InCircleRentals.com

Featured Member with Property in Anna Maria Island, Florida

2010-11-15T18:46:00.004-06:00

This week's featured InCircleRentals Member, Joel Songstad, shares more about his property with us:

This relaxing island getaway vacation rental on Anna Maria Island, Florida provides a laid-back atmosphere and peaceful seclusion for guests. The entire island only contains 5 stoplights, and offers fishing piers, an enclosed lake, and is surrounded by beaches. The weather stays warm enough that it's even the year-round home of a large group of Monk Parakeets that can usually be found on the intersection of Palm and Golf.

Joel bought his island escape when he fell in love with Anna Maria and wanted to live there part-time. The location is his absolute favorite aspect of his rental which reminds him of Old Florida and it, "feels as if you are Huckleberry Finn." The island offers several sightseeing and shopping diversions along with the nearby Ringling Museum. Renters of Joel's comfortable duplex can also get their choice of excellent seafood with beach-side dining at any of the several restaurants nearby. Or they can simply sit back and relax on the beach, and enjoy the sun and people watching.

We can see why Joel fell in love with the island and wish him many happy rentals.Visit his property here.

Photo courtesy Jack Elka Photography.

Owner Spotlight in Florida

2010-10-31T12:02:00.002-05:00

InCircleRentals member Bill Wellman owns a vacation rental home in sunny Polk County, Florida. Renters can take full advantage of the sunshine by the pool, when renting this 1600 square foot home for eight guests. The Wellman's actually got started renting out by renting others' homes themselves. They would rent first for weeks, then months, and then soon they bought their own vacation home.

Bill himself has even been a Realtor for 18 years and rents their home out to travelers from Canada, Britain, the U.S. and Europe. They have the perfect location for all ages and interests. It's minutes from Disney World, Old Town-Kissimmee, and an array of golf courses. There's also tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a playground, and soccer fields blocks away for the more active. Then just a short drive away are restaurants, mini golf courses, shopping malls, and night clubs. Finding something fun to try while staying here should be effortless! To find out more about Bill Wellman and his property visit his website http://www.bookafloridavilla.com/villa.php?villa=39.

- Special thanks to InCircleRentals intern Samantha Johnson for this blog post.

Belated Congrats to Our Latest Contest Winner

2010-10-27T19:06:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sarah K., Ontario, Canada, winner of the InCircleRentals photo contest that ended October 17.

InCircleRentals Visits Brainerd, MN Chamber of Commerce

2010-10-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

InCircleRentals CEO Randy Zats and VP Ellen Hertz traveled recently to Brainerd, Minnesota -- home of the 26 foot tall Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox at Paul Bunyan Land amusement park -- to speak with the local Brainerd Chamber of Commerce. They enjoyed the good company of business owners in the popular upstate area known for its rolling hills of birch and pine trees, crystal blue lakes ripe for fishing and water sports like canoeing and water skiing, also horseback-riding, biking, winter snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and a year-round respite from hectic life. Thanks to the Chamber for the warm hospitality and enjoyable visit! We look forward to a continued fruitful relationship of vacation homeowners and businesses in the Brainerd Lakes Areas.

Welcome New Owner from Panama City Beach, FL

2010-10-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

Visit the property website to see this beautiful vacation home rented by our new InCircleRentals member who lives in a neighboring state. located on the west end of Front Beach Rd. in the Laguna Beach area. This 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath home looks brand new and is located right on the beach with the most beautiful views of the Gulf.

Compare Owner Holiday Rentals

2010-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Compare Owner Holiday Rentals -- COHR-- is a helpful website for all vacation home renters to gather advise about how to further advertise their properties. It is a "by owner" forum for all owners to offers tips and help in managing your home rentals. They offer advice on choosing the right location, reaching your target market, choosing the right price, and many other issues that arise when renting out a property. They even offer Rental Management Services for anyone wanting assistance with their online listings and bookings. They cover all of the United States and mostly European properties abroad. If you are looking to supplement your rental home promotions, COHR can get you on your way.

New Contest for $100 Prize

2010-10-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

InCircleRentals has a special 2 for 1 offer only for current members! If you bring in a friend in October 2010, you are entered in a drawing for a $100 American Express gift card and you get an additional 14 months free!

New Members will get a link to their website on our Facebook page and Twitter, and also 14 months free (through January 1, 2012).

The gift card winner will be drawn randomly from the entries.

Spread the word to other vacation homeowners you know for their chance to win too and get free use of our site through 2011.

To enter, ask your friend to visit our website, click 'Join Now' and enter code FRIEND in the 'Any Websites which you now advertise' box!

Sale Guidelines, Tell your Friend:
- Your Friend Joins
- Takes 3 minutes
- No cost
- No commitment
- YOU get FREE 14 months
- Entry in Drawing for an American Express $100 Gift Card

- Your FRIEND gets
FREE 14 months
Posting on our Facebook page and Twitter

Deadline: Drawing to win is November 1

Welcome New Owners from Poconos to Portugual

2010-10-11T16:38:00.001-05:00

We'd like to welcome our new InCircleRentals member has vacation rental property in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Photo courtesy www.800poconos.com

We also welcome our new owner with a gorgeous vacation property in stunning Madeira, Portugal. Madeira is an ancient volcanic archipelago that's a popular year-round resort destination known for its natural beauty, Madeira wine, flowers and embroidery artisans, and the world's biggest New Year's fireworks celebrations!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Congrats to Our Latest Photo Contest Winner!

2010-10-11T16:21:00.000-05:00

The lucky winner of the $25 L'Occitane gift certificate is Michael Forte and his photograph, The Hamptons.

New photo contest just started! Enter by October 17 to win a $25 l'Occitane Gift Card. Details on our Facebook page.

Owner Spotlight in Languedoc, France

2010-10-08T09:54:00.001-05:00

InCircleRentals Featured Owner: Tony and Carole Tidswell

Location: Montblanc, a village in Languedoc, Southern France

The Tidswells live surrounded by the sights and sounds of a French village, yet they are nestled privately in by gardens, trees, and hedges that surround their Bed and Breakfast. The bustling shops of the village are just down the street, close enough to buy hot, fresh bread every morning because, as Tony says, "If you cannot do this then you are not living in France." One of Tony's favorite aspects about his rental home is that their village itself is home to original 10th century buildings and even some Renaissance art, while the surrounding region is bursting with thousand of years of history and culture. Not to mention the sunny Mediterranean beaches close by.

Tony has had many different careers before he started renting out homes. He has experienced a little bit of everything from stunt-riding in British films to professional photography. Photography is actually what originally led Tony to start renting. In 1997, he started renting out an apartment in Nizas, France, to hopefully teach photography courses. However, all the rooms filled up so quickly, he was only able to teach a few tutorials. Now he and his wife enjoy renting out their current Bed and Breakfast home.

From Tony & Carole's website

The village of Montblanc is in the Languedoc region in the South of France and dates from Roman times. Our beautiful house is built of stone; the main frontage is 19th century, a French “Maison de Maitre”, a home for a landowner or professional person. Originally our house was the home of a doctors family. Some parts are much older, there have been many changes over the centuries.

For more about Tony & Carole's fabulous French venue, visit http://www.villaroquette.com/

New Photo Contest !

2010-10-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

Week 4 of the InCircleRentals photo contest has begun! Submit your photo, caption, and website to sales@incirclerentals.com by Friday, October 8th to be entered into our weekly drawing! See the "Contests" tab for complete details on our Facebook page.

Congrats to Our 3rd Photo Contest Winner!

2010-10-04T18:32:00.003-05:00

Sarah Elizabeth Willmore submitted the winning photograph for the 3rd weekly InCircleRentals photo contest, and her L'Occitaine gift certificate is on its way. Sarah's award-winning vacation rental properties are in the remarkable Yellowstone region near Big Sky, Montana and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Check out their website -- http://affordablerents.com/ .

And see more about our NEXT CONTEST FOR NEW PRIZES on our Facebook page

Congrats to Our 2nd Photo Contest Winner!

