Pretty Picky Properties Blog

We’re not talking about an inflatable kiddie pool. Or even a good sized above ground pool. We’re talking about a real Cape Cod rental with pool – in-ground, reasonably sized, ideally heated – with plenty of nicely landscaped and comfortably furnished outdoor living space around it. But wait a minute: We all know why people flock to the Cape each summer. Duh, it’s to go to the beautiful ocean beaches,...

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...

Vacationers will have plenty of questions to ask you about your Cape Cod vacation property and rental procedures, you can bet. Well, it’s a two way street. It’s every bit as important that the prospective rental guest answer the following questions so you know you’ve found a good fit for your property and the vacation experience you know that it delivers. Obviously, you’ll ask how many guests in their party,...

Let’s face it, you love that Cape property of yours. You love spending time there. And you love that it can also make a nice income for you, thanks to summer Cape Cod summer vacation rentals. But before your vision gets too clouded by dollar signs, let’s get realistic about rates. We know it can be hard to be objective, but you have to look at renting your home like...

Unlike most of the rest of the vacation rental world, Cape Cod owners, for the most part, do not furnish vacation rental bedding and towels for rental guests. Vacationers either bring their own or rent them so they are at the property when the group arrives.  Naturally, most guests would love to find fresh linens ready to use when they start their vacation. So why don’t more owners throw in...

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...

  Shown above: Nauset Beach Area, East Orleans Sleeps 12 Peak Summer Weeks: $8,200 – $8,900   Every year we receive many requests from large groups such as multi-generational families and multiple families seeking Cape Cod rentals for large groups where they can all stay together. And where resort-style amenities like a swimming pool keep everyone happy even when they’re not at the beach. Until now, we had very few such...

If you buy it, they will come. Nothing you’ll ever do will bring your family together like owning a select property on Cape Cod. Family members will drive or even fly hours to spend quality time with you — or without you — at your beautiful Cape home. And if you want or need to generate good income from summer rentals, that can cause some issues. For example: Your cousin...

Ben Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Sure, you can wait until April to repaint the kitchen or remodel the bathroom. Only problem is that’s when everyone else is doing the same thing. And that means the trades people you want for your project likely will be already booked until half-past July. Same logic applies to outdoor upgrades and maintenance. It may be too early...