Christine interviews John Farago about falling in love with Budapest, Hungary through a home exchange, which led to buying his own property, converting it to a vacation rental, and managing it all the way from the States.
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An owner writes, “I have so many great reviews that are sitting in my guestbook at my vacation home. I really want to get these reviews out there because these types of comments might help a renter choose my property. How can I encourage people to leave reviews in my online guestbook?”<< MORE >>

After negative experiences with long-term renting, Austin-based owner Cindy Hill and her husband chose to own 4 vacation rentals in anticipation of their retirement. Why did they choose vacation rentals and how did the choice impact their future plans? ... << MORE >>

Christine shares advice for preparing for the busy booking season between January and April.<< MORE >>

An owners asks: “I am new to vacation rentals and a little panicky about back-to-back cleanings. How do I know my housekeeper has time to finish everything before my next guest arrives?”<< MORE >>

Christine interviews Cindy Hill of Austin, Texas about how she started a local group of vacation homeowners to share insights, experiences and even referrals. << MORE >>

An owner had renters leave her vacation home with the back door wide open, resulting in an excessive heating bill. Plus, this left her home accessible to creatures and theft. She is wondering if she can charge the renters not only for the increase in heating costs but also for negligence. << MORE >>

Christine interviews Wesley Weidemann about the trials and tribulations of building an international vacation home and renting it to travelers. Despite the extra effort, Wesley shares his philosophy on finding a home that he and his wife would love no matter what happened with their investment.<< MORE >>

An owner asks, “What do you do with renters to follow up after their stay?” Christine shares some advice on obtaining honest feedback about your home, handling the logistics of security deposit refunds after checkout, and keeping in touch with past guests to secure future bookings.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: "I accepted a booking from a couple where the trip was a gift from their in-laws. Since the credit card was in someone else's name, should there be other steps involved in confirming the reservation?" Christine explains the proper procedures involved. << MORE >>

American Andrew Quicke provides a look at the confusing and often convoluted process he and his wife navigated in order to purchase and restore an historic 800-year-old Tuscan apartment (VRBO #253555). << MORE >>

An owner describes a situation in which his housekeeper didn’t notice damaged patio furniture in her post-check-out inspection. Christine explains best practices for inspecting for damages and returning security deposits. << MORE >>

Owner Scott McGuire has been renting his Sun River, Oregon vacation rental (VRBO#19056) for seven years, but since adding what he calls a “narrated montage” to his listing, he says he has seen his business revenue jump 15%. Pleased with the results, Scott started a company called Vacation Rental Videos Now to make videos for other owners. He explains how his professional photo montage slideshows differ from other types of promotional videos for vacation rentals, and provides some tips for owners interested in creating a YouTube video that provides results. << MORE >>

An owner asks: "Why do I get inquiries asking if my property is available when the week is booked on my calendar. Don't renters look at the calendars?" Christine explains this common frustration. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with owner Dave Vaughn about how he designed and markets his ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible lake cottage in Greenville, Maine.<< MORE >>

An owner asks, “We are debating whether or not to have the cable company display Pay-Per-View channels on the television in our vacation rental and then bill our renters for any charges incurred during their stay at a later date. Is this a valuable amenity or is it too much trouble?” Christine provides suggestions for how to manage these charges, opinions on whether it is worth your time, and alternatives to Pay-Per-View movies.<< MORE >>

Las Vegas vacation homeowner Jay Reese shares his experience in booking events at his property and promoting his vacation rental as a wedding venue - complete with an on-site wedding parlor! << MORE >>

An owner asks, “I just received an inquiry from a potential renter who would like to book a full year in advance. I was considering raising my rates to cover potential future expenses, but I don’t know how to quote my rates for this renter.”

Find more tips and advice at the HomeAway Owner Community.

