Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Severe weather events are less problematic with a whole home standby generator PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES WHETHER HOME OR AWAY Why a Whole Home Standby Generator System Makes Sense for Snowbirds Snowbirds know a problem with your home while away is very stressful. Not only …
Snowbirds who rent their winter residences are plentiful and there is typically not a shortage of guests who want to stay in a great property, which means it is important to be the best possible guest to be welcome back. Now, with the added competition of work from wherever (WFW) types who are no longer attached to a traditional office environment, there's even higher demand for rental properties in a warm climate.
As is true of any guest, whether it is a stay in a someone's private home or a paid vacation rental, to be invited back is completely related to how well the relationship goes for the duration of the stay. Don't think for a minute that paying to stay somewhere is that much different than a friend hosting you in their own home, the concept is the same. Be the best version of yourself and the chances improve for a return visit.
Word of mouth referrals and internet searches stack the odds in favor of the rental properties to acquire and retain the best long term guests. There is a level of trust required of each because let's be honest, the owners are entrusting someone with their property on a long-term basis and the tenants are paying competitive market rates for the privilege and typically like to return to the same unit once they find one they love. When an owner and renter form a good relationship, the reward is loyalty to each other.
Based on my own personal experience as both a renter and a vacation rental owner, here's my insight to be welcome back.
Most snowbirds who rent want a discounted rate and most owners want a fair market rate. It's OK to ask for the best possible rate for your winter home, that's fair. If you are staying multiple weeks or months, a discount may be granted. However, if the owner or property manager says the published rates are final, either accept it and pay the price or move on to something more in line with your budget. The days of deal making for the most sought after properties are not likely due to increased demand.
No amount of haggling is going to result in a change of policy if you are renting from a property manager, especially if they manage multiple units. They are busy and policy is policy. They can't spend their time negotiating with 30 to 90+ potential renters because it's a drain of time and energy that could be invested elsewhere -- meaning the guests who are willing to pay the published rate. Never assume there isn't a wait list for the unit you are renting.
To be honest, I felt relieved when talking with our snowbird neighbors who also rented from the same management company. For years they had asked and the result is no one gets a discount. Period. It put to rest the urge to try to get a better deal because "someone else got that deal." Everyone pays the published rate and that is the end of it.
If the owner requires a minimum of two full calendar months, go with it or go elsewhere. Short term you may win a battle to stay less than the minimum, long term you will be replaced by a new guest who contracts for the terms as published. If your goal is to only stay one season, then ask for the terms you want without fear of becoming attached to the unit or being replaced.
Long term rentals are high risk to owners and property managers. If a guest backs out at the last minute, they're stuck with weeks of unfulfilled dates and dollars. Therefore long term rentals typically require a higher down payment and full payment well in advance of the check-in date. I've never heard of anyone accepting weekly or pay-as-you-go for a long term snowbird rental, but it's possible there are some units with those terms. Typically, it's too high of a risk to the owners. Therefore, if your payment due date is 60 days in advance, communicate well in advance to reaffirm your intentions and don't wait until the last second to mail your check. Send it at least a week or two ahead of the due date so your property manager isn't left worrying about what your intentions are and possibly lining up back-up offers.
If you plan to bring a pet or two and think that the owner won't find out because they live hundreds of miles away, think again. Owners have eyes and ears on site, whether in the form of an HOA, neighbors of the property, housekeeping staff, trusted local friends and property managers.
If a unit is not pet friendly, don't bring your pet. Find a unit where your type/size/breed and quantity of pets will be welcome. If you bring your dog/s to a pet friendly unit, follow all rules to the letter, especially promptly picking up after them, keeping the noise and shedding hair to a minimum, and not allowing them to go in restricted areas such as the pool deck. If you or your pet damages the unit and you can't easily repair it, let the property manager know right away, apologize and offer to pay for the damage.
