Showing posts with label vacation rental company Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation rental company Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Why Work with a Local Property Management Company?

In today's world, with technology at our fingertips, the way we do business (in any business) has changed dramatically. Technological advances in the vacation rental industry have changed the way we advertise, the way we market, how we gain access to properties, how we book guests, etc. We no longer have land line phones, VCR's, keys, paper contracts and we don't do bulk mailings, have phone book ads or do much, if any, print advertising. However, for us, the one thing that hasn't changed is that local, personal touch.


Vacation Rental Management 


If you wanted to, you could manage your vacation rental at the Lake of the Ozarks from another state (or country), book everything online, take your digital payments (credit cards, Paypal) set up your guest entry code via computer to your keyless entry lock and all you really need is someone to clean your property. Easy! This can save you 25% to 40% in management fees, which is great, until you have a problem or your guest has a question.

What happens when the housekeeper forgets to clean your property and your next guest shows up to a dirty home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks? What happens when the AC goes out at 11 pm at night and you don't know who to call to get it fixed, the guest wants a refund or to move to another property, and you only have one property? What happens when the home has been invaded by ants, there is a water leak, the guest cannot find the property or they don't know where to launch their boat?

Property Management Services 


That is why with a local, professional vacation rental manager at the Lake of the Ozarks, you normally get all of these services as part of their management fee. Over the years, our owner has personally helped someone launch their boat at midnight because they couldn't find the boat launch. He has taken floor fans to a condo after 10 pm because the AC went out and no one could fix it until the next morning. He has battled ants in the kitchen, helped stop water leaks, communicated with guests while their power was out and helped them find their property when they arrived at 3 am after driving all night.

At Your Lake Vacation, we physically walk through each property prior to guest arrival to ensure that they are clean and working properly. We have local people answering our phones so that we can give guests accurate directions, answer questions and give suggestions on local restaurants and attractions. When there is an emergency, we are here 24/7 to help them and when the AC goes out, we have repair companies that work with us, even late at night, to help make our guests comfortable. We even have a local office in the heart of Osage Beach across from the outlet mall, which includes a visitor's center (stop in and see us) with all the latest coupon books, magazines, brochures, etc.

Your Lake Vacation is your premier vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks. For more information about our property management services, give us a call at 573-365-3367. Looking to purchase a home at the Lake to put on our rental program? We can tell you what to look for and help you find the perfect home or condo for a vacation rental!

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

We make it simple. Paperless. Keyless. Stress-less. 


4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Also Check Out Our Other Sites:

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Entertainment for a Rainy Day

Fortunately,  at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is bright and sunny every single day of the summer. Your guests enjoy boating, swimming and water skiing all day long and rarely spend any time inside your rental home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks. Right? I know that our guests wish that were true, but if you have lived here as long as I have, you know that it does rain, and even seems like it rains almost every summer holiday, at least part of the time.


So how can you make your Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental property more attractive in case it does rain during your guest’s stay? While some of our larger properties have added a pool table, foosball table or game table, many of our properties don’t have the room (or budget) for something that big. So what can you do for your guests on those rainy days?

Inexpensive Additions


Here are some inexpensive options that can add real value to your rental property at the Lake of the Ozarks

1. Add a DVD collection. - Visit a pawn shop and you can find most titles for $1.00 to $2.00 each. For less than $50.00, you can provide some great movies for your guests to enjoy.  

2. Collect some board games. - Remember those? Same thing, you can pick up old board games at yard sales, thrift stores, Craig’s List, etc. Have some dominos, cards and dice on hand as well. 

3. Create a library! - You can pick up used books at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. and build a nice little library for your guests.

Have a little more money to spend? 

4. Add a game system - and pick up some used games to provide a variety of games for young and old alike. Again you can pick up used games at pawn shops, garage sales and from online community garage sales. 

5. Install an electronic dart board. - This is a good game to add that doesn’t take a whole lot of room, and with electronic darts, you will avoid the holes in the wall (that I remember from my youth).

Really want to impress your guests? 

