The document provides a recap of the 2014 Cape & Islands vacation rental market and discusses strategies for homeowners and property managers. It notes that Martha's Vineyard saw a 4.6% increase in summer bookings while Cape Cod saw a -.5% decrease and Nantucket a 1.3% increase. It emphasizes the importance of positive guest reviews, high-quality photos, responsive communication, and flexible policies to attract tenants. The organization aims to enhance their site and services to better serve homeowners and vacationers.

1. Homeowner Forums Fall 2014
The Cape & Islands Specialists since 1997

2. Our Year-End Report: 2014 Recap and a look to 2015
Summer bookings:
• Martha’s Vineyard: 4.6%
• Cape Cod: -.5%
• Nantucket 1.3%
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3. The Current Cape & Islands Vacation Rental Industry
• Recent economy has produced a consumer’s
market
• Increased inventory of rental homes
• Vacationers are more experienced and savvy
• They demand:
– responsible and responsive owners
– top-level cleanliness and maintenance
– basic amenities and supplies
– thorough and accurate listings
• Guest reviews empower the vacationer
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4. Guest Reviews
In our recent survey of vacationers:
• 94% said they are more likely to inquire about a
home with several positive guest reviews and one
negative one versus a listing with no reviews at
all.
• Over 30% would not even inquire about a
property with NO guest reviews.
• 61% would be more likely to write a guest review
if asked by the homeowner.
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5. “We had fun playing bad mitten and volleyball”
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6. “Loved the outdoor shower! The smell of sewer
flowers fills the beautiful breeze.”
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7. “Our only regret is that we did not purchase a
pass to the Cape Cod National Seahorse.”
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8. Homeowner Management Techniques
 Be more flexible, accommodating, & customer service-oriented
than ever!
 Personalize your tenant relationships
 When screening tenants, manage their expectations
 Be communicative: Leave a welcome letter, be explicit
about check-out procedures, etc. – and check in with
them after they arrive!
 Provide value-added extras
 Be compulsive about cleanliness
 Return security deposits quickly
 Request a guest review promptly after each rental
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9. 9
Booking Management

10. View which items have been completed, their due dates, and any that are overdue
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Booking Management

11. Homeowner Marketing Techniques
• Plenty of top-quality pictures with descriptive captions
(and video).
• Maintain a visually attractive and informative listing.
Enable the map zoom feature.
Sell your location as well as your home, direct them to
the Vacation Planner and Events page.
• Keep calendar date stamp current.
• Respond to inquiries quickly.
• Use Owner Specials and Last-Minute Availability Alerts if
necessary.
• Take advantage of social media.
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12. Recent Site Enhancements – Last-Minute Availability Directory
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13. Vacationers want clear, bright, large pictures
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56% of vacationers would not even
inquire about a home with dark or
grainy pictures!

14. How Can We Help?
• Easy-access phone support
• Blog, Tutorial Videos, Newsletters
• Our Consulting Services
• Professional Photo & Video Services
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15. • Businesses include home maintenance, repairs,
painting, house cleaning, home watch, and landscaping.
• Share your opinions with fellow homeowners
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Home Services Directory

16. Use our Vacation Planner & Guidebooks to Market Your Location
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17. Help & Info Page
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18. Recent Site Enhancement - Google Map View of Search Results
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19. Recent Site Enhancements – Google Map View of Search Results
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20. Sneak Peek
Building the buzz about our new brand messaging
Making mobile & tablet access easier
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21. Vacationer Cape & Islands Experience Feedback
• Cross the bridge and you are transformed
• The Cape & Islands provide a happy place for
1,000’s of people
• Family traditions are built on the Cape & Islands
• “We travel all over the world, but it’s not a summer if
we don’t go to the Cape (the Vineyard or
Nantucket)”
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22. Our New Logo
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23. Website Redesign for Various Devices
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Mobile Phones Tablets