Vacation, Short Term & Outage Rentals in Lake Anna

Dockside Rentals Vacation, Short Term & Outage Rentals in Lake Anna

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The most common question is what we do for our commission. You would be surprised to learn all the aspects of vacation rental:

Maintaining an updated website
Advertising in Lake Anna publications such as the Lake Anna Visitors Guide, Connections
Talking with potential tenants about homes in our program
Meeting with owners (usually on a Saturday or Sunday) to inspect their homes and offer advice as to sleeping size, rates, etc.
Taking a detailed inventory of each house as to bed size and amenities
Discuss with owners the advertising and virtual tour options that are available
Regularly taking pictures and updating them onto our website
Having keys made
Providing magnets for each home with the home’s address and phone number
Providing key fobs for keys to each home with our address in case they are lost
Taking potential tenants to see homes prior to them making their reservation
Handling the reservation which includes sending them leases and tracking the return of signed leases.
Collecting the money in a timely manner
Changing/cancellations of reservations per tenant’s requirements
Putting together check-in packages that include a map, house information and a list of departure items that need to be done.
Check-in tenants and giving them a run down on the home they are renting
Providing tenants with information about local restaurants, grocery stores, and where to take their garbage
Providing 24-7 support for tenants with an 800 number so that they can call with emergencies such as lock-outs, air conditioning problems. We even get calls for directions.
Enforcing house/subdivision rules
Checking-out the tenants and getting feedback through a survey or conversation
Setting up the cleaning staff to clean right after a tenant leaves and before the next one comes in
Setting up House Inspectors to check behind guest and cleaners. Do minor repairs if necessary Check for damages immediately to include taking pictures
Paying the cleaning staff weekly
Working with owners/tenants on damages to the property for repair and compensation
Inspecting the homes for damage when necessary (includes taking pictures)
Following up with tenants with letters outlining deductions taken from their security deposit
Returning tenant’s security deposit within 30 days of their date of departure
Paying the owners monthly
Replacing propane tanks as necessary
Answering on the average 15 calls a day from tenants about their accommodations, their security deposit and a host of other questions.
Responding to an average of 20 e-mails a day from tenants, owners and vendors
Inspecting the house at least twice a year and more often if necessary
Arranging appointments for vendors to access the house to do maintenance
Paying vendors for services
Providing services to the owner such as virtual tours, pest control maintenance, and HVAC maintenance.
Paying state and local sales tax monthly/quarterly as required by law
Providing owners with 1099’s at the end of the year
Notifying owners of impending North Anna outages.
Receiving numerous calls from outage workers and arranging their accommodations as well as their rates.
Collecting money from the workers (about 35) weekly.
Keeping up with the latest trends in the Vacation rental market
Rental office is open 5 days a week in the off season and seven days a week during the summer

Lake Anna Vacation Homes – What the Vacationers want!

Over the years, we have accumulated a great amount of information regarding the wants and needs of our guests, the durability of various items, the “Lake Anna Style” and how all these influence the marketability of your rental home. We have conferred with similar vacation rental companies along the East Coast and attended seminars on the topic of furnishing vacation homes. Although our properties at Dockside Realty are diverse in style and size, there are many common threads that attract the attention of our guests. We hope the information below will help you either plan your new home or furnish your existing home in order to achieve maximum rental potential.

Recent trends suggest that guests are looking for a vacation property that offers amenities, décor and ambiance either equal to or better than their own living situation. Outdated furnishings and décor, dark and somber interiors and stark white and sparsely decorated walls tend to have a negative affect on the number of reservations booked. The wish list of our guests includes:

Extended cable or satellite with at least 2 receivers
Large screen TV’s in all sitting areas
TVs in all bedrooms
Multiple VCRs and DVDs
Bookshelf style CD system on each floor
Internet Service
Pool Table (or some other type of game table)
Picnic table plus lounge chairs
Outdoor activities such as horseshoes, basketball hoop, etc.
Multiple master bedroom suites
As many bathrooms as possible
All king and queen beds
Bowed shower curtain rods
Lighting levels that allow a guest to read from any seating location in the unit

Although your vacation home is a reflection of your lifestyle and dreams, there are certain features which should cater to your guests. We encourage each owner to refresh, renovate and redecorate their vacation home on a regular basis to keep guests coming back year after year.