If the unit is no smoking or vaping, make sure you clarify if it's ok to smoke on the deck, patio or balcony.
The Scouting adage of "leave it better than you found it" holds true for rentals. Many of my snowbird friends have casually mentioned that they've worked on their rental during the stay. By that, it may be cleaning corners of the bathrooms, wiping down baseboards or the track of the slider doors, dusting overhead light fixtures, replacing light bulbs, reattaching a chain in the toilet tank, tightening loose cabinet knobs and so forth. Not only does this make the guest happier about the condition of their rental during their stay, it helps the owners and property managers keep up with maintenance without having to disturb the guest.
If you have valid concerns that need attention, make a list of everything so it can be handled at the same time. Be cautious with the list to include only the most important issues. Avoid being demanding or critical and be flexible when help is sent.
One year we stayed in a unit that had recently been renovated with a new backsplash, under-cabinet lighting and lovely kitchen quartz countertops. We were so happy to be the first ones to enjoy the improved kitchen, however, we noticed the construction debris was still in the back of the cabinets underneath the countertops. We didn't say anything because we thought it would be cleaned up once we moved out.
A year later, the chunks of debris were still there and we felt compelled to let the property manager know in part so future guests would not have a valid complaint about it. We emailed the PM and also added several other issues that needed attention such as a broken overhead light fixture in the shower area, a wall clock with an expired battery, a badly stained dust ruffle in the primary bedroom and some additional deep cleaning that needed handled. I regret sending that email mid-stay because the result was that a very sweet housekeeper came over right away and we spent the day trying to stay out of her way. We ended up taking our dog and ourselves off site for the afternoon and wished we had simply said it could be handled once we checked out.
As mentioned, don't bring unnecessary attention to yourself or your needs. Everyone is busy and no one wants to get a call that you have yet another complaint or problem unless it's absolutely necessary such as a plumbing issue or safety concern. If a unit is getting new furniture or anything else while you are there, be cooperative and accommodate the delivery crew. Same is true for fire extinguisher inspections and other needs of the HOA to access your unit.
If you don't like aspects of your unit, you don't need to ask permission to make temporary changes. We have moved game tables to create "desks;" rearranged couches; relocated wall art and a zebra-striped chair into a spare room or closet and stuffed lime green throw pillows into spare drawers because the unit functioned and looked much better without those things. If you rearrange the furniture and relocate ugly items you dislike, simply put it all back where it was before you depart. Leave no footprint.
If you are picky about certain things: kitchen linens, bathroom linens, bedroom linens, special knives or utensils, bring it! There's nothing wrong with that and it will help your hosts by less wear and tear on their linens and kitchenware.
Neighbors who permanently reside in the same complex as your rental are typically dialed in with your property manager and/or owner. If they observe you not following the rules, you and your property manager are going to be hearing about it. Likewise if they compliment you for always being polite and unobtrusive, it may eventually get back to the owner as the years go by.
Checking out on time is much easier said than done. Anyone who has ever packed for an extended stay knows it's a lot to handle. Our first few years we had no idea how to properly budget our time to pack our stuff, clean out the fridge/freezer/pantry, remove the trash, replace all of the items that were moved around and load the car. Plus keep the dog calm while all of this is going on. Dogs are very perceptive and they know when you are stressed, they are also stressed. Our dog becomes panicky and clingy, which makes everyone's stress off the charts.
Practice helps, but there's one tip I suggest. If you fail miserably to properly budget your time, focus on getting everything moved to the exterior of your unit and then load it into your vehicle from there. Always assume housekeeping will arrive the minute of your departure time and consider it a blessing if you get any extra time to move out.
The best snowbird rentals are often taken before they become available on the market. Snowbirds are known to refer their friends and even friends-of-friends if they don't intend to come back to the same place. I've personally witnessed snowbird friends trading the same unit back and forth over the years and a good reputation is essential. Most snowbirds let the owners/managers know their intentions a year or more in advance and happily pay the deposit to hold the unit. Owners know they have a reliable guest and snowbirds know they like a unit and want to keep the continuity.
