How to rent vacation properties ...

Book: How to rent vacation properties by owner
Author: Christine Karpinski

I'm going on my 2nd full year as a vacation rental owner. My condo was purchased in September 2006 and my house in 2002, however, turned into a vacation rental in 2007.

After hours and hours of research on-line, countless hours chatting with other VR owners, networking with other VR owners, and the tons of podcasts I've listened to I decided to read a book I should of read 2 years ago.

Christine Karpinski writes a great book on how to start in the business of renting homes to vacation rentals. I was the entire book while on vacation in Jamaica and I must stay, for the novice, this is a must read. I found myself reading things I figured out on my own but at least ensuring I made the right move.

I found the most value in the maintenance area with additional yearly items I do not have on my yearly list of repairs.

My only complaint is her approach isn't as "high tech" as I advocate to others. I'm 100% electronic from booking, to taking reservations, to handling all my notes. No paper, only a computer. This works for me because I have everything accessible via the internet. Any computer connected I can access voice mail, e-mail, and my home office computer with all my rental paperwork. She advocates using a physical paper book to carry with you and a few other low tech methods I truly believe with only slow you down.

I believe in mastering a process and making it rock solid, which I am proud to say I have. Perhaps I'll formulate an article on my method and send to her for future publication.

After much thought I will give this book a 4 of 5 stars and say if you have any desire to purchase a rental property and rent by owner you must read this. If you own a property and currently renting you need to read this book and ensure you are taking some of the tips. This book will help you have a solid foundation in the system.

Great job Christine and I look forward to future readings.