READY…SET…RENT! As a Branson vacation home owner, you know that Branson, Missouri, is one of the best vacation destinations in the country. You may have purchased your Branson vacation home to enjoy the fantastic entertainment options and fine dining, play on the award winning golf courses, or simply to enjoy the breathtaking lake and mountain views. Perhaps you want to rent your vacation home because you haven’t used it as much as you planned, or you’d like to offset some of the costs of owning it. Or you may just want to share the experience of vacationing in Branson with others. Branson’s fantastic location and rich array of activities make this area highly desirable, so the market for vacation rentals is thriving. In this e-book, you’ll learn about the steps involved with renting your vacation home in Branson—and if you’d like to start but don’t want to take on this challenging yet rewarding project alone, we can make it easy and convenient to book paying guests for your Branson vacation rental.
Page 1 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
PART 1: PREPARING FOR GUESTS
What Are Your Goals?.……………………………………………………………………………………..... pg. 3 Following the Rules.…..………………………………………………….…………………………………... pg. 3 How Involved Will You Be?..…..………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 4 Who Should You Hire?..…………..…………………………………………………………………………...pg. 5 Prepping Your Branson Vacation Home for Rental..…..…………………………………….... pg. 6
PART 2: BRINGING IN GUESTS
Where Do You Find Guests?.………………………………………………………………………………. What Do Guests Want?.…………………………………………….……………………………………….. Writing Your Property Listing.……………………………………..……………………………………… Photographing Your Property.………………………………………..…………………………………… Deciding on Rental Rates.…………………………………………………………………………………...
pg. 7 pg. 8 pg. 8 pg. 9 pg. 9
PART 3: MANAGING GUESTS
Converting Inquiries to Bookings.…………………………………………………………………….... pg. 10 Handling Reservations………..………………………………………….…………………………………... pg. 11 Collecting Guest Payments….……………………………………………………………………………... pg. 13 Collecting Security Deposits..………………………………………………..……………………………. pg. 15 Handling Keys and Lock Boxes.………………………………………………….……………………….. pg. 16 The Rental Process: A Brief Review..……………………………………………………………………. pg. 17 Tips for Success.……………………………………………………………………………….…………………. pg. 18 Need a Hand? We’re Here for You!...………………………………………………………..………… pg. 18
Page 2 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
PART 1: PREPARING FOR GUESTS WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? While you may not have purchased your vacation home with business in mind, when you start renting to guests, your condo becomes a rental property business with potential profits. And in order to run a successful business, you need to set goals and have a plan to reach them. Your goal may be as simple as finding some paying guests to stay in your vacation home, so you can make money. But it’s still important to break down that goal into specific objectives that you can meet, and outline your objectives in a business plan. For example, your financial objectives may be to: Earn a little extra money to offset the costs of your vacation home; Bring in enough revenue from rentals to pay for all of the costs; or Make a profit beyond the costs of your condo You’ll also need to decide how many weeks each year you’ll be using your vacation home personally, and how many weeks you’ll have available to rent. FOLLOWING THE RULES When your vacation home becomes a rental property, it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance with the rules and regulations of the state, county, and municipality governing this type of business in Branson. ZONING LAWS County and city zoning requirements will apply to your condo as a short-term rental property. You should check with officials regarding not only current zoning laws, but also any proposed changes that may affect your rental property. Another good way to learn more about zoning requirements is to contact other rental property owners in Branson. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS Often, condos and vacation homes are also governed by homeowners’ associations. Check with your community’s CC&Rs, the governing documents that explain the rules home owners have to obey, to learn about the regulations for vacation rentals in your subdivision or complex.