If you have a valid complaint, handle it privately with the proper persons. If the problem is partly your fault, apologize. If it is not your fault, accept the manager's apology, then move on and don't bring it up again. Mistakes and accidents happen, there is no perfect rental anywhere.
Do-not-rent lists are real and they are standard industry practice. Before you decide to publicly blast a unit with a bad online review, be prepared for the worst. You may win the battle and lose the war. Not only is it likely you will be banned from returning to the same unit, you can also be banned from returning to every unit in the complex and/or every unit that your property manager handles as well as their business associates. Yes, it does happen.
Think about how you would feel if you were the owner. It is an insult to select a place based on accurate online photos and description, then post publicly that the place isn't "upscale enough" for your preferences. Or that there is "possibly mold in the bathrooms" when that is an outright lie. Treat the owners and property managers the same way as an old friend: with courtesy and respect or be prepared for the consequences.
Some of the reasons for being added to the do-not-rent lists are unfair, petty online reviews, not following the rules and otherwise creating reasons for an owner and/or property manager to decide you are too much risk for the reward.
Most guests who end up on do-not-rent lists are not typically snowbirds, this is far more common with weekly rentals. Overall, if you put your best version of yourself into the stay, you will likely be welcome back and that is a win-win for all involved.
A handwritten thank you note for your host is always a lovely gesture. If it's not practical, send an email or make a phone call to say thank you. Hopefully, they will also let you know how much you are welcome and appreciated.
If you are happy, your host will be happy and vice versa if you are not happy. It takes a lot of trust and respect to allow someone into their home for weeks and months at a time. Behind every property manager, there are owner/s who invested both emotionally and financially to share their home with you. Snowbirds who rent their warm weather homes need to appreciate that trust and convey how much they enjoy the home that means so much to both parties. Until I became a vacation rental property owner, I didn't fully understand this relationship, now I do.
-- Zig Ziglar, American Author, Salesman, Motivational Speaker
Map of The Emerald Coast, Southern Alabama and Northwest Florida LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Peak vs. Off Peak Affects the Cost of Housing As snowbirds return home to begin the off-season, much reflection goes into what can be done differently for the next season. Life changes …
Room by Room: How to Furnish a Vacation Rental Property is a follow-up to "The Basics of How to Furnish a Vacation Rental Property."
As an experienced vacation rental guest, I learned from observing and studying the best of the best: the property owner where we stayed. Not only does this very successful woman own many rentals, her company also manages a large vacation rental portfolio. Owners who are not savvy or comfortable furnishing their place can hire her to rework their property into a show-stopper. There is a specific formula that is effective. When browsing dozens of online properties, it is imperative to get attention for all of the right reasons and these properties stand out from the others. The woman who is the source of my inspiration is an amazing artist, designer and astute businesswoman. Without realizing it, she showed me the techniques to emulate her success.
Room by Room: How to Furnish a Vacation Rental Property provides an overview of details large and small of each room of a rental. Anyone who is familiar with boats and yachts knows that each component must work together to form a cohesive and unified vessel, which is also what is needed for a vacation rental property, no matter how large or small.
Along the same thoughts of being impressive whether a "Vacation rental or chartered yacht," the goal is to get at least one "Wow!" from yourself, your guests and total strangers who enter your property for the very first time. Listen and take notes. It matters. If it doesn't happen, don't get discouraged, make changes and keep going until you reach your goal.
I've compiled a basic overview of tips I've employed and considerations I recommend for anyone who is newly furnishing or re-working a vacation rental property.
Not so long ago, vacation rentals had a reputation for being filled with a hodge-podge of worn, unwanted furniture that has seen much better days. We all know what that means: wicker, wicker, wicker, but not clean, modern wicker. Creepy wicker with dirty nooks and crannies. Saggy worn sofas, castaway ancient sinking mattresses with threadbare sheets and pillows. Too much clutter. Take it or leave it is generally what used to be the attitude. Someone else will come along. Or not.
