So you are the proud owner of a vacation home – congratulations. But just as with your own home, a vacation home needs a lot of tender loving care. Who is going to look after it when you are away? And, perhaps, how is it going to pay its own way? Thoughts like these tend to push vacation home owners into thinking about appointing a property management company. So what should you be looking for in a property manager, and how do you go about finding one with the qualities you want?

First and foremost, you have to decide if you just want the property taken care of, or if you also want it rented out. This will determine what kind of property management firm you want, and whether you need to check their credentials for marketing your firm, or just for looking after it. Assuming that you would like your home to generate some income for you, you need to look for several key capabilities

• A firm which will ensure the highest standards of care and attention to the fabric and contents of your property. Lots of rental income will not make up for the damage caused by careless renters. Make sure that your chosen firm will keep on top of every

• Personal check-in and check-out of every rental. Many firms take advantage of the availability of keyless coded locks to allow renters to check themselves in and out. This means that they never know who is in your property, and whether your four-bedroom home which is supposed to have a maximum of 8 guests actually has 16 grad party celebrants all over the floors

• The highest standards of cleaning. Cleaning a property thoroughly is time-consuming and expensive. Many property management firms cut corners here, and if they do, you will eventually pay the price in worn-out carpets and other forms of dilapidation.

• Superior marketing capabilities. Marketing vacation rental properties has become a sophisticated business these days. Make sure that the primary website on which your property will appear is ranked highly against the most popular keywords for your location. A local firm without much experience in search engine optimization may be able to take good care of your property but they won’t generate a lot of income since no-one will know that they exist.

• Great service for guests. Look for a manager who knows how to offer excellent service to guests: arrival baskets of food and drink, pre-booking of activities, restaurant reservations etc. If guests feel they are well looked-after, they will be more inclined to come again, but also feel more of an obligation to take good care of the property they are in.

• Great service to you. You should expect VIP treatment when you are using your own property, but also VIP service when you call up your property manager to enquire about availability, discuss renovation and maintenance issues, query your income statements or any other matter. Make sure you will always get to speak to someone senior who knows you and your property.

Have a look at this page: Whistler property management for a company which looks as if they know what they are doing. But make sure you talk to them in detail and go over the management contract with a fine tooth comb before you sign on the dotted line. You should expect to pay 35-50% of gross rental income to the management company; if they charge less you might want to be suspicious of what they are offering; if more, they’re probably too expensive. This may sound a lot, but remember that they are looking after your property for no fixed outlay to you, and they only make money when you do as well.

Good luck with your search.

By Henry Schlee

By JUDI BOWERS

Private home rentals are a hot topic. People on both sides of the issue speak their minds. Lawsuits have been filed, ordinances submitted on their way to the ballot box, and city and county officials are swamped with information to wade through enroute to decisions.

Private home rentals are houses rented for periods of less than 30 days. In the city of Big Bear Lake, all private home rental units must be registered with the city and undergo inspections. Private home rentals are regulated by an existing city ordinance.

San Bernardino County is considering a similar ordinance. The proposal spent several months at the county Planning Commission level before being kicked upstairs so to speak to the county Board of Supervisors. Crafted using the city of Big Bear Lake’s existing ordinance, the county version would regulate short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of Big Bear Valley. However, the county ordinance applies only to the mountain communities within the county.

The ordinance appeared on the supervisors’ Aug. 15 agenda for consideration. The proposed ordinance survived and was placed on the Aug. 22 board of supervisor’s calendar for approval. The ordinance will be put in place for 12 to 24 months then reviewed to see how it’s working.

CITPRO representatives spoke to the Big Bear Lake City Council Aug. 14 on the impact a proposed ballot initiative would have on the city and the economy. Nick Lanza told of how property values would go down when houses flood the market being sold because owners can no longer rent them for vacation use. Tyler Wood added to Lanza’s comments saying many people purchase vacation homes in the Valley on a 1031 tax exchange, which allows owners to use the houses for personal vacations and rent them to others to defray the cost.

The proposed ordinance would effectively put the short term rental owners out of business, Wood said. He called the proposed ordinance a “formula for disaster.”

J.J. McClelland and her husband recently purchased Big Bear Mountain Resort Rentals. She told the council of the risk she and her husband took investing in a business, but said they felt confident in the community and the stability of a 13-year-old business. But the proposed ordinance threatens McClelland’s future as well as the financial stability of the many businesses like carpet cleaning that support the private home rental industry, she said. “Without us who will make this community what it is?” McClelland asked the council regarding short term rentals. “It’s not just the loss of revenue, but the quality of people we have up here.”

