As a vacation home owner I would like to share with you a few tips on how you can humanize your interactions with prospects and existing renters by being yourself and not pretending to be a hotel director. By doing this you're showing people you have ethics, you're a real person, and you care about the people you deal with. At the end of the day, your vacation home will be the one that stands out.

1.  Don't outsource your vacation rental business.  Nobody can describe the property better than you can, and nobody can maintain it as well as you can.  Cut out the middleman and you will be able to save money and frustration in the process as well.

2.  Reply to inquiries in a timely
manner and always be honest with them.  Try to return calls and emails as soon as possible even if your property is already booked.  If your vacation home is not what they are looking for, let them know.  Make sure they understand your fees and policies (make them sign a simple agreement).

3.  Forget the 'snobby' talk. When you talk to a friend, family member or your spouse do you meticulously make sure every sentence ends with a full stop?  Ask for the renter's name straight up.  Be friendly and polite when you talk to renters.

I'm sure some people will disagree with my 3 tips above (especially vacation rental managers), but I can honestly say they have worked well for me and will continue to do so.