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Holly Hunter, a financial planner by day, also owns several vacation rental properties – one in Maine, and two in Mexico. In this episode, she continues her discussion with Christine about the process of buying a “pile of rubble” in Guanajuato, Mexico and transforming it into a spectacular luxury rental. << MORE >>

Holly Hunter, a financial planner by day, also owns several vacation rental properties – one in Maine, and two in Mexico. In this episode, she talks with Christine about the process of buying a “pile of rubble” in Guanajuato, Mexico and transforming it into a spectacular luxury rental. << MORE >>

An owner asks: "We would like to know whether or not homeowners are legally required to provide a landline phone in their vacation rental. Having a young child and elderly parents, we would never consider renting a house without telephone service. We would like to know whether or not this is something homeowners are legally obligated to provide for their guests." << MORE >>

Judy Steinfeld, an English-speaking American, isthe owner of three vacation properties in Chile- one in the mountains one by the beach,and one in the heart of Santiago.Judy describes the unique aspects of buying and managing an international property...which in many ways, she says, is easier than renting in the United States! << MORE >>

Owner Shelley Hesse has been renting her vacation property on Okaloosa Island, Florida for the past four and a half years. Hesse recently rented another VRBO property for her family's recent summer trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, an experience she says brought her a wealth of new insights about her own vacation rental business practices.<< MORE >>

Owner Stacey Scott discusses how she has built up a loyal base of repeat guests to her vacation rental home in New Braunfels, Texas by focusing on the needs of weekend renters.<< MORE >>

An owner asks, "My home is located near a railroad track where trains come by all hours of the night. I'm wondering how to disclose this information to my renters." Christine explains how and when to disclose some of the less favorable aspects of your vacation home. << MORE >>

Owner Lisa Frost discusses how she markets her one-bedroom cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a romantic getaway. << MORE >>

An owner asks, "What if I run a special and a guest who has already booked at a higher rate comes back to my site and notices the discount?" Christine shares some suggestions for appeasing the already-booked guest.<< MORE >>

Vacation rental owner Kirsten Apple has developed an innovative way to boost off-season revenues at her vacation home in the South of France: all-inclusive art workshops. Kirsten, a U.S. resident, explains how she runs her workshops from afar — and how she ended up buying a house in France to begin with.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: “I own a property in Whistler and I received an inquiry for a booking for the 2010 Olympics. This is much earlier than I typically confirm bookings. How should I handle the payments?” Christine explains the best way to handle far-in-advance bookings for special events. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with decorator Kerry Ann Dame of Posh Living, LLC, a full-service design firm in Surfside Beach, South Carolina that specializes in custom slipcovers.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: "I have a fairly unique vacation property. How can I set appropriate rates when I don't have any other properties to compare it to?" Christine offers guidance about setting rental rates for your vacation home. << MORE >>

Louise Owenby and her husband have owned their vacation home in Bend, Oregon since April 2004, but they only recently decided to convert it to a vacation rental. Louise speaks with Christine about the challenges and rewards of launching a vacation rental business. << MORE >>

Christine suggests some guidelines for responding to inquiries by phone and email and following up with prospective renters.<< MORE >>

Christine chats one-on-One with Sandra Myklebust, an owner in Pasadena, California who rents her primary home as a vacation rental.<< MORE >>

What is a monthly rental, anyway? (30 days? 31 days? 4 weeks?)<< MORE >>

"What do I do if I quoted a potential renter the wrong rate?" Christine explains various ways to handle this sticky situation.<< MORE >>

The unique aspects of renting a vacation home on an island only accessible by boat.<< MORE >>

At what point during the booking process should an owner mark their calendar as "booked"? When a renter says, "yes, I want to book," or when you've received their check? And how do you answer inquiries you receive in the interim? Christine advises the best way to handle this situation.<< MORE >>

What to do if a renter damages an expensive item during their stay and the amount to repair it costs more than the amount of the security deposit? Christine provides several suggestions for how to handle this difficult situation. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with Traci Stevens of Classic Home Care about the benefits of working with a housekeeper who understands the vacation rental business.<< MORE >>

Condo owner Marti Swift shares her experience dealing with a maintenance disaster on New Year's Day and talks with Christine about how she now handles preventative maintenance.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with real estate agent Meredith McKenzie about the benefits of buying condos vs. single family homes for use as a vacation rental. << MORE >>

A California owner talks with Christine about the unique challenges of living in the same duplex where your vacation rental is located. << MORE >>

Jill Lepow, owner of a baby gear rental service in Maine, discusses the benefits of offering crib and highchair rentals to accommodate families with young children at your vacation home.<< MORE >>

Christine speaks to Bob Moore about his experience as a long-distance vacation rental owner and learns his perspectives on selecting vacation rental websites and responding to inquiries. << MORE >>

