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...

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....

Out of the approximately 120 properties we represent and manage for summer rentals, about 88% of the owners schedule their weekly turnovers on Saturday. Most rental guests much prefer a weekend day to start and end their Cape Cod vacation, and most of them prefer Saturday, because when they return home, it gives them an extra day to unpack, do the laundry, re-acclimate, and relax before starting the new school...

Peak Summer Weekly Rates: $15,900 – $16,900   What rental guests like most about this property: Large estate accommodates groups up to 20 Desirable North Chatham location, one mile from Chatham Center Private 300-foot beach Stunning views and beach walks Seven bedrooms, five bathrooms Spacious inside and out Two full kitchens, two laundries, four common areas Kayaks provided   Find out more

New Listing for 2017! Peak Weeks: $4,500 – $4,800  What rental guests like most about this property: Large pool and spacious, private patio with plenty of seating Short walk to Long Pond beach 5-10 minute drive to Bay or Sound beaches Easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, shops, golf, CCBL baseball Light and bright with appealing furnishings and decor Sleeps eight in four bedrooms, two and a half baths Find out...

Looks like summer is lingering on the Cape.  Time to get away for a week or a long weekend and experience a truly select home for a fraction of the peak summer rental rate.  All with uncrowded roads, beaches and restaurants, many of which are also offering off-season menu pricing. It’s not too late to enjoy the Cape in 2015