6. Add an arcade game to your vacation rental home at the Lake of the Ozarks (this might not work in a condo situation). One of the last homes we rented on vacation featured a real pinball machine that we must have played at least 50-100 times during our stay! You can purchase a used game or you can even rent the games for a few months, switch games out, etc. Another game that takes up a little less room, since you can put along a wall, is a shuffle board game.


These are just a few ideas, most of them fairly inexpensive, that you can add to your vacation rental property that will allow your guests to enjoy one of those rainy days at the Lake, or wherever your rental property may be.

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986. If you would like more info on renting your home or condo as a vacation rental, give us a call at 573-365-3367.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  


Monday, July 17, 2017

What Do I Need to Bring to My Vacation Rental?

When renting a vacation home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, what should you bring with you and what will be supplied with the rental? Every rental is different. Therefore, be sure to ask the right questions and check the amenities list if one is provided to you. At our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental company, we try to supply most basic items so that the guests don't have to worry about bringing things like paper towels, soaps, tissue, toilet paper, dish tabs, etc.

Traveling with Too Much Stuff


Yikes! My family and I went on vacation with my dad and my aunt and uncle to Dauphin Island, Alabama about 12 years ago. The home that my dad rented on the beach didn't come with much at all. In fact, we had to supply our own bedding, pillows, sheets, blankets, the whole nine yards. Trying to get five kids and two adults, all our clothes and bedding into a mini-van with a topper was quite the sight. Never doing that again!

"Does this property come with air conditioning?" "Does this property have sheets and pillows?" When we get calls from prospective guests asking questions like these, we can tell they've probably had some rough experiences in the past.

What to Bring


Here are a few things that you really should think about taking along on vacation to make your stay more comfortable:

  1. Shampoo - Many places provide soap, but most people prefer their own shampoo. 
  2. Coffee - While some places may provide a packet of coffee, most people prefer their own brands. 
  3. Old Fashioned Games - It may rain on y our vacation, and while some properties provide a few games, it is always fun to get out the monopoly, risk or sorry game to pass the time on a rainy day. 
  4. Your Favorite Music - This used to consist of bringing your cassettes or cds, but now you can just load music to your favorite device to take with you anywhere you travel. 
  5. Beach Towels - Most places will provide bath and hand towels, but if you are heading to the beach or the pool, you will want your large beach towels. 
  6. First Aid Kit - While you hope you will never need it, if you have kids (or even some adventurous adults), you will want to have a first aid kit handy. 
  7. Small Tool Kit - Running a property management company at the Lake of the Ozarks, I always have a tool kit with me. It's surprising just how many things you can fix with a good old four way screwdriver and a pair of pliers. 
  8. A Pad of Paper and Pen - While smart phones can perform a lot of tasks, there are still uses for good ol' pen and paper. Notes to others, keeping score or tic tac toe all require some pen and paper. 

So be sure to ask your vacation rental company or the owner of the property what comes with the property you're renting and what you should bring with you. Then pack up the car and head out on a vacation to your favorite destination! If that's the Lake of the Ozarks, then give Your Lake Vacation a call at 877-284-0267. 

Russell Burdette is the owner of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986. If you would like more information on our vacation rentals or about putting your home or condo on our vacation rental program, please cal 573-365-3368. We hope to see you soon! 

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Friday, June 30, 2017

How Much Do You Know About Independence Day?

One of our favorite holidays is upon us, and people will be celebrating for 4th of July all weekend long! Whether you're excited about the fireworks or the food with family and friends, enjoy your freedom this weekend. Here are few Independence Day trivia questions from your favorite Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental company you can toss around at your BBQ this weekend!

4th of July Trivia Questions


1. On what day did the legal separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain occur? 


A. July 4, 1776
B. July 3, 1776
C. July 1, 1776
D. July 2, 1776


2. Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence? 


A. George Washington
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. Abraham Lincoln
D. John Hancock

3. Who was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence? 


A. Benjamin Franklin
B. John Adams
C. George Washington
D. Thomas Jefferson

4. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence? 


A. 40
B. 56
C. 32
D. 13

5. What are the first words in the Declaration of Independence? 


A. "We the people of the United States..."
B. "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."
C. "Governments are instituted among Men..."
D. "When in the course of human events..."

