4 Ways To Beat The Competition When Trying To Rent Your Cottage
June 28th, 2009 by admin
Many people who live in the city are taken with the notion of going to the country to get away from the rat race. However even if you come across a great deal on one it will often mean being responsible for paying another mortgage. This is on top of property taxes, heat and hydro and general maintenance costs that can all add to your financial worries. This is often enough to turn people off from purchasing a cottage but by renting it out you may be able to recoup some of these costs and maybe even turn a small profit.
Seems good right? However before you determine that renting your cottage is the way to go here are 4 things you absolutely have to take into account.
Make Certain You Are Requesting The Right Rental Price
It’s hard not to get emotionally attached to your property but you need to be objective in setting the rental price for your cottage. It will take a bit of homework on your end and you may need to enlist the advice of a real estate agent. You will need to see what similar cottages in the vicinity are renting for. Where your property is can be a factor because if you have waterfront cottages Wasaga Beach, being a summer hot spot, would rent for more. Winter time can also be great a time to earn some pretty good money on your Blue Mountain condo if it is close to the ski hill. If your location is not the greatest then make sure that it is in excellent condition and be ready to negotiate. If your cottage sits empty for a week you will not make that money back.
Great Pictures Can Make Renting Much Easier
Ensure you are receiving the most from your advertising dollar and that does not mean you have to spend a lot. Take as many photos of your property as you can. Digital pictures cost nothing to make and even the camera in most cell phones are good enough. The more you are able show possible renters the better. This can back-up the rent you are asking and save you time in only answering genuine inquiries.
You Need Be Searchable On The Web
Those who are receptive to renting a cottage are not going to be local and can possibly be from major cities or also around the world. There are sites that focus on cottage rental listings or for more control you can create your own site. Advertising on-line will give you exposure that you simply cannot get in any newspaper or any other form of media. There are a surprising number of rental cottages that do not correctly execute this step which can you give a bit of an advantage.
4. Answer Inquiries Quickly
You are probably not the only person receiving phone calls and e-mails about your cottage. If you are able to respond within a short time period of getting the inquiry you stand a better chance of getting the renter. Your goal may simply be to make some extra money but you must still treat it as a business.
Through a mixture of research, marketing, and a little hard work you will rent your recreational property and cover some of your costs or even make a bit extra.