Page 3 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
BUSINESS LICENSES AND/OR PERMITS You may be required to apply for a business license or permit in order to rent your vacation home on a short-term basis. Check with city or county officials to learn more about any permits you may need to rent your vacation home. SALES TAXES Like any business, you’ll be required to pay sales tax on your property rental. The sales tax is paid by your guests, on top of your rental rates. Contact the county sales tax office in either Stone County or Taney County—whichever county your Branson vacation home is located in— to find out how much sales tax you should collect, and how to pay it to the government. HOW INVOLVED WILL YOU BE? You will need time, effort, and dedication in order to successfully rent your vacation home. When managing a rental property, there’s a lot to be done, including: Marketing your vacation home to guests Responding to guest inquiries Making reservations and taking payments Dealing with sales tax Handling guest issues (requests / complaints) Hiring service providers and scheduling housekeeping Managing property maintenance Because there is so much involved, many vacation home owners choose to work with property management companies, who can handle all of these details in exchange for a percentage of your rental income. WORKING WITH A PROPERTY MANAGER Property management companies specialize in managing every aspect of renting your vacation home. For a commission that is taken from your rental income, property managers will market your property, manage your guests, and arrange all required services. If you don’t have the time or the desire to run your vacation rental successfully, working with a property management company simplifies the process—and still allows you to make a profit. Page 4 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
RENTING BY OWNER Some condo owners choose to manage the rental property themselves. This may be the right choice if you: Are a dedicated do-it-yourselfer Prefer complete control over who rents your property Want to avoid paying a commission on your rentals When it comes to vacation home rentals, there is no right or wrong way. Your decision on whether to hire a property manager rests on your desired level of involvement with your new business. WHO SHOULD YOU HIRE? As a business, there are several services you should consider hiring out for. These include: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT As previously mentioned, a good property management company can handle all of the details of renting your vacation home—including making arrangements for the following services. Typical commissions for property managers range from 25 to 55 percent of rental incomes. HOUSEKEEPING / CLEANING SERVICES One of the most challenging aspects of renting your vacation home is handling the cleaning issues—especially if you live far from your condo. You need to work with a trustworthy housekeeper or cleaning service you can rely on to get things done without direct supervision. One way to find reliable cleaning services is to visit your vacation home during the peak season and talk directly to any housekeepers working in the area. MAINTENANCE If you live a considerable distance from your vacation home, it’s a good idea to contract with a maintenance person or company who can continually oversee your rental property, and perform maintenance or repairs as needed.
Page 5 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY To ensure compliance with area laws, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who is familiar with the vacation rental market, particularly in Branson, before you rent your vacation home for the first time. ACCOUNTANT / TAX ADVISOR In addition to an attorney, you should consult with an experienced accountant or tax advisor who can explain bookkeeping procedures and income tax implications for rental properties. PREPPING YOUR BRANSON VACATION HOME FOR RENTAL Even though your vacation home is already furnished and decorated, you’ll probably need to make changes in order to balance your convenience with the comfort of your guests. As a first step, make sure your condo is relatively clutter-free. Remove any valuable or irreplaceable items on hand, and use or install a lockable closet to store anything you want on hand, but don’t want guests to have access to. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown to prepare your vacation home for guests. KITCHEN Convenience is the most important quality for a vacation home rental kitchen. Provide conveniences such as adequate cooking equipment, a coffee pot, and a spacious table, which may be in the dining area. You should also stock the kitchen with enough table settings for twice the number of people the unit sleeps. BEDROOMS Guests look for quality in sleeping accommodations. Provide plenty of high quality bedding, including two sets of sheets for each bed, pillows with pillow cases, mattress pads, and spare blankets. Bedrooms should also include a bedside table with alarm clock and reading lamp. LIVING AREA Your condo living area should offer comparable amenities to other vacation home rentals. This includes comfortable seating for at least as many as the unit sleeps, a TV that can be viewed from across the room, and at minimum basic cable, Internet, and a DVD player.
Page 6 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
BATHROOMS Your bathrooms should be spotless and include a good supply of quality towels. EXTRAS Consider providing amenities that guests look for when choosing vacation homes over hotels, such as a washer and dryer, furnished private patio, and outdoor equipment. PART 2: BRINGING IN GUESTS WHERE DO YOU FIND GUESTS? Once your vacation home is ready for renters, your next step is to market your vacation rental property. The good news for vacation home owners today is that you no longer have to rely on expensive print advertising—you can get the word out about the availability of your condo online with cost-effective, easy-to-use websites. LISTING WEBSITES Vacation rental listing websites are the most common way for home owners to advertise their rental properties online. Most charge a fee to list with them, usually from $500 to $1,500 per year—but it’s a worthwhile and effective investment, since these sites are the most frequently used resources by travelers looking for vacation homes to rent. SPECIALTY WEBSITES This type of website is aimed at people with specific interests, such as hobbies like golf or scuba diving, pet owners, seniors, or people traveling for business. Specialty websites may specifically list vacation properties, or include them as part of general listings. PERSONAL WEBSITES You can also advertise your vacation rental property online by creating a personal website to showcase the property, with additional photos and more detailed descriptions than you would be able to display on listing websites.