Furnishing a vacation rental property is not just about aesthetics. It is important to select products that are durable and appropriate for our lake location and for our climate.

The Great Room or Living Room

Furniture

Minimum of one sofa and 1-2 upholstered chairs or additional sofa; furniture should coordinate in color and style. Upholstery must be unfaded and free of stains and tears. Space considerations should determine the appropriate amount of furniture for comfortable seating for the maximum occupancy of the property is necessary.
In regard to sofas, we do not recommend the overstuffed pillow backs that are attached. The seams of this style easily rip when stressed. Also, cargo or crate furniture is not recommended as it gives your room an outdated look.
If your property is a pet friendly property, select upholstery fabric that pet hair does not cling to.
Avoid solid colors and light colored upholstery fabric if you have a pet friendly home
Sofa beds are not usually recommended for the great room unless this is the only living area (i.e. some townhouses or small properties); mattresses on sofa beds should be at least 4 inches
One coffee table and coordinating end tables.
Tables should be hardwood. We do not recommend glass or wrought iron tables. Laminated particleboard or pressed wood is not durable and is not recommended.
All drawers should have sturdy glide operating mechanism.
A 3-way table lamp for each end table. Table lamps are necessary for task lighting and are in addition to track lighting or recessed cans. Avoid wall-mounted lamps in the living area. Lamps should be tall enough to aid people in reading. We do not recommend glass lamps or glass lamp shades. Plastic coverings should be removed from lamp shades as they present a fire hazards. In small rooms, two lamps are acceptable.

Floor Covering

Berber-like synthetic carpets with an adequate pad
Carpet should be designed for high traffic
Carpets should be cleaned at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall or just before winter
Hardwood floors with area rugs – rugs must have pads underneath to prevent movement
Fireproof hearth rug if there is a wood burning fireplace

Window Coverings

All window coverings should compliment the style of the décor and should operate smoothly.
We do not recommend vertical blinds or Venetian blinds as they are not durable.

If the room has a sleeper sofa, all windows must be covered
If there is no sleeper sofa, we recommend valance treatments that complement the décor

Wall Coverings

Use satin, eggshell or another washable finish
Use rich earth tones; colored walls reflect more warmth on the Visual Tours and make the room more welcoming
We do not recommend wall paper

Electronic Entertainment

25” or larger, cable ready or satellite TV with remote control in smaller properties; larger homes should invest in a 30” or larger
DVD /Blueray
Bookshelf stereo system with CD player and AM/FM receiver.
Each property should have a minimum of 2 TVs; however, we recommend a large screen TV in each living area/ gathering area
Wifi has become a requirement for renters. If possible provide some kind of internet.

Fireplace

Wood basket
Fireproof hearth rug
Fireplace screen; we recommend tempered glass for glass enclosures.
Iron grate to hold burning logs and a grate that fits inside the fireplace

Dining Room

Hardwood tables and chairs of quality. Be aware that less expensive chairs, although they may look like higher quality chairs are not durable and will not hold up to extensive use.
We do not recommend upholstered chair seats
Seating required for the number of guests the property can accommodate. Seating may be supplemented with bar stools at a breakfast bar if space constraints require it
Dining set should coordinate with the living room furnishings
Hard-wired chandelier or other high quality lighting fixture centered above the table. The lighting fixture should coordinate in style with the other furnishings in the room. Avoid fancy overly decorative chandeliers because of cleaning difficulties.
Dimmer switch (rheostat) recommended for the light fixture
Other accent furniture pieces such as a buffet or serving table are encouraged if space permits

Kitchen

The kitchen should reflect current decorating styles ad color schemes and have newer appliances and quality equipment. Adequate cabinet storage for groceries and counter workspace is essential. As in your own home, the kitchen tends to be a gathering spot. Most guests eat the majority of their meals in the house. Consequently, your guests rank the kitchen very high in importance.