An owner asks: "I'm considering allowing pets in my vacation rental. What steps do I need to take before I allow guests to bring their pets?" Christine explains the steps involved in a comprehensive pet policy.<< MORE >>

Stephen Fishman, author of Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide, shares tips on how to file your vacation rental income taxes, deduct for depreciation, and address the hobby loss rule. << MORE >>

Christine interviews vacation rental owner and web designer Robin Clapp of Web-Design-By-Robin.com about how owners could use a personal website to market their vacation rental properties.<< MORE >>

Author and attorney Janet Portman answers Christine's questions about screening vacation rental guests under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).<< MORE >>

Christine interviews Janet Portman, an attorney specializing in landlord/tenant law, on the subject of Limited Liability Corporations and why they may create a false sense of security for vacation rental owners.<< MORE >>

Christine explains why accepting credit cards could increase bookings for your vacation rental.<< MORE >>

Christine shares some guidelines for when to charge guests for damage and when to consider it a cost of doing business.<< MORE >>

Christine talks to owner Marino Tomacelli about his unique vacation home, "Taninah" (as featured on HGTV's Most Extreme Homes) and about his partnerships with local tour operators.<< MORE >>

How to file a 1099 form for your vacation rental housekeeper with the IRS.<< MORE >>

Jeannie Laird, Photo Department Manager for VRBO.com, shares her strategies for managing vacation rentals from afar and working with a property management company, and also discusses her recent experience with break-ins.<< MORE >>

Christine provides tips on screening renters, including some potential red flags.<< MORE >>

Christine explains the benefits of updating your vacation rental listing regularly.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: "I would like to allow pets in my vacation home. However, I'm a little concerned about alienating people who might have allergies to pets." Christine discusses the benefits of accepting pets at your vacation rental and addresses an owner's concern about potential guests with pet allergies.<< MORE >>

Christine interviews Tim Hart about his experience as a vacation rental owner and real estate agent in Big Sky, Montana.<< MORE >>

Christine explains the importance of detailed location information in your vacation rental listing and what specifics you should highlight.<< MORE >>

Christine interviews real estate agent and vacation rental owner Brenda Schiemo-Smith about the real estate market in Minnesota and about her own lake-shore rentals.<< MORE >>

Christine chats with Kona, Hawaii vacation rental owner David Michael about his experience as an owner of a large vacation home.<< MORE >>

Christine addresses the balance between personalizing your home and making sure guests feel comfortable in it. << MORE >>

Christine discusses whether it's appropriate to feature people in photos of your vacation property.<< MORE >>

Christine tells owners how they can learn what makes a good vacation rental listing by visiting Listings 101 on the Owner Community. << MORE >>

In her second interview with David Motley, president of Colonial Savings, Christine and David discuss the current mortgage situation, tips for buying vacation homes, and options for refinancing.<< MORE >>

This has run through my mind a million times before, and I really think that you can still call it beachfront. The way that I've justified this is I think about a hotel. << MORE >>

Christine addresses how an uncertain economy and high gas prices could affect your vacation home rentals.<< MORE >>

Christine chats with real estate agent Peter Lora about the real estate and vacation rental market in Taos, New Mexico.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with Mireya Schmidt about her background as both a real estate agent and vacation rental owner of multiple properties.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with Palm Springs, California owner Gregg Rapp about the excitement and challenges of renting a high-end vacation home that has attracted celebrity guests.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with Lynn Atchison, the CFO of HomeAway, about her initial hesitation in renting her Rockport, Texas vacation home and why she eventually changed her mind. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with Mary Byerly of Furniture Land South about decorating tips for your vacation home and the benefits of using a design consultant. << MORE >>

Christine speaks to real estate agent and broker Kim Lucas about purchasing island property on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.<< MORE >>

Christine discusses the benefits of renting your vacation home for short-term versus long-term rentals.<< MORE >>

What amenities are renters looking for in a vacation rental?<< MORE >>

Christine talks with David Motley, president of Colonial National Mortgage and a vacation home owner, about mortgaging and refinancing options for vacation homes.<< MORE >>

Christine discusses credit card "chargebacks" and how to prevent them.<< MORE >>

Christine explains the tell-tale signs of a typical vacation rental scam inquiry.<< MORE >>

Christine continues her discussion with Jerry Ray about the benefits of building an international airport in Panama City, Florida.<< MORE >>

Christine talks to Jerry Ray about the potential benefits of an international airport for vacation rental owners in Panama City, Florida.<< MORE >>

"I constantly have renters asking me for reduced rates or telling me that their budget is 'x'. How can I respond to them and still possibly keep them interested?" Christine explains how to respond to renters asking for lower rates.<< MORE >>

Christine interviews real estate broker Jim Dague about the resort and second home industry. << MORE >>

Christine discusses the Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida markets with vacation home real estate broker Raymond Butterfield. << MORE >>

Christine continues her discussion on the challenges of renting and maintaining a vacation property from abroad.