Page 7 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
WHAT DO GUESTS WANT? Knowing your target guest is an important part of successfully marketing your vacation home. Here are the top 4 things travelers look for when deciding on a vacation rental property: LOCATION / DISTANCE TO ATTRACTIONS Many travelers look for a vacation property that’s close to specific attractions, such as tourist spots, entertainment, shopping, or restaurants. In your description, include the exact distance from your property to nearby attractions, rather than saying it’s “close to” attractions. COSTS Most travelers know their budget and price range when searching for vacation homes. State your prices clearly in your listing—few travelers, if any, will bother contacting you to find out how much it costs. PROPERTY SIZE Your guests will want to know how many people your vacation home can accommodate, including beds and bed setup / sizes, seating in the living area and dining area, and the number of bathrooms. AVAILABLE DATES Often, travelers schedule their vacations around school and work, which means they have little or no flexibility for vacation dates. Display an up-to-date availability calendar for your property, and continue to show availability up to the last minute. WRITING YOUR PROPERTY LISTING Vacation rental descriptions usually include a property information section, a features section, and a property description. The property description is a few paragraphs that describe your vacation home—and your chance to convince guests to rent your property for their vacation. Here are some tips on writing great property descriptions. BE EVOCATIVE The best property descriptions allow guests to picture how great it would be to stay at your vacation home. For example, rather than saying “There is an in-ground pool,” you could say, Page 8 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
“You’ll love our crystal clear in-ground pool with furnished sun deck and a breathtaking view of the Ozarks.” BE CONCISE Many different types of people will read your property listing, so keep your sentences clear and complete, and avoid using abbreviations or local terms others might not understand. Make sure your spelling, grammar, and punctuation are all correct. FOCUS ON YOUR PROPERTY—NOT YOUR AREA People who view your vacation home listing have probably already decided to stay in Branson, so they’re just looking for the perfect rental for their vacation. Use your listing space to describe what’s great about your property—the Branson area sells itself! Here’s what to include in your description: Common keywords travelers look for, such as pool, beach access, or private setting Specific information about bedrooms and bed setup Unique selling points, such as home theaters, rec rooms, or full cable Features for specific travelers, such as pets allowed Major amenities Property type and size A description of the view PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR PROPERTY A picture is worth a thousand words, and your property images are your strongest selling point. The more high quality photos you provide of your vacation home, the more inquiries you’ll receive from guests—travelers are 83 percent more likely to inquire about a vacation property if there are 20 or more photos included. Here’s how to take great pictures of your Branson condo:
Page 9 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
USE A GOOD DIGITAL CAMERA Digital cameras are the best choice for photographing your vacation home. They look great online, they’re easy to upload and edit, and you can take hundreds of photos at no additional cost, and simply delete the ones you don’t like. STAGE YOUR PHOTOS Interior shots should make viewers feel welcome and at home. Make sure to stage each area you photograph—remove clutter, smooth bedspreads and fluff pillows, straighten magazines or remotes, turn the television off, and add small details such as vases of flowers or bowls of fruit. GET THE LIGHTING RIGHT A great photo depends on great lighting. Take pictures during the day, and open your blinds and curtains for natural light, which photographs better than artificial. Capture shots both with and without the camera flash, and choose the ones that look best. DECIDING ON RENTAL RATES The rental rates you set will have a direct effect on your inquiries and booking rates, so make sure you don’t price your vacation home too high—or too low. LOOK TO YOUR MARKET To get an idea of the rates you should set, research similar vacation rental properties in the Branson area. Look for properties with comparable amenities and proximity to popular attractions, and check for common fees other property owners charge—such as cleaning fees, pet fees, amenities fees, and taxes. SET RATES FOR DIFFERENT TIME INCREMENTS Potential guests expect to see rates for nightly, weekly, and monthly rentals. If your market offers nightly rentals, you can interest guests by offering a discounted weekly rate—multiply the nightly rate by 5 or 6 for a full week, instead of 7. You might also reduce monthly rates by 5 or 10 percent.