2010-09-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the 2nd winner of the InCircleRentals photography contest. We're delighted this week's winner is also a member of the InCircleRentals vacation homeowner community, yes, one of our own, Larisa Gelya! Visit her website to learn more about their lovely property located on the Gulf side of Florida, in the city of North Port. It's a one year old gorgeous contemporary fully furnished 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.

We're having another photo contest this week with the winner announced October 1for another $25 L'Occitane gift card, so check out content info below on this blog and visit our Facebook page for all the details!

Congrats to Our 1st Photo Contest Winner!

2010-09-22T18:16:00.000-05:00

The team at InCircleRentals sends a great big congratulations to our 1st photo contest winner, Craig Sanchez! We' hope Craig enjoys his $25 L'Occitane gift card!

We're having another photo contest this week with the winner announced September 24

for another $25 L'Occitane gift card, so check out content info below on this blog and visit our Facebook page for all the details!

"Photographer Craig Sanchez, Waterfalls and mountains at The Waterfall House." - Woodstock, New York

Welcome Liberty Villas, Florida

2010-09-16T08:40:00.000-05:00

We'd like to welcome our newest vacation property manager member from Liberty Villas, Florida, near Orlando. Their beautiful villas and townhomes range in size from 3-5 bedrooms and several feature swimming pools. Few destinations in the world come close to rivaling Orlando’s incredible year-round outdoor activities. We're delighted to welcome Liberty Villas to InCircleRentals.

InCircleRentals Speaking at Chamber of Commerce

2010-09-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

If you happen to live in northern Minnesota, come hear InCircleRental's president Randy Zats and co-vice president Ellen Hertz speak to the Brainerd, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors at 9 am, Sept 21, at their Tower Office. For more info call Holly at (218) 822-7112 or visit their website.

Enter Our Photo Contest for Great Prizes!

2010-09-10T11:44:00.002-05:00


Send a Picture to Win! Find InCircleRentals on Facebook.

Send a Favorite Photo with Caption to Win a $25 L'Occitaine Gift Certificate! Weekly winners start September 17. Enter InCircleRentals Photo Contest through our Facebook page, InCircleRentals.

InCircleRentals.com, the online network where vacation homeowners share leads and ideas, invites you to show off your vacation property and enter to win prizes! Send us one picture and a brief caption about your property, and you will be entered to win a $25 L'Occitane gift card! This photo can capture anything including your most memorable rental guests, the best view from your property, or a place in your rental home that means something special to you!

Participants will get their pictures posted on our Facebook page, and each week a winner will be drawn randomly from the entries. You do not need to be an InCircleRentals.com member to participate, so spread the word to other vacation homeowners for their chance to win too! To enter, e-mail your picture, a brief caption, and the location of your rental home to sales@incirclerentals.com. The first drawing is September 17th, so be sure to enter soon!

East of Rome, George Clooney Spotlights Sextantio

2010-09-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

Santo Stefano di Sessanio, or Sextantio

George Clooney's latest blockbuster The American throws the spotlight on a small Italian town deep in the mountainous Abruzzo region -- Santo Stefano di Sessanio, or Sextantio, its Latin name. The entire village is a luxury hotel and villa complex for affluent outsiders.

'Buyers can opt into a management package or own the property without any interference from the hotel,' says Luca Catalano of selling agent Realitalia. The package would include cleaning, meals, concierge services and rental of your rooms as part of the hotel structure, with a return in line with the current occupancy rate of 40 per cent. We would expect to fill the property for at least 20 weeks a year.'
Read more.

Labor Day Travel Increases

2010-08-31T15:31:00.000-05:00

More Americans are travelling this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. That's good news for vacation rental homeowners. The East Coast is, however, bracing for the impact of hurricane activity. According to today's Washington Post:

"One way or the other, the weather forecast will have a direct impact on the travel forecast," said John B. Townsend II, spokesman for the American Automobile Association, as he issued results of the group's annual Labor Day travel survey. Nationally, the AAA survey found that 34.4 million people said they expected to take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home. That's an increase of 9.9 percent from the 31.3 million who traveled last year." Read the rest of the article.

Thailand Luxury Vacation Villa

2010-08-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

InCircleRentals welcomes our newest member from Thailand. Between three small rural villages, Gecko Villa nestles with its private swimming pool, amongst the paddy fields in the Isaan plateau of Northeast Thailand. This standalone, 3 bedroom Thailand villa getaway features expansive grounds, comprising 20 hectares of gardens, orchards, woodlands, pastures and rice paddies. Find out more about Gecko Villa.

Spotlight on Luxury in Jamaica

2010-08-25T16:57:00.000-05:00

Spotlight on InCircleRentals member's deluxe property Villa in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, featuring over 8000 sq. ft, 5 bedrooms, private pool and stunning ocean views -- plus a staff of 4, including a butler!

Architectural Global Guide

2010-08-25T16:48:00.000-05:00

An interesting resource that could be useful to vacation rental homeowners around the world for itinerary suggestions to guests, OpenBuildings.com is a crowdsourced global directory of buildings with distinctive architecture. They also have a free iPhone app for mobile convenience.

The World's 10 Best Cities for Parks

2010-08-25T12:26:00.000-05:00

The World's 10 Best Cities for Parks Slideshow at Frommer's

Of course it's simple hospitality to point your vacation rental guests to local attractions for all ages, such as these top rated city parks for those whose vacation rental properties are in or near urban centers.

"Parc Güell is a visually stunning combination of park and innovative architectural and sculptural forms, courtesy of Barcelona native and design genius Antoní Gaudí." Read more.

Photo copyright Frommers

San Francisco Short Term Vacation Rental Quagmire

2010-08-16T20:19:00.000-05:00

San Francisco Vacation Apartment Rentals: Lucrative & Largely Illegal

"Obscure city ordinances dating back 30 years are supposed to prevent apartments from being used as short-term vacation rentals without pre-approval from the city. But since 2004, only one unit has received that permission, according to the Department of Building Inspection, which regulates the practice. It is a revelation that raises questions about the legality and consequences of what has become a popular and lucrative piece of the local hospitality business."

Read the whole story here.

Shorter Vacations, Tighter Budgets

2010-08-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

Shorter Vacations and Tighter Budgets: Welcome to the New Normal in Travel | Frommers.com
Interesting article about the returning value to service in the "new normal" travel economy. Bodes well for vacation rental homeowners who provide great hospitality in myriad ways, such as fresh flowers greeting guests on arrival.

Outer Banks Beckons Surfers and More

2010-08-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

"The Outer Banks of North Carolina have room for every kind of beachgoer, and local surf shops offer rentals and lessons."

Read the whole article here.

Image copyright The New York Times.

Minnesota: State asks 600 cabin owners to comply

2010-08-08T11:06:00.004-05:00

New plan would put limits on lake cabin rentals

The owners of private cabins would have to comply with the rules set for motels and resorts.A new battle is erupting across Minnesota's lake country.

In the first widespread action of its kind, the state has sent more than 600 letters to property owners across Minnesota who rent their cabins for a week or less. In an attempt to enforce an existing law more vigorously, the letters warn that the owners might need to buy a license and undergo inspections -- the same rules that apply to hotels, motels and resorts Full article text at http://www.startribune.com/business/100197784.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU

Randy's opinion: This is similar to recent laws in New York and Paris. I think the real issue is what can we do to promote the state's vacation rental industry. As a Minnesota resident, I see other states (Colorado, Florida are just 2) that do an outstanding job of promoting vacation rentals on their tourism websites. Along with inspections, the state should partner with owners and promote our rentals so guests don't go to another state.

London Local Transport Evolves

2010-08-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

London calling, free two-wheelers are replacing two-decker buses for transport mode of choice.

Read all about it.

Hello Spring Hill, Florida !

2010-07-24T19:43:00.001-05:00

Welcome to InCircleRentals' newest member, who lives in Europe and owns a wonderful vacation rental property in Spring Hill, Florida. Spring Hill belongs to Florida's Nature Coast and is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area.

Welcome Aboard, Port Charlotte!

2010-07-24T19:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our newest member with lovely rental property in Port Charlotte, Florida, near Ft Myers. The Port Charlotte area was largely planned and developed by the now-defunct General Development Corporation, which also developed many other subdivisions and municipalities along Florida's west coast.

