Vacation Rentals Books

Very pleased with this system. It has a place to record everything I need for my Vacation Rental Business. It itemizes everything for me. This year, it should be easy to prepare for my tax obligation taxes. OHHH.. and, the best part is that it is in large enough print so I can see clearly. (I have "over forty" eyes... ) lol

Very Easy to use and portable. I am not the most organized person in the world. Before I got this book, I had papers everywhere. Now I have everything in good order. When I need something, it's right there where I can access it. I like the idea of a free property listing too. [...]

Hello Readers:
If you own a Vacation Rental then you know how difficult it can be to keep track of your renter's information, housekeeper's schedule, payments made, security deposits, maintenance schedule, tax information and everything else that goes along with it. Here is a tool that you can utilize to make your vacation rental go smoothly. No more "double bookings", "lost phone numbers", and "missing renters' information." Everything is made simple. Tax information organized for you. And, if you have any questions whatsoever, please contact Marie at www.HowToRentVacationHomes.com and check out the Free Property listing at www.DreamAwayVacationRentals.com

I bought this book last November and I started using it right away. I call it my "bible" because I can refer to it for any information that I may need regarding my rental property. I love the calendar system because I can see what's available quickly. The Reservation forms are great to use because it lists all the questions that I need to ask potential renters. The Tax forms are so easy that I am using them this year so I don't forget to take all the deductions that are applicable.

What a life saver. Now that I am organized and I need any information quickly regarding my rental, I know where to look - in this book. All of my maintenance contact information, renter's information, monthly calendar, housekeeper's schedule, homeowner's insurance information, mortgage information and tax information is in this one book. I keep it with me so I can use it when I get rental inquiries. I like having the list of questions to ask renters at my finger tips. It's funny, it's not the kind of book you "think" you need, but once you have it, you can't live without it.

Here's how you can get organized and it's simple to use. Compact enough to carry with you. Easy access to all of your rental information - at your finger tips - including phone numbers, housekeepers, contractors, and schedules - all kept in one place. Large Print for easy viewing and Plenty of room to record information. The Complete Vacation Rental Planner and Tax Organizer

What I especially liked about this book was the author's recommendations for best cabins and cottages for: hiking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, winter sports, families, most unusal, best in desert,best value, most luxurious, best for beach activities, and most seclued. With these recommendations and cabin descriptions we've planned a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a girlfriends retreat, and a star-gazing party with friends. This book is a hit in our household.

Ann Marie Brown's book is beautifully written. It not only gives reviews of quaint out of the way cabins, but is sprinkled with a lot of charming personal observations. Her book is just out, and her review of the one place we stayed at was 'dead on". I would have never found this place without her book!

This was a great little book. Easy, quick read - lays out the questions to ask when considering a vacation rental in Italy. Definitely identified things I had not considered, that I will definitely include when narrowing down our rental.

Sensible and well written, Ms. Jennings' "how-to" for renting a vacation villa in Italy is a great investment for hunting, evaluating and enjoying your vacation. As a vacation rental expert, I found every aspect of her book helpful and clearly explained. I am encouraging my clients to purchase this books for many reasons: it lays out the pros/cons of rentals, helps in choosing location and type of rental, explains the owner's perspective and offers advice on how to share a rental. The general travel advice is solid and helpful. The most useful aspects -- you won't find them anyplace -- are the tutorial and check lists on how to evaluate rental properties remotely. I evaluate many properties and assure you she knows all the secret ways that owners use to disguise problems with their rentals. She also lists trustworthy rental agencies and many helpful resources.

Pat Byrne, Excellent Europe - Vacation Rentals in Italy

This book provides excellent advise on having a succesful rental vacation home. I highly recommend it. Christine covers all aspects of renting vacation properties.

I wish I'd read this book before we bought a vacation rental. Lots of good information. And one piece of the information could save you thousands of $ and loads of grief.

As an owner and manager of several vacation properties, I was quite impressed with Kristine's thoroughness and attention to detail. This is a very read-able book, flows easily from topic to topic, and covers all the basics.

