Welcome Advice from Renters for Rentals

[Paula]

Greetings:

To take our mind off hurricane Dennis and to get back to normal and look toward the future on lovely 30A, there have been several recommendations to start a thread for "best practices" for rental properties. It seems that the best people to contribute to this thread would be the guests who stay at the properties. So, for those of us who rent out our properties on 30A:

What would you like rentals to provide for you?
What can we do to make your vacation a great one?
What would make you want to come back to the same rental property again and again?
What do you not like (I don't want this to be a "rental bashing" thread at all, but it is helpful to know about bad experiences so we don't repeat them -- so just let us know kindly what you didn't like as well).

Thanks!

[dusty]

Thanks, Paula!

I'll start with a few things:

--avoid too many knicknacks (I want to say chotch-keys but I don't know how to spell it ;) ) because they are easy knock over. For example: we have stayed in a place with lots of family pictures along a sofa table in a high traffic area that were just asking to get brushed off by accident. We move these to a safe place while we are there and replace when we are ready to leave.

--please have somewhere to hang towels in the bathrooms. I have stayed in nice places that have no hooks or towel rods whatsoever. When you do install them, please install on the studs so they do not easily come out of the wall.

--please have a real shower rod and not the spring loaded type that comes down when you just push the shower curtain back to turn on the water.

--leave at least one cupboard in the kitchen bare so we can put our dry goods groceries out of sight. Last place we stayed had every kitchen cabinet full, and many cabinets with full of several different sets of glassware--there were 5-7 full sets of wine glasses and cocktail glasses!

--please have potholders! More than two would be nice-- we can put them under a hot dish so we won't burn the counter or table.

--if you have fancy, complicated electronics (flat screen tv, vcr/dvd, stereo speakers and cable, each with a remote) please type out an idiot's guide to turning on the tv and changing channels. Sometimes we have to spend quite some time trying to get it to work. (Then we put the extraneous remotes out of sight so we won't goof it up again :) )

[Kim Smith]

Dusty,

Thanks for your imput. I always email my departing guests to ask them about their stay and how I can make their stay even better and your responses have been a lot of what I have been hearing.

[Paula]

Dusty:

Great advice so far. We'll be at our cottages next week and again in August and will follow-up with your advice (the ones we haven't done yet!).

Best,
Paula

[dusty]

OK, I'm on a roll here, but one thing that would be nice to have in condo type units is something to get your luggage, coolers and stuff to your door. When we stayed at Dunes of Seagrove there was one of those luggage cart things that they have in hotels and it was wonderful to unload the car in one fell swoop. We have since stayed in two other upscale condo places and neither had the luggage transport thingee. Even a dolly type thing would help. Granted, this is a nice to have, but after you have driven 12 hours, it is nice to have an easy time unloading.

Also, in condo type units, it would be nice to have a notice posted in the laundry room where the garbage can be taken-- a little map. Nothing like walking around in the hot sun with a bag or two of garbage trying to find where the dumpster is hidden.

Thank you, owners for making lovely places available for us to rent. We would not be able to appreciate the area if it were not for you and we do not want to be in some big high rise in Destin!

[BeachDreamer]

The best rental I have ever stayed in was in the mountains rather than at the beach, but I wanted to share some of the things that especially delighted us.

The owners had stocked the house full of lovely little comforts. There were movies stored in the entertainment system to watch, a shelf full of games to play for kids or adults, shelves of books to read on a rainy afternoon, and a "toy area" with sturdy childrens' toys.

Outside there were candles set all around the hottub that you could light, and birdfeeders near the windows to entertain us when we were sitting on the porch or inside the house.

We were so amazed that the owners would have gone to such trouble, and were so trusting with their renters, that we went even further our of our way to leave everything exactly as we'd found it.

The owner called after we'd arrived to make sure we'd gotten settled and to see if we needed anything. She was very friendly.

We loved looking through the guest book at all of the different people who had visited the home, and they were all as appreciative of everything as we were.

Of course, not everyone could go to this extent, but it sure made a lasting impression on us. Things for kids - colors and coloring books, games or dependable toys, can be found for pretty cheap and can really make a place seem friendly. It can also establish a base of repeat families who would hopefully appreciate and care for your home while they are there.

[amylouky]

What a good idea!
We come down there every August, and never quite know what to expect with our rental. We've had excellent rentals, with plenty of supplies (clean towels, sheets, etc..) and terrible ones, with dirty linens, no patio chairs, and NOTHING to do. (One year, our rental had a library of paperbacks, a few VHS tapes, and some board games.. the next year, our rental didn't even have a VCR! Guess which one we'll go back to?)
Some tips I have are:

1. Be honest. Don't advertise your place as "gulf-front" if it's 200 yards from the beach. Don't advertise a "well-stocked" kitchen if you barely have service for two.
2. I know some of the differences are due to the rental service agencies and what they provide, so maybe keeping comment cards/surveys so you can track whether they're doing their job would help.
3. Guestbooks are fun. It's always nice to read what other people have enjoyed about the place, and add our own comments.
4. Have extra pillows! (ditto for towels)
5. Webpages help. I won't rent a place unless I can see pictures beforehand (been "surprised" before).
6. Knick-knacks really don't enhance my vacation experience. Pictures, etc. on the walls are nice, but I'm always scared I'll break (and get charged for) the little stuff on the tables and counters.
7. Don't paint your walls mango pink, and have a tropical blue, green and yellow sofa. Really. Just don't.
8. A starter supply of tp, laundry detergent, dish detergent, etc. really helps.. we have a 12 hour drive to get down there, and generally aren't in the mood to go to the store when we get there.
9. Have a shelf dedicated somewhere for a library. It will probably refill itself.. I know I left a few of the paperbacks that I brought on the shelf in our last rental.
10. Let me stay for free? (just kidding on that one. Unless you'd say yes? :D )

P.S.
We can't wait to come down this year. We're hoping that Mother Nature will have mended the beaches some by then.. is there anything we'll be able to do to help? (We're coming down Aug. 13)

[phdphay]

There are some great ideas in this thread. I personally have always felt that the rental management companies with which I'm familiar don't provide the amenities expected by someone who spends as much as our guests spend to stay at our home. I have suggested to them that I make up gift bags with extras, but they say they can't do custom amenities for each rental property. I'd just like for my guests to have more of a feeling of home when they arrive, such as the following:

Kitchen - paper towels, dishwashing liquid, coffee/sweeteners for the next morning, bottled water

Bathrooms - nice, big pieces of soap, Kleenex

Laundry room - detergent and Clorox II

... and other amenities mentioned on this thread.

I've thought about just stashing this stuff away and letting the guests find it. But how do I know if one guest just takes home 4-weeks worth of guest baskets home?