Short Term Vacation Rentals in NYC Face New Threat

2010-07-24T19:32:00.000-05:00

Similar to the crackdown in Paris (see previous blog post), New York Governor David Paterson signed into law yesterday a measure that bans vacation rentals of less than 30 days in New York City “Class A multiple dwelling buildings”, intended to reduce illegal hotels but clearly making a potentially giant negative impact on vacation rental homeowners and guests for New York City...Read all about it.

Photo: Oldest apartment house in New York City, 142 East 18th Street, Manhattan.. Abbott, Berenice -- Photographer. December 08, 1935

New Short-Term Rental Trend in Europe

2010-07-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

"Call them social B&B networks, or maybe peer-to-peer hotels. Despite the confusing legal issues in many cities surrounding subletting, these new short-term rentals are making inroads into the hospitality industry, with hundreds of thousands of listings across the globe..." Read the full article from today's NY Times.

Photo: Ed Alcock for The New York Times

Glimmer of Hope for Relief in Gulf of Mexico

2010-07-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

BP said Sunday that it had made progress toward installing a new cap that could contain all of the oil spewing from its out-of-control well in the Gulf of Mexico... Read today's news here.

Clamp-Down on Paris Rental Property Owners

2010-07-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

Ooooh la la. The Mayer of Paris is seeking to crack down on property owners who rent out residential apartments for less than a year in violation of French law.
" Many people buy a pied-à-terre in Paris to use for a few weeks a year and to rent the rest of the time. Most of them don’t realize, however, that they are breaking the law — something the city is now trying to address."
Read the rest of the story. Paris Aims to Curb Apartment Rentals to Tourists, By JEAN RAFFERTY, Published: July 6, 2010, The New York Times

Chicago Eyes Vacation Rental Licensing

2010-06-29T14:27:00.002-05:00

Chicago poised to license, regulate vacation-apartment rentals. Read all about it.

Ft. Lauderdale's Big Air Carrier, Spirit, Announces Pilot Strike

2010-06-14T20:52:00.001-05:00

"Spirit Airlines has announced on its Web site that it is canceling flights through Wednesday in the wake of a strike by its pilots late last week. Spirit, according to the A.P., operates 150 flights daily and is Fort Lauderdale’s sole carrier to 14 international and five domestic destinations..." Read the full story from InTransitBlog.

Photo © 2006 Bruno & Lígia Rodrigues.

How Are You Being Affected as a Gulf Coast Vacation Property Owner?

2010-06-14T20:39:00.000-05:00

See multimedia map at NewYorkTimes.

California Dreaming

2010-06-06T15:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our Sea Watch, Gualala, California newest InCircleRentals member! Their fabulous 2 bed, 2 1/2 bath townhouse with stunning ocean and beach views is in the charming north coast art village of Gualala. Gualala is considered the “heart” of the Redwood Coast of California. It lies at the southernmost edge of Mendocino County along Shoreline Highway One and perches on the bluffs overlooking the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean beyond. And marketing tip to fellow property owners: every rental includes wireless Internet connection and a free bottle of wine; nice touch for California dreaming...

Welcome St. Thomas USVI

2010-05-24T16:08:00.004-05:00

InCircleRentals is happy to welcome our latest member from the gorgeous island of St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands. The apartment is located on the East End of the island in the Pillsbury Heights area, less than 5 minutes from the Red Hook marina and 2 minutes from the beach.

Visit the US Virgin Islands official tourist website for more information about the region, such as. "Though it’s only 32 square miles in size, St. Thomas has a million miles worth of things to do. Go shopping and sailing, snorkeling and sightseeing, or diving and dining. Enjoy the island’s world-renowned golf course, picture-perfect beaches and spectacular nightlife. Take the Skyride 700 feet above the city or climb the famous 99 Steps of Charlotte Amalie for an incomparable view of the Caribbean. And if you’re interested in culture and history, don’t miss seeing the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, the 1680-built Fort Christian or the childhood home of Camille Pissarro, one of the best-known French Impressionists."
Image copyright US Virgin Islands Tourism.

Website We Like for Holiday and Vacation Rental Homeowners

2010-05-19T21:39:00.003-05:00

AlphaHolidayLettings is a UK-based European-focused site we like for owner-direct vacation rental marketing. It's very quick and easy, and free for vacation rental owners. Focus is on elf catering holiday / vacation rental apartments and villas for rent in Spain, France, UK, Italy, Turkey, Florida and worldwide.

If you end up with too many leads through Alpha and your other marketing outlets, remember to share within your own private circle at InCircleRentals. You can also follow on Twitter @AlphaHolidayLet and @InCircleRentals.

Florida Worries About Oil Spill Effect on Tourism

2010-05-19T21:30:00.004-05:00

"Off Florida’s Gulf Coast, the seas are calm and the king mackerel are running. Capt. Joe Meadows’s telephone should be ringing with bookings for his 42-foot sport-fishing boat for the summer season. Instead, the calls are from reservation holders wondering if they should cancel."Read the rest of today's New York Times story.

A Taste of Cuba in Miami

2010-05-18T11:19:00.001-05:00

While Florida vacation homeowners on the coastline are looking at the oil disaster implications, here's a little lighter fare....It's the Cuba Nostalgia Fair in Miami, May 21 to 23, which offers tastes of pre-Castro Cuba. Read about it here.

Photo: Alex Quesada for The New York Times

Tampa Vacation Homeowners Greet GOP

2010-05-12T16:27:00.001-05:00

Regardless of your political inclinations, it's all good news for Tampa rental homeowners that Republicans Pick Tampa for 2012 Convention. Republicans selected Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday as the site of their 2012 presidential nominating convention, party officials said, with the Gulf Coast city triumphing over Salt Lake City and Phoenix.
The convention is set to begin Aug. 27, 2012, followed a week later by the Democratic convention, the site of which will be determined in the coming months.

So get your fresh paint coats on and ramp up your rental marketing opportunities with InCircleRentals and our favorite Florida rental website partner VacationRentalHotSpots in anticipation of a busy political season in summer 2012.

Oil Spill Tracking for Our Gulf Communities

2010-05-06T17:12:00.000-05:00

Visual map for tracking the Gulf oil spill, by The New York Times. Each day’s outline reflects the most current estimate by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the extent of the oil slick on that day.

Italy Vacation Home Ownership Information for Non-Natives

2010-04-22T22:59:00.006-05:00

Vacation homeownership involves additional complexities when you're a non-native. In Italy, these 3 categories account for about 99% of the accommodation-based businesses started by expatriates or non-native Italians.
1) Bed & Breakfast
Bed and Breakfast is the most popular choice - partly because it is so easy to set up. You only need to visit the comune office (local town hall) and declare the start up of the activity and the prices you plan to charge. The regulations that apply to B&Bs are determined by Italian law #135 of 2001. Some regions have additional local laws, but the following points apply throughout Italy:

The person operating the B&B must be resident in the house where the guest rooms are located and the breakfast is served.
A maximum of 3 bedrooms (more in a few regions) must be furnished with a maximum of 2 beds each. A cupboard, bedside tables, lamps, chairs and a waste bin must also be provided.
A double room must have a minimum area of 14 square meters; a single room must be at least 8 square meters.
If the B&B is closed for at least 90 days during the year, the activity is classified as saltuario (occasional) and you don't need to register for IVA - Italian Value Added Tax - or issue any invoices. In most parts of Italy, closing for 90 days each year is not a problem - note that the 90 days don't need to be consecutive.

2) Affittacamere (Room Rentals)If you want to offer more than 3 rooms, you probably want to go the affittacamere route.
According to Italian law #217 of 1983, affittacamere can offer no more than 6 rooms: like a B&B, these must be located in the building that you live in.
3) Agriturismo (Farmstay)
An agriturismo is a farm that offers accommodation. The majority of the revenue from the farm should be generated by farming, not by the accommodation. For more info: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Smith

Welcome to Daytona Beach, Florida

2010-04-14T17:20:00.004-05:00

Welcome to our newest InCircleRentals member with vacation rental property in Daytona Beach, Florida! While Daytona Beach is well known for its waterside recreations and relaxations, it also boasts a unique history and many attractions....

