Healdsburg Property Management

WHEN CHOOSING TO RENT BY OWNER OR MANAGEMENT CO.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES IN RENT BY OWNER AND RENTING WITH A VACATION RENTAL COMPANY

These days the choices on renting a vacation rental home are unending.  The web sites are unlimited, and it's hard to know what some of the decision process should be, or could be when making a decision.  Here are some of the important questions we feel should be answered:

1.  Ask "If I have an emergency, who do I call?  May I have that number now please?" Then test it out at 6 p.m., 8 p.m., etc. and see if that party answers or gets back to you in a reasonable amount of time.  Be sure and give them 2-3 tries.  They truely maybe on a maintenance call out of range at the time of your first call.  HPM has a dedicated agent for our guests.  They will introduce themselves shortly after your reservation is made, and you'll be able to have one contact through your entire process, from booking to vacating.

2.  "How do I check in?  Is there an office where I can expect professional staff to direct and guide me or will I be left on my own to find the home?"  HPM has an office to check in, answer your questions about restaurants, groceries, wineries, entertainment options, etc.  We can also leave keys securely at the property for you, if you are one of our many repeat guests, or if you are arriving late.

3. "How do I get keys?"  Again, are you left on your own to get keys from a lockbox with the assumption you can make out the person's directions or internet instructions?  We can leave a secure lockbox with keys for you at the property with one of our take home flashlights attached, and we're also available by after hours emergency phone.

4.  What if the home isn't clean?  Will someone be available to clean it?  What is their definition of clean?  We have a 3 point inspection process:  The house is professionally secured by our field specialist, professionally cleaned by one of our trained housekeeper, and thoroughly inspected and prepared by our portfolio agents.  Lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are left for you as our gift.

5.  Does the Rent by Owner pay occupancy tax?  This tax funds various county programs and helps to continue to promote tourism in our area.  If they don't quote you tax, they're not a legitimate operation and are running their home illegally.  HPM pays their occupancy tax on time and every quarter and works closely with the County of Sonoma on vacation rental issues.

6.  "What if I'm locked out?  How quickly can you meet me to let me back in?"  HPM has after hours service 24/7 for our guests and we're never more than 30 minutes away, with most of our homes being in a 10-15 minute location from our location.

7.  "If I have a need, such as nearest grocery store, pizza delivery ,etc.,  can you help me?"  Yes!  We have prepared a detailed guest binder for you with dining information and town information, as well as a beautiful welcome packet stuffed full of county and town brochures, wineries, restaurants and more.

8.  "Can you make suggestions on things to do, nearby wineries, river activities, and can you arrange tours, and make reservations for me?"  Yes, see #7 above.

9.  Will there be a "How to" Guest binder at the home so guide me through using the various amenities of the home?  Yes - we check our binders in weekly after each guest departs to make sure pages are updated and in tact.

10.  Does the property have a phone in case my cell phone doesn't work?  Most of our properties have a phone for emergencies, however in rare cases there are a few which do not.  If this is a necessity for you (most people live with their cell phones these days) please let us know in advance.  We also provide free long distance on many of our properties!

There are many, many more questions and situations where you could be left on your own with a Rent by Owner.  Why not choose a rental backed by a vacation rental company, and one who has the experience of 20 years behind them?  We won't leave you stranded, you you'll reach us with your emergencies, or general questions.  We love to be of service and welcome the opportunity.  We appreciate your business, and hope to see you soon!

TIPS ON RESERVING THE RIGHT HOME/COTTAGE

Trying to rent a home for several days or a vacation of a week or more can be a daunting task.

"Where do I begin?  How do I make sure the home is right for myself and my guests?  What amenities are important to me and how do I search for them?"

All really good questions.

The basic information that helps a vacation specialist match a home to your needs is:

• Number of people total that will be coming -- # of adults and # of children, ages of children
• Number of bedrooms you need
• Number of bathrooms you need
• In what area of Sonoma County would you like to stay?
• How close to town would you like to be?
• Do you want to stay at a rural location, or something perhaps noisier, but closer?
• Are linens provided?
• What kind of kitchen equipment, if any will you need?
• Is a swimming pool or hot tub important to you?

This will give the reservations person or homeowner a good place to begin.

Happy searching!!