So, how about a "Pay It Forward" (from the movie) concept - modified to a 1-to-1 ratio rather than 1-to 3, as in the movie? I provide certain amenities and leave a note asking my guests to replace what they use. Do you think this would work?

[amylouky]

I think so, but better check with your rental/cleaning company.. some of them throw "leftovers" such as dish detergent, etc. away.
I always leave more than I brought.. I don't mean trash, but if I have leftover detergents, trash bags, etc. I'll leave them under the sink for the next people.
Now a question.. last year we bought some beach chairs and the cheapy umbrellas. We gave them to a couple who was arriving as we were leaving.. would it be bad to leave them at the rental (on the patio, for example) if we don't find anyone to take them? I never have trunk space for them but hate to waste them.

[sunsetDreamin]

I agree with all the ideas listed here! I'll put a couple things that made our past experiences ... interesting, just so ya'll are completely prepared :roll:

1. Make sure that all of your furniture is in good condition - no glass tables that are missing glass, patio furniture that's cracked, or extra furniture (especially mirrors) that's lying around, which could injure someone that might knock it over

2. Keep kitchen appliances in good condition - once we stayed at a place whose garbage disposal made a noise that people could hear for miles. Plus, it was wired wierd with the coffee maker so that one wouldn't work if the other was on or something like that :idontno:

3. Possibly store some water toys for kids in an extra closet. My family can't fit an extra boogie board (or three) in our van, but a few times the owners had one in their closet, and we sure enjoyed it. Sandcastle stuff or an inner tube would also benefit the trunk space-challenged.

4. Try and keep shower curtain liners clean and mold-free. We usually bring a shower curtain liner, becasue they can get pretty scary. Also, have a skid mat in the shower, so no one, especially kids, gets hurt.

[gr8mom]

I agree with all the things stated above, especially about being honest in how you advertise your property. The last house we rented stated it had a murphy bed in the study, but it was actually just the hallway. When the murphy bed was down, it was blocking the exit. Very inconvenient! Anyway, we have also stayed where they stowed away several bicycles, videos, and also some kids toys. That was a nice bonus not having to rent the bicycles! There was an informational folder made up by the owners that asked us to please replace all the pieces of the toys into the right boxes after we finish playing with them.
The thing that has most bothered me was when we rented a house that was in desperate need of powerwashing. It had a great front porch with two rockers, but the rockers were all peeling to the point that you couldn't sit on them without having paint chips stuck all over your legs. I've often wondered if the owners just didn't get by there enough, but why didn't the management company take care of some of this for them?
Little things you do mean a lot!

[BeachDreamer]

I love sturdy, well used furniture, too. Well built enough to take a bit of abuse but well used enough that we can relax on it without worrying that we will mess up the upholstery.

Fay, wouldn't it be awesome if there was a cleaning service in town who would clean your home as well as add nice personal touches like you mentioned? A gift bag sounds so lovely, and would be worth it's cost in making visitors feel special. I'd love to be the one to start that service, if the commute wasn't quite so far.

[BFinBR]

From the sounds of things, we've been pretty lucky with our rentals!

That said, I'll offer the following thoughts:

1) No tchotchkes; pictures on the wall are great.

2) The more indestructible the furniture, the better (leather very very good; chintz not so much).

3) I understand, really I do, but if I ever find a house or condo with REALLY GOOD pots and knives, I'll never go anywhere else again ever!

4) Finally, and most importantly -- I'd really appreciate some coffee filters or, better yet, a coffee maker with a permanent filter!

[Paula]

This is great advice so far. Sounds like some more enterprising people could do an excellent business in this area helping owners take care of their properties and focus on service to the renters (this would be different from agencies who take care of hundreds and hundreds of properties -- I'm talking about very personalized care). I'm sure some people do it, but frankly as someone who rents out cottages to guests, I haven't heard much about this other than a few word of mouth recommendations. Frankly, if I wanted to live in SoWal, that's a job I would consider! Someone who did this very, very well would make owners happy and guests happy.

Perhaps people who do this could advertise their services on www.graytonbeach.com. Kurt would know how one would do that (cost, terms, etc.).

[Rather B. Paddlin]

There are some great ideas in this thread. I personally have always felt that the rental management companies with which I'm familiar don't provide the amenities expected by someone who spends as much as our guests spend to stay at our home. I have suggested to them that I make up gift bags with extras, but they say they can't do custom amenities for each rental property. I'd just like for my guests to have more of a feeling of home when they arrive, such as the following:

Kitchen - paper towels, dishwashing liquid, coffee/sweeteners for the next morning, bottled water

Bathrooms - nice, big pieces of soap, Kleenex

Laundry room - detergent and Clorox II

... and other amenities mentioned on this thread.

I've thought about just stashing this stuff away and letting the guests find it. But how do I know if one guest just takes home 4-weeks worth of guest baskets home?

So, how about a "Pay It Forward" (from the movie) concept - modified to a 1-to-1 ratio rather than 1-to 3, as in the movie? I provide certain amenities and leave a note asking my guests to replace what they use. Do you think this would work?


Sorry to be negative - Nope. Most people would, some would not. But have tried just providing large quantities of items such as washer detergent and clothes hangers. They get legs and disappear a couple times a summer. I just put in a front load washer that requires special detergent. The first week in the super size jug ( marked do not remove) which should last a month walked.

[dusty]

I just put in a front load washer that requires special detergent. The first week in the super size jug ( marked do not remove) which should last a month walked.

Please help us understand why, if it is a rental unit, you would choose a washer that requires special detergent?

[dusty]

2) The more indestructible the furniture, the better (leather very very good; chintz not so much).

3) I understand, really I do, but if I ever find a house or condo with REALLY GOOD pots and knives, I'll never go anywhere else again ever!



Good comment on the furniture. I agree--lose a little style and go more with indestructible or less destructible. :)

On the pots and knives--I completely agree! I have thought about bringing my own skillet and a couple of good paring knives the next time I come. I am concerned I would forget my knives, though.

I understand why owners are reluctant to put any good knives in a rental unit; but why oh why are the frying pans so bad? You know, the ones with the teflon half scraped off that burns your food because it is so cheap? And we have stayed in some "platinum" places. I don't expect Caphalon but what about a set of Revereware stainless that would last 30+ years?

[Rather B. Paddlin]

Please help us understand why, if it is a rental unit, you would choose a washer that requires special detergent?


Super large capacity ( fyi -front load washers hold quite a bit more than top loads) needed for a super large house. Plus a much faster drying time.
Clothes come out of front load washers almost dry.

Why does it matter? We are providing the detergent at no charge. I am sure if it was standard detergent the same guest would have taken that. I bet the second jug last until the end of the summer. The point is one or two groups will clean out the house every summer. Everyone else probably leaves more than they use.

