Pretty Picky Properties Blog

Many Cape Cod homes do not have any form of air conditioning. Their owners feel it is an unnecessary extra cost. They’ll say things like, “People come to the Cape in the summer for the cooling sea breezes. Who needs air conditioning?” You can rationalize all you want, but the fact is that most families vacationing in a private Cape Cod vacation home on the Cape in the summer want...

What’s the most important single room in your Cape Cod vacation rental when it comes to managing your summer rentals? You know it’s the kitchen. A big part of the reason so many people rent private homes like yours instead of staying at a resort is they get to prepare their own meals and save a pile of money on restaurant tabs. So the kitchen is absolutely key. Rather than...

There are families who will tell you they could care less whether they have TV In their Cape Cod rental property. But they are a decided minority. Most people want and expect to have television. For many, a vacation without TV would be more like a prison sentence. So do what the market wants — you need TV. Here are five things about rentals and TV you should know: It...

Hungry?  Try this recipe and libation combo tonight!  Shrimp, tomato, and spinach pasta in garlic butter sauce with a Skinnygirl Suntan!

OK, so your Cape Cod property probably doesn’t actually have any broken windows per se. But what about that outdoor shower door that doesn’t latch right any more? Or that toilet in the half bath where you have to hold down the flush handle or the bowl won’t empty completely? Broken Windows, Broken Business is a business book by Michael Levine which has direct application to your summer vacation rentals...

First of all, if you’re going to rent, you can’t sweat the small stuff. How will you feel about that water ring left on your coffee table? When you do summer rentals, you’re running a small business that can gross up to $50,000 each season or more, depending on the property and its location. There will be the inevitable costs of doing business, including expected wear and tear. Vacationing families,...

Your rental summer vacationers are generally good people who want to do the right things when they stay at your Cape Cod vacation property. As an owner/host, you need to do the right things to encourage them to behave as you hope they will. Create the conditions for success!   Share your expectations — in writing. Guests are not mind readers. Surely, you have specific guest guidelines for your property....

Spring is here!  Time to start getting those taste buds ready for summer!  Try these Grilled Lobster Tails with Sriracha Butter with a Cape Codder! 

Try this Blackened Tuna with Mango Salsa and pour a Paloma Cocktail!

Got leftover veggies to get rid of?  Mix ‘em with this super risotto and shrimp combo. Goes good with a Cape Cod Blonde. http://www.pbandjeats.com/2013/06/risotto-primavera-with-shrimp.html Cape Cod Beach Blonde Ale