March 2011: Vacation Rental Property Tax Deduction Tips for PropertyOwners:
If you receive rental income from renting to others, a dwelling unit, such as a house or an apartment, you may deduct certain expenses. Expenses such as interest, taxes, casualty losses, maintenance, utilities, insurance and depreciation will help reduce the amount of rental income that is taxed. Using our VACATION RENTAL PLANNER AND TAX ORGANIZER will help you capture all of your rental deductions needed to lower your tax liability.
February 2011: Our Vacation Rental Planner and Tax Organizer will help you stay organized all year long. You will also recieve a free property listing on www.DreamAwayVacationRentals.com for one full year.
January 2011: HAPPY NEW YEAR! If you haven't taken advantage of your free property listing, please take the time to email up to four picture of your vacation home, along with a description and contact information and if you have a link to another property listing, I will add that as well, if you prefer. What better time to create a new property listing! Also, for those of you have property listings on other sites, this is the time to give it a face-lift. Read Chapter six of my book to get creative suggestions and detailed instructions to having the best property listing. As always, feel free to email me with any questions. Happy Renting and much success for the new year!
December 2010: Happy Holidays!
Gift Suggestions: Send out emails to all of your former renters with a Special Gift Certificate Offer. Remember your favorite Charity! Gift a week's stay at your rental property and get a tax credit for your donation. Also, a weekend at your rental property makes a nice holiday gift to give your friends and relatives.
November 2010: This is a good time to do some annual tasks that creep up on us every year:
*Change the batteries on your smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors.
*Check the batteries on your water alarms.
*Replace the filter on your HVAC unit: invest in a clock thermostat to save money.
*Turn off the water to any outside faucet - if you live in a seasonal climate where it is cold this time of year.
*Install a shut off to your washing machine.
*Replace the rubber hoses to your washing machne with steel-braided flood safe hoses that you can purchase from Home Depot.
*Check toilets and faucets for leaks to reduce the cost of your water and sewer bill.
For More Tips or Questions: Ask John
October 2010: Happy Halloween! Send out Special offers to your renters mailing list you have been keeping! ( previous renters and all past inquiries of potential renters) for Columbus Day weekend and for Halloween. For those who have properties on the east coast - Add your pictures of Foliage to your website. (If you have a site listed on DreamAwayVacationRentals.com please send me an updated picture and I would be happy to add it to your listing.) Another suggestion: Send out Last minute bookings offer at discounted prices!
September 2010: It's clean up time for those of you who own in a four season location. Check your linens, discard anything that looks ratty and tired. Replace with fresh, new towels and linens. Make sure everything is clean and smells nice. Use only non-allergeric detergents and/or sprays. Check pillows, blankets and comforters. Always keep them clean and refreshed.
August 2010: At the end of each season prepare a new advertisement ad for your property listing. Keep your listing new and updated. With each new season it is important to highlight the special events that are going on in your area. Happy Renting!
July 2010: For those of you who provide specialty items for your guests here is an idea sent in by one reader: Place a decorative basket on your kitchen table/counter and add all of the items you are specifically are leaving for them. Include a note or card as a personal touch. Add a photo alblum to the basket as advertisement for future rentals and you are ready to go! They will be surprised and very appreciative.
June 2010: Summer is here. It is the busiest season for most rentals. Gather information for special activities in your area including schedules and prices. Forward the information to your renters ahead of time in order for them to plan ahead.
May 2010: Too Much Competition from neighbors? If your rental property is a condo, townhouse, cabin or cottage and part of an association where most of the units look the same, this is for you.
First, find a rental website that none of your neighbors are using and list it there. You will have a better chance of filling any vacancies by "standing alone." (For maximum exposure, list it on several different sites - Also, check out our free listing offer on DreamAwayVacationRentals.com)
Second: Use pictures that are completely different than any of the pictures your neighbors are using. Otherwise, renters will make their decision based on price rather than "what they are getting for their money." Take a picture of the inside of your unit looking out at the best view from your home. Let the renters get a "feeling" of what it would be like to stay there. PS: Make sure you stage your unit to look its best before snapping the picture! De-clutter, organizer and cleanliness is a must.
For more info: email Marie: info @howtorentvacationhomes.com
April 2010: Tax season is almost over. Get your copy of "Vacation Rental Planner and Tax Organizer" . If you haven't started yet, this is a great time to do it. Keep all of your rental information together. At year-end, all of the tax information for your rental property will be in one place and organized nicely for your tax accountant. It also provides a tracking system (income/expense report) that can be used as a comparison from year to year. It will make rental management much easier!
March 2010: If this is an "off-season" month for your rental area, then take advantage of March Madness - Give out discounts for weekend rentals during the month of March.. If not, use this time to update your renter's list. Send out thank you notes to previous renters or reminders to book early for next season. Best wishes!
February 2010: The Month for Romance - As Valentine's Day is approaching, take advantage of this holiday to advertise a "Romantic Weekend" Special. Send out a "Special Offer"email including a dinner package or Roses and a Bottle of Champagne to all of your past renters and inquiries list . Happy Renting!
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