[Rather B. Paddlin]

Good comment on the furniture. I agree--lose a little style and go more with indestructible or less destructible. :)

On the pots and knives--I completely agree! I have thought about bringing my own skillet and a couple of good paring knives the next time I come. I am concerned I would forget my knives, though.

I understand why owners are reluctant to put any good knives in a rental unit; but why oh why are the frying pans so bad? You know, the ones with the teflon half scraped off that burns your food because it is so cheap? And we have stayed in some "platinum" places. I don't expect Caphalon but what about a set of Revereware stainless that would last 30+ years?

Dusty,

You are right on about the cheap cookware. We have put expensive cookware in our houses. We still have burnt pans. I think people maybe let teenagers cook sometimes. We replace the pans every so often which no big deal until they burn the house down. As far as knives are concerned - they do not make good screw drivers. I believe after a few years owners try to buy things that are easy to replace and are disposable.

I believe there are some really good ideas presented in this thread. But until you own a rental property you just can not believe what 1 or 2 families a summer will do. You are not like that, so it is hard to believe or understand. You take care of the house as if it were your own. When we started renting out the houses I thought it would be neat to provide 4 brand new Schwinn beach cruiser bikes at each house. Every bike was destroyed within 6 weeks. I felt bad for the guests who thought bikes would be there then did not have bikes to ride. I did not replace the bikes; not because of cost, but I could guarantee they would be there for every guests.

[tistheseason]

Dusty,

I believe there are some really good ideas presented in this thread. But until you own a rental property you just can not believe what 1 or 2 families a summer will do. .


I agree. We have a beach house that we own with a few other families. We rent 2 or 3 of our summer weeks out --so far, to our friends only --thinking that would ensure they they took good care of the house. And it is amazing the bad shape that the renters leave the house in (might be time to get new friends~)

[Rather B. Paddlin]

I am not bashing renters either. 90% of the guests are incredible. The other 10% are incredible in another way. With out them, I could not own my home; so utimately I am thankful that they help pay the mortgage for our dream house.

[phdphay]

Sorry to be negative - Nope. Most people would, some would not. But have tried just providing large quantities of items such as washer detergent and clothes hangers. They get legs and disappear a couple times a summer. I just put in a front load washer that requires special detergent. The first week in the super size jug ( marked do not remove) which should last a month walked.
That's so disappointing. :( I mean, I never steal a robe at the Ritz-Carlton, so why should someone take laundry detergent from a property that costs 10 times as much as one night at the Ritz?

[sunsetdunes]

Sorry to be negative - Nope. Most people would, some would not. But have tried just providing large quantities of items such as washer detergent and clothes hangers. They get legs and disappear a couple times a summer. I just put in a front load washer that requires special detergent. The first week in the super size jug ( marked do not remove) which should last a month walked.

When people are rushing to pack, they often mistakenly take things that don't belong to them, even if they are marked. One of my friends who was staying at my house accidentally took a bunch of our towels home thinking they were hers. (And yes, they were marked.) Of course, she told me right away when she found out. Obviously, she didn't intend to do it.

I just give the renters the benefit of the doubt and don't put out more supplies than I care to have disappear.

[beachma]

We started vacationing in Seagrove in 1990...since then we've been down to the area 22 times! We've rented 16 different units...so I've a little rental experience and have learned through the years that there are somethings we never leave home without!

We always bring down our own beach chairs, umbrella's, boogie boards, rafts, beach toys, beach towels, bocci....They get loaded on the top of our vehicle in a giant luggage bag...

Games, books, video tapes....I've been known to plow through 3 or 4 novels in weeks stay! The kids always had their "favorite" games and videos that had to come with us and it's become "tradition"! No trip to Florida would be complete without 25 games of Scattergories, an UNO marathon...a Trivial Pursuit game that turns into slap-stick comedy after 3 hours of "i knew that, i knew that, I KNEW THAT why didn't you give the answer I told you!" (We play as teams... :bang: )

A box of kitchen essentials...at least 2 cutco knives, garlic press, mini food chopper, small containers of spices, old bay, etc., ziploc bags, cheap storage containers...EXTRA TRASH BAGS...I've even been known to drag down a crock pot!

We're fortunate enough that we can drive down. It's a 12 hour trip, but obviously for those that have to fly in...bringing all of the above down would be a bit of stretch on an airplane! We may look like the Beverly Hillbillies by the time we're loaded up and pull out of our driveway...but we're prepared! What's really hillarious are the times we've gotten in too early to check-in, so we decide to do our grocery shopping while we wait...then try to load a weeks worth of groceries in on top of everything else.... :laughing1

We've never had a bad or disappointing experience in our years of renting...but I do have a few suggestions just for the sake of throwing in my 2-cents worth!

Glass-top tables are scarey with 3 little boys running around! We never had a bad incident...But, if there was a glass topped coffee table...we always moved it into the master bedroom just for safety. Glass dining tables are a real trip to keep clean...oh my! I go through lots of Windex & paper towels because "smudgy" glass is pretty gross to eat on. I think if a unit has glass furniture it should be MANDATORY to provide Windex and a case of paper towels with the rental!

Along with moving out glass tables...I always removed the "knicknacs"...and returned them to their rightful spots as we were leaving. Somehow a glass/ceramic fish sculpture on top of a glass-topped coffee table just spells DISASTER!

Many of the units we've stayed in didn't provide a vacuum cleaner or broom...I finally learned that I could call the rental agency and ask for one and they would bring one in for the week. A broom is a MUST for keeping the tracked in sand under control...

I love the idea of having cleaning supplies available...it seems like the rental companies could offer a "cleaning care package" for a slight fee...It just seems like it would be to their benefit. Making those trips to Publix/Winn Dixie are painful enough when you're feeding a crew of boys...I have learned that Dollar General has great prices on cleaning supplies and it's not NEARLY as painful as Super Walmart...We avoid Super Walmart like the plague!

Units that have lots of carpeting...especially in rooms with exit doors should provide rugs/mats inside and out to catch water and sand. We always rinse coming up from the beach...but you still pick up more sand on the trip to your unit. We always try to remove our shoes...but I hate stepping right onto the carpet from outside knowing that we're tracking in sand, water, etc.

Our next trip down is scheduled for August 13 - 20th. We're heartsick about what has happened to the beaches because of Dennis. Our 3 little boys are now grown men...but the highlight of our year is still our family vacation to Seagrove! We have a daughter-in-law and grandson that come now...

We've had many priceless experiences and memories to cherish in all our trips...but most of all it's that our kids have become just as attached as we did and are creating a whole new generation of memories with their children...
How priceless is that! :wub:

Thank you Seagrove...see ya in a few weeks...!