Cabinets and Counter tops

Cabinets should be a contemporary style and in good condition and unmarred
Drawers must operate smoothly
Counter tops should be laminate, solid surface material (i.e. Corian) or granite.
We recommend that cutting boards be be purchased and set on top of the counter.

Appliances

Frost-free refrigerator with ice maker
2 full size refrigerators for 6 bedroom houses and larger
All appliances should be the same color
Self cleaning range (all must have 4 burners)
Dishwasher
Microwave
Appliances should be rust-free; clean and in good working condition

Kitchen Lighting

All kitchen work areas should have adequate lighting. Ceiling light fixtures and under-cabinet lighting should be contemporary fixtures that provide bright illumination.
Lighting options include recessed canisters, track lighting and ceiling fixtures

Kitchen Floor Coverings

Hardwood or tile flooring is preferable. We do not recommend carpeting in the kitchen

House wares (Dishes, Glasses, Flatware, and Cookware)

All house wares should be matching patterns
We recommend that all purchases be made in an open stock pattern so that as dishes and glassware become chipped or broken, they can be easily replaced. We recommend that initially, you purchase extra above and beyond what is required and leave in your owner’s closet
The kitchen inventory is based on the occupancy of your home and is very specific.

Dishes and Serving Dishes

Dishes should be made of porcelain or stoneware and be microwavable safe
Place setting should include dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, and mug

Flatware

Five piece place settings should be medium weight, matching and good quality (purchase extra set and keep in owner’s closet)
Flatware tray for storage
Set of steak knives

Glassware

Should be matching set
Purchase one or two extra sets and keep in owner’s closet

Cookware

We strongly recommend stainless steel products such as Revere Ware or Faberware. Even better is All Clad and Calphalon as they stand up to heavy use. Purchase the proper utensils
All cookware and bakeware should be rust-free.

Small appliances and miscellaneous items

Kitchen fire extinguisher mounted on the wall near the stove. This should be replaced regularly as indicated in the instructions.
A coffee maker, blender, crock pot, griddle etc.

Wall Coverings

Semi-gloss paint is recommended

Bedroom

Comfort and convenience are very important. It is suggested that you stay in each bedroom overnight to test the mattresses, pillows, closet space, and lighting.
Multiple master bedroom suites (bedroom with an adjoining bathroom that only opens into the bedroom) are very popular. If you are building, it is recommended that you include as many master bedroom suites as possible.
King and queen beds are recommended because of our dual market.
Baby equipment is accepted (cribs, port cribs or high chairs) as long as the tenants are made known to keep it sanitary and clean

Furniture

A Firm, superior grade mattress and matching box spring with an attached frame and headboard is a must
Headboards are required and must be securely fastened to the frame.
A coordinating dresser, armoire or good quality shelf system in the closet, mirror and 2 coordinating night stands
There should be one lamp on the dresser and one on each night stand. They should be of appropriate height for reading. We do not recommend glass lamps and/or glass lamp shades as they may break
Furniture should be hardwood. We do not recommend laminated particleboard or pressed wood as it is not durable.
All drawers should have a sturdy glide operating mechanism