That was the case in my own personal situation when we bought our beach condo. The furnishings were a mish-mash of yellow, black, red, green, brown, white; a variety of finishes/themes and three counter stools that had what looked like a DIY re-upholstery job -- stripes, but not in a good way. Stripes from the 1970's is more like it and believe it or not, the ugly fabric had PLASTIC protectors stapled over the seats. I wish I was kidding, I can only imagine how the guests felt about it. More than that, the bar stools were too high for the space, which caused knees knocked into the bi-level overhang.
On the other side of the counter an old sink and dripping original faucet were thankfully not visible from the main living area. However, much of the old, traditional days of finding rentals, which is word of mouth and tradition, gave way to the inevitable. With the popularity of third party online vacation rental sites, shopping for popular national and regional areas as well as specific rental units became much easier and resulted in owners upping their game to attract guests. Suddenly the obvious faults of a property became glaringly unavoidable and I believe that created the renaissance of vacation rentals. This is what leads me to explain what I mean by studying the places where I've been fortunate to be a guest. It's been a self-created apprenticeship, practicum and internship rolled into an ongoing life lesson.
An overview of what I learned from "the best of the best," means a road map to success. Maps are typically easily viewed, yet not so easily navigated. Stay the course for the best results.
--Cohesive, color-identity decor. Color is psychologically based on emotion. Color is powerful and color is attention-getting. Number one on the "best of the best" list is connect through color. Choose a color palette and repeat it everywhere without getting carried away. IE, Watery blues and seafoam greens with white. Or mid-blue, white and yellow. The possibilities are endless. Whatever you choose, stick with it so potential guests remember they saw the beautiful, "Dove gray, white and pale blue" combination.
--Comfortable, inviting, fresh-looking rooms that get attention via a striking view and/or focal point and picture-yourself-sitting-in-it furniture. Sofa, coffee table, end tables, lamps and an easy chair are minimal basics. At least one comfortable sturdy chair with arms is helpful for guests who need the support to rise from sit to stand.
--Accessories and wall art that work together to "tell the story" of the home. By that, the theme and ties to local interest is just the beginning. The rest of it boils down to details. The details are most often small yet very important.
An example of the details of the best of the best decor includes:
--An attractive, distinctive mirror located above the drop zone.
--Attractive area rugs in the living spaces and both sides of every bed.
--Appropriately sized, wall-mounted flat screen TV's with no visible wires
--Specialty glass custom-cut with polished edges to cover every surface that may be damaged from water or scratches.
--Bathrooms should look coordinated, but not exactly the same. This is my own take on how to avoid confusing your online shopper. If the bathrooms look too much alike, there's a chance the potential guest may not realize there are more than one.
Consider each room and the features you want to highlight or downplay. Features include a great view, fireplace, large television, wall art, built-in bookcases, furniture such as a buffet and interesting finishes such as bead board, board and batten, shiplap and crown molding.
Downplay (or cover) windows without a view, walls or ceilings with unattractive finishes and problem areas such as an awkward layout or flow. You may be thinking, "Window without a view? Certainly there is something redeeming to look at?" Not really. In many condos, a bedroom window may face a dark stairwell or walled exterior hallway that adjoins with another unit. It's more common than you might think. Turn a negative into a positive with an amazing window treatment or headboard to distract from a lack of view. I spent six years loving an interior bedroom with a walled hallway view because the lone window's plantation shutters never needed opened and the room's decor was so lovely it didn't matter about anything else. It was my space and my private sanctuary 24/7.
Show restraint with accessories and wall art. Your rental should not be a hot mess overload of your style/theme. The goal is uncluttered, clean and fresh.