[Rather B. Paddlin]

Great Advice. I dread the shopping trip also. There is a service out of Destin that will deliver your groceries to your unit the day you get there. I just spoke to the guy yesterday, he seemed real nice. I believe it is called Beach Butler. Just a thought. Enjoy your visit. If you ever need another place to stay send us a message. We provide all the items you bring with exception of beach towels. We even have that crock pot.......

RBP

[sunsetdunes]

We always keep books, games, videos, spices, coolers, plenty of storage containers, and even a crockpot at our house. We don't worry about them disappearing...it makes the renters happy and costs us very little. Renters always comment how well-equipped our house is, and nothing has disappeared yet.

Janet



We started vacationing in Seagrove in 1990...since then we've been down to the area 22 times! We've rented 16 different units...so I've a little rental experience and have learned through the years that there are somethings we never leave home without!

We always bring down our own beach chairs, umbrella's, boogie boards, rafts, beach toys, beach towels, bocci....They get loaded on the top of our vehicle in a giant luggage bag...

Games, books, video tapes....I've been known to plow through 3 or 4 novels in weeks stay! The kids always had their "favorite" games and videos that had to come with us and it's become "tradition"! No trip to Florida would be complete without 25 games of Scattergories, an UNO marathon...a Trivial Pursuit game that turns into slap-stick comedy after 3 hours of "i knew that, i knew that, I KNEW THAT why didn't you give the answer I told you!" (We play as teams... :bang: )

A box of kitchen essentials...at least 2 cutco knives, garlic press, mini food chopper, small containers of spices, old bay, etc., ziploc bags, cheap storage containers...EXTRA TRASH BAGS...I've even been known to drag down a crock pot!

<snip>

[dusty]

We started vacationing in Seagrove in 1990...since then we've been down to the area 22 times! We've rented 16 different units...so I've a little rental experience and have learned through the years that there are somethings we never leave home without!

We always bring down our own beach chairs, umbrella's, boogie boards, rafts, beach toys, beach towels, bocci....They get loaded on the top of our vehicle in a giant luggage bag...

Games, books, video tapes....I've been known to plow through 3 or 4 novels in weeks stay! The kids always had their "favorite" games and videos that had to come with us and it's become "tradition"! No trip to Florida would be complete without 25 games of Scattergories, an UNO marathon...a Trivial Pursuit game that turns into slap-stick comedy after 3 hours of "i knew that, i knew that, I KNEW THAT why didn't you give the answer I told you!" (We play as teams... :bang: )

A box of kitchen essentials...at least 2 cutco knives, garlic press, mini food chopper, small containers of spices, old bay, etc., ziploc bags, cheap storage containers...EXTRA TRASH BAGS...I've even been known to drag down a crock pot!



LOL, Beachma, you sound like me! When we have had 'girls week' at the beach some of my friends laugh as I trot out my rubbermaid containers with all that stuff, but they are happy when no one has to buy new spices!

Now we divide up who brings what: laundry detergent, fabric softener, dw pellets, dawn, trash bags [those extra stretchy ones that don't get easily pierced :), press n seal, storage bags, paper towels, kleenex, tp, cayenne pepper, old bay, etc., etc. I bring towels, my own pillow, cd's, videos, books, magazines (we create a 'library' on one of the tables in the main room), Scrabble, cards, beach bag and mini cooler; next time I may add a crock pot after reading your list :) and some of the good recipes on this site. That's why a dolly for unloading would be helpful :) ! As we have gotten older we find we take fewer clothes and more 'stuff' :) .

[sunsetdunes]

I think if a unit has glass furniture it should be MANDATORY to provide Windex and a case of paper towels with the rental!
<snip>
I love the idea of having cleaning supplies available...it seems like the rental companies could offer a "cleaning care package" for a slight fee...

There is just one problem with both suggestions from an owner's point of view. If we automatically leave out cleaning supplies, your children might find them before you do. Having your 2-year-old drink the Windex thinking it is KoolAde would probably prompt a lawsuit against the owner.

We keep chemicals in a locked cabinet. If the renter needs something, they can call us and we'll tell them how to unlock it. (It's a combination lock.)

Just my 2 cents.

[Donna]

This is a really interesting and helpful discussion. We have found that the nicer the home is kept, the better renters will treat it. This has been emphasized by our housekeeper, who cleans many rental homes. We have left some family photos on inaccessible walls and other personal items to convey that this is our home, not a hotel. We do not leave clutter items, just functional items such as coasters for the tables and some travel guides of the area in the living area. We do leave instructions on how to operate the digital cable tv, which requires either Einstein or an 8-yr. old to decipher. Here are some ideas that we think are nice and which we might expect to see when WE RENT YOUR HOME ELSEWHERE!

(1) Clean, clean, clean...with as little clutter as possible.

(2) Something in each room that will make a person smile when they come into the room. These are simple things: a beachy picture or pillows, stuffed animals in children's rooms, framed photo collages of your beach, or amusing and inexpensive but tasteful art.

(3) Good cooking pots (Reverewear is perfect.); good knives in a wooden block, with a sharpener tool; a good wooden chopping block heavy enough that it stays in place (discourages cuts on formica counters); two coffeemakers with gold filters (not paper); a drawer filled with instructions for all the appliances (especially your stove and microwave); nice sturdy set of stonewear with enough pieces that people can have a nice dinner party (We go to Bed Bath & Behond and buy their white bistroware and leave additional sets in our owners' closet for the housekeeper to replace as we inevitably lose a piece here and there.); and a large set of nice wineglasses. (Yes, yes...they get broken. But a dozen costs $10 at the above store and how much are your renters paying? Be sure you buy the size that will fit into the dishwasher so the globes aren't broken off from the stems.) Other nice or unique things to provide: one of those heavy gravity hand juicers, two blenders, two toasters, a small version of a food processor, an oyster shucker or guillotine, a panini maker and/or Forman grill, a good tea kettle, lots of wooden spoons, BBQ utensils.

(4) We replace our bathroom throw rugs every year so they look fresh and fluffy. Commercial washing over one summer makes them look tired and frayed. Again, shop the sale times at bath shops or dept. stores. Same with Tupperware (or other equivalent). Count on an entire set to disappear over a rental season. An entire new set is $20 or less, so just replace it.

(5) We keep a big collection of stuffed cuddly sea creatures in our bunk room, as little kids can get scared being in a room on a separate floor from their parents. Do we lose one occasionally? Of course, but this is seldom. Get larger animals so that parents take note if Billy is attempting to take Nemo home. But so what if he does...$12 to replace him and you've made a kid happy. You can find these on several Web sites at very good prices.

(6) Make sure your outdoor furniture is sturdy and comfortable, then have it power washed occasionally so it is clean. Cushions are nice, but they usually end up in the pool or on the beach, so we no longer bother.

(7) We ask guests to tell us in the guest book or through the management company about things that would make their stay more enjoyable or convenient. They have offered some great ideas, many of them very functional. Ask them to tell you how they slept, sometimes the only way you know that a bed is overdue for replacement. Bad beds are the kiss of death if you expect people to return.

