Hiring a vacation rental manager in Orlando can be an excellent choice for property owners who want to maximize the potential of their short-term rental investments.
With the right partner, you can benefit from the convenience and profitability of owning an investment property without having to do all the work yourself. However, not all property management companies are the same, so it’s essential to do your research before committing.
Table of Contents
To begin, why even hire a vacation rental manager?
- How long have you been in business and operating in Orlando?
- How many properties do you manage?
- What types of services do you offer?
- Is there a limit on how often I can use my property?
- Are there any extra fees I need to be aware of?
- Do you handle cleaning, inspections, and maintenance?
- What kind of marketing is included?
- How do you handle bookings and guest communication?
- Is there an owner’s portal where I can see everything online?
To begin, why even hire a vacation rental manager?
Hiring a vacation rental manager in Orlando is a great way to ensure your property is well taken care of and generates maximum profits. A professional rental manager is experienced in the local market and can provide insight on pricing, as well as strategize ways to attract more guests. They can also take over the administrative tasks associated with running a vacation rental business, such as managing bookings, payments, customer service inquiries, and more. This frees up time for you, the owner, to focus on other aspects of life or business.
If sipping on your beverage of choice from a remote location (or from the comfort of your living room) while all the details are being taken care of for your Orlando investment property sounds amazing, then keep reading to learn the questions you should ask before hiring one.
How long have you been in business and operating in Orlando?
Gaining an understanding of the property management company’s experience is a vital factor in choosing the right manager for you. While the short-term rental industry continues to grow, you don’t want your property to be the ‘test’ case for a new or inexperienced property management company.
Do they have years of experience, specifically in the Orlando market? Are they local, or are their offices located somewhere else? What about their team — how many employees do they have on board, who exactly will be managing your rental property, and what person you’ll be communicating with on a regular basis?
How many properties do you manage?
By asking your prospective vacation rental manager how many properties they currently manage, you’ll get a good sense of the size and experience level of the company. As a general rule, larger companies will usually have better resources at their disposal, but they might not always be able to offer you as much personalized service — this is a critical consideration for some homeowners. While smaller property management companies may provide more hands-on service if your needs require it, they may lack access to advanced technology.
What about the types of properties they primarily manage (commercial, real estate sales, long-term vs short-term rentals)? If it’s a blend of everything, do they have dedicated resources for the short-term rentals they manage regarding team members, a direct booking website, and access to the right technology?
What types of services do you offer?
Like almost everything in the world, not all management companies are equal. Some only offer marketing and guest management services, leaving the homeowner to continue managing upkeep independently. While others provide comprehensive full-service management that should handle everything your property needs to succeed — think pricing, marketing, cleaning, maintenance, guest services, and all the fine details.
At VillaKey, we provide owners with a wide range of services that can be customized to fit each property’s needs. Our full-service management includes everything from local market expertise and revenue management to 24/7 on-call staff for guest inquiries or emergencies. We handle all the aspects of managing a rental property, so our homeowners don’t have to worry about anything other than watching the monthly direct deposit come in.
Moreover, we understand how dynamic this industry is, so we work hard to continuously stay ahead of trends by utilizing advanced technology to maximize occupancy rates, increase bookings and improve the overall guest experience.
Is there a limit on how often I can use my property?
If you plan to use your investment property occasionally for your own vacations or visits to the area, you’ll want to ask if there are any limits on how often you can use your home. Some companies do cap the amount of “owner nights” they will allow, and you’ll want to know this before signing on the dotted line.
Are there any extra fees I need to be aware of?
Most property management companies work on a commission-based model — where they take a percentage of the rental revenue that comes in. However, there are often additional fees that come along with the territory. The big question to ask them is what is not included in the management fee so you aren’t surprised when you receive your first statement.
For instance, what will the cleaning fee be at your departure if you stay at your property? Some companies charge homeowners for the welcome amenities that the guests receive (paper towels, toilet paper, etc.). You’ll need to know the answers to these questions to minimize your expenses and maximize your rental revenue.
Do you handle cleaning, inspections, and maintenance?
When considering a vacation rental manager in Orlando, it is important to check if they handle cleaning, inspections, and maintenance. This helps ensure that your property will stay in good condition before, during, and after bookings. It is essential to ask questions to make sure you can count on everything running smoothly. Some questions to consider are:
- Who handles the cleaning of the property?
- Is there a checklist that the company uses for every inspection?
- What types of maintenance issues will we discuss before it’s done? You don’t want someone calling you whenever a remote battery or lightbulb needs to be changed.
- How will pool maintenance and landscaping be coordinated?
- If there is an emergency, how is it handled?
By asking these questions and learning more about each vacation rental manager’s policies, you can make an informed decision when choosing who will take care of your property.
What kind of marketing is included?
When hiring a vacation rental manager in Orlando, you’ll want to take the time to ask about how they market their properties. Do they list your property on the most popular vacation rental websites, like Airbnb and VRBO? Before your property “goes live,” will professional photography be taken, and an optimized listing description be crafted?
Other questions to ask them about marketing include:
- How do they ensure your property stands out to potential guests?
- What marketing strategies do they implement to gain direct bookings (paid advertising, email marketing, social media, etc.)?
- Do they have a database of past guests that they market to regularly?
- Is there any welcome packet or information placed in the property to help gain return guests?
How do you handle bookings and guest communication?
Knowing the process for booking, payment, communication with guests, and handling any issues that may arise can help ensure a smooth rental experience for your guests. It should also give you additional peace of mind that your property is in good hands and will be managed expertly. Additionally, understanding their policies regarding cancellations or refunds can be beneficial if any unexpected issues arise during a stay at your property.
Specific questions you may want to consider are:
- What happens when someone calls or has an emergency after hours?
- Do guests receive information before they arrive?
- If an unexpected issue arises, what procedures are in place?
Is there an owner’s portal where I can see everything online?
While you’ll always want to be kept up to date about your vacation home, there are certain things that you’ll want to know without needing to pick up a phone every time. There should be an easy way to check on bookings, make an owner reservations, and download financial statements as needed.
We believe you should be able to access this information at any time of the day so that you can stay informed about your property. Most professional property management companies are usually equipped with these types of tools, so make sure to inquire about them when considering potential candidates.
Specific questions you may want to consider are:
- What happens when someone calls or has an emergency after hours?
- Do guests receive information before they arrive?
- If an unexpected issue arises, what procedures are in place?
Ready to Partner with a Professional Vacation Rental Manager in Orlando?
When choosing a vacation rental manager in Orlando for your investment property, finding the right partner can be a daunting task. After all, you’re entrusting the security and success of your investment with this person or team.
At VillaKey, we understand the importance of having a reliable partner who is able to maximize revenue and provide top-notch support. We offer years of experience in the industry and have gained an unparalleled reputation as one of the best vacation rental management companies in Orlando.
Whether you’re just getting started or have been managing your property for a while, VillaKey will make sure your investments are protected and performing at their best! Contact us today with any questions about joining the VillaKey family and how we can help make managing your property effortless!
You can find her calendar by following this link, and her email address is: alice@myvillakey.com.