...including the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Completed in 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station was built when the area was known as Mosquito Inlet. The lighthouse tower and museum are located 12 miles south of Daytona Beach and are open to the public year round. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest masonry lighthouse in the nation. Visitors can climb 203 steps to the top of the 175 foot tower and enjoy magnificent views of the World's Most Famous Beach, Ponce Inlet, and surrounding inland waterways from the lighthouse gallery deck.

Among more wonderful things to do & see locally, it's also sea turtle hatching season just around the corner. From May 15 through October 31, the Daytona Beach, Florida area beaches host the sea turtle, endangered wonderful marine creatures that emerge from the surf at night to lay their eggs in nests dug into the dry sand, then return to sea. Two months later, about a hundred baby turtles emerge from each of these nests and crawl to the ocean. This amazing cycle of Mother Nature is thousands of years old.

For more ideas about what to do or suggest to your vacation home guests in Daytona Beach, visit the Daytona Beach convention and visitors bureau website.

Add Value with Property Rental Fraud Protection

2010-04-09T14:36:00.028-05:00

Add Credibility and Increase Rentals
ScamChaser is a new service that has come to InCircleRentals attention, and we like what they're doing. The company helps drive scam "artists" out of the vacation property rental industry. It also lets vacation rental property owners offer valuable new incentives for vacationers to rent their property. In addition to their $500 protection plan for travelers, the other owner validations give the traveler greater peace of mind that the rental transaction is legitimate. This gives owners with fraud protection a competitive advantage vis-a-vis other owners.

Most vacation property listing sites have no solution or recourse for renters who are victims of a scam. Some vacation property sites will offer a refund to travelers defrauded of their money. This, however, is of little comfort when the family arrives for their vacation only to find they have no place to stay. The information collected by ScamChaser will help the traveler determine before they rent a property that the person offering the property is the actual owner or agent.

Information obtained by ScamChaser includes some of the following:
- County Tax Record Search of rental property to confirm owner's name, mailing address and the rental property description.
- Confirmation of active ownership by review of owner's utility or other invoices for both the mailing and rental addresses.
- Obtain copy of an owner's photo ID to confirm name and mailing address match documents and records.
- Recheck of rental property utility or service invoice after 6 months.

Check out ScamChaser and let us know what you think.

InCircleRentals, Where Vacation Rental Owners Share Leads

New Scene in Charlotte, N.C. Brings More Visitors

2010-04-06T21:18:00.001-05:00

New Museum District in Charlotte, N.C. "Nestled amid modern-day shrines to sweat and gasoline is a brand-new cultural oasis where high art reigns." See the whole slideshow and commentary.

This new cultural vibrancy in Charlotte is great for local vacation rental owners, as it gives you one more popular feature to promote in your marketing, and a potentially new type of renter, the cultural tourist.

New Listing Service for Vacation Homeowners & Property Managers

2010-03-30T16:49:00.003-05:00

We wanted to let everyone know about the Vacation Rental Multiple Listing Service, the first and only Open-Listing, Open-Distribution service for vacation rental industry Owners, Managers and Resort Operators. For a modest fee, owners and managers can select vacation rental website publishers where they want to display their rental offerings. Instead of spending hours submitting a single property to multiple websites, the VRMLS it's all done with a few clicks. The first website to use this new technology concept is VacationRentals.ws. At InCircleRentals, we think VRMLS is a great idea for the vacation rental market, and we encourage our members to check it out.

Vacation Rental Trade Association

2010-03-30T16:14:00.008-05:00

InCircleRentals is proud to join VRIA, the Vacation Rental Industry Association, a not-for-profit trade association that provides information, tools and support for the vacation rental industry. It's a small organization with a small membership fee, and offers owners a valuable array of benefits and features including:

	World's First Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for Vacation Rentals.VRMLS.org
	Worldwide properties for rent website VacationRentalCentral.com
	Weekly Newsletter of news & information
	Online tips, techniques and tools.
	Member suggestion news groups
	Contact with like-minded vacation rental property owners
	Periodic conferences of speakers, classes and education
	Books on buying, owning and operating vacation rentals
	Free downloadable samples of contracts & forms
	Regulatory advocacy & warning list
	Search engine submission service
	Owner code of ethics
	Property competition & awards
	Display VRIA Member Logos
	Boast of your VRIA Inspected Award
	Owner opinion polls
	Owner & property classified ads
	Private properties for sale by owners, brokers or websites
	Enrolled accepted Suppliers list
	Consulting and marketing assistance
	Preferential group buying discounts
	Website design & hosting
	Domain name purchasing
	Property certification & owner accreditation
	Including the desirable VRIA Certifications

Visit VRIA for more information and membership.

Ireland Tourism Industry Lights World Green

2010-03-16T22:54:00.000-05:00

The London Eye, the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building in New York will go green Wednesday in a St. Patrick's Day promotion by Ireland to lure tourists back after visitor numbers slumped to a five-year low. Read more.
Visits to Ireland fell 12 percent to 6.9 million in 2009, so we're hoping the promotions inspire more bookings for our members with vacation properties in the fair land.

InCircleRentals & Vacation Rental Hotspots Help Florida Rental Homeowners Increase Bookings

2010-03-12T14:01:00.002-06:00

Read all about it! We are so excited at InCircleRentals about our new business partnership with VacationRentalHotspots, Florida's premier vacation rental travel website. From our news release:

InCircleRentals.com recently partnered with VacationRentalHotspots.com to offer an exclusive shared-value marketing program to vacation rental homeowners with Florida properties. The result is a safe, simple, easy-to-use solution that revolutionizes rental-by-owner bookings.

Read the full news release here.

Airport "Challenges" in Florence, Italy

2010-03-11T17:24:00.000-06:00

Delightful article that will make our vacation rental homeowners with Tuscany properties -- and simply any lover of Florence, Italy -- have a good laugh.
Read the NYTimes article and you'll see!

Calendar of Worldwide Events

2010-03-04T21:47:00.000-06:00

View the calendar of events around the world from Frommers travel site. From Australia's Perth International Arts Festival to Illuminating Hadrian's Wall in England or Semana Santa in Seville, Spain....Your vacation rental guests will appreciate knowing what to do, see and attend while they're in town.

Green Is Good for Vacation Rentals

2010-03-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Eco-tourism is an increasingly vibrant market for vacation rental homeowners with properties in "green" venues. Encourage them with great deals from Expedia.

Freshen Up Your Rental Home Kitchen

2010-02-26T21:30:00.004-06:00

Everyone knows kitchens are a key attractor factor for rental properties. Spruce yours up with this great sale offer, click below to take advantage today. Kitchen Favorites Plus 10% off Everything

Accessories for Travel and Leisure

2010-02-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

5 Easy Tips to Plan Home Improvements

2010-02-17T16:05:00.002-06:00

If you're thinking of refreshing your vacation rental with some home improvements, these five tips will make it an easier and more rewarding experience:
1. Visualize the end at the outset. Envision your new space. Think about the improvements and sense of style you want to achieve by checking out home design and architecture magazines or websites.
2. Sketch out your plans. Hire a paid interior design or remodeling professional; use free services from a local home decorating retailer; or, for those elements where you feel capable, do it yourself.
3. Include a firm schedule for activities so you don't disrupt your rental income cycle. Include the sequence of preparing the space (floors, walls) then decorating and furnishing, allowing for delivery times...and know some things will run late or off schedule.
4. Get any permissions or permits in order. If you're doing electrical or plumbing work, make sure your contractors are properly licensed / bonded and that they comply with your unit's building codes.
5. Stay flexible. Remember that the best laid plans in home remodeling are often thwarted by unexpected glitches from late deliveries to wrong colors.

In the end, it'll be worth your effort at home alterations to attract more renters, and for those vacation home rental guests to enjoy your space even more, be more likely to return again and recommend your rental to others.