Page 10 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
DISPLAY YOUR RATES CLEARLY If travelers are not able to find your rental rates easily, they’re likely to search for other properties that show the rates upfront. Guests don’t like to be surprised by vacation costs. If you vary your rates by season, be sure to list the exact rental rates for specific time periods. SET A MINIMUM STAY Many vacation home rentals set a minimum stay of 3 to 4 nights during peak vacation season, and then lower the minimum stay to 2 nights for off seasons to encourage weekend guests. PART 3: MANAGING GUESTS CONVERTING INQUIRIES TO BOOKINGS When potential guests are interested in your vacation home, they’re likely to contact you either by phone or via email to inquire about your property. Here are the best practices for turning inquiries into paying guests. DON’T IGNORE YOUR PHONE In some cases, a phone call means a guest has a question about availability and may want to book your vacation home immediately—especially if they’re looking for a last-minute getaway. Keep your phone turned on and ready for calls. CHECK EMAIL FREQUENTLY Many people have a habit of checking their email just once a day, or even once a week. If you’ve put your vacation home on the rental market, it’s time to change that habit. Check your email at least three times a day: In the morning, when your workday ends, and before you go to bed. If possible, do a quick check at lunchtime, too. REPLY IMMEDIATELY When you receive an email inquiry, respond right away with a detailed, friendly message that answers all questions. Be sure to quote the exact rate, including taxes and fees, and confirm availability dates if requested. Close your email by inviting the traveler to call you if they have any more questions.
Page 11 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
USE YOUR SIGNATURE LINE People are used to finding contact information, including name, phone number, and website, in email signatures. Make sure yours includes all of this information for the convenience of your guests. GIVE THEM A CALL If a traveler emails you and includes a phone number where they can be reached, they’ll not only welcome a phone call—they’ll expect one. Calling guests helps you convert more inquiries to bookings, as studies have shown that the first vacation home owner to call is the most likely to secure the reservation. RETURN MESSAGES RIGHT AWAY Calling people back who have left a phone message should be a top priority. Don’t wait and take the chance they’ll book with someone else before you talk with them. FOLLOW UP BY PHONE A few days after making initial contact with an inquirer, give them a follow-up call to find out where they are in the planning stages. A friendly phone call can convince people who are wavering to make the booking. HANDLING RESERVATIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING GUESTS The best way to guard against loss while renting your vacation home is to screen your guests properly. It’s a good policy to speak to your potential guests on the phone before booking them, rather than handling everything through email. This way, you can ask questions like how many people will be staying in your home, and whether there are any pets or children. During the screening conversation, let potential guests know that your rental property is your second home. This will encourage people to take better care of the property while they’re staying.
Page 12 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
ACCEPTING DEPOSIT PAYMENTS A deposit payment is typically a refundable amount that guests pay to confirm a reservation. This deposit is returned to the guest after their stay, provided the deposit conditions have been met—usually, that no damage has been done to the property. You can accept checks as deposits, but you will increase bookings if you accept credit card deposit payments, since they’re more convenience for guests. GET IT IN WRITING A written Rental Agreement protects both you and your guests. Be sure to send each guest a copy of your rental rules, as well as billing confirmation—and don’t accept a deposit before you send a Rental Agreement to your guests. Here’s what your Rental Agreement should include: Payment schedule, including deposit and rental payments The total amount due, including any fees and taxes Your cancellation policy, including any financial penalties for cancelling a reservation Conditions for refunding the security deposit Any age restrictions and maximum occupancy Policies and restrictions on pets and smoking Storm and/or road condition policies Scheduled check-in and check-out dates, and applicable times Your check-out policy, or expectations of the guests at departure COLLECTING GUEST PAYMENTS Establishing clear financial policies helps both you and your guests enjoy secure, convenient transactions as you rent your vacation home. Some guests can be nervous about sending payments to people they’ve never met—and you may also be concerned about potential issues with receiving payments. Here’s a look at payment methods that are safe and readily available, and those that can be risky and should be avoided. Page 13 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
SAFE PAYMENT METHODS Credit Cards or PayPal Most travelers rely on credit cards for their vacation. If you don’t accept credit or debit cards, many guests will look elsewhere for a vacation rental that does take them. Accepting credit cards is convenient not only for your guests, but also for you—you receive immediate payment confirmation, and you can take payments online. PayPal provides an easy and secure way to accept credit card payments online or over the phone without having to buy processing equipment. If you don’t already have a PayPal account, you can create one for free and link it securely with your bank account, so you can easily deposit funds. Personal Checks In general, personal checks are a safe payment method, though less convenient than credit cards. If you do accept personal checks, be sure to cash them right away, with plenty of time for the funds to clear before the rental period begins. Bank-to-Bank Wire Transfers This type of payment method does not include services like Western Union, which are not recommended (see “Instant Cash Wire Transfers” below). Bank-to-bank transfers involve wiring funds directly from one recognized bank account to another. Like credit cards, these payments are immediate and convenient. RISKY PAYMENT METHODS Money Orders / Cashiers’ Checks Beware of these types of payment methods, which are favored methods of scammers. Money orders and cashiers’ checks are also not convenient for guests, and most will not request to make payments this way. Instant Cash Wire Transfers Services such as Western Union and Moneygram are another favorite method of scammers. These untraceable wire transfers are high-risk payment methods and should be avoided at all costs.
