Christine Karpinski Quotations

Obviously, more people vacation during peak season, but there are plenty of people who prefer to travel during the cooler months. Maybe they want to avoid the crowds, maybe they want to take advantage of the lower rates, or maybe they just want a break in the February doldrums.

Knowing who will want to rent your vacation home and then buying based on their demands, rather than just your own family's demands, will make it much easier in the long haul when you want to rent that property out.

Sometimes, this takes a bit more digging to determine what vacationers want. For instance, I have found that cabins in the Smoky Mountains have a difficult time renting if they do not have a pool table. Colorado visitors like a hot tub and like to be on the trolley line for the ski slopes. Some vacationers want off-street parking where parking is tough.

A little effort goes a long way. Do one or two things on the list, not all of them. Otherwise, do a good job with the basics and be a friendly, hospitable host. As word gets around and your guests become regulars, your off-season problem will solve itself.