Of particular importance is her break-even analysis for figuring out the profitability of a rental before buying. Also, while I'm a do-it-yourself-vacation rental type owner, I realize most people prefer the ready-to-rent approach Ms. Karpinski advocates.

The Resources found in the Appendix sections at the end make this book a definite buy for any current or future vacation property owner. Kristine is a good teacher and presents well in both her books and blog.

I was impressed with this book because most rental managers don't even discuss insurance or know anything about it. Yet, this book devotes several pages on this topic. So, If you got a vacation rental, or thinking about it like me, your common garden variety homeowners policy won't do. You got to pay twice or more on the premium for a vacation home.

We have just started to rent our vacation property by owner after having it done by a management company. This book has been extremely helpful in making the transition.

As a long-time vacation owner and manager, I can highly recommend Alfred and Emily's system to those owners just starting out. The forms, copyrighting tips, and sections on how to advertise and attract guests are important elements for success.

When I bit the bullet and bought a property in the Bahamas over eight years ago, my wife and I were genuinely afraid we'd made a big mistake. At the time I didn't know about the Glossbrenner's system and had to figure it out on my own. Because of our lenghty learning curve, I DON'T recommend others do this! Get the book and CD's and start putting warm bodies in your vacation home now. Then you can breathe easier and more often.

Thank you for the time, energy, and effort you have put into helping people, like me, break into the vacation-rental business with a bit of a `security blanket.' Your book, articles, and insights have literally helped me not only make $$$ with my Daytona Beach vacation rentals, but save $$$, headaches, and time as well.... Your list of leading vacation-rental advertising sites was right on point.

Kenny Doucette
Owner/Proprietor
www.VacationRentalHotSpots.com

I have thoroughly read "How to Make Your Vacation Property Work for You!" and I have bought their *new* CD on further hints since the original book was written. Both are *superlative* products! I have learned many ideas I was unable to find in other sources. These products are the best single-sources for renting your vacation home, and these products direct you toward other useful sources as well.

In addition, I have found the authors to be friendly had helpful when I had individual questions.

I rate these products five stars!

Jim

A vacation rental owner myself, I found the information in this book absolutely fabulous! You'll read and re-read this "Bible" for vacation rental owners. Regardless of where your property is located this book covers all the essentials to help you to be succssful in the Vacation Rental business. Easy to read and well written it is money well spent!

We're pleased to share this review written by travel writer and vacation-rental guru Joyce Hadley Copeland, author of the "Renting Paradise" series of e-guidebooks on exceptional vacation rental properties. The review originally appeared in Ms. Copeland's Ramblings blog at her RentingParadise.com website and is posted here with her permission. -- Alfred & Emily Glossbrenner, Authors

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME... THEN AGAIN, MAYBE YOU SHOULD

If you've had great experiences renting vacation homes--and especially if you've been swept into the welcoming (usually figurative) embrace of a particularly passionate owner--a funny thing might start happening. You might start imagining yourself doing the vacation rental thing yourself. And why not ask Alfred and Emily Glossbrenner?

If you own or are thinking of buying a vacation rental property, the Glossbrenners will show you how to pay your mortgage and make money by renting it yourself. Their 300-page book/CD seminar-in-a-box is based on what the couple learned from a decade renting a Williamsburg-style cottage on their property in Bucks County, PA. Today their second home is routinely fully booked as much as six months in advance.

The book is engaging (the Glossbrenners are successful authors with over 60 books to their credit) and full of practical wisdom, step-by-step instructions and clear examples that will guide you in maximizing the Internet to promote and rent your dream vacation or retirement home (finding the right listing sites, boosting your search engine ranking etc.).