Install mirrors where appropriate including one or two in the main living space. Full length mirrors belong in every bedroom. Bathrooms should have good-sized mirrors. Don't fall for trends of replacing large, sturdy bathroom mirrors with mirrors that are too small. Practicality is more important.
A little bit of word art and sayings on the wall and so forth goes a very long way. No one needs a sign telling them to "Relax," "Eat" or that it's "Wine O-Clock." It's annoying and the last thing you want to do is provoke your guests with silly messages or cause them to remove your signage into a closet during their stay. If in doubt, don't include any word art or signage. If you feel compelled, make sure it is tasteful and understated.
ENTRY
--Welcome mat/s and area rugs
--At least one element to make the entrance inviting such as wall art, mirror/s, a drop zone, bench and place for shoes, depending on how much space you have.
--The entry way should be well lit and entice a guest to want to proceed further into the rental.
MAIN ROOM + DINING:
--Comfortable, cohesive, consistent furniture and wall art and/or mirrors
--Properly sized furniture, including a spacious multi-functional dining table with adequate, sturdy seating. Even if you don't think your guests will be eating at the table very often, they may need space for game night, crafts, hobbies, computers/work/office and more.
--Hardworking multi-use furniture is smart, such as a dining table that also has storage drawers or an ottoman with built-in storage.
--High top bars or tables and chairs should be offset with a low top table and seating option to accommodate guests with physical limitations
--Bar stools should be appropriately sized for the height of the counter. Slippery, unstable or poorly constructed bar stools (or any furniture in disrepair) should be permanently removed no matter how trendy and fashionable they may seem.
--Adequate end tables, coffee tables or foot stools
--Flooring with appropriately sized area rugs
--Accents such as pillows and accessories, but don't overdo it. Spacious and uncluttered is the goal.
--An oversized or very large clock on the wall
--A large flat screen wall-mounted TV, preferably with no wires showing
--Basket or organizer for the remote control/s
--Books and games are expected in a vacation rental and a proper place for them such as in a drawer, on a shelf or within a server buffet helps keep everything organized
KITCHEN:
--Appliances should include a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, blender and perhaps an electric mixer, electric skillet, waffle maker or rice maker if space allows it. Wine refrigerators and separate ice makers are luxurious upgrades if there is space.
--Adequate supplies, utensils, cookware, skillets, pots/pans and dishware in good repair
--An array of sizes of plates, glasses and cookware
--A mix of ceramic plates and non-breakable plates/glasses are helpful for families with young children
--Plenty of fresh dish cloths and dish towels displayed in a small basket for easy reach
--Kitchen counters free of clutter and unnecessary items
--Wall-mounted shelving for extra coffee cups and glassware
--Drawer organizers and wire racks within cupboards for easier storage
--Dish rack stored under the sink for hand washed items
--A rack to hold wine glasses and/or wine bottles is nice if space allows for it
BEDROOM/S:
--Adequate furniture, end tables with lamps and a small area rug for each side of the bed
--A closet free of clutter with plenty of shelves, hangers and organizational helpers such as a wall-mounted rack for the iron and ironing board
--Fresh pillows in two sizes: standard and king
--Pillows with shams to make the bedding look more attractive
--Extra sheets and blankets stored in marked plastic bags or clear plastic bins
--Wall hooks for ease of storing coats, hats, scarves, shoes, dog leashes, etc.
--Layers of window treatments for added privacy: slatted blind/s plus sheer curtains and room-darkening drapes
--One or more electric nightstand clocks, preferably with ports to charge a cell phone and additional built-in electric outlets
--Floor space for the pet's bed if your rental is pet-friendly
--A large flat screen wall-mounted TV, preferably with no wires showing
--Basket or organizer for the remote control/s, keys, sunglasses, etc
--Small decorative bowl or dish to put jewelry
BATHROOM/S:
--Adequate storage for linens and toiletries. If needed, install wall-mounted cabinets for additional storage.