(8) Accept that you are going to have a certain amount of wear and tear and even missing items over a rental season. Don't let it make you crazy. Is it really worth two hours of grouch time to bemoan a missing piece of silverware, stuffed animal or Tupperware? The expense of replacement is minimal and we are getting some pretty healthy rents for these properties. It gives me a good excuse to to take a tax-deductible shopping trip one afternoon when I'm down there and a reason to support the local businesses.

(9) Develop a rapport with your renters so they want to return year afer year. We want our visitors to think of our house as their own house at Grayton Beach, with rare exception. (And yes, you can count on about one exception each year.) Send them a holiday card with your favorite snapshot of the house or the beaches. We are delighted when our visitors respond with a nice note or even photos of their family reunions at the house. The end result is having your house fully booked from one summer to the next with these folks, a reliable fan club.

(10) Remember that it is a beach house. It's a good idea for both owners and visitors to have nothing in the house that could not be replaced or that you would mind losing. When Ivan was coming ashore, I asked a family member to remove four items from our house and only one of those items went back afterwards. Made the storm watch for Dennis much more bearable. At the end of the day, it's all just "stuff."

We learn something new every year about being owners and absentee landlords. The one thing that never changes is the devotion that people have to this area. It is really astonishing. Our visitors have a true sense of stewardship towards our beaches. We hope that never changes, because the beaches and the spirit of the place is the enduring quality, not the houses. :welcome: + :wub:

[beachma]

There is just one problem with both suggestions from an owner's point of view. If we automatically leave out cleaning supplies, your children might find them before you do. Having your 2-year-old drink the Windex thinking it is KoolAde would probably prompt a lawsuit against the owner.

We keep chemicals in a locked cabinet. If the renter needs something, they can call us and we'll tell them how to unlock it. (It's a combination lock.)

Just my 2 cents.

What a great idea...keeping cleaning essentials in a locked cabinet w/combination for the adults to have access to...

[amylouky]

What a great idea...keeping cleaning essentials in a locked cabinet w/combination for the adults to have access to...

I agree.. that would be wonderful. It drives me crazy paying for a whole box/bottle of detergents or cleaners that I'll probably use 1/10 of. I never take them home, because we have a 12 hour drive, and our trunk is usually PACKED. And I know that some of the rental agencies throw away leftovers.. it's a shame that it all goes to waste.

Just as an aside, I think the property owners at SoWal are the BEST IN THE WORLD, for the most part. We went to Oak Island a few years ago, and the rentals were truly disgusting. One had probably 100 dead bugs on the ugly bare tile floor. We spent our first day there cleaning the place. Also, apparently it's very common there to not provide LINENS for the rental.. our day also included a trip to Wal-Mart to buy towels and sheets. Yuck. We will NOT be going back there..


By the way, Beachma.. looks like we'll be there the same week. See you on the beach!

[dusty]

.

(10) Remember that it is a beach house. It's a good idea for both owners and visitors to have nothing in the house that could not be replaced or that you would mind losing. When Ivan was coming ashore, I asked a family member to remove four items from our house and only one of those items went back afterwards. Made the storm watch for Dennis much more bearable. At the end of the day, it's all just "stuff."




Donna, you are a gem! Great list (and I was surprised to see 'two' of many items on it :), and your tenth comment was the best.

It reminds me of when a sibling was bringing some really young ones to my parents at Christmas time and I tried to help prep my parents by asking them to only put wooden/non breakable ornaments on the bottom of the tree so little hands would not break anything or get hurt by some things, and to put up all the lovely breakables in the living room that no one would even miss during the holiday rush. After Christmas my parents were glad I had reminded them to do these things as there were a lot less "NO, NO, don't touch" comments flying throughout the visit.

[Paula]

I'm so enjoying this thread! It is useful to us as property owners who like to rent our places to guests and "surprise and delight" our guests. It's always great to walk in the door of a rental and be truly pleased -- to feel like you got even more than you expected. I really liked the post about having something fun in each room.

As for detergent, we always get some detergent at the supermarket when we're there and we go for Purex -- very cheap and Consumer Reports rate them as a "best buy". I thought about leaving stuffed toys but was afraid they'd get dirty and people wouldn't want their kids using dirty stuffed toys, but then realized that we could get stuffed toys that are washable in the machine so families know they can just through anything in the washing machine if they're concerned. And the plastic toys can go in the dishwasher. I think as much as possible should be easily washable by guests -- from bed covers, throw blankets, toys, etc. That way, they don't have to worry much and the places can easily be kept really clean and fresh.

Again, please keep these ideas coming! Thanks.

[Paula]

I'd like to get this thread up and running again. The suggestions people gave so far were great (I just went out and got great knives for our rental, based on the advice in this thread -- we already do a lot of the other stuff). We'll also leave instructions on how to work the tv, dvd, etc. since that can be confusing and sometimes things need to be restarted after electricity goes off after a storm. Any other advice?

I've even thought of leaving a high chair and stroller for families with children (we really love families staying at our places since we have families of our own and know how tricky it can be to find places that are aware of special needs of families on vacation). Would having a high chair and stroller matter much or would that just clutter up the place for people who don't have young children?

What else makes rentals great for families with children?

[beachma]

I'd like to get this thread up and running again. The suggestions people gave so far were great (I just went out and got great knives for our rental, based on the advice in this thread -- we already do a lot of the other stuff). We'll also leave instructions on how to work the tv, dvd, etc. since that can be confusing and sometimes things need to be restarted after electricity goes off after a storm. Any other advice?

I've even thought of leaving a high chair and stroller for families with children (we really love families staying at our places since we have families of our own and know how tricky it can be to find places that are aware of special needs of families on vacation). Would having a high chair and stroller matter much or would that just clutter up the place for people who don't have young children?

What else makes rentals great for families with children?


YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!! We come down with our kids...3 sons, daughter-in-law, fiance...Grandson. Grandson is only 17 months old and has already been down 3 times...4th time coming a week from tomorrow. Since he's been coming with us we've packed an all-terrain stroller...high chair...porta crib...In addition to the usual beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, luggage...etc, etc....Having some of the basic child items available would be soooooo helpful! This time he's a little too big for the big stroller...we would love to bring his Red-Ryder wagon that's equipped with "seatbelts and juice box holders"...but we don't think we can fit it on top of the Blazer :roll: ! I know a Red-Ryder Wagon is pushing it ;-) ...but some of the basics would definitely be a help for anyone bringing young children along.