Earlier this year Jim and Barbara McLean of Apples Bed and Breakfast filed a federal law suit against the city regarding private home rentals. Judge Stephen G. Larson dismissed the suit July 17. McLean said he and his attorney are working on an appeal. In the meantime he and his supporters are pursing their plan to place their proposed initiative before the voters.

McLean presented the ballot initiative to the city May 30. He said the city delayed long enough that the matter couldn’t be placed on the November ballot. Now the city will be forced into a special election, McLean said, which he claims could cost the city as much as $250,000. “Screw ‘em,” McLean said regarding the city.

McLean says he receives a barrage of phone calls from folks upset about the problems caused by renters in private homes. While these people support McLean and his ballot initiative and are willing to help collect signatures, they won’t come forward publicly for fear of retribution, McLean said. The only ones going on record as supporting the initiative are Bob Pool and Brandon Schlarmann, both local lodge owners.

Regardless, McLean said he’s not giving up on his search for equality within the lodging industry. He said that’s all the ballot initiative asks for and that it won’t put anyone out of business. Instead it will regulate an existing business.

Battle wages toward war regarding vacation rentals

By JUDI BOWERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 10:08 AM PDT

Private home rentals are a hot topic. People on both sides of the issue speak their minds. Lawsuits have been filed, ordinances submitted on their way to the ballot box, and city and county officials are swamped with information to wade through enroute to decisions.

Private home rentals are houses rented for periods of less than 30 days. In the city of Big Bear Lake, all private home rental units must be registered with the city and undergo inspections. Private home rentals are regulated by an existing city ordinance.

San Bernardino County is considering a similar ordinance. The proposal spent several months at the county Planning Commission level before being kicked upstairs so to speak to the county Board of Supervisors. Crafted using the city of Big Bear Lake’s existing ordinance, the county version would regulate short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of Big Bear Valley. However, the county ordinance applies only to the mountain communities within the county.

The ordinance appeared on the supervisors’ Aug. 15 agenda for consideration. The proposed ordinance survived and was placed on the Aug. 22 board of supervisor’s calendar for approval. The ordinance will be put in place for 12 to 24 months then reviewed to see how it’s working.

CITPRO representatives spoke to the Big Bear Lake City Council Aug. 14 on the impact a proposed ballot initiative would have on the city and the economy. Nick Lanza told of how property values would go down when houses flood the market being sold because owners can no longer rent them for vacation use. Tyler Wood added to Lanza’s comments saying many people purchase vacation homes in the Valley on a 1031 tax exchange, which allows owners to use the houses for personal vacations and rent them to others to defray the cost.

The proposed ordinance would effectively put the short term rental owners out of business, Wood said. He called the proposed ordinance a “formula for disaster.”

J.J. McClelland and her husband recently purchased Big Bear Mountain Resort Rentals. She told the council of the risk she and her husband took investing in a business, but said they felt confident in the community and the stability of a 13-year-old business. But the proposed ordinance threatens McClelland’s future as well as the financial stability of the many businesses like carpet cleaning that support the private home rental industry, she said. “Without us who will make this community what it is?” McClelland asked the council regarding short term rentals. “It’s not just the loss of revenue, but the quality of people we have up here.”

Earlier this year Jim and Barbara McLean of Apples Bed and Breakfast filed a federal law suit against the city regarding private home rentals. Judge Stephen G. Larson dismissed the suit July 17. McLean said he and his attorney are working on an appeal. In the meantime he and his supporters are pursing their plan to place their proposed initiative before the voters.

McLean presented the ballot initiative to the city May 30. He said the city delayed long enough that the matter couldn’t be placed on the November ballot. Now the city will be forced into a special election, McLean said, which he claims could cost the city as much as $250,000. “Screw ‘em,” McLean said regarding the city.

McLean says he receives a barrage of phone calls from folks upset about the problems caused by renters in private homes. While these people support McLean and his ballot initiative and are willing to help collect signatures, they won’t come forward publicly for fear of retribution, McLean said. The only ones going on record as supporting the initiative are Bob Pool and Brandon Schlarmann, both local lodge owners.

Regardless, McLean said he’s not giving up on his search for equality within the lodging industry. He said that’s all the ballot initiative asks for and that it won’t put anyone out of business. Instead it will regulate an existing business.