Vacation Homeowners, join the vacation rental homeowners leads-sharing network at InCircleRentals.com Free for 90 Days

Pre-Spring Cleaning for Your Vacation Home

2010-02-12T11:14:00.000-06:00

Get Organized is a great one-stop destination for everything we need to organize our vacation rental home (and, if we had one, a garage and garden). They also carry a wide variety of products to help optimize the home office, which we find our guests appreciate. These little amenities make a big difference toward renters enjoying the comforts and conveniences of home, which in turn enhances our reputation as vacation rental homeowners.

Mobile Phone Makes Vacation Rental Guest Perk

2010-02-10T11:04:00.000-06:00

When my dad first got his Jitterbug, I laughed. But this phone is the perfect easy, mostly voice-operated mobile solution for people who don't need a complicated smart phone just to stay in touch or order in a pizza. Could be a nice included convenience to leave with your vacation rental guests to borrow during their stay, for example European visitors to a U.S. property, who may not have local mobile service.

Great Resource for Vacation Rental Owners in Florida

2010-02-03T21:15:00.003-06:00

We've recently partnered with a wonderful resource for all you Florida vacation rental home, villa and condo owners (and renters) called Vacation Rental Hotspots -- Florida's top choice for vacation rentals. Here's the home page of their terrific, very easy-to-navigate website:

As our friends at Vacation Rental Hotspots say: VacationRentalHotSpots.com is family owned and operated. Having owned and managed vacation rentals for years in the Daytona Beach, Florida area we have experienced all of the ups and downs that come with running a vacation rental business. By drawing upon these experiences and listening to other vacation rental owners and renters, we have developed a very functional, easy to use, Florida-centric website. While the focus of this site is Florida Vacation Rentals...The purpose of this site is to drive visitors to your property listing and ultimately deliver renters to the front door of your vacation rental.

We encourage you to list your property on VacationRentalHotSpots.com, a wonderful and well-visited site, then share and receive any unused guest leads as a member of InCircleRentals.com. Don't you love a win-win?!

Winter Blues? Lights On in Las Vegas

2010-02-01T21:43:00.001-06:00

See all Vegas Activities at Expedia.com: 24/7 fun and excitement

London Homeowners: Local Highlight

2010-01-27T11:50:00.001-06:00

For our vacation homeowners with London residences, be sure to recommend the new galleries of the Victoria & Albert Museum to your guests. The museum opened in 1852 to inspire designers, manufacturers and artists and is still one of the highlights in town.

Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, Gothic altarpieces and a room devoted to the Italian master Donatello are among a feast of treasures on show at the 10 new Medieval and Renaissance galleries

Read the full NYTimes article about the newly refurbished V&A museum in London.

Welcome Vacation Homeowners -- Join Us FREE at InCircleRentals.com.

Buying Another Vacation Home or Selling Yours?

2010-01-20T19:33:00.000-06:00

We've discovered an easy site for facilitating sales directly by owners, so whether you're considering selling your vacation rental property or taking advantage of a soft housing market to buy another one, check it out.

Good Time to Buy a Vacation Home?

2010-01-13T16:56:00.002-06:00

Lenders are starting to process more loans for vacation and second home buyers. This article from The New York Times addresses the trend:

IN the heart of the winter, many homeowners may be romanticizing about a vacation home in warmer climes. Fewer people had the opportunity to buy one last year, what with the mortgage crisis. Lenders now appear more willing to finance second homes, but borrowers must be patient, eminently qualified and strategic about their housing choices...

The improving conditions for borrowers, Mr. Walsh said, come mainly from the drop in vacation home prices, not any relaxation in lending standards. The lower prices, and lower loan amounts, make it easier for people to afford a second mortgage payment.

See the full article in the New York Times.

Travel Upgrade: New Luggage

2010-01-07T23:19:00.001-06:00

Regardless of how much you travel for personal pleasure or for business, as a vacation home rental owner you probably fly back and forth to keep a personal eye on -- and occasionally enjoy! -- your rental property. If you haven't updated your luggage in a few years, why not consider good deals on an upgrade? Just click on the image below to begin!

Tumi is known for stylish, dependable, time-tested travel gear and offers the best collection of quality luggage for carry-on and shipping, business cases, backpacks, passport organizers, cosmetics cases and more on the web.
Shop the new Voyageur range at Tumi.com

Airport Aangst? Hit the Road

2010-01-07T23:09:00.001-06:00

CarDelMar offers mobility and independence and the chance to enjoy freedom while on holiday.
With their internationally renowned partners, CarDelMar currently brokers car rentals in over 35 countries around the world, with more to follow. So whether you're booking your own wheels or guiding your vacation home rental guests, CarDelMar can help.

Recession-Proof Redecorating

2010-01-07T23:05:00.000-06:00

Cymax Stores specializes in the distribution of furniture, home and office accessories, electronics, and much more. Established in 2004, Cymax has grown to become one of the most recognized names in online shopping. Recently, Cymax has been named an Internet Top 500 Retailer!

They offer a variety of top products such as TV stands, beds, bar stools, computer desks, and much more. They also offer free shipping and zero sales tax on just about everything in stock.

Click below to get more info on great deals from Cymax.

Light Up Your Vacation Rental Home

2010-01-05T15:38:00.000-06:00

Even if you're not due for new interior decoration, it's easy to upgrade the look of your home and add a practical investment to your property with new lighting. Lighting website 1800lighting.com is the online retail store of Capitol Lighting, a fourth generation fine lighting retailer with nine gallery showroom locations in New Jersey and Florida. The website offers over 250,000 decorative indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures - including foyer chandeliers, kitchen lighting, bath lighting, exterior lanterns and lamp - and ceiling fan products from the top brands in the world.

Provence for Art Lovers

2009-12-30T09:38:00.002-06:00

Provence for Art Lovers from The Art Lover's Tour of Provence

For our InCircleRentals members with vacation rentals in France, or those who may be traveling there, this pictorial tour of Provence art history is an inspiring resource.

Photo by Manwolste/Dreamstime.com

Help Your Vacation Rental Guests With Smooth Travels This Week

2009-12-28T16:00:00.002-06:00

Travel's just gotten trickier over these holidays due to the unfortunate recent news.
At the airport, travelers can expect plenty of delays. For domestic flights or flights originating in the U.S., Continental Airlines' website suggests showing up at the airport "one hour prior to normal processing time," which means at least two hours before a flight.

So far, we haven't heard of any baggage restrictions on domestic flights beyond the usual. For international flights into the U.S. , the Canadian government advises showing up three hours in advance.

Read the latest on new airline travel situation.

And of course, any local transportation tips you can provide your vacation home rental guests, the better....For example, if you haven't already done so, you can give your guests local transportation information, like van, taxi or car service company names, phone numbers or websites. You can even offer to book their arrival trip in advance. They'll appreciate your help and you'll help ensure a more memorable and pleasant trip through a small gesture.

Venerable Marketing Venue for European Vacation Homes

2009-12-21T21:32:00.000-06:00

Belvilla has been a leading holiday specialist for over 25 years and is now rapidly becoming one of the largest and most appreciated tour operators in Europe in the field of self catering accommodation. The are offering more than 18.000 holiday homes in 18 different countries.

If you're interested in joining the Belvilla network as an owner and then sharing your extra leads at InCircleRentals; or you're just curious about the vacation home properties on their site and how they're marketing themselves, just click the image below.

Great Deals from KLM for Flights to Europe

2009-12-17T21:20:00.000-06:00

If you've ever flown KLM, you know it's a highly efficient, comfortable (great leg room!) and friendly airline. Check out their great deals for your European travel plans, or recommend them to your vacation home rental guests, by clicking on their logo below.

Ski Season News Flash, from On and Off the Slopes

2009-12-12T23:48:00.000-06:00

Vacation homeowners who rent out their ski lodges and chalets may be worried about full capacity or cancellations in this economy, but discounted airfares, ski passes and other incentives may lure unexpected surplus of travelers.

Most resorts did not roll out expensive new lifts and lodges, but rather just tweaked around the margins. New trails or bowls? Not many this winter. There are exceptions, of course. A few resorts in Utah and Colorado are opening luxury condos and faux Alpine villages with Trump-like aplomb. But those were green-lighted before the economy hit the skids. Not all upgrades require multimillion-dollar investments. Old stalwarts like Jackson Hole, Wyo., for example, have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon with a new app that offers up-to-the-minute ski conditions and GPS tracking.