P.S. If anyone in the Seagrove/Grayton area has one of those wagon's they'd be willing to loan/rent for a week...give me a holler...they really are worth their weight in gold!!! :lol:

[kurt]

YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!! We come down with our kids...3 sons, daughter-in-law, fiance...Grandson. Grandson is only 17 months old and has already been down 3 times...4th time coming a week from tomorrow. Since he's been coming with us we've packed an all-terrain stroller...high chair...porta crib...In addition to the usual beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, luggage...etc, etc....Having some of the basic child items available would be soooooo helpful! This time he's a little too big for the big stroller...we would love to bring his Red-Ryder wagon that's equipped with "seatbelts and juice box holders"...but we don't think we can fit it on top of the Blazer :roll: ! I know a Red-Ryder Wagon is pushing it ;-) ...but some of the basics would definitely be a help for anyone bringing young children along.

P.S. If anyone in the Seagrove/Grayton area has one of those wagon's they'd be willing to loan/rent for a week...give me a holler...they really are worth their weight in gold!!! :lol:


Is all that stuff considered "the basics"? :idontno: :lol:

[Beach Runner]

After reading this thread, the hostess in me was excited about providing our guests with extras to make their visits more enjoyable, at no extra cost to them. Then when we arrived at our home this week after just two sets of guests since our last visit, we found damage, missing items, and just a general disrespect for our property. I am so nauseated about it that my hospitality juices have stopped flowing. I am so disillusioned.

[luvthebeach]

After reading this thread, the hostess in me was excited about providing our guests with extras to make their visits more enjoyable, at no extra cost to them. Then when we arrived at our home this week after just two sets of guests since our last visit, we found damage, missing items, and just a general disrespect for our property. I am so nauseated about it that my hospitality juices have stopped flowing. I am so disillusioned.

I feel your pain. We tried leaving "extras" and while it might have been great for the first few guests, by the time we got down there a few weeks later, much of the "extras" were gone or destroyed. The one thing that we're still scratching our heads over (and the one thing I enjoyed to read most when we came back down to stay at our place) was the fact that we can't seem to keep a guest book for any length of time. At first it was just scribbling on the pages, etc. Then it was torn-out pages. Finally, the last time we went down right after we had a two-month rental move out, the entire guest book was gone. I used to look forward to reading guest comments and suggestions...they were so helpful. I've given up trying to keep a guest book out. Go figure! :idontno:

[kurt]

I feel your pain. We tried leaving "extras" and while it might have been great for the first few guests, by the time we got down there a few weeks later, much of the "extras" were gone or destroyed. The one thing that we're still scratching our heads over (and the one thing I enjoyed to read most when we came back down to stay at our place) was the fact that we can't seem to keep a guest book for any length of time. At first it was just scribbling on the pages, etc. Then it was torn-out pages. Finally, the last time we went down right after we had a two-month rental move out, the entire guest book was gone. I used to look forward to reading guest comments and suggestions...they were so helpful. I've given up trying to keep a guest book out. Go figure! :idontno:

That is strange. You could understand someone messing up an entry and wanting to take out a page maybe.

I'll bet kids tear them up, or use them for coloring books, or somehow they get ruined, or tossed accidentally.

[luvthebeach]

That is strange. You could understand someone messing up an entry and wanting to take out a page maybe.

I'll bet kids tear them up, or use them for coloring books, or somehow they get ruined, or tossed accidentally.

That's been pretty much my guess too. Maybe the parents decided to just toss it out rather than leave a book full of scribblings.

Maybe it would help if I left a few coloring books and/or pads of paper for the kids. I might give it a try. I really enjoyed having a guest book out.

[Beach Runner]

That's been pretty much my guess too. Maybe the parents decided to just toss it out rather than leave a book full of scribblings.

Maybe it would help if I left a few coloring books and/or pads of paper for the kids. I might give it a try. I really enjoyed having a guest book out.
Our rental company says that to avoid losing the damage deposit, guests just throw damaged items away. Housekeeping crews are too busy to do an inventory, and they can't see a damaged item IF IT'S NOT THERE!

I really am disillusioned.

[Paula]

As for your question about bringing a lot of "basic" stuff for children, Kurt, parents like having this stuff (e.g., porta-crib, high-chair, stroller, etc.) so that the parents can relax as well. We travelled with our children since the first one was 3 months old. At a minimum, we always had a stroller. We'd order cribs from hotels (we didn't stay in vacation rental homes when the kids were young -- frankly, didn't know about them and wish we had!). And the kids would eat on our laps if there weren't high chairs. So, perhaps that's why I'm sensitive to kids and parents -- I can think back to what we wish we had. And I know how great it feels when you find that someone has thought of these things for you, and it's good to pass that feeling along.

As for people ruining vacation rentals, we rent mostly to families and smaller groups. We have not had problems (other than what we would consider normal wear and tear), except that once I left a small suitcase labeled "Owner's clothes -- please leave on shelf" and it was gone the next time I came back a few months later. Could have been a guest or a substitute cleaning person, but once in over 3 years is OK with me -- and, of course, I didn't leave my best clothes in the bag. (and I don't leave bags of clothes around anymore).

I'm biased toward renting to families with children because they are so happy to find a nice place that is close to the beach and has the stuff they need to give their kids a good time so they can relax. I believe that in return for that appreciation, they treat our places very well, in part because they want to come back again. Also, I think families with children, especially young children, try to set a good example for their children. Note that it's also good to leave nice stuff for the parents --good movies, books, candles, etc., so they feel treated well, too. And Calvin and Hobbes for teenagers and older children...

Once summer, we had an origami book and paper at one of the cottages and people left their origami flowers in a vase -- very nice. We like to leave things in the cottages that draw parents and children together so that both parents and kids remember their vacation as having been relaxing time spent together (e.g., books in which parents and kids can search for things together -- "I Spy"; puzzles; games). A fantastic family game is "Outburst" for kids -- kids as young as four can enjoy the game along with older kids and adults (e.g. "name foods that you can eat with your fingers"; "name pets that kids enjoy most").

Clearly, I'm a believer that the environment significantly shapes a person's behavior, experience, and emotions (at home, at work, on vacation), so that's why I'm so interested in this thread. How do we create carefree vacation places that bring out the best in people and provide lifelong memories? Clearly, our beautiful beaches (even after hurricanes) and ocean help!

[kurt]

Paula you are well on your way to a very helpful book. :clap_1:

I have the photos for it. :lol:

[Paula]

Kurt: I've thought of a few book ideas, with some specifically targeted to be helpful to guests/visitors/renters in SoWal. Photos would be great. Happy to talk sometime (it would be great to meet you). I have a book in the process of being written, called "What Predicts Success: (Hint) It's Not Your IQ" or I may call it "What Predicts Success: What Researchers Know that You Don't Know".