By Walt Harvey, 5/10/2006 11:33:51 PM

Hawaii is an attractive location for buying a second home and how you classify that property has significant tax ramifications. Disclaimer: I’m a real estate broker and not allowed to give tax advice so consult with your tax professional regarding your specific circumstances. With that said, here are some guidelines.

A second home is a property other than your primary residence and of course it’s an investment. Any property owned as an investment may fall within the definition of a vacation home. The term vacation home is generic and applies to a property that an individual or family member uses personally to any extent. If there is personal use, tax write-offs may be limited.

14-Day Rule: Vacation homes may be considered residences if used for personal purposes more than 14 days or 10 percent of the number of days during the year for which the home is rented at a fair rental price, whichever is greater. Time spent working on and improving the property is not considered in the 14 day usage.

If a vacation home is rented for 14 days or less during the year and there is any personal use, you can keep the rental income and not report it (Code Sec. 280A(g), however, you can claim no expenses beyond the mortgage interest and property tax.

If rented for more than 14 days, then all rental income must be reported along with deductions for the rent-related expenses like advertising, broker’s fees, utilities, maintenance, upkeep, mortgage interest, property taxes and insurance. Depreciation may be deducted against the rental income however all deductions may not exceed the rental income.

Always consult a tax professional. When considering real estate, consult a real estate professional.

Houseboating Brings Families Back Together Without
the Hassle and Headaches of Other Forms of Vacationing
Forever Houseboats Offers Families a Unique Vacation Filled with Rest, Relaxation and Recreation
Scottsdale, AZ – January 2006 – Forever Resorts invites families across the country to experience an entirely different vacation this year. Houseboating, an old vacation idea, popular with many families in the 60’s, has now been revised into a great getaway to reconnect with family and enjoy a relaxing, stress free vacation. Now there’s one vacation that will please children, looking for fun-filled days, and their parents who seek a restful getaway. Houseboating brings families together in a unique, bonding experience.

Forever Resorts (www.ForeverHouseboats.com), the respected leader in houseboat vacation rentals, has modernized the houseboat of today to include many comforts you’d expect to find in a vacation home; TV, stereo, gas grill, full kitchen, queen bedrooms, bathrooms, linens, towels and central air conditioning and heat. Plus, one feature not usually found in vacation homes – a waterslide off the upper deck!

The experience of houseboating goes beyond just the boat. It has become a tradition with many, which weaves the commonplace vacation into vivid memories. From exploring the serenity of the lake to the excitement of playing captain of your own boat, a houseboat vacation provides an outdoor adventure that allows you to reconnect, relax and spend quality time with each other.

When Forever Resorts asked recent vacationers their favorite part about houseboating, the company received many answers. But one commonality rang true; families revealed houseboating is truly a magical experience and they plan on returning to have that vacation experience again and again.

Houseboat rentals can be found in many waterways of the United States. Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada and Don Pedro Lake in California are two popular destinations for houseboating.

About Forever Resorts
The Forever Resorts family of companies has been based in Arizona since its inception in 1981 and owns and operates properties in national parks, recreation areas and national forests, and choice destinations of North America, Hungary and South Africa. The firm is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in lodging, marinas and related services, food service and retail operations and is a respected industry leader in houseboat manufacturing and luxury houseboat vacation rentals. “Soaring to be the Best” each Forever Resorts’ location is ISO 14001 certified and is committed to protecting human health and the environment, and many properties have received other awards and third-party certification for its environmental practices. For more information visit the company website at www.ForeverResorts.com.

The Florida-based technology firm provides reservation management systems for the vacation rental industry.

According to the company, vacation rental management companies can now connect with travel global distribution channels via ISILink. An official release states: ISILink acts as a database linking property information and rental availability to various sales distribution channels. With ISILink, the door is open for small vacation rental operators to reach travel agents and travel agencies efficiently and effectively.

”The entire line of Instant Software Group’s products, including First Resort Software, Entech and Property Plus, will now have a method to reach the GDS. ISILink can also provide vacation rental properties easy access to other key distribution systems such as web based agencies and portals,” states the company.

“Smaller vacation rental property companies have always been at a decided disadvantage when it came to the travel distribution channels not only because of their size, but the type of accommodations offered made it difficult to provide the critical mass needed to pave the way for access to the GDS system,” said Dave Hopcroft, founder and President of Instant Software. “ISILink gives us critical mass and gives our partners the flexibility to compete anywhere they want.”

“Vacation home managers want to use multiple distribution channels at the same time and ISILink makes this easy and most importantly, allows independent owners to reach a wider audience through distribution channels,” said Hopcroft.