6. In what city was Independence Day first celebrated? 


A. Boston
B. Philadelphia
C. New York
D. Richmond

7. In what year did Congress declare the 4th of July a national holiday? 


A. 1776
B. 1892
C. 1870
D. 1908

8. Approximately how many people lived in America on July 4, 1776? 


A. 2 million
B. 1.5 million
C. 2.5 million
D. 4 million

9. What is the title of the National Anthem of the United States? 


A. America the Beautiful
B. The Star Spangled Banner
C. God Bless America
D. Oh, Say Can You See

10. How many stripes are on the American flag? 


A. 13
B. 50
C. 10
D. 12

11. On our country's first flag, in what pattern where the stars placed? 


A. Square
B. Lines
C. Triangle
D. Circle

12. Who sewed the first flag? 


A. Betsy Johnson
B. Betsy Ross
C. Sally Ross
D. Annie Johnson

13. Which country gave America the Statue of Liberty? 


A. France
B. Spain
C. England
D. Russia

14. Who invented fireworks? 


A. the Japanese
B. the Chinese
C. Americans
D. the English

15. On average, how many hot dogs are consumed on the 4th of July each year? 


A. 100 million
B. 500 million
C. 150 million
D. 50 million

**SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS**


Happy 4th of July Weekend from Your Lake Vacation! We hope you enjoyed these trivia questions, and that you have a wonderful holiday weekend with friends and family. Book your summer vacation reservations at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks by calling 877-284-0267. We've got the best selection of private homes and waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks!

ANSWERS: 

1. D - July 2, 1776
2. D - John Hancock
3. A - Benjamin Franklin
4. B - 56
5. D - "When in the course of human events..."
6. B - Philadelphia
7. C - 1870
8. C - 2.5 million
9. B - The Star Spangled Banner
10. A - 13
11. D - Circle
12. B - Betsy Ross
13. A - France
14. B - the Chinese
15. C - 150 million

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  



Tuesday, December 27, 2016

What People Are Saying About Your Lake Vacation

Your Lake Vacation is a locally owned, family business dedicated to providing visitors an exceptional vacation experience in one of the many private homes or condos we manage. Since 1986, we've helped thousands of guests with their Lake of the Ozarks vacation planning! Here's what those guests have to say about our vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks:

Client Testimonials 


"My husband and I vacation with Your Lake Vacation every year for our Anniversary. We stay at the Water's Edge 29-2A every time. This condo has a very beautiful view of the lake, it has been remodeled (breathe taking). And the customer services representatives that assist us with our booking is very pleasant & professional & make sure that your needs is met. When we visit every year we go on a horse back ride, we ride the go carts, we fish, we rent jet ski's & my favorite is shopping at the outlet mall. Osage Beach is a true gem to vacation at. Thank you "Your Lake Vacation" for all that you do to make sure that our stay is pleasant during of wedding anniversary visit." - Melody Hunt

"We have been using Your Lake Vacation for a number of years. We have always found their customer service to be A-1. They will bend over backwards to accommodate your needs. The Falls Unit 152-1B has a gorgeous view of the main channel and is beautifully maintained. The sunrises are breathtaking. We wouldn't really want to go anywhere else." - Ann Knichel 

Our family has been using them for six years. Every house we have rented has been just as advertised, never had a problem. We cannot wait for our 2017 trip, we all have such a wonderful time! Even our grandchildren cannot wait for our next trip! - Cindy Wellborn 

"Our family has come to the Lake of the Ozarks every year for about 25 or 30 years, most of that time we have stayed at Lazy Days Condominium. It's a wonderful place to stay, clean, friendly, and comfortable for families. Definitely recommend it and staff at Your Lake Vacation are great to work with." - Joan Tenhouse 

"We have been renting lake properties through Your Lake Vacation since 2008. We have been pleased with our different rental houses and the service of Your Lake Vacation. They always answer the phone when you have a question and make sure you get the assistance you need. Our rentals have always been as pictured and described on their website and we have never been disappointed in the property or the service!" - Eileen Edlin

"We were in a terrible bind when the house we rented for our family vacation was not suitable. We had several families on their way to the Lake with no where to stay. Not only did Your Lake Vacation find us a place but it was fabulous. We will continue doing business with them!" - Susie Hutchinson Moore