Page 14 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
COLLECTING SECURITY DEPOSITS A security deposit, sometimes called a reservation deposit, is a specified amount of money that’s collected from a guest to validate a Rental Agreement. Regardless of the actual reservation date, you should collect the security deposit either immediately upon booking via credit card, or within 3 to 5 business days using other safe payment methods. This deposit is held until after the end of the guest’s stay, when it is refunded as long as the deposit conditions are met. DEPOSIT INSTALLMENTS Vacation home owners often break up security deposit payments into two equal installments, with the first due 60 days prior to the rental period, and the second 30 days prior. With 60 days, you have plenty of time to book another renter if the guest cancels or doesn’t pay the deposit. Collect the final balance of the security deposit a minimum of 14 days prior to the rental period (30 days prior, if possible). This provides enough time for the funds to clear before you give guests access to the property by sending directions and keys and/or the lockbox code. For last-minute reservations, ask for the full security deposit at the time of booking. In any case, be sure you have collected full payment before giving a guest access to your vacation home. GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTING SECURITY DEPOSITS As a general rule, most vacation home owners require minimum security deposits of either $200 or 10 percent of the full rental amount, including taxes and fees—whichever is greater. Process all security deposits right away, including personal checks. Returned payments or bounced checks are red flags that you should not rent to the guest. Check with state and local laws to ensure that you’re in compliance with any regulations governing the way deposits are held. Make sure guests are clearly informed of your security deposit refund policy, including what conditions must be met to receive a refund. Return security deposits only after your vacation home and property have been inspected after guests check out.
Page 15 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
HANDING KEYS AND LOCK BOXES If you’re running your vacation property rental business yourself, you need a way to give your guests access to the property. Here are the common options used by most vacation home owners. LOCK BOXES Lock boxes are mounted, locked containers that can be opened using a code. These devices usually cost around $25 to $30, and can be purchased online or from most hardware stores or locksmiths. You can install a lock box on the door of your property, or another easy-to-find place, set your own code, and place the keys inside for guests. To grant access, you can send guests the lock box code along with directions to your vacation home. The downside to using lock boxes is that you can’t easily change the code after each guest leaves. KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS This type of door lock has built-in push buttons that open the lock when the code is punched in. Keyless entry systems can be purchased online or from hardware stores, and cost from $150 to $500. If your condo complex prohibits lock boxes, keyless entry may be your only option, other than mailing keys to guests. MAILING KEYS While sending keys to guests via postal mail is a bit old-fashioned, it’s still an effective method—though it’s not always easy, and there are potential problems such as keys not arriving on time or not being returned. KEY PICKUP SERVICES You can arrange for a local property management company to provide key pickup services for your guests. Alternately, you can arrange for a housekeeper to meet your guests at the property with the keys—with the downside being if the housekeeper doesn’t show up, your guests won’t have access to the vacation home.