For transcripts of the podcasts, as well as, tips and advice for second home owners, visit http://ownercommunity.homeaway.com/.
 
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Christine discusses the challenges of owning and renting a vacation home in Canada while living in the UK.

For transcripts of the podcasts, as well as, tips and advice for second home owners, visit http://ownercommunity.homeaway.com/.

...<< MORE >>

Christine chats with real estate agent Ken Libby about the current market conditions in the ski haven of Stowe, Vermont.<< MORE >>

Christine interviews lakehouse owner, Michelle Helterbran, who had the first vacation rental on Richland Chambers Lake, TX.

For transcripts of the podcasts, as well as, tips and advice for second home owners, visit http://ownercommunity.homeaway.com/.

...<< MORE >>

Christine speaks with expert Leslie Garrett about ways owners can make their vacation homes more eco-conscious and save money at the same time.<< MORE >>

Real estate agent John Jarvis discusses the vacation home market in Muskoka, Ontario.<< MORE >>

Christine advises a homeowner on how to convert her inquiries into actual bookings. << MORE >>

Real estate agent Shannyn Stevenson returns to foreclosures and short sales in the Destin, Florida real estate market. << MORE >>

Second part of Christine's talk with Naples real estate agent, Lynn Wilber. ...<< MORE >>

Christine and real estate agent, Lynn Wilber, discuss the vacation home market in Naples, FL.  
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Christine discusses the benefits and challenges of renting your vacation home yourself instead of going through a property management company. << MORE >>

Christine talks with vacation rental owner, Bob Kelly, about why he chose renting by owner in Pacific Beach, WA.

For transcripts of the podcasts, as well as, tips and advice for second home owners, visit http://ownercommunity.homeaway.com/.

...<< MORE >>

If your bookings are slow, your rental rates could be too high, too low, too vague, too confusing, or too restrictive. << MORE >>

Christine talks with vacation rental owner, Ed Reese, about his experience trying to sell one of his vacation homes. ...<< MORE >>

Christine talks with new owner, Ross Buhrdorf, about preparing his property, starting the rental process and what he'd like to change about the HomeAway sites. ...<< MORE >>

This week, Christine interviews Steamboat Springs realtor, Randall Hannaway, about the vacation home market in his area. << MORE >>

Christine talks with seasoned owner and virtual tours expert, Ed Reese. << MORE >>

Christine talks with Santa Fe, New Mexico owner, Deborah Haws.<< MORE >>

Christine chats with Keystone area owner, Bev Babich, about her experience renting her home and the unique, co-op that Bev participates in with her rental neighbors.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: "I own multiple properties in the same vacation destination. Isn't it better for me to leave my calendar blank so that I don't miss out on any potential renters?" Christine weighs in.<< MORE >>

Christine chats about the vacation real estate market in Tahoe with South Lake Tahoe realtor, Deb Howard.
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Christine interviews experienced owner, Richard Pretl, about his vacation rental in Baltimore, Maryland.
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I know having a vacation rental property can make your utility rates go up astronomically. I was just speaking to an owner yesterday who was complaining that travelers leave their doors open and leave the air conditioning on, and their utility bill was over $600, whereas in the normal off-season, it's usually around $85 to $100. That could really cut into your bottom line.<< MORE >>

An owner asks: "Is it better to break up rental prices into rental rates, cleaning fees, taxes, etc.? Or is it better to offer an all inclusive rate?" Christine weighs in. << MORE >>

Christine answers a question from an owner about whether it is better to provide linens or to require your guests to bring their own.
...<< MORE >>

Ever thought about buying in Mexico? Christine talks with Los Cabos realtor, Julie Kershner.
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This week, Christine answers a question from a Dillon Beach owner, who wonders if she can ask for a credit card in case of excess damage.