HERE'S WHAT I ESPECIALLY LOVE: Guidelines for writing a property description! "Write from the Heart!" These smart-cookie marketers advocate infusing rental descriptions with "personality." (Because, aren't we all tired of the hype?) They talk about "painting a picture" for rental prospects... going into detail about what you (the owner) personally love about the property such as distinctive architectural details or an interesting history... weaving in off-the-beaten-path secret places you've discovered. That's music to a prospective vacation renter's ears. AND they devote a whole section to "Enhancing Your Listing With Great Photos." Hallelujah!

The Glossbrenners also include a CD containing a collection of personally-selected Windows programs to help you manage and market your vacation rental property--in what is becoming a highly competitive market niche--in your spare time.

Check out the 30-day Money-Back Guarantee. But also check out the Glossbrenners' promise: "Regardless of your rental rate, and regardless of season, if you get just one extra booking as a result of what we have to teach you, this vacation rental owner's training package will have paid for itself many times over. And it will continue to do so year after year from now on."

Pssst: Check with your accountant. You may be able to write the whole thing off as a business expense.

Joyce Hadley Copeland
Ramblings Blog
RentingParadise.com

I have read nearly every book out there on Vacation Rentals, and I found this one to be very straight forward ad easy reading. I have been in the business for 10 years, so most of this information is excellent particularly if you are new in the buisness.

I had a bit of a problem trying to retrieve my "free guest book" from the author's website, and as soon as she was aware of this, she contacted me directly and help me achieve my goal immediately.

I have listed my vacation rental on the author's site and will look forward to taking any bookings that come in as a result of this completely free advertising.

After communicating with Marie, I can see why she is successful, she is a great "problem solver" Way to go, Marie!

Warmest aloha,
Ilona Coffey
[...]
bch-clb@aloha.net
kauaivacationvillas@yahoo.com

Marie Ferguson's book was a great help, and gave me lots of ideas on renting my villa in Florida. I also purchased her Vacation Rental Organizer. It's nice to have all my information on my villa in one place.

This book is not worth it. Although it does have gems like "provide clean linens" & "screen your renters"-who'd would have thunk it?

Breaking all the Rules: How to Rent Your Vacation Home: A New, Innovative - Rent by Owner -Tool for Preparing, Managing, Advertising & Maintaining Your Rental & Free Welcome Book & Property Listing

I bought this book and let me say my first year of renting was a huge success and It was easy !
This book takes you from start to finish! Easy Read and Easy to follow samples of contracts etc.
Thank you Marie for writing it! It has made my life alot simpler with renting!

This book has really helped me. - TEN STARS

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was written from personal experiences and I felt connected with the author. Marie Ferguson takes a different approach to renting vacation homes. She has a clear understanding of what your guests want and what they expect upon arrival and that they are willing to pay higher prices to get quality accommodations.

This book is right to the point and answered all of my questions. It is also helpful to know that Marie Ferguson is available to answer questions as they appear. I have never heard of any author being available 24/7. She has great insight for creating property listings that really work and she is willing to help you with yours to give it that personal touch.

I also received the Welcome Book (that no other author has provided) and a free property listing. The Welcome Book comes with Sample Rental Rules, Pet Rules, Beach Rules, Pool Rules, etc that can be easily changed to fit your rental needs. I had fun customizing it and my Guests love the fact that I provide all the information needed to make their stay more enjoyable.

I particularly like the lists it provides for stocking my rental (things I didn't think of ) and it provides samples of rental agreements and correspondences to renters. It certainly makes it easy for me to run a rental business by using the system in this book. By following the easy, step by step instructions, I have had good luck with my renters. Like anything, if you are consistent with what you are doing, chances are better that you will succeed in having a great business. I am having a great time with my rental home. With this system, I am able to use it when I want (easily) and rent it out during the times I am not there. I am planning on buying more properties while the prices are affordable.

I also bought Marie Ferguson's latest book, The Complete Vacation Rental Planner and Tax Organizer. What a handy book to own. All of my rental information can be found in one place and I like the tax section that shows the deductions that I can take.

This is a sensational book! I don't want to sleep on the ground. I want a bed and privacy. My husband wants to go fishing and golf. This book gives us the opportunity to do trips together and make both of our desires come true. So far we've tried three of the cottages, and they were just as Stephani & Tom said they were. Sounds like they have the dream life!

