HOLIDAY LETTINGS– A ‘Day in the Life’
There’s never a dull moment in holiday letting-particularly during the main summer season but what happens the rest of the year? Karen Jones, of Coast & Country Cottages in South Devon, explains
During the first few months of the year, fewer visitors are holidaying in the area than during the warmer seasons. Time for a rest then? If only! At this time of year, our three offices are bombarded by a constant stream of calls. On one day in January we took bookings for the next week, next month, many for the peak summer months, but also spring and autumn breaks. By the beginning of March, we’ll probably have taken around two thirds of all our year’s bookings. We’ll also be sending out hundreds of brochures - vital to maximize the ‘call to action’ request the customer has initiated by ringing, emailing or requesting one via our web-site.
Whilst the telephones are busy, the majority of new enquiries now come online, and one of the first tasks each day is to respond to e-mail enquiries received from those ‘surfing the net’ the evening before. Regular users of the internet expect a quick response and it’s a great start to the day to bank lots of valuable bookings before the day has really got going. We keep a close eye on our search engine ratings, taking time out to discuss the further proposals of an industry expert as well as carrying out our daily review of our site, updating offers and adding new properties.
We visit potential new properties throughout the year, offer advice given to those thinking of letting their holiday home and those thinking of carrying out renovations beforehand. As part of the assessment we’ll discuss our different rates of commission, service options and go through the strengths and weaknesses of the property and it’s location. We’ll then prepare a follow-up proposal to send to owners as soon as possible; most are keen to get the property ready and available as soon as possible, particularly at this time of year when booking levels are high.
Our new brochure was published back in October, but over 25 new properties had been added by January, so we also spend time finalising the latest brochure supplement; a final proof read to check details and it’s off to be printed by Colourworks in Totnes later in the week. A new owner also pops into the office for a chat and we spend some time talking to a couple who have come straight from the estate agent clutching details of the property they are interested in buying as a holiday home – free advice and time invested, but often reaping benefits long term.
Although there’s an extensive marketing campaign already in place, we consider calls from additional potential publications, follow up editorial contacts and produce a special offer newsletter. We complete copy for a spread entitled ‘Stunning South Devon’ for a parenting magazine, illustrated by superb pictures of the area taken by local photographer, Tim Stanger. We’re always keen to work with local businesses to promote the area, so set up yet another meeting with another local company interested in some reciprocal marketing.
Our regular pre-season checks are already well under way. We review each property, update remote owners on any maintenance issues and suggest replacement items, decorating needs and particular spring-cleaning requirements. It helps to maintain standards, and going to the properties yourself really make the difference when advising customers on the telephone.
A holiday is a highlight of the year, and it’s very satisfying when customers have a fantastic time. It’s even more rewarding when they call the following year to book again.
For a free Brochure or Owners Guide call 0870 4050530 or visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk. For helpful advice about buying a home for holiday letting , call Andrew Jones via the local offices: Salcombe (01548 ) 843773, Kingsbridge (01548) 852572 or Dartmouth (01803) 839499.
During the first few months of the year, fewer visitors are holidaying in the area than during the warmer seasons. Time for a rest then? If only! At this time of year, our three offices are bombarded by a constant stream of calls. On one day in January we took bookings for the next week, next month, many for the peak summer months, but also spring and autumn breaks. By the beginning of March, we’ll probably have taken around two thirds of all our year’s bookings. We’ll also be sending out hundreds of brochures - vital to maximize the ‘call to action’ request the customer has initiated by ringing, emailing or requesting one via our web-site.
Whilst the telephones are busy, the majority of new enquiries now come online, and one of the first tasks each day is to respond to e-mail enquiries received from those ‘surfing the net’ the evening before. Regular users of the internet expect a quick response and it’s a great start to the day to bank lots of valuable bookings before the day has really got going. We keep a close eye on our search engine ratings, taking time out to discuss the further proposals of an industry expert as well as carrying out our daily review of our site, updating offers and adding new properties.
We visit potential new properties throughout the year, offer advice given to those thinking of letting their holiday home and those thinking of carrying out renovations beforehand. As part of the assessment we’ll discuss our different rates of commission, service options and go through the strengths and weaknesses of the property and it’s location. We’ll then prepare a follow-up proposal to send to owners as soon as possible; most are keen to get the property ready and available as soon as possible, particularly at this time of year when booking levels are high.
Our new brochure was published back in October, but over 25 new properties had been added by January, so we also spend time finalising the latest brochure supplement; a final proof read to check details and it’s off to be printed by Colourworks in Totnes later in the week. A new owner also pops into the office for a chat and we spend some time talking to a couple who have come straight from the estate agent clutching details of the property they are interested in buying as a holiday home – free advice and time invested, but often reaping benefits long term.
Although there’s an extensive marketing campaign already in place, we consider calls from additional potential publications, follow up editorial contacts and produce a special offer newsletter. We complete copy for a spread entitled ‘Stunning South Devon’ for a parenting magazine, illustrated by superb pictures of the area taken by local photographer, Tim Stanger. We’re always keen to work with local businesses to promote the area, so set up yet another meeting with another local company interested in some reciprocal marketing.
Our regular pre-season checks are already well under way. We review each property, update remote owners on any maintenance issues and suggest replacement items, decorating needs and particular spring-cleaning requirements. It helps to maintain standards, and going to the properties yourself really make the difference when advising customers on the telephone.
A holiday is a highlight of the year, and it’s very satisfying when customers have a fantastic time. It’s even more rewarding when they call the following year to book again.
For a free Brochure or Owners Guide call 0870 4050530 or visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk. For helpful advice about buying a home for holiday letting , call Andrew Jones via the local offices: Salcombe (01548 ) 843773, Kingsbridge (01548) 852572 or Dartmouth (01803) 839499.
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