In today’s fast paced online world there seems to be an abundance of options for consumers, and property management companies are no different. Filtering through each of them can be overwhelming and knowing exactly which one is best for you is even tougher! Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals has been in the real estate and property management business for over 30 years so we know a thing or two about vacation rentals. Here are a few tips from our pros on how to determine the best property management group to successfully manage your vacation rental.
#1 – More Traffic = More Guests
The key to any business is traffic. The more traffic and visibility your vacation rental gets, the more bookings you will have! When researching vacation rental management companies, ask about their booking history, how they market properties, and how they market to potential guests. Where do they rank in Google searches, how do they increase their search visibility, how do they use social media platforms, etc. All of these search factors go into how well your property will be marketed and in turn how often it will be rented.
#2 – The Local Advantage
When in doubt, go local. Local companies are typically involved in their local government, community events, and are more accessible if an emergency arises. Local management teams are better equipped to check on your property regularly and have better contacts with maintenance organizations. In general, companies who are local, are better equipped to help your guests and help you as well! Finding experts in your area will create better relationships and provide local expertise.
#3 – Guest Feedback and Customer Service
What are guests saying? One of the best ways to know how well a property management company handles its customer service is to look at reviews. There will always be positives and negatives about individual properties, but the way the company responds says a lot about how they will treat their owners too. Do they respond quickly and are they able to answer a guests concerns in a timely manner? Is it easy for guests and owners to contact them? Customer service is a key player in determining if a guest will return, and keeping owners worry-free.
#4 – Review Property Management Services Offered
Services for homeowners range from in-house maintenance all the way to marketing your home. In other words, what will the management company do to ensure your property is taken care of before, during, and after a guest stay? Do they offer regular inspections or will they help with updates in your home? Do they have in-house maintenance or do they depend on another company? What will your property management group do to make sure your vacation property is successfully booked? Understanding each service that will be provided will allow you to make the best decision in choosing which vacation rental management company is best for you.
#5 – What Are the Management Costs?
There’s a reason some products cost more than others…and the same goes with vacation property management. You want your property to be well maintained and for it to be taken care of by qualified professionals, and that may cost you a percent or two. The property management company you choose could be the single reason your property is or isn’t making money so make sure to analyze your options and not pick a company based solely on their commission.
Interested in Learning More About Vacation Management Services?
If you want to learn more about St. Simons Island property management, contact Hodnett Cooper today! We would be happy to answer any homeowner questions you have. Check out our services provided to learn more.
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On October 3, 2014, the Wall Street Journal released an article titled “Bargain Mansions: Luxury for Less” detailing markets where luxury buyers can find high-end homes in affordable cities. The homes profiled were in St. Louis, Detroit, Toledo and Brunswick, Georgia.
As the WSJ author Adam Bonislawski says, “It isn’t news that money goes further in some real estate markets than others. Just how much further, though, can be striking.”
In the Midwest and Northeast, historic homes built during a manufacturing boom have suffered along with the economy. Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia says “The places where we see this [kind of property] are markets that historically had a lot of industry and a lot of money but slower economic growth recently and therefore more affordable housing.”
But the bargain mansions are not limited to the Midwest and Northeast. Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, Historic downtown Brunswick, Georgia is emerging as a “low-cost alternative” to other coastal towns like Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. The article profiles the Desrosiers who moved from Charleston to Brunswick, getting “twice the space for half the price.”
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate Associate Broker, Katie Brown, listed the home the Desrosiers purchased. And has another historic home listed just down the block at 716 Union Street, also featured in the article.
About the Wall Street Journal article, Katie Brown says, “this shows you get a lot of bang for your buck in Brunswick. It doesn’t hide the downfalls of living in a historic district, but shows the passion buyers have for craftsmanship, classic details and style.”
For more information on home values in Historic Downtown Brunswick or to learn more about current listings in Brunswick, St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles contact Hodnett Cooper Real Estate.
About Katie: Katie Brown grew up in Brunswick, Georgia’s Historic District and has a familiarity of the area that only comes from being a lifelong resident. Katie is a graduate of University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on Housing. In 2006 she brought her knowledge of the area and education to the real estate field. Katie enjoys being in a dynamic industry that focuses on relationships. Whether buying or selling, Katie makes the process enjoyable with guidance and local expertise. Katie deals with all types of property, but has a special place in her heart for historic homes.
Katie is a member at First Baptist Church of Brunswick and active in the Brunswick Junior Womens’ Club. Katie enjoys playing tennis and plays the harp. And she can often be found walking her dog, Blanche Devereaux, on the beach.
Related Topics
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