Page 16 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
THE RENTAL PROCESS: A BRIEF REVIEW In general, a vacation home rental transaction between guest and homeowner includes 14 steps. Make sure your process covers these important guideposts. 1. Traveler searches online for a vacation home to rent 2. Traveler sends an inquiry about specific dates 3. You respond promptly via phone or email 4. Traveler decides to reserve the property, becoming a guest 5. You send the guest a Rental Agreement and payment schedule 6. Guest pays a security deposit via credit card, bank transfer, or personal check 7. You email a reservation confirmation to the guest 8. Balance due on the security deposit is requested 14 to 30 days prior to the rental period 9. You email confirmation that final payment has been received to the guest 10. You send directions and keys or key codes to the guest 11. Your guest enjoys a vacation in your home 12. After the guest departs, your housekeeper cleans and checks your home 13. Security deposits are returned to the guest, provided the conditions have been met 14. You ask the guest for a review of your property shortly after their departure
Page 17 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
TIPS FOR SUCCESS Don’t rely on a single marketing venue to get the word out about your vacation rental. List your property on at least 3 to 5 relevant websites. Respond quickly to guest inquiries, in order to convert more inquiries into bookings. Remember that as a property manager, you are in customer service—so keep all guest interactions polite and friendly. Keep your rental rates and availability calendar updated at all times. Make your property listing findable and effective by writing your headline, photo captions, and property descriptions as specifically as possible. Ask each guest for reviews of your property, and use positive reviews as a tool to increase future bookings. Create a list of specific and ongoing tasks for your housekeeper or cleaning service in order to avoid miscommunication. Keep extra sets of towels and linens on hands to make thing easier for back-to-back rentals. Protect yourself and your investment potential by establishing clear refund and cancellation policies. Avoid potential guest overlap issues with strict check-in and check-out policies Maintain detailed records of all bookings and communication with guests. NEED A HAND? WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! Congratulations! By reading this eBook, you now have a better understanding of the benefits of renting your vacation home to guests, and all of the steps involved in the process. You’re well on your way to earning more money from your Branson condo! Managing a vacation home rental business can be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor, and you may be looking for a way to make things easier. We’re experienced at helping vacation homeowners like you juggle enjoying your vacation home with renting it to others, and making additional money toward the cost of your condo—or even making a profit. WHY WORK WITH US? As a family owned, full-service property management and vacation home rental property, we’re dedicated to providing superior service to both our owner clients and their guests. We deliver Page 18 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
excellence in every area of property rental management, with a comprehensive program designed to give you peace of mind with the knowledge that your guests, and your property, are in good hands. OUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM When you work with us, we guarantee your satisfaction. We understand that it can be difficult to trust someone else to manage the valuable asset that is your Branson vacation home—and we work to earn your trust by providing comprehensive, valuable property management services that let you relax and enjoy earning money from your vacation home. Here are just a few of the many services we provide for vacation property owners in the Branson area: HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE & HOME INSPECTION Our in-house maintenance and housekeeping service teams have the skills and experience to handle anything, from unexpected guest requests to serious equipment malfunctions. We maintain excellent working relationships with both in-house service providers and outside vendors to cover any situation that may arise, and provide you with free quotes for complex maintenance issues while making arrangements to get the work done for you. EXCEPTIONAL GUEST SERVICES Guests who stay with our owners come back year after year for their vacations. We provide attentive customer service—always listening to our guests, and taking their suggestions to heart. Our extensive list of guest services includes making the beds, providing linens, welcoming pets, providing Wi-Fi access, and even offering complimentary discounts to famous Branson shows and attractions. In addition, we offer guest convenience through our website, with 24/7 online booking and resources to help guests plan their Branson vacation effortlessly. We’re always available via phone, email, or chat to answer any guest questions and book reservations for our owners. COMPLETE ACCOUNTING We provide our owners with full accounting services through our advanced property management system. We use a single, flexible system to maintain every detail of your Branson vacation home, from detailed guest information to rental income and planned maintenance work, and provide you with detailed, up-to-date reports that keep you consistently informed. Page 19 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com
ADVERTISING / MARKETING We’re committed to helping you maximize your bookings and your earnings. That’s why we maintain a comprehensive marketing initiative that reaches local, regional, and national markets—increasing visibility, brand awareness, and guest loyalty for our vacation homeowner clients. DIRECT MARKETING In addition to a complete online advertising profile, we use targeted monthly email campaigns that are sent out to thousands of current guests, past guests, and new leads generated through our various marketing channels. Our timely and relevant messages have high click-through rates and generate high-volume website traffic. POWERFUL, INTERACTIVE WEBSITE Our search engine optimized website reaches a broad range of viewers and visitors, who can check real-time availability, reserve a vacation rental, and make payments online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide Live Chat service to instantly answer any questions our website visitors may have. For owners, our dynamic website offers a personalized portal with 24-7 access to statement and reports, future booking listings, a 12-month availability calendar, and much more. Dedicated to Your Success Our Branson vacation rental management company is committed to helping you earn money with your vacation home conveniently and consistently, while protecting both your investment and your guests. If you’re considering renting your Branson condo to guests, visit our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you turn your vacation home into an enjoyable and profitable rental property!
Rev 8/19/15
Page 20 of 20
BransonCondosOnline.com | 417.553.2225 | info@BransonCondosOnline.com