PROPERTY OWNER FAQs

PROPERTY OWNER FAQs

• What does the commission include?

  Our commission includes what we do for you as property owners!
  We do our best to book as many weeks as possible at your home.
  
  We assist in finding you credible rental tenants & doing a full security check if this is for a year round or winter rental.
  
  We advertise through word of mouth, our new Kennebunk Beach Rentals website, social media (Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook), HomeAway/VRBO/Airbnb, local newspapers, Kennebunk Beach Realty website, outreach to prior year tenants (except if they weren’t tenants that were up to the property owners standards the year prior)
  
  We check all properties for any damages after all check-outs and after all cleanings services are done cleaning prior to next tenant check in and we document any issues in the tenants file to ensure we do not rent back to any tenants that previously caused problems in your home
  
  We recently hired top of the line cleaning service that has received 5 star reviews from all of our property owners so far
  
  We have property maintenance & multiple handyman on call if any problems arise during a tenants rental that we can call immediately for anything we aren’t able to fix ourselves
  
  Cayla and Kathy are on-call 24/7 for guests to contact us at KBR about any issues We do the entire lease process from start to finish, ensuring follow up, & direct communication
  
  We now have a new software that will assist us in advising you on how to price your property based on all data collected (supply and demand specific to your home, weeks booked, and the area) – This is up to the property owner whether they’d like to be advised or not but the tool appears to be very effective for luxury vacation rental companies similar to KBR, around the country.

• What happens when owners want to use their cottage?

  We love it when owners come to visit and can enjoy their second home! With changes in the industry in the past years, studies have shown that there is a large percentage of travelers that book at the last minute. Our reservation management system is "Live" time and always up to date. Please ALWAYS look at your property listing calendar on our site or email us at kathy@kennebunkbeachrealty AND cayla@kennebunkbeachrealty.com to be sure we haven't booked your home at the last minute. If you do decide to come up please let us know so that we don't rent it during your stay in case there is a last-minute inquiry, this also ensures it can be sure it is clean for the next tenant.

• Do you let us know each time the property is rented?

  We give each owner an owner portal. Within this portal, you can view published statements, rental calendars, and reserve your own dates. Rentals are changing on a daily basis so we do not contact owners each time there is a change. If you prefer to email us to check in we always welcome owners to do that.

• Who do I talk to when I call the office?

  We are a small company and you can speak to anyone. We do each have specific roles but focus on communicating a lot with each other as well. If someone cannot answer your question we will make sure to get back to you with an answer quickly.

• What email should we use when contacting you?

  kathy@kennebunkbeachrealty.com AND cayla@kennebunkbeachrealty.com

• What happens after a rental?

  Someone from our staff checks the house for any damages. We also check to make sure safety measures remain intact, the lawn is mowed etc. We arrange for cleaning and check the house after the cleaning to make sure it is ready for your next guests.

• What sort of normal wear and tear can I expect on my property?

  Small appliances or kitchen utensils may wear out or break faster than normal. Walls may get marks, comforters, sheets and pillows might wear faster than normal.

• Why is my rental agent also advertising my property on HomeAway/VRBO/Airbnb?

  These companies are only listing companies and don’t provide other services. However, they do spend a lot on advertising on their websites. We continue to do a thorough check on tenants that come through this avenue but believe the more places we advertise the better for the owner.

• What safety measures are required by your company?

  We do require that all property owners that we (Kennebunk Beach Rentals) represent to follow State regulations regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Within our company, we strongly recommend you have a smoke detector in the kitchen area and outside each bedroom as well as a Carbon Monoxide detector on each level of the home. Each house must have GFI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom. A fire extinguisher is required in the kitchen.

• Do I need special insurance?

  Yes, we require you to have a renters insurance rider or a separate policy for your home. Different insurance companies have different requirements in terms of this. We are happy to provide you with a list of suggested companies.

• How am I paid for rentals?

  All money is collected from the guests prior to their arrival, so they are paid in full before getting to your home. We accept ALL major credit cards and personal checks. Each year we provide owners with a monthly invoice and check and provide 1099 at the end of each calendar year. Owners are paid after the rental is complete.