--Adequate number and appropriately sized towel racks
--Adequate hand and bath towels, preferably three or more sets of each per bathroom. Wash cloths should be plentiful, preferably six+ per bathroom.
--Bath mats and washable bathroom rugs next to the commode and shower/tub
--Wall hooks for clothes, towels, robes, hats and more
--Practical items such as plungers and toilet brushes should be readily available, but preferably stored out of sight
LAUNDRY:
--Organizational wall-mounted racks for detergent, hooks and so forth are always appreciated
--A plastic laundry basket is nice if there's adequate space available
--Polite signage recommending how to keep the equipment functioning, such as not putting sandy items in the washer, helps guests help you.
BALCONY/PATIO/DECK:
--Adequate sturdy outdoor tables and seating
--High top tables and chairs should be offset with a low top table and seating option to accommodate guests with physical limitations
--Comfortable cushions and outdoor pillows in good repair unless not necessary due to the type of outdoor furniture
--An outdoor rug if space and weather conditions allow for it
-- Albert Hadley, American Interior Designer
The small bite hors d’oeuvres are beautifully presented, everything is more sparkly and has an element of being that much better. Beef tenderloin blue cheese bites Butternut squash crostini with arugula hummus Parmesan crisps with Prosciutto and orange marmalade preserves COOKING CLASS Four Festive Small …
Recently I was contacted by a reader who is planning her first snowbird stay this winter. She has vacationed in NW Florida for many years, but never for an extended time and is looking for suggestions to find group activities. Her concern is becoming bored staying in the condo for a month and she asked if I could offer some ideas to help. She said she enjoys "food-related activities, walking/hiking and biking" as well as any other recommendations.
Ironically, I can absolutely relate to this. We purchased our first vacation rental condo in the winter of 2021 and stayed in it for the first time for Thanksgiving. Although we have rented a unit nearby for six seasons, we have no network of friends at the new place for a late Autumn stay and it is basically starting over again. Not just meeting new people, but adjusting to a new environment, which is more complicated than it might seem. So I began researching ideas of where to begin to meet like-minded individuals, not only for the reader who contacted me, but for myself as well. This is what I came up and it's a spring board to build upon not just your first snowbird season, but every season thereafter. Make a plan and stay the course.
Meeting new people in a community outside your primary area can be daunting. In fact, it can create anxiety and feelings of apprehension, but with a plan and goals, it will be much easier to accomplish.
Where to start? I recommend the best place is the neighborhood where you are staying while in your snowbird community. If it is a condo complex, high rise or park model community, there will probably be many neighbors around who you will encounter while walking to and from the parking lot, riding on the elevator or while at any of the resort's amenities such as the pool, fitness center, tennis courts, hiking trails, community center, etc.
If you are staying in a residential neighborhood of traditional homes, it may take longer to meet your neighbors, so make an effort to be outgoing and say hello as you are jogging, walking your dog or spending time outside your residence.
Wherever people are congregating, look for that place and join them. As an example, there are private beach access points with seating all along our southern community. Many residents gather there daily for watching the sunrise and sunset and it's easy to strike up a conversation. Just the basics, "Where are you from?" is enough to lead to more conversation.
Snowbirds tend to be very outgoing and get acquainted fairly quickly. Networking with neighbors has been my go-to method to make new friends and once that happens, new plans will pop up. We've hosted and attended food-themed parties, watch parties for sports events, Valentine's and Galentine's dinners, Mardi Gras, traditional pot lucks and more. No one plans for the long term, it's much more spur-of-the-moment social invitations.
-- Michelle Tillis Lederman, American author, keynote speaker
Autumn Tour of Saugatuck on Lake Michigan’s Eastern Coastline A Nostalgic, Romantic, Artsy Waterfront Vacation Destination When my twin sister first announced she was coming home to the Midwest from Hawaii, she invited me to go on a “mini vacation within a vacation.” We have …