Selling Travel 101: The Basics of Vacation Home Rentals
by James Flowers

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With the average nightly rate for a two-bedroom condominium starting at less than $100 and a four bedroom vacation home with a pool from around $200, we offer numerous highly affordable options to meet any family’s vacation budget. In addition, travelers visiting during off-peak times of the year can take advantage of our exclusive Value Pricing, a special promotion that offers guests up to 50 percent savings on seven-night bookings.

Beyond great rates and spacious accommodations, these rentals offer numerous onsite amenities, including plush furnishings, full kitchens, washers and dryers, cable or satellite TV, and even private pools. Beyond the basics, more than half of VillaDirect’s homes, town homes and condominiums feature a games room, equipped with pool table, air-hockey or foosball.

When you book clients into one of our rentals, you’ll earn at least 10 percent commission. And, the more you book during a calendar year, your commissions will increase, up to 15 percent.

Remember these tips when you book a vacation home rental for your clients:

1. Book directly with companies that manage the vacation properties instead of companies that just list properties for rent. By doing this, you will help insure any special needs or issues that your client may have will be handled by the company that manages the property on a day-to-day basis. Give your guest the management company’s toll-free number in case they need to contact the management company before they check in.
2. View (online) the exact property/home/unit that your client is going to be staying in. Most management companies have online slide shows or virtual tours of every property they manage, enabling you to “look before you book.”
3. Book early for best availability, especially during peak times. Vacation homes can sometimes be one of a kind, so booking out early gives you the best chance to secure the property that you want.
4. Urge your clients to purchase cancellation protection insurance, either through the management company or a third party. Most vacation properties require deposits and full payment before arrival which may be forfeited if your client cannot travel for some reason.
5. Read and understand the terms and conditions of the property you are renting. Questions regarding security deposits, check-in times, linens, location of check in office, etc., are extremely important to know before booking.
6. Check with the management company to see if you can have special welcome items like a bag of groceries, gift basket, BBQ grill, etc delivered to the home from you.
7. Book only with management companies that guarantee agent commissions. Also, know how much and when the commission should be coming to you. (You’re not doing this for free).

(VillaDirect -- an OSSN supplier member! -- offers secure online booking engines for agents, and its site features virtual tours of each home. For details, call 877.259.9908 or visit www.villadirect.com.)

(Credits: VillaDirect)