communicate off platform/misspelled words are red flags.

VRBO may potentially ping you for not responding to all inquiries. You can send a short response and then flag it as spam. Or call VRBO and report it if you don't want to respond.

Been there, done that... you'll get a legitimate inquiry/booking soon enough. ;-)

Hi Mary - your post is so succinct which makes for easy reading. ;-)

Some things come to mind-do you host yourself, have a property manager or co-host, is your STVR dog friendly, do you have king beds, where is your market, do you have professional photos etc.

If you're comfortable posting a link to your property, it would give you more direct feedback from everyone so we can try to help you meet your target. ;-)

There are a wide variety of amenities that will enhance the guest experience.

Some lower cost ideas for 'fun amenities' could be...

-interesting coffee table books

-deck of cards

-yoga mat

-dumbbells

-frisbee

-Puzzles

You can keep adding as finances allow.

My opinion is you can never add too many amenities whether it's for the kitchen, patios, bedrooms etc. It doesn't have to be expensive either.

Eventually there will be something a little extra special for all guests to enjoy. Their level of appreciation will come across in the reviews which should help to increase bookings. ;-)

Nicely done Jamie! Congratulations! Here's to many more!

Our view gets the most compliments. Being dog friendly and providing some extras dog items is another favorite.

How about a towel warmer for the bathrooms. I saw a listing where several reviews were ranting and raving about it. LOL.

There are endless amenities to choose from so if you don't have a pool/spa/view, you can certainly provide many others that guests will enjoy!

Hey Patricia ... have you tried Art.com, Wayfair.com or your local Homegoods store?

I've found quality pieces from all these places at decent prices.  Sounds like a fun property to furnish!