Answers to your Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How will the rental rate be determined?
A. We will compare your property to similar properties in our program. We will then suggest a rate estimate, and you make the final decision on rental rates. Please note that rental rate increases will have an effect on occupancy rates.
Q. What differentiates your marketing program from your competition?
A. Simply stated, we create our advertising and promotional literature based on years of testing, plus sound market research. Our Internet presence has been instrumental in generating interest in Finger Lakes region vacations. It also provides potential guests detailed information on the Finger Lakes as a destination and on our company's wide range of properties and services. Our online booking, availability searches, and interactive website help ensure your income reaches its maximum. A successful rental program always boils down to a fair agreement for both owner and agent plus a consistent, aggressive, carefully orchestrated marketing program capable of competing against the myriad of resort and vacation alternatives available in the world today.
Q. How do you ensure that I will not be "nickeled and dimed to death" with charges?
A. We offer a very extensive and cost effective annual agreement that specifically addresses this problem. For a modest annual fee (i.e. $500 for a two bedroom cottage), owners have the option of getting an agreement that covers minor maintenance and house wares replacement. This covers parts and labor. We heavily subsidize the cost of this service and know of no one else in the industry that covers so much at such a small cost.
Q. Can I limit the number of people occupying my unit?
A. Yes, and you can also elect to have your sleeper sofa not used except for owner use. Also, not all rooms in your property need to be made available (e.g. a six bedroom home can be rented as a four bedroom, with two bedrooms made unavailable to guests).
Q. Can a guest charge long distance phone calls?
A. In our program most phones allow long distance calls. If an owner wishes not to have this service available, long distance can be turned off, a password added, or a block put on the phone. If the guest wishes to make long distance calls that are charged to the property owner, we work on your behalf to ensure you receive reimbursement from the guest. If a guest makes long distance calls, please send us a copy of the bill as soon as possible.
Q. How will you ensure that my property is properly maintained?
A. Every property is assigned a Rental Manager and an Inspector to personally oversee housekeeping, maintenance, refurbishing and related services. Your property will be inspected after each departure and before each arrival. A more detailed inspection is scheduled once a month and includes simple maintenance task such as changing filters and bulbs.
Q. What level of communication can I expect from you?
A. Each month we will send you a packet that will include a list of all advanced reservations scheduled, a check for payment for reservations departing and a three-part statement itemizing income and expenses. On a semi-annual basis we send out a newsletter. We also send an Annual Survey to owners in our program to get feedback on how we are doing.
Q. How will I be charged for work done to my property?
A. You have the option of taking an annual housekeeping/maintenance agreement, being billed on an item-by-item basis or providing your own maintenance services. If a guest calls with a maintenance problem, we will not issue work orders in excess of $175 without your prior consent. However, if it is an emergency situation and we cannot reach you, we will do what is necessary to protect your property.
Q. How do I enter the rental program?
A. We will need to inspect your unit to ensure it meets the quality standards we have set. Upon inspection, we will let you know if anything needs to be done before it can be added to our Leasing Program. Our Leasing and Management Agreement must then be approved and returned.
Q. What will be the up-front cost?
A. There is a one-time charge of $125. A detailed inventory of your property needs to be done, and then you will set up the property with the list of required equipment. Photos will be taken of your property and all of the information will be loaded into our database files and our website.
Q. Does Finger Lakes Premier Properties own any rental property?
A. No. We do not own any rental units, so we do not compete with owners in the rotation placement of reservations we generate. We work to serve our clients and maximize their income.
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