Here’s a roundup of what else is new at North America’s ski resorts this season.

Read the full New York Times article.

New Travel Tools Online

2009-12-02T23:24:00.006-06:00

Gliider, TravelMuse and NileGuide are among new Web tools that help travelers organize trip information. Read the full article Organizing the Chaos of Online Travel Tips in today's NY Times.

Traverse City Michigan joins InCircleRentals.com

2009-11-27T21:14:00.003-06:00

Traverse City, Michigan owner joins InCircleRentals today.

Add Eye-Catching Marketing with Web Video for Your Vacation Rental

2009-11-23T16:22:00.004-06:00

One key component of marketing your vacation rental is distinguishing your property from others in the area and showing off unique attributes. How about dazzling them with an online video of your home, and put first impressions over the edge?

Of course you want a professional and not amateurish video to show your property’s best side and capture optimum value in rentals, but can you really afford a professional videographer? Luckily we’ve recently connected with a well-established Europe-based Internet development and video company ivideovillas.com, who specialize in online video for the real estate industry and vacation rental market.

IVideoVillas produces surprising affordable, wonderfully high quality professional videos optimized for the Web, and they specialize in real estate property tours for owners, property managers and developers. Plus, iVideoVillas will promote your vacation rental video in association with YouTube, Google Video, YahooVideo and AOLVideo. So you’ll be up and running with your video marketing right away.

IVideoVillas just launched the new Vacation Rental Owners Forum, and we encourage our owners to head over there too and join the conversation. Thanks to CEO Jef@ivideovillas.com for the great work. We encourage our InCircleRentals owners to contact Jef and kick your vacation rental property marketing to the next level with web video. It’s a modest, one-time investment that will pay dividends for years to come with more effective marketing and wider reach to prospective visitors. Who doesn’t love a home movie? Especially when it could be their own vacation rental home.

Accounting Tips for Vacation Rental Owners: How to Get Organized

2009-11-19T11:48:00.002-06:00

As we approach year end and tax filing, here's my advice as a Certified Public Accountant and a vacation rental property owner with over 12 years of rental experience.

Above all, I'd suggest that if you do a little every month. It makes filing your taxes much faster and easier at year's end. There is no need to learn how to do accounting or even pay someone to do it for you. If you can add numbers together on paper, transfer what you do to Excel, then its quick and easy. Even if you use an accountant to prepare your taxes, he/she will appreciate your help (and also charge you less) because it will be easier to work with.

Gather details

Lets start with expenses.

1) By credit card. I charge all expenses on one credit card. I have been very pleased with American Express, they have great online reporting and I earn points.

Every month I run a report from their website and export the details into one tab of an excel spreadsheet. Next I copy the expenses, paste them onto a 'scratch pad' tab, and sort the expenses (phone company, electric company, etc.) by purpose with subtotal.

2) By check. For those expenses I pay by check, I follow a similar process. Every month I download the detail from my bank account into a Quicken file (the online version is free!) , and download onto a different tab in my worksheet. I've been very happy with the $49 version I keep on my home computer. I also sort them by payee and purpose on a separate tab. I like Quicken because it is very easy to use, but if you want to manually enter information into Excel that works too. Their website even advertises a Rental Property Manager program for $149.99 (including a free will maker module.)

3) 1099. Third, my property manager sends me an annual 1099. It includes the revenue that will be reported to the IRS, and all the related expenses they deducted from my checks, for management, linens, repairs, etc. I match that to my monthly statements, then enter the summary information into its own separate tab. The nice thing about this is I can check the match so it matches what my property manager's totals are.

4) Your Bank's 1098. If you have a mortgage you can create a tab for the bank's information on your interest and taxes paid.

Report

Your accountant does not want to see the shoebox of receipts. What they do want is a nice tidy Profit and Loss of your condo. Revenue on top, expenses by category, and a bottom line. There should be no math errors. Revenue minus your expenses should total your net profit. However save your receipts and your detail worksheets so you have them available if needed.

The cover spreadsheet IS the P&L of your vacation rental property. Revenue is in the first row, from the property manager. It should match the 1099 total, since that will be reported to the IRS.

Next are all the expenses. Each column is a different expense source. I have expenses from my credit card, expenses I paid out of my bank account, and the expenses paid by my property manager directly (reported on the 1099). I also use the bank's 1098 information for taxes and interest.

Your accountant will calculate depreciation and amortization. If you are doing your own taxes, then you need Turbotax (my personal recommendation) or another similar product.

With this simple framework, you will have a painless year end and not have to worry about year-end readiness.

How to Create Vacation Rental Dreams: More Marketing Tips

2009-11-11T14:00:00.001-06:00

Once you know who you are appealing to with your vacation home rental, think of how to appeal to their dreams and must-haves. There is no one right answer. In other words, what is your setting designed for? An upscale family friendly reunion, or a comfortable, casual ‘put your feet up’ look, or a honeymoon/anniversary hideaway. The answer is only limited by your imagination.

If you don’t can't conjur up how to profile your property for marketing to guests, ask your property manager for help. For example, if the most requested features are updated kitchens and baths, then follow the premium price strategy. Spend your money to have granite kitchen counters and baths redone and charge top dollar, so you get your pick of the more affluent guests. What else does your Demographic want?

Your strategy defines your other decisions. Strategy drives not only how you will furnish but also how you market and cater to your demographic. Say your target is affluent families. Think of how your ideal guest expects to be treated.

Photo by Scott Frances, Architectural Digest, June 2007

Will your guest be pleased beyond expectations with their reception by your property manager? Ritz Carlton hotels, for example, offer training courses in “Legendary Service at the Ritz-Carlton” and “Radar On-Antenna Up...Fulfilling Customers’ Unexpressed Wishes among other courses”.

Can you imagine what would happen if your guests were treated to Ritz Carlton level service, regardless of the location or rate? They would be extremely likely to return to your unit, and tell others about their positive experience, wouldn’t they?

The key advantage we have as individual owners have is our flexibility and ability to provide excellent customer service. Still some owners don’t get it. They think that offering a unit furnished in “Early Halloween” with skimpy website marketing is all they need to do. With the prevalence of guest review websites, no owner can be complacent.

My personal story is a successful case study. Our condo, www.GoToSanibel.com, is now rated # 3 of 476 on www.Tripadvisor.com (search for Sanibel Pointe Santo). Through smart marketing and a focus on guest service by my property manager, Sanibel Accomodations, we partnered to offer excellent customer service, upscale furnishings and an individual experience. The strategy has worked for us and we couldn’t be happier.

Every owner should have a strategy of who they want to be. It will make for a more profitable and positive experience.

Sell the Sizzle. Vacation Home Marketing Tips

2009-11-05T21:23:00.004-06:00

Do you feel that whatever you do to market your property, it still gets lost in the shuffle and your property doesn't stand out? Can’t fill your vacancies? If the answer is yes, then you need a new strategy. My former boss at Sundance Lodging said that a hotel is like an airplane without wings --- an empty room brings in no revenue, just like an empty airplane seat.

Sell the Sizzle, not the Steak

Your vacation property is like a new cereal or soap. Although your property is worth a lot more than a tube of toothpaste, you need to take a page out of the marketing wizards’ handbook to succeed.

First step is define your vision for your vacation home rental, and then devise a strategy to attain your vision.

Vision & Strategy: What’s the Big Picture?

What is your vision for your property? A vision is the big picture, in one sentence. For example, it could be, “ I want to be the most luxurious beachfront condo in Sanibel and get premium rate” or “I want to provide value-priced lodging for limited budget families in Sanibel”, or whatever fits for you.

Next, make the vision specific. Think of a strategy to reach your vision. You won’t get it from anyone else. The websites you advertise on and social media will lead people to your site, but can’t make them book. If you don’t have what your guests want, you won’t get the booking. Focus on your target.

The vision is not a specific goal, but is where you want to be. What do you want to offer: Who is your target customer? Example: young families with children who want top-level amenities and services, or retired couples on a limited budget, or parties of 2 seeking a romantic retreat. Get as specific as possible. You'll be more likely to attract the right renter when you clearly define who you're looking for...