Bedding

Bed coverings should coordinate with the room décor. We do not recommend plain colors as they tend to show stains easily. The backing of bedspreads and comforters should be made of cotton or polyester/cotton blend. Avoid the “bed in a bag” quality as these will tend to lower the quality of the room.
If using a comforter instead of a bedspread, the bed should have a coordinating bed skirt made of sturdy heavyweight fabric. Quality dust ruffles have a cotton fabric for under the mattress that is less likely to tear. All bedding should be free of stains, fading and tears.
A mattress pad is required for all beds. It is recommended to purchase a higher quality one as they are frequently laundered. These should be replaced when torn or stained.
There should be an appropriate number of pillows for each bed. Pillows should be in excellent, puffy condition. Hypo allergenic pillows are more widely accepted but top quality properties now offer some down pillows as well. Cotton, zippered coverings are recommended for all pillows so they can be laundered if needed.
One blanket for each bed. These should be replaced regularly when stained or torn
If your bedding includes pillow shams, you should have additional pillows for the shams so guests do not have to remove pillows from shams in order to sleep.
An extra blanket and pillow in the closet is recommended

Wall Coverings

Walls painted; use color; satin or other eggshell paint
Walls should have quality framed and matted prints or other artwork
Walls should be clean and free of marks

Window Coverings

Tab curtains with heavy duty rods
Avoid Venetian blinds or verticals
All window coverings should compliment the room décor

Other Bedroom Accessories

Digital alarm clock/radio
Plastic or wooden clothes hangers. Avoid metal hangers
Wastebasket
19” or larger television with remote (can be wall mounted)

Bathroom

Showers in bathrooms are sufficient; however, must have at least one tub per house to bath small children.
Soaking tub or jetted tub in the master suite is suggested.
Tile tub and shower enclosures present a top quality appearance. All shower enclosures and tubs should be free of stains and mildew.
Shower curtains should be made of a washable fabric and have a liner underneath. The liners should be replaced frequently.
Vanity cabinets should be a contemporary style and unmarred. Drawers should operate smoothly.
Storage area for guest’s toiletries is essential.
Wall mounted mirror should be free of chips and flaking.
Toilet seats should be clean and in good condition and the same color as the commode.
Wastebasket
Minimum of 2 sturdy towel bars and a hook on the back of the door
Light fixtures should be functional, rust-free and clean.
Use tile or vinyl in the bathroom. Area rugs are fine but need to be changed when becomes unsanitary or discolored or faded. Avoid floor coverings that could cause guests to slip when the surface is wet.
Vent covers should be rust-free.
Walls should be painted with semi-gloss.

General Guidelines

Drapes, wood blinds, good quality pleated shades, Roman shades, plantation shutters and tab curtains are all acceptable options for window coverings. Metal blinds, plastic blinds, and vertical blinds are not as durable and should be avoided.
Valances add a finishing touch to window treatments.
Artwork should be professionally matted and framed. Consider the size of the wall when arranging pictures; a grouping of medium sized pictures or a large picture on more expansive walls. Pictures should be hung at eye level. The wall accessories are very noticeable in the 3D Virtual Tours.
All sleeping rooms and bathrooms should have window coverings. Great rooms with cathedral style windows do not need to be covered. Ground level windows should be covered.
There should be no peeling paint, broken window screens or other signs of damage.
Decking should not have loose boards or railings. All railings inside and outside of the house must be to code so small children can not slip through. Decking should be power-washed at least once a year.
Grills should be clean and functional. Replace any that show rust. Heavy plastic covers made for grills are suggested. Make sure to provide BBQ tools and a brush to clean the grill.
No arcade-style games in the property unless you have a maintenance service agreement. Games must be in working order at all times. These games are not covered by POM.
Dockside requires all items in the house to be in working order. If they are not, they must be removed or repaired.
If you wish to have glass tops made to protect your furniture, you should contact your nearest store.

“Vacation rentals need to stay competitive and remodeling and upgrading the furnishings is one way to accomplish that… The Internet has changed the rules of the game. Guests research the various vacation options before making a commitment. They want to see photos of the interiors of the property they are planning to rent. If they can find newer and nicer properties that have been recently updated then that could tip the scales in favor of the better property.”

RRS Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 4