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An owner asks: "I am trying to find liability insurance on my second home so that I can rent it out on a short-term basis. I have called numerous insurance companies, and no one will offer me coverage. Surely, all of these homes for rent must have liability coverage. What am I doing wrong?" Christine weighs in. << MORE >>

Christine interviews Park City realtor, Dennis Hanlon about the Park City vacation home market. << MORE >>

An owner asks: "What is the standard way to forward and return keys to renters?" Christine discusses the advantages of using lockboxes or programmable locks for vacation rentals.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with realtor, Rick Tourgee about the vacation rental market in Provincetown. << MORE >>

Christine talks with Sevier County Trustee, Jettie Clabo about the new 3% occupancy/lodging tax effective July 1st. << MORE >>

This week, Christine answers a question from a North Myrtle Beach owner about how to handle requests for weeks that don't fit into the typical Saturday to Saturday model. << MORE >>

Christine talks with realtor Pat Malone about the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge vacation rental market. << MORE >>

This week, Christine answers a question about buying a property that doesn't work with standard the break-even formula. << MORE >>

Christine talks with Orlando property manager, Steve Trover about how to find a good property manager. << MORE >>

Christine answers a question from a Winter Park, Colorado owner whose property was inaccessible due to closed roads. << MORE >>

Christine talks with realtor, Meredith McKenzie about the California Gold Coast vacation home market. << MORE >>

An owner asks: "I was wondering if you know any companies that would do damage insurance? I'd like to have insurance for smaller claim items that would not go against my homeowner's policy for my vacation home. I have a luxury property, and someone could easily do $5,000 worth of damage, and I wouldn't be able to get that amount in a refundable deposit. Any suggestions?" Christine explains the best way to prevent damages at your vacation rental.<< MORE >>

Christine talks with Branson vacation rental owner Valerie Budd about her decision to switch from a property management company to renting by owner. << MORE >>

A owner wonders whether he should invest in a 3-bedroom or a 4-bedroom vacation rental home on Lake Hartwell. Christine weighs in.<< MORE >>

Christine speaks with real estate agent Dorothea Lowe about the vacation home market in Montana. << MORE >>

Second part of Christine's interview with co-ownership expert and attorney, Andy Sirkin. << MORE >>

Have you ever thought about buying a second home with friends? Christine talks with attorney and co-ownership expert, Andy Sirkin. << MORE >>

Christine talks with Destin owner, Gayla Berry, about how she came to buy her first vacation rental property and why she rents by owner. << MORE >>

Interview with Palm Desert owner, Melinda Diperna about her experience battling a vacation rental ban in her complex. << MORE >>

In the second part of this two-part interview, Christine talks with Destin realtor, Shannyn Stevenson. << MORE >>

In this episode Christine interviews Destin realtor, Shannyn Stevenson. << MORE >>

Christine talks with successful vacation rental owner and rent by owner "purist," Robin Clapp about why she bought her vacation home, what she enjoys about the process, and how's she's handled the unusually warm winter. << MORE >>

Christine addresses the issue of vacation, short-term, and transient rental bans. << MORE >>

Second half of Christine's interview with Belinda Watson of the Florida Department of Revenue. << MORE >>

Christine Karpinski speaks with Belinda Watson of the Florida Department of Revenue about collecting sales taxes for vacation rental properties. << MORE >>

Christine talks about the different kinds of vacation rental properties from RVs to teepees to cabooses, as well as, the number one mistake that vacation rental owners make and how to get financing. << MORE >>

Christine discusses the current best buy areas for vacation homes, how to find a real estate agent, and what she would say to someone interested in the vacation rental business. << MORE >>

Christine chats about how to find the perfect housekeeper, the importance of liability insurance, and why vacation rental owners should contact a lawyer before setting up an LLC. << MORE >>

Christine outlines the reasons for renting your vacation home and discusses common fears. << MORE >>

Christine talks about the business side of the vacation rental owner experience including why to write a business plan, how the real estate bubble is affecting vacation properties, and how to effectively advertise. << MORE >>

Christine talks about the basics of buying a vacation rental home. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with the HomeAway UK office about global advertising advantages, challenges and differences. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with CPA and co-owner of HotSpotTax.com K. Stephens about collecting and paying sales taxes for vacation homes. << MORE >>

Christine speaks with insurance expert D. Workman about getting insurance for vacation homes. << MORE >>