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Preparing your property for guests
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Your guests might become trusted and valued friends for the rest of your life. Here are a few tips to maximize everyone�s experience.
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If you own a condominium, check with your homeowner�s association to make sure that guests may stay in your unit. Provide specific dates and the size of your guest�s party.
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If you own an apartment, check with your building manager (or landlord) to make sure that guests can stay in your unit. Provide specific dates and the size of your guest�s party.
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Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you are covered for damage, loss, physical injury, theft, and fire for structure and contents when guests are staying in your property. Ensure that your insurance policy will cover all valuables. If your guests are permitted to drive an automobile registered to you, ensure that the auto insurance policy will cover your guests during their stay.
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Secure your valuables: rugs, jewelry, artwork, important papers, etc.. Ideally, would move them to another location. Consider securing a spare room or closet with lock and key for storage of moderately priced valuables (items that you can afford to replace).
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Obtain a digital image of the front of your property. This can done, for example, with a digital camera or by scanning a photograph. Make sure your street address or other location-identifying imagery is not visible -- such imagery can be obfuscated using digital photo altering software such as Adobe PhotoShop.
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Create a property listing on SwapYourVacationHome.com. We have several tips regarding your property listing. Read on...
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Locate a real estate agent, property inspector, or similar third party agent in your local area. Arrange for them to visit the property and fill out a property verification form. Keep this form handy so it can be provided to prospective guests. Please read more about the property verification process.
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Create an information sheet for your guests with the following information:
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How to operate appliances, heating, and cooling systems safely
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Rooms that your guests should not disturb
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Location of linens
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Instructions for using automobiles, including insurance documentation and your insurance agent�s phone number
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Location of sporting equipment
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Cleaning service schedule and phone number (provide their names if possible)
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Schedule of garbage pick-up
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Instructions for operating irrigation systems with emergency shut-off
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Instructions for taking care of your pets
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Phone number of a trusted neighbor (check with your neighbor first!)
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Emergency phone numbers: Fire, Police, Ambulance, Emergency Room, Family Practice Doctor, Veterinarian, Gas and Electric, and public works (for example, in case water main needs to be shut)
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Exact location of the nearest emergency medical facility
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Directions to popular restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions
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Inform your neighbors that guests will be staying in your property. Provide the names of your guests and the dates of their stay. Ask your neighbors to introduce themselves to your guests when convenient. If your property is attached to other properties, notify the property manager (or landlord) and your immediate neighbors that guests will be visiting.
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Choose a neighbor that you especially trust. Give this neighbor a spare set of keys to your property if you are comfortable doing so, in case your guests lock themselves out. Provide your neighbor with the property�s phone number.
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If you are unable to meet your guests when they arrive, arrange for them to pick up the keys to your property from your most trusted neighbor. Inform your guests of your neighbor�s address and phone number. Provide your neighbor and guests with a an approximate date and time when the pick up will take place.
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Provide your neighbor and guests with your contact information (at least your phone number), in case of emergency or in case they have questions.
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Request your post office to hold or redirect your mail.
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If guests will stay in your residence, consider purchasing linens and other bedding (blankets, pillows, etc.) specifically for your guests to use. Put replacement bedding on all beds before guests arrive. It is recommended that you purchase at least two sets of linens (sheets and pillow covers) per bed.
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Prepare a modest gift to greet your new arrivals, such as flowers or a bottle of wine. A hand-written note wishing your guests a comfortable stay is always a nice touch.
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