Please share your comments -- how do you manage your vacation property rental strategy?

Hotel Eny: Vacation Rental Wish List (Part 3)

2009-11-01T19:37:00.003-06:00

Item #3 on my wish list is Personal Service. I want to offer the same concierge service offered by the 4 star hotels. Great customer service is the most important priority for vacation rental guests. It doesn't matter how great the booking website was or what other websites said about the property, but everything the guest sees, touches and feels "makes" the vacation.

However since I only own one vacation rental unit from 1,000 miles away, I can't compete with a hotel's concierge. It would be wonderful if I could say, "I want my guests to have access to a concierge to recommend and make their dinner reservations and excursions".

Until that time, I'm doing the best I can. I compile a binder with local restaurants, and I personally shop for and ship the upgraded amenities to my property manager. It's not the 4-star hotel concierge service of my dreams, but it seems to make my guests happy.

Hotel Envy: Vacation Rental Wish List (Part 2)

2009-11-01T19:25:00.002-06:00

If I had a magic wand, the second thing I'd want is a supply company offering wholesale discounts for everything in the condo. Hotels get to order out of a catalog, from a teaspoon for the breakfast area to beds, armoires and everything in between. They have a plethora of choices for bath soap for example, everything from the most basic to the most deluxe.

For small purchases, as the owner of one rental unit in Sanibel, I don't have access to those resources. Take soap amenities for example. I don't have the volume of a hotel so I can't buy in bulk, and when I buy high-end amenities on my own, I pay retail rates, which adds up. Plus I have to go through the effort of shopping and sending to the rental property management office.

On big ticket items if I want a new TV, I also pay retail prices. Furniture is another challenge. I want my place to look like upscale, not PeeWee's Playhouse, but its difficult to do from 1,000 miles away. For example, I ordered a simple throw rug for under the kitchen sink. The store shipped brown floral, not blue nautical, so now I have to ask my property manager to return it, and deal with the retailer's byzantine customer service.

In my fantasy, I want to order from an online catalog and say, "send in a couch or chair from your beach condo #1 group" the and know if was durable (I would have everything make out of stainless steel if it were possible:) and would coordinate.

If there were a catalog I could order from, then when I go visit my property I might actually get to enjoy it for a change, instead of trips to the hardware store and mall.

Hotel Envy: My Vacation Rental Wish List (Part 1)

2009-10-28T18:28:00.004-05:00

As an owner of a vacation rental property for over 12 years and with over 6 years experience working for a hotel management company, I have Hotel Envy. I know that vacation rentals have their own advantages: more value for the money, kitchens, make you feel like a native, etc. However, I look at what hotels offer and I press my nose against the glass (virtually) because they have features I want but can't have.

1. Rewards!

First on my list of Hotel Envy is a rewards program. When we stay at a big chain hotel (Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Starwood, etc.) we get points. Even smaller chains such as Leading Hotels of the World and Fairmont have a free guest membership feature which provides extra attention and rewards.

I think vacation rental owners who offered rewards points would create a strong incentive to draw in first time guests and to motivate repeat guests. They'd also be providing the advantage to win business that might lose to others with reward programs.

I don't think its that hard to do a little incentive at the point of sale, even if you're a small business. For example, my wife Ellen's jewelry store boutique StyleByMax has a points program. For every $1,000 spent,the customer can take $100 off their next purchase. Its a win-win for everyone. The owner gets repeat business and the customer is happy.

Since guests return each year to my destination, points would be a great incentive to keep them coming back to my unit, or at least to the same property manager. I imagine a program where for every $1,000 spent this year, next visit would take $100 off. Each owner can tweak the percentages. Some might want to offer 5%, or 20%, or whatever.

Please comment below and let me know if you share my thoughts about offering incentives to guests, or have other ideas along these lines.

by Randy Zats, President, InCircleRentals.com

Hawaii Beach Video

2009-10-23T11:59:00.003-05:00

It's getting chilly here in NYC so I'm dreaming of Hawaii. Watch this video about finding the best beaches of Oahu and Maui. Any Hawaii vacation rental homeowners who can share your best beach tips? Please chime in with a comment below or email us with your insider secrets, we'd love to know.

To Our Hong Kong Members....

2009-10-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

A little refreshment from today's New York Times, Travel Globespotters: Hong Kong Celebrates the Grape By Julie Makinen

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which begins on Oct. 30 on the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, will feature more than 140 food booths plus wine appreciation classes, talks by sommeliers, cooking demonstrations by top Hong Kong chefs and live entertainment.

Read full article.

Fall Feasts in Italy

2009-10-16T16:23:00.001-05:00

The Moment: Now Harvesting | Italy’s Fall Feasts

From Oct. 15 New York Times, By Rocky Casale

Photo: Arici Graziano/Grazia Neri A sagra venerating roasted chestnuts.

Few countries take their autumn harvests as seriously as Italy. Visit any hilltop town or small city on a weekend in October and you’re likely to find a sagra, a gastronomic spectacle venerating pumpkins or chestnuts or just about any vegetable, nut or meat that’s grown and produced regionally in fresh abundance. Sagre sometimes last all weekend and often culminate on Sunday with a celebratory feast.

Valencia, Spain Vacation Property Managers Join InCircleRentals

2009-10-07T10:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to our newest member, Oryas Villas, experienced local vacation home property managers in the heart of beautiful Valencia, Spain. Here's more info about this remarkable locale from the official tourist site, Spain.info.

Few cities are, like Valencia, able to combine so harmoniously remains from remote periods, as far away as 138 B.C., with the most modern, avant-garde buildings to be erected in the new millennium.

Valencia equals commerce, culture, cinema, theatre, museums, music, business. It is a place for international and avant-garde design and one of the most attractive cities in Europe when it comes to fairs and conventions.

Thanks to its location, Valencia has been the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, with the special charm that seaport cities have. The fine sand and crystal waters, the vastness of the open sea, and the proximity of the coastal mountain range lend the Valencian coast a unique appeal.

There are outstanding beaches and dunes at Canet d’En Berenguer, where the coastline becomes leisurely and residential, as it does to the north of the Valencian capital, where small tourist town (La Pobla de Farnals, Alboraya, and El Puig) have emerged where only a few years ago fruit and vegetables were grown.

In addition, still within the city of Valencia, the beaches of La Malvarrosa and Levante offer a wide variety of places to dine and enjoy a quiet evening by the sea. To the south, nature becomes predominant at Saler Beach and in the L’Albufera Nature Reserve, where the sun can be enjoyed in unique surroundings. The beaches of Cullera, Gandía and Oliva combine beautiful landscapes with a number of sporting and recreational facilities.

2009-09-30T20:53:00.004-05:00

Welcome to our newest member with a charming 2-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Lima, Peru. We welcome more Lima homeowners to join InCircleRentals.com and share leads for Lima guests.

Here's a little background about Lima, from Wikipedia.

Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is the 5th largest city in Latin America, behind Mexico City, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "The City of Kings." Today around one-third of the Peruvian population lives in the metropolitan area.

Lima, as the point of entry to the country, has developed an important tourism industry, characterized by its historic center, archeological sites, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivals, and popular traditions.

The Historic Center of Lima, made up of the districts of Lima and Rimac, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 due to its importance during the colonial era leaving a testimony to architectural achievement.^[67] Some examples of this historical colonial architecture include the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, Covenant of Santo Domingo, the Palace of Torre Tagle, and much more.

A tour of the city's churches is a popular circuit among tourists. A short jaunt through the central district goes through many churches dating from as early as the 16th and 17th centuries the most noteworthy of which being the Cathedral of Lima and the Monastery of San Francisco, of which are said to be connected by their subterrestrial catacombs.Both of these churches contain paintings from various schools of art, Sevilian tile, and finely sculpted wood furnishings. Also notable is the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas, the point of origin for the Lord of Miracles, whose festivities in the month of October constitute the most important religious event in Lima and arguably all of Peru. Some sections of the Lima City Walls still remain and are frequented by tourists. These examples of medieval Spanish fortifications were utilized to defend the city from attacks by pirates and privateers.