"This company is completely amazing. They are so accomdating and are there to help u every step of the way. We wouldn't use anyone else and their properties are gorgeous!! I would highly recommend using them for your vacation needs!!! The staff is also outstanding!!!" - Charlotte Knichel

"Our family is fourth generation now coming to the lake, first came with my parents in 1959. Been staying at Lazy Days for the past several years, great location on the lake for boating, skiing, and swimming off the boat. Grand kids love it. Lazy Days is great place for families with playgrounds for little kids." - Russell Middleton

At Your Lake Vacation, our hope is that we will be able to serve you and your family as well as we would our own family. If you're thinking about your 2017 vacation plans, give us a call at 877-284-0267. We would love the opportunity to assist in your planning of your best vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks yet!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  


Monday, July 25, 2016

2 Bedroom Waterfront Condo in the Heart of Osage Beach

Bridge Pointe Condo 131 - 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath


Are you looking for the perfect condo in the perfect location? Bridge Pointe Condos are located in the Heart of Osage Beach, right by the 110 Premium Outlet Mall. You're just minutes from anything and everything you could want to do during your Lake of the Ozarks vacation!

Getting into this Lake of the Ozarks condo is easy, as there are just 10 steps down to the door. The full kitchen comes with all you will need for your stay. Save money on eating out by preparing some of your meals from the comfort of your own private condo rental. 

Plenty of seating is available at the dining table accommodating 6, plus 2 bar stools are located at the breakfast bar for extra seats.  The living room has a TV and DVD player, plenty of seating which includes a queen sofa sleeper, and a great view of the lake.  

The master bedroom features a queen bed, deck access and private bathroom. The guest bedroom has 2 twin beds and small TV with cable. There's a guest bathroom in the hallway. 

The Large deck features views of the main channel at the Grand Glaize Bridge, with a gas grill and 4-top table with extra stacking chairs. This unit comes with a 10 x 24 boat slip in the community dock.  The complex has an outdoor pool, gazebo, tennis & volleyball courts.

Have a large group of more than 6 people? No worries - we have other condos in this same complex! Rent them together for even more space. Give the best vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call at 877-284-0267 to book your accommodations today! We have a variety of waterfront homes or condo rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks to choose from - we have something for everyone's needs!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Saturday, May 7, 2016

6 Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is tomorrow, and you don't have a gift yet. What are you going to do? Whether you're celebrating your mother, grandmother or wife this Mother's Day, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation. Here are a few last minute gift ideas from your favorite vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks, great for both young children to do for mom or grown children for that special female in their life.

1. Make Her a Homemade Card.


Nothing says I love you more than something homemade. Cards are simple to make, all you need is some paper and markers. If you have young children, this is the perfect option for a last minute gift from the kids. Card making isn't just for the little ones though, mom will appreciate a handmade gift no matter your age. For grown children, it shows that you took the time out of your busy schedule to  make something for your mom.

2. Pick Her Some Flowers.


Flowers are a favorite for many moms. In fact, it's one of the most popular gifts to give women on Mother's Day. If you live somewhere that flowers are available for picking, you can make a handpicked bouquet for her. However, if that's not an option, some store bought flowers will do just fine. The smell of those fresh flowers will be a reminder of how much you care.

3. Give Her a Foot Massage.


What mom doesn't like a nice foot massage? Now any other time of the year, you might turn up your nose at rubbing your mother's feet - but for this one day, it's a great way to show her how much you care. Grab a bottle of her favorite lotion and take a few minutes to let her relax and show her how much you appreciate everything she does for you.

4. Bake Her Favorite Cookies.


What mom doesn't have a little bit of a sweet tooth? Home baked treats are a great way to thank mom for all she does on Mother's Day. Cookies are relatively simple to make and she'll appreciate the effort. Plus, there's nothing better than a fresh, warm and gooey cookie that just melts in your mouth! You might just have to sneak one for yourself.

5. Cuddle Up on the Couch with Her for a Movie Night.


Sometimes spending time with your mom is the best gift you can give her, especially if you're grown and don't see her all that often anymore. Grab one of her favorite movies, pick out some movie candies and pop up a bag of popcorn. Then curl up on the couch and show her that you want to spend some time with her this Mother's Day.