I own Tom's camping books and really value them. I bought this book to find cabins for me and my wife to get away to. This is covered in fairly good detail but I take exception to the inclusion of KOA camps that have cabins. I also did a quick web search for a cabin in the certain area and found several not mentioned in the book. While he doesn't claim this to be an exhaustive book I think more options should have been listed in certain areas. This is a good introduction and exposure to what's out there. But you need to do some personal digging to find your own gem possibly not mentioned here.

I found this book to be an excellent resource. Not only does it provide a wealth of information about available cabin and cottage rentals in northern California, but it provides concise and helpful information concerning recreational opportunities available near each cabin or cottage. I found the book to be well written, easy reading and very user friendly, and I was astounded to learn that there are so many cabins and cottages available for rent in neat places. If you enjoy more privacy than is afforded in motels and bed and breakfasts, you need to own this book.

This is the book I've been looking for! My husband and I like to hike, fish, and generally hang out in beautiful places...and sometimes we just don't want to sleep on the ground or pack a car-load of camping equipment. This book tells me where we can get our outdoor fix and a bed. We know Northern California well but there's lots of places that we didn't know about covered in this guide. The ratings and activity icons make it easy to see how plush or funky the cabin is and what are the nearby outdoor activities. This would be a good gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day.

This workbook is awesome. We are buying a vacation rental but I will be buying another copy to use in my main home as well. It has places to write in your appliances and the warrenty info etc...so everything is centraly located and easy to find. I LOVE IT!

This is a book of 'forms'and ledger-style pages which are constricting and less useful than ledgers available at Office Supply stores . Not recommended.

This manual forced me to collect and organize my resources. At the same time it identified what was important to collect. Very helpful.

I bought this book along with "How to rent Vacation properties by Owner".....THAT book is great, but for me, I was hoping for a better organizer. My main disappointment is simply not enough pages for expenses, but like over 50 pages, (thats over 200 renters) for your renters. Perhaps that is OK for those who rent nightly or weekly, but for me, who rent my vacation home for one month minimum, and usually for 3 month at a time, this was off balance.
I have many expenses that I need to keep track of, utilities, mowing, cleaning,etc,etc......for me, I need WAY more then the 6 pages they give for expenses.....I would think any owner would. Pockets and tabs would have been nice, but the main thing is it needs WAY more pages for expenses.....6 pages is not enough.

This book was very thorough and easy to read. If you're looking for a dream vacation also check out, "World Ventures, Wayne Nugent".

This book gave me a lot of tips that as a first time second home/vacation rental buyer I found to be very helpful.

Great read if you are thinking of buying or have just purchased a second home.

-wintergreenrentalsonline

Great way to make money and enjoy life. I also enjoyed the book titled, "World Ventures, Wayne Nugent, Mike Azcue, Dan Stammen, Robert Oblon, Wesley Melcher, Marc Accetta."

Having read Christine's first book "How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner," I was pleased to find that she had written another. After reading the Amazon description, the author's bio and the acknowledgements in the front of the book, I was sure that it was a sequel to the first book. Amazon even has a co-marketing deal where you can buy both books.

I was greatly disappointed to find that most of the info in the book - down to the examples and quotes she uses - came straight out of the first book. Many of these were word-for-word. There's a few new ideas, but this really should have been marketed as a 2nd edition of "How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner" than as her second book.

In fairness to Christine, I have to say that the content of the book is still great. I just wish it wasn't a near replica of the first!

This book is as weak as the last book. Unfortunately, my wife bought both of her books without reading the reviews. Big mistake...
I read the book and it was basically a re-hash of her old book. It looks like she has quite a marketing arm behind her now though, as she is working for one of the big vacation rental websites now. Go figure. I guess they are making her publish the same junk, but with their spin on it. I also noticed that all of the super positive reviews for this book seem pretty fake and contrived. Watch out!