We had our usual 2 weeks during spring break - originally we had 3 but one cancelled at some point through the management company. May is pretty well booked although we are using about 9 days ourselves. June is totally booked except about 3 days. July seems to be moving slow so far with only about 11 days booked to date.
Spring Summer Rentals - are they slow for others
- Thread starter CTJake
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My home actually booked quicker this year than it ever has but I also have about 60% returning guests or referral guests. I have been booked from the middle of February till September 1st right now and I have a week in September booked plus an October booking plus a couple of inquiries into Thanksgiving. I agree with Paula, I think a lot of advertising is word of mouth, what you offer your guests and how they feel they have been treated. As one of my guests said, "Just a little bit of Southern Hospitality goes a long way."
RiverOtter
got any pics?
Ours are up. However we do have an odd gap in July 
. We had a great spring 
. We had a great spring 
We changed management companies in January, so our new company didn't have much of a chance to work on spring. Even under these circumstances, we've had more spring rentals than ever.
As far as summer goes, I didn't reserve a week for us because when I went to their website in early March, we didn't even have half of June and July booked. A few days later it was totally booked for June and July except for one week, so I blocked that week for us.
No rentals for August yet. That doesn't surprise me. They always come in later. We usually get three, and then I reserve a week for us before school starts back.
We keep the prices a bit higher than we should in the off-season because frankly by the end of summer I am so sick and tired of dealing with loss and damage from renters that I just don't want to rent it unless I make a nice profit that makes up for the hassle of taking care of replacing and repairing things.
But I'll have to admit that our new management company has done a great job of repairing items and collecting damage deposits. I might consider lowering the rates in the off-season if they continue to perform this well.
As far as summer goes, I didn't reserve a week for us because when I went to their website in early March, we didn't even have half of June and July booked. A few days later it was totally booked for June and July except for one week, so I blocked that week for us.
No rentals for August yet. That doesn't surprise me. They always come in later. We usually get three, and then I reserve a week for us before school starts back.
We keep the prices a bit higher than we should in the off-season because frankly by the end of summer I am so sick and tired of dealing with loss and damage from renters that I just don't want to rent it unless I make a nice profit that makes up for the hassle of taking care of replacing and repairing things.
But I'll have to admit that our new management company has done a great job of repairing items and collecting damage deposits. I might consider lowering the rates in the off-season if they continue to perform this well.
Ours are up. However we do have an odd gap in July
We have a similar gap for July
Interesting feedback, it seems as though everyone is having a good year but us. Our unit is in Beachwood Villas, our rates are in line with others. I checked the other 1bdrs on vrbo for BV and most with the exception of 2 of them are vacant for most the summer as well. I also went on our mgmt company's website and there other 1 bdr BV units are all vacant for the summer. I would like to shop around and find another company to possibly manage us. However, I have found in the past that there aren't many company's who will work with Beachwood Villas. Last time I check with Garrett they said they weren't accepting anymore BV units b/c they had too many already. Is anyone using other company's for BV and having good success?
CTJake: Actually, I wouldn't assume that because I believe there are still more vacancies than usual which is what I see when I check out vacancies along 30A (which I do now and then to see how the season in general is going). I think it's because people have more options because of the many new communities in the area. Our rentals in the cottage that doesn't yet have the same repeat business history as the other (we bought it about a year later) have come in slower than usual. We also haven't raised our rates in 2 years because of the increase in rentals available. But we've stayed steady overall (but as I said with later bookings) and have increased winter rentals (though I think fall rentals decreased somewhat last year). I hope you're year picks up! We figure that we'll just come down and use our cottage if the last weeks don't get booked (which is beginning to sound VERY tempting to us!).
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Don't underestimate how the present economy is going affect summer vacations. The middle-income folks are having a rough go of it this year with the increase in gas prices, maxed-out home equity, mortgage resets, looming job layoffs, and inflation (yes, food and fuel DOES count Ben!).
As I stated previous, a number of folks who used to rent in our area bought their own place during the frenzy--adding more inventory while decreasing the number of renters. Additionally, with the threat of increased hurricane activity this season, some may be fearful of losing a deposit if they book too early (even if a 'cane doesn't directly hit the area, the churning Gulf and rainy weather could make for a crappy vacation.) Moreover, waiting for the last minute to ensure a hurricane-free vacation may also prove beneficial if they can swing a "last minute cut-rate condo."
IMO gulf-front places and folks who woo their repeat guests will do OK...the others will probably have to work much harder to fill their places in advance.
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As I stated previous, a number of folks who used to rent in our area bought their own place during the frenzy--adding more inventory while decreasing the number of renters. Additionally, with the threat of increased hurricane activity this season, some may be fearful of losing a deposit if they book too early (even if a 'cane doesn't directly hit the area, the churning Gulf and rainy weather could make for a crappy vacation.) Moreover, waiting for the last minute to ensure a hurricane-free vacation may also prove beneficial if they can swing a "last minute cut-rate condo."
IMO gulf-front places and folks who woo their repeat guests will do OK...the others will probably have to work much harder to fill their places in advance.
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As I've said before on this discussion board, our accountant was wise enough to tell us not to count on rentals to cover the mortgage or short-term appreciation (he also told us to stop and enjoy the cottages after buying 2 small cottages). He said it's the long-term gains that matter and the cottages are, of course, only part of a solid long-term financial portfolio. So, we see the current and even medium term rental market as just part of the ups and downs of owning our wonderful places - haven't lost any sleep over them. The memories we've built with family there while we bide our time, as well as the friendships we've made, have been priceless and have led to many sweet dreams -- and we have many future decades and a few more generations of memories to build there as well.
And learning about the vacation rental business, service, etc., has been fun for me -- you can't learn some of this in school, only through experience. But you sure have to be ready for the experience and it's not for everyone!
And learning about the vacation rental business, service, etc., has been fun for me -- you can't learn some of this in school, only through experience. But you sure have to be ready for the experience and it's not for everyone!