6. Bring Her Breakfast in Bed.


All year round mom's do a lot of cooking for their children (we know...some dad's do a lot of cooking too - but father's day is coming up soon). This Mother's Day, why don't you let her take a break from the cooking, wake up early and bring her breakfast in bed. She'll not only appreciate the gesture, but she'll be thrilled she doesn't have to cook breakfast for the family that morning.

Happy Mother's Day from Your Lake Vacation! Whether it's a present for mom or just a regular summer vacation, the Lake area is a great place to spend a week or just a weekend. Our property management company at the Lake of the Ozarks can take care of all your accommodation needs! Give us a call at 877-284-0267 to book your reservations today.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Why Do We Wear Green on St. Patrick's Day?

....and 5 Other St. Patrick's Day Traditions


Each holiday has a set of traditions that started somewhere. Maybe those traditions are thousands of years old or maybe they're new traditions that you started with your family. St. Patrick's Day is no different - and Your Lake Vacation is here to shed some light on a few traditions associated with this holiday we celebrate each year on March 17th!

1. Wearing Green and Pinching People. 


The association of the color green with St. Patrick's Day is actually kind of a fluke. The original color of St. Patrick's Day was blue. However, for several different reasons, the color green prevailed: Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle, the Irish flag displays a green stripe, Irish Catholics typically wear green and of course, shamrocks are green! Why do we pinch people that aren't wearing green on St. Patrick's Day though? Rumor has it that leprechauns (who wear green) pinch those around them who are not sporting the same green apparel. This evolved into people pinching each other to show the disapproval we think the leprechauns would be showing. This is largely an American tradition, because - shhhh - Irish leprechauns of yore didn't even wear green! 

2. Eating Corned Beef and Cabbage. 


While corned beer and cabbage is a traditional Irish meal, eating it on St. Patrick's Day is more of an American than Irish tradition. It dates back to the 19th century, when most Irish Americans were poor and could only afford the cheapest meat possible, corned beef. Therefore they substituted it for the traditional Irish bacon. As for the cabbage, it's most likely included because it's a spring vegetable. 

3. Drinking Green Beer. 


Nothing's better than enjoying a nice Irish ale with your friends, but who came up with the idea to dye that beer green for St. Patrick's Day? More than likely, the tradition of green beer started with the Irish tradition of dropping a clover in one's drink and then downing it for good luck. However, the first recorded incident of beer being turned green occurred in New York City in 1914. It seemed like any other St. Patrick's Day celebration until Dr. Curtin, a Coroner's physician, presented his contribution to the festivities - a bright and vibrant green beer. The doctor said he simply added a drop of Wash Blue (a bluing agent used for dying fabrics/textiles) to an undisclosed amount of beer. To make green beer for yourself this year, just add a tiny drop of blue (not green) food coloring - because yellow beer and blue food coloring together will make a nice vibrant green colored beverage!    

4. Legends of Leprechauns. 


The belief in leprechauns most likely stems from the Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women with magical powers. In Celtic folklore, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Leprechauns were also known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much fabled treasure. 

5. Stories of Shamrocks.


The shamrock was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the 17th century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. When the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule. Legend also has it that St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Christian Holy Trinity; however, there's no evidence that he ever actually did that.    

6. Participating in Parades. 


When it comes to modern holidays, which ones don't have parades? Parades have become a staple tradition in the majority of the holidays celebrated here in America. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York in 1762, when a group of Irish soldiers in the British military marched down Broadway. While parades and wearing green have always been a traditional part of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the events will vary from city to city. For example, in Chicago they die the river green.

Your Lake Vacation wants to wish you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day! For all your holiday planning, from Valentine's Day to Christmas and New Year's, keep our vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks in mind. We have accommodations for any size group - perfect for a small weekend getaway or a big family reunion. Give us a call at 877-284-0267 to book your reservations today! 

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

When To Put Your Property on a Vacation Rental Program


Timing is everything in the vacation rental business. One question that I am asked quite often is “when is the best time to put my property on a vacation rental program?” The answer is that there isn’t a bad time, but some are definitely better than others, especially if you are looking to purchase and depending on the income to defer some of your expenses.