Beaches are visited during the summer months, which are located along the Pan-American Highway, to the south of the city in districts such as Lurin, Punta Hermosa, Santa María del Mar (Peru), San Bartolo and Asia.

The suburban districts of Cieneguilla, Pachacamac, and the city of Chosica, are important tourist attractions as they are located at a higher elevation than Lima, therefore receiving sunshine in winter months, something the city of Lima frequently lacks.

How to Expand Your Local Reach For Your Vacation Rental Property Advertising

2009-09-22T12:55:00.003-05:00

One simple way to boost your bookings is to build a simple page that focuses on your local area's attractions and activities. Your guests will thank you because you're providing "local knowledge" that will help them plan their vacation. You'll also be able to expand your keyword base & SEO by ranking for keywords that are relevant to travel in your local area. You'll be "widening your net" and positioning yourself as a resource for renters that are looking for a vacation in your area.

You'll stand out from your competition because you're offering guidance to them and providing local knowledge. You're providing links to them as they plan their trip, and it's all in one place.

As an added benefit, Google loves relevant outbound links, so you'll rank higher because your information is deemed of value by the search engines. You can also show local businesses that you've listed their site on your page, and ask them if they'd like to do the same for you. (At the very least they'll remember that you did list them and are more likely to refer renters to you in the future).

The activities page is really not hard to do, you most likely already have the resources in your mind or in a guest binder. However, it does require an initial set up commitment and then 15 - 30 minutes a month maintenance to monitor new activities / places of interest.

Our renters continually comment on how helpful the local information is to them, I rank very highly in the search engines for my targeted key words as a result of consistently providing relevant and targeted content on my activities page. It's really not hard to do, it just takes focused effort. And it's all part of guaranteeing that I'm booked solid.

Article by Jayne Brodie, the author of the "Booked Solid Blueprint", a popular guide designed to help vacation rental property owners boost their rental bookings. See http://www.bookedsolidrentals.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayne_Brodie

Joys of Travel

2009-09-21T13:42:00.008-05:00

As a vacation homeowner, it's easy to get wrapped up with all the details ownership entails, from management and upkeep to guest rentals and marketing.

In case you missed it, a couple days ago The New York Times posted a photo-survey of hundreds of summer photos submitted by their readers, and a call to start sharing your favorite photographs of Europe.

It's a fun reminder of the joy we get from traveling and what our renters get in sharing our homes-away-from home. Visit the New York Times photos.

How to Get More Value from Your Rental Property Manager (Part 3)

2009-09-02T18:45:00.008-05:00

3. Maintain your property. If you maintain your unit and give them a better property to work with, the staff will choose your unit first when the phone rings and a potential guest asks, "I need a place to stay. What's your best unit? Have you kept your unit competitive with others? (granite baths, upgraded kitchen, hotel quality mattresses)" If you wouldn't want to stay there, chances are someone else won't either. You want to be the unit where the reservationist can tell the potential guest, "The owner just replaced the TVs with all flat screen, there's new patio furniture and its got a special value rate".

How to Get More Value from Your Rental Property Manager (Part 2)

2009-08-26T22:35:00.011-05:00

2. Trade Places . Take a minute to look at the business from their shoes. Instead of thinking, "they don't rent my place often enough, and they charge a lot", think about their situation. Every day they have guests to greet, peak and low vacancy seasons to juggle, maintenance, cleaning, and booking as well as advertising. If you think about what they're going through, you can ask, "How can I help them rent more"? Property managers love when owners improve! Sanibel Accommodations has always been encouraging with every upgrade and improvement, They even take all my bedspreads to the cleaners for me when I can't be there. Do you respect their booking process and follow their policies? Are you responsive when they ask for your take-out (personal use) requests a year in advance? Do you keep your unit equipped with more than the minimum? Do you make an effort to have a conversation at least once a year about your unit, pricing, and marketing? The answers make the difference to your success.

How To Get More Value from Your Rental Property Manager (Part 1)

2009-08-19T20:56:00.012-05:00

Here's 12 years of my experience on how to get the most value from your property manager relationship (Part 1 of 3). Please also share your experiences with us by commenting on our blog.

1. Think Partnership. Treat your property manager like a partner, not an employee. The secret of a strong successful relationship with a property manager is the relationship. At my rental property, my property manager Sanibel Accommodations, goes out of their way to gain win-win results. For example, for every guest I provide a welcome gift of l'Occitane bath amenities. Prior to each arrival, their staff personally places the amenity in the unit. When the guests arrive, hot and tired from their trip, the first thing they see is their complimentary thank you gift from me. That has helped my unit get to #3 in Tripadvisor.com for Sanibel! Its worth this effort for Sanibel Accommodations because they understand excellent guest service and realize that happy guests will provide recommendations and tell others.I get more bookings because of their help, and they get more occupancy fees.

Member Spotlight: Sanibel, Florida, Spanish Cay D6

2009-08-09T16:30:00.005-05:00

Vacation rental owners with properties in Sanibel Island, Florida have been very active in InCircleRentals.com since our launch last spring. I want to share their stories and feature their properties. Today's post is about Bill Munro, who has been with us since March 2009.

Bill is the owner of Spanish Cay #D6 in Sanibel, http://tiny.cc/8BWOY, and has owned in Sanibel for several years. Bill's unit is on the 3rd floor in the family-friendly Spanish Cay condo complex, on the Gulf of Mexico.

Rental rates for Bill's property range from $600 to $1,450 per week depending on the season (peak winter starts late December and goes through Easter). Bill markets his Sanibel property on several websites, including vacationrental.com (#38428) and forrentbyowner.com.

Bill uses a professional manager, Sanibel Accommodations, so even though he lives in Canada, he never has to worry about the day to day details. Everything, from cleaning and linens, to guest requests, is handled by an on-island professional staff.

With InCircleRentals.com, Bill has gained another way to reach other interested guests. We're delighted that Bill is a member.

Vacation Owners: Rental Marketing Help Is Here

2009-08-08T12:18:00.027-05:00

If you own a quality vacation rental property and would like more rentals, we'd like to invite you to join other owners at InCircleRentals.com to share extra guest inquiries. We're vacation rental owners ourselves, so you'll find our website is very owner-friendly, easy and convenient. InCircleRentals.com can help you get closer to 100% occupancy by sharing rental requests with owners in your resort or local area.

More Efficient Marketing = More Rentals

InCircleRentals will help you expand your marketing with minimal time and effort -- and right now, at no cost. As an owner, your most important priority is to rent more. Even though you market your vacation rental property on various websites, there are always weeks or months you can't easily fill. That's when you can take advantage of free leads from other owners in your area. In turn, if you have leads you can't use, instead of turning away the guest, now you can refer them to the other owners in your InCircleRentals.com group.

We optimize your current marketing efforts by harnessing all the marketing results of owners in your circle. Imagine the benefit of pooling your marketing results in a safe, simple and effective website.

Our Story: Sharing Guest Leads

Twelve years ago, we bought a condo in Sanibel, Florida. Many of us vacation rental owners in the resort started to email each other the surplus guest leads we got from our various marketing efforts. If an owner was booked, he or she would pass along the inquiring guest information to the other owners. We had great success in using the leads passed around. Owners still made the bookings and all other arrangements individually, but they had the benefit of more guests.

InCircleRentals.com is the same idea of sharing guest leads, but improved with behind-the-scenes Internet technologies. InCircleRentals owners can share guest leads instantly online using regular email, and also access your personal InCircleRentals website page that automatically keeps track of your rental leads details and history. All you have to do is look for special emails announcing new leads from your owners' circle; or share your extra leads from your InCircleRentals member page.

We welcome you to visit InCircleRentals.com and sign up as a member. It only takes 2 minutes to start your FREE 90 day trial membership and get immediate full access to the benefits of sharing leads online with your neighbors...We'd also like to spotlight your property on our blog and share thoughts about vacation rental ownership and marketing tips.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Randy Zats, President

InCircleRentals.com

http://incirclerentals.blogspot.com

Toll-free telephone US & Canada: 888-317-1538