After 19 years helping homeowners launch and manage vacation rentals across the Coachella Valley and Mammoth Lakes, I’ve seen the same mistakes come up again and again. The good news? Every single one of them is avoidable.
Here are the five most common mistakes first-time rental hosts make — and what to do instead.
Skipping the Welcome Guide
Your guests don’t know your home like you do. Where’s the extra coffee? How do you work the smart TV? What’s the Wi-Fi password?
A clear, well-organized Welcome Guide answers these questions before they’re even asked — and it’s one of the single biggest factors in earning 5-star reviews.
A great Welcome Guide covers:
• House rules and check-out instructions
• How to operate appliances, HVAC, and entertainment systems
• Local dining, grocery, and activity recommendations
• Emergency contacts and nearest hospital
Underpricing (or Overpricing) the Property
Pricing a vacation rental is...
Enjoying this article?
Create a free account to read the full post and access all of Shana's expert content.
Create Free AccountAlready have an account? Log in