The WORST Time


So if I was going to pick, the worst possible time, I would have to say that it would at the beginning of October. You’ve just missed the entire summer and quite possibly will not have a rental until May of the following year. That is eight months without any income. If you are depending on your property to help pay some of your costs it will be a long wait.

The BEST Time


The best time would probably be the middle of December for a home and no later than the end of February for a condo. As families gather for the holidays they (at least the smart ones) begin planning their summer vacations. Since there are fewer homes than condos, and not very many large homes, they tend to book sooner than the condos and smaller properties. Currently our homes (on average) have booked 30% more nights than our condos for the 2016 rental season. Condos, due to supply and demand, tend to book closer to the guests arrival date.

Condominium Timing Statistics


Last year we had seven new condos join our program. The four that joined prior to January 1st averaged 56.75 nights per unit. Compare that to two units that joined at the beginning of May and one that joined at the beginning of June. Those three units averaged 20.67 nights per unit. The earlier units enjoyed 174% more rental nights than those that joined after May 1st.

Perfect Timing


Sometimes you cannot help when your property becomes available for rent. You may be waiting on the closing, you’ve ordered furniture but it hasn’t arrived, you have repairs that need to be completed or you inherited a property and it just took a while to get it ready. There are many factors that come into play, but as you can see timing can make a huge difference in how successful you are your first year. However, after that you will always be ahead of the curve.

Put Your Property on Our Rental Program


If you are planning on purchasing a vacation rental property at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may want to consider looking in the fall or winter. However, if the perfect property comes along, it may be better to throw caution to the wind and purchase the home or condo before someone else does.

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986. Russell has served as the vice-chairman of the Tri-County Lodging Association and is the past president of the Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rental Association. If you would like more info on renting your Lake of the Ozarks condo or home as a vacation rental, give us a call 573-365-3367.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Monday, September 22, 2014

Damage Deposits & Damage Waiver

When I first started in the Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental business more than 10 years ago, our company experienced a number of incidents where guests damaged the owner's rental property.  The guest usually claimed it was an "accident" and the owner always wanted the guest to pay for the damage.  As the rental management company, we were caught in the middle and it wasn't a fun place to reside.

Damage, Deposits and Cost


In addition, guests would glue things back together, hide broken items in closets, under beds or claim, "It was already broken!"  We collected a $30 damage deposit from our guests and if something was broken we would take it out of their deposit.  Our problem many times was determining exactly which guest it was that had broken the item, especially if they had hidden the fact that something was broken.

Some guests would admit to breaking something when called and others would act flabbergasted that anyone would even think that they may have broken something.  But in both cases, they didn't want to pay and felt they should get a full refund on their deposit.

While the vast majority of our rentals didn't involve damage, we were still collecting deposits and then refunding that money.  One day I figured up what we were losing just in credit card fees charging deposits and he number of otherwise good customers we were losing when we kept their deposit or even a portion of their deposit.  We were spending around $5,000 per year processing credit cards that we couldn't recover, ouch!

Damage Waiver Protection Plan 


Fortunately for us and our guests, we discovered a better way of doing business when it came to damages and damage deposits.  Our travel insurance company told us about their damage waiver program.  Each guest would purchase a damage waiver protection plan for a small fee and that plan would cover them up to $3,000 in accidental damages, such as breaking a lamp or kitchen cabinet door.  After we switched over to the new policy in 2005, our guests suddenly let us know more often when something broke. We stopped finding things "hidden" at our properties.  Owners were happy that they were not paying for everything that was broken. This is usually one of the first questions that I get asked when someone inquires about our vacation rental program, "How does damage work and who pays for it?"

We have now been offering damage protection for 10 years.  The product produces some income for our company and allows us to cover those "accidents" that tend to happen to even the best of renters. Our guests are happy and so are our property owners.

Russell Burdette is the owner/broker of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986.  Russell has served as the vice-chairman of the Tri-County Lodging Association, is past president of hte Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rental Association, sits on the board of directors for the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council and is currently president of the Lake Business Builders BNI chapter.  If you would like more info on renting your home or condo as a vacation rental, please call 573-365-3367 or email russell@yourlakevacation.com.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076