[luvthebeach]

As for your question about bringing a lot of "basic" stuff for children, Kurt, parents like having this stuff (e.g., porta-crib, high-chair, stroller, etc.) so that the parents can relax as well. We travelled with our children since the first one was 3 months old. At a minimum, we always had a stroller. We'd order cribs from hotels (we didn't stay in vacation rental homes when the kids were young -- frankly, didn't know about them and wish we had!). And the kids would eat on our laps if there weren't high chairs. So, perhaps that's why I'm sensitive to kids and parents -- I can think back to what we wish we had. And I know how great it feels when you find that someone has thought of these things for you, and it's good to pass that feeling along.

As for people ruining vacation rentals, we rent mostly to families and smaller groups. We have not had problems (other than what we would consider normal wear and tear), except that once I left a small suitcase labeled "Owner's clothes -- please leave on shelf" and it was gone the next time I came back a few months later. Could have been a guest or a substitute cleaning person, but once in over 3 years is OK with me -- and, of course, I didn't leave my best clothes in the bag. (and I don't leave bags of clothes around anymore).

I'm biased toward renting to families with children because they are so happy to find a nice place that is close to the beach and has the stuff they need to give their kids a good time so they can relax. I believe that in return for that appreciation, they treat our places very well, in part because they want to come back again. Also, I think families with children, especially young children, try to set a good example for their children. Note that it's also good to leave nice stuff for the parents --good movies, books, candles, etc., so they feel treated well, too. And Calvin and Hobbes for teenagers and older children...

Once summer, we had an origami book and paper at one of the cottages and people left their origami flowers in a vase -- very nice. We like to leave things in the cottages that draw parents and children together so that both parents and kids remember their vacation as having been relaxing time spent together (e.g., books in which parents and kids can search for things together -- "I Spy"; puzzles; games). A fantastic family game is "Outburst" for kids -- kids as young as four can enjoy the game along with older kids and adults (e.g. "name foods that you can eat with your fingers"; "name pets that kids enjoy most").

Clearly, I'm a believer that the environment significantly shapes a person's behavior, experience, and emotions (at home, at work, on vacation), so that's why I'm so interested in this thread. How do we create carefree vacation places that bring out the best in people and provide lifelong memories? Clearly, our beautiful beaches (even after hurricanes) and ocean help!

I've thought about leaving candles...I love them myself..but I've hesitated for fear of fire. I know guests can certainly bring their own (I often do when I travel), but since we don't always know who is renting our place (we use a management company) I've been afraid of creating a fire hazard. Am I being overly cautious? I think it's a neat idea.

[Miss Kitty]

I think you all are very nice and have some great ideas for your guests. However, if you have a lot of repeat visitors it is probably because they love something besides the extra touches. IMHO, as nice as it is, I'd stop spending my money! FYI...We rent through WC and are not able to leave extras out. I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?

For those of you that are self-renters....Do you send your guests a list of guidelines for being a good/safe guest on the beaches before they come? I think everyone should...including the big developments as it gives people a chance to read up before they arrive. If they receive it only on arrival, they may be too excited to read it since they want to get down to those gorgeous beaches! Just a thought.

[Beachlover2]

I've thought about leaving candles...I love them myself..but I've hesitated for fear of fire. I know guests can certainly bring their own (I often do when I travel), but since we don't always know who is renting our place (we use a management company) I've been afraid of creating a fire hazard. Am I being overly cautious? I think it's a neat idea.

I did until I found candle wax all over my sofa and rug. Thank God they didn't burn something. Now I leave the candles in the owners closet for when we are there.

There are so many things I would love to do but..........after get bit a few times - - I use to leave a crockpot also - but after losing two in less than two seasons - I gave up - I guess they throw them out rather than clean it up.

[luvthebeach]

I did until I found candle wax all over my sofa and rug. Thank God they didn't burn something. Now I leave the candles in the owners closet for when we are there.

There are so many things I would love to do but..........after get bit a few times - - I use to leave a crockpot also - but after losing two in less than two seasons - I gave up - I guess they throw them out rather than clean it up.

Woa! That settles it for me. I was so worried about the fire hazard that I never even thought about spilled candle wax! Thanks for sharing.

[kurt]

I think you all are very nice and have some great ideas for your guests. However, if you have a lot of repeat visitors it is probably because they love something besides the extra touches. IMHO, as nice as it is, I'd stop spending my money! FYI...We rent through WC and are not able to leave extras out. I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?

For those of you that are self-renters....Do you send your guests a list of guidelines for being a good/safe guest on the beaches before they come? I think everyone should...including the big developments as it gives people a chance to read up before they arrive. If they receive it only on arrival, they may be too excited to read it since they want to get down to those gorgeous beaches! Just a thought.

Send a link to this site so they can get up to speed before and after the trip. Also - I will posting the guide once complete from the good tourist thread.

[Smiling JOe]

... I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?
...
Perhaps it was signed by the Manning Brothers, or some other famous celeb. Some people are a too focused on themselves to care about your property. Shame on them.

[TooFarTampa]

Send a link to this site so they can get up to speed before and after the trip. Also - I will posting the guide once complete from the good tourist thread.

Kurt, as an owner who is presently embroiled in several issues between our renters (more than one set!) and our management company, this site has been extremely instructive. I'm getting a good feel for how to handle things (honesty, reason and communication are key) and more importantly, the various perspectives of everyone involved. What's fair, what isn't. What do people expect, what things are just nice to have and know.

Thanks for bringing so many people together for such fine conversation and ideas. :wub: I have told all my renters since Dennis to come here for information and those who have checked it out have LOVED it. They feel part of the community before they even hit 30-A.

By the way, on my "list of things to do" in the offseason -- after we make a few improvements -- is getting one of your VTs! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[Miss Kitty]

Send a link to this site so they can get up to speed before and after the trip. Also - I will posting the guide once complete from the good tourist thread.


Great idea as ususal Kurt...they could learn a lot, just like we all have! I'm going to add this site to my welcome at the front of my NEW guest book! It will probably grow legs again with that valuable info!!!!

One of the don'ts for WC renters is NO pics of you and your family...I try to follow all the rules, but was thinking about putting up a huge pic of my whole family (need a great caption) for our guests to look at, hoping it makes people realize it is a HOME owned by real people!!!!

XNAY on the candles ladies....you have the right idea!!! No ammunition required!

[newyorker]

This is an interesting thread.
My family (me, husband, and now two older teens) have rented here for about 10 years, and years before that at other beaches.
We now fly down here from upstate NY, so bringing very much beyond the necessities is out. Furthermore, if you've read Anthony Bourdin's wonderful book "Kitchen Confidential" (which I read on Seagrove Beach a few years ago)--all any kitchen really needs is several very good knives. We love to cook when we come down here, believe it or not--between Modica's and now Publix, the beach gourmet can find heaven; the fish is so fresh and the wine stores are great (even the Tom Thumb now has very drinkable moderately priced wines.)
But we appreciate things such as the following:
--a good corkscrew
--a toaster oven to heat things like leftover Cafe Spiazzia pizza
--a refrigerator with crushed ice on the door
--a small food processor (we never use a blender)
--good pans that don't burn the garlic and fish
--a working garbage disposal (stinky garbage is gross)
--some starter things like paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher powder, toilet paper, etc. including salt and pepper;
--enough wine glasses and dishware and place mats for a nice meal
--VCRs/DVD players that work;
--a decent radio/CD player
--a notebook with current info re restaurants, things to do, etc.

We've cooked some of the best meals ever down here --you don't need particularly fancy kitchens, and the ingredients and the view of the beach are the most important thing. We have always appreciated nicely done condos, and we try to leave them picked up and relatively clean. Friends of ours in Saratoga rent their house "during the track season" (August)--so I know well that even upscale renters can be obnoxious, and we try to remembe that we are staying in someone's home.

[Donna]

No on candles and the big ones are expensive enough that people don't usually buy them. I even put away the candle holders and votive cups in the owners closet. We ask our housekeeper what will survive, what will not. She's almost always batting 1000 over the course of a year.

Favorite message in a Conch Out guest book so far:

"Grayton is great! Sara didn't like guys until she came down here."

[Kim Smith]

I think you all are very nice and have some great ideas for your guests. However, if you have a lot of repeat visitors it is probably because they love something besides the extra touches. IMHO, as nice as it is, I'd stop spending my money! FYI...We rent through WC and are not able to leave extras out. I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?

For those of you that are self-renters....Do you send your guests a list of guidelines for being a good/safe guest on the beaches before they come? I think everyone should...including the big developments as it gives people a chance to read up before they arrive. If they receive it only on arrival, they may be too excited to read it since they want to get down to those gorgeous beaches! Just a thought.

I believe that guests come back to a home because of the extra touches and it really doesn't cost that much when you think about it to add a few of the extra things. I know with the competition out there now with the number of rental homes available you almost have to do some extra things, especially if you rent on your own.

When someone rents my home they are pretty much going to have everything that I would want if I rented somewhere. I do have a lot of the extra's that guests are talking about. When my guests first arrive they are greeted with a "beachy bag". I found some ice buckets in all kinds of colors and have filled them with rafts, coozies, water, goggles and 2 towels. I don't leave coffee and things like that because everyone tastes are different During their stay they can use the bucket to haul things back and forth to the beach or even to put drinks and ice to chill on a hot summer day.

I have a very kid friendly home because 90% of my guests have children. I do offer a TV, VCR, and DVD in all my rooms. I have Video and DVD's for my guests to watch. I have stereo's on all levels and my husband has made copies of CD's of all types of music for our guests to use. I have rocking chairs on the two main levels for those families who till rock at night. I have games of all age groups, including adults, for my guests to use. I have brought down extra Nintendo and Gamecubes and my kids have picked games for the younger guests to use. I bought some bikes at a garage sale and have those for my guests to use along with helmets and a bicycle pump. I have a booster seat and child gate and also a baby monitor for those parents who may have forgotten or don't want to pack those things. I also make sure my outlet covers are child proof and leave extra's under the sink. I leave security door knob handles for those doors which are above the 2nd floor that leads out to a deck. I make sure that every room has a night light so you can get around at night. I also have tons of books and magazines for all age groups.

As far as my kitchen, I buy two of everything because at some point your going to have to replace something. We have pretty much stocked our kitchen with suggestions from our guests. Once my guests leave I always email them to find out how their stay was and to see what our home may have needed that would have made their stay more enjoyable. Sometimes what we think is important may not be to someone else and I have gotten great feed back. I will always try and add a few things because it is ususally something that I have not thought of and you never know they may be back again and look for that item.

I do think that when you rent on your own as opposed to using a rental company, you can put some of the extras because you have a little more control over who you rent to. I always email my guests with a do and don't list before they arrive. I try to answer all of their questions prior to their arrival. By the time my guests arrive for their vacation, we are on a first name basis. I believe it is so important for you as a homeowner to get to know those guests and to do some of the little extras because that is what they will remember.

[Paula]

Wow, Kim. You are amazing! Are there booster chairs that can be strapped onto a regular chair these days that are safe (so we don't need to store a high chair)? It has been 10 years since we had a baby in a high chair so I don't know what's new.

I also buy two of kitchen things that tend to get lost - measuring spoons, measuring cups, can openers, cork screws.

[Kim Smith]

The booster chair that I have is the safety first in the primary colors that straps to the back of a regular chair. When my kids were younger I would even set it on the floor and use it that way too. We thought about leaving a high chair and port-a-crib but my husband also thought about the liability of those two items, expecially the port-a-crib and we decided against it. The child gate and baby monitor has been great because those tend to be two things that guests really don't think about.

It really is not that expensive to have some of the extras. I buy a lot of my things after season or when they are beginning to discontinue the item and that is when I buy two.

[Paula]

Thanks, Kim. Is there any reason to worry about liability with the booster seat (e.g., a guest doesn't tie it to the chair right and then the child falls or if a strap is coming apart and the child falls)?

I agree that it doesn't cost too much to add special things for guests. The only things that ever stops me from doing so are (1) storage limitations and (2) liability.

[Kim Smith]

I can't say that it would not happen, but I don't think the liability would be as much as having an actual highchair that is off of the ground. I know this one has been around for a long time and I used it with all three of my kids and never had a problem. As I said before, I know a lot of parents just put in on the floor because it has a tray with it and the child is directly on the floor as opposed to the chair. I do make that suggestion when I am talking with them.

I ususally store my extra's in our downstairs closet because that seems to be the room that doesn't get as much traffic. We thave 3 master suites in our home so the bottom bedroom is ususally the last to get used. My husband put up a bunch of shelving so that is where I put everything.

It always seems to be the small things that make the best impression and my goal is to have those guests who want to come back year and year.

[Paula]

Thanks, Kim. It's very helpful to share "best practices" -- in the end, our guests benefit, we benefit, and SoWal benefits when we take good care of our guests.

[Annie M]

We stayed at a cottage on an island north of Seattle last year and the owner lived next door and kept showing up to see if we needed any thing! Sometimes it was early in the morning when I was still in my p.j.'s trying to enjoy my first cup of coffee, sometimes I was getting out of the shower! This was so annoying! I really didn't come to see them! :bang:

[SHELLY]

We stayed at a cottage on an island north of Seattle last year and the owner lived next door and kept showing up to see if we needed any thing! Sometimes it was early in the morning when I was still in my p.j.'s trying to enjoy my first cup of coffee, sometimes I was getting out of the shower! This was so annoying! I really didn't come to see them! :bang:

Next time hire Danny Devito to answer the door with his robe hanging open...that'll end that.

.