At Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty, we are always looking for new clients to serve. Here are some frequently asked questions that may provide some insight into the process. If you are interested in listing your vacation home for rent, please contact us.
What kinds of services do you provide?
What kinds of properties are you looking for?
What do I need to do to get my house ready for renters and what do I need to supply?
Can I rent my home for a few weeks or does it have to be the whole summer season?
How much income can I make by renting my home?
How do you market my home?
Why should I list my home for rent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty as opposed to an online rental service (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.)?
How are payments and taxes handled?
What kinds of services do you provide?
Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty is a full-service real estate firm. This means that we manage the tenancy process on behalf of a property owner; our responsibilities may include marketing the property, arranging lease agreements, collecting payments, facilitating the check-in, arranging for any service calls should issues arise, assisting the check-out process, and scheduling the cleaning. We are always happy to accommodate additional needs for owners on a case-by-case basis.
What kinds of properties are you looking for?
We are looking for well-maintained, clean, and comfortable vacation homes in beachside communities, and we prefer homes that are waterfront, have water views, or are within walking distance of a beach. Our clientele are increasingly searching for vacation properties with updated amenities and "extras" to make their stays more enjoyable. We want our properties to rent successfully while generating the maximum amount of potential rental income for the owner.
What do I need to do to get my house ready for renters, and what do I need to supply?
We ask that you have your home cleaned professionally at the beginning of the season and to be sure that all appliances, plumbing, electrical components, smoke detectors, grill, and other key amenities are in working order and that a safety check has been done. We also ask that the home be supplied with mattress covers on the beds as well as pillows and blankets. If you choose to include linens, please make sure there are enough sets of sheets and towels for the occupancy of the home. There should be ample dishware, flatware, pots and pans, and other kitchen supplies to accommodate the maximum occupancy. Also we ask that you start the season with 2 full propane tanks for the grill as well as a few garbage bags, rolls of paper towels, toilet paper, etc. to start. Renters love to have beach chairs and a beach umbrella, but they are not required. Any additional amenities (Netflix, upgraded appliances, beach gear, etc.) may increase the value of your home and increases the potential for repeat renters.
Can I rent my home for a few weeks or does it have to be the whole summer season?
While we prefer to have availability for the peak season in July and August, you can let us know the availability that works for you and your family.
How much income can I make by renting my home?
Rates for homes vary from market to market but generally depend on the location, size, proximity to the beach, and types of amenities offered. Ranges generally vary from about $1,500 to $10,000 per week. We can help you come up with an accurate rental rate for your property.
How do you market my home?
First, we schedule professional photography for each of our listings. This photography is overseen by a member of our rental department. The listing page for the property is then created on our site, where potential renters can search for it by price, amenities, location, and more. Our listing pages also have calendars with up-to-date availability for those looking for specific vacation dates. Our rentals are also advertised on social media on a rotating basis. Our booking rate for the season is about 95%, and approximately 60-70% of our renters return each year, some for as many as 30 years.
Why should I list my home for rent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty as opposed to an online rental service (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.)?
In short: superior customer service that is local. Our rental agents know each property, the tenants and the area. They visit each home numerous times to best understand all the unique attributes of each property. Our rental department also speaks with every potential tenant to be sure the match is ideal between the tenants’ wishes and the home’s features. Tenants check in at our main office in person to get keys and a welcome packet, where questions are answered and area recommendations are given. Our office is within 10 minutes of our rental homes, making us very accessible should an issue arise. We also schedule cleanings after each renter, refill propane tanks for the gas grills, and schedule trusted, local service professionals. This level of attention won’t be found using online booking sites, and is part of the reason why our renters come back year after year. As an owner, the peace of mind of having someone available as situations arise is priceless.
How are payments and taxes handled?
We have a dedicated bookkeeper who tracks all the rental payments received and processes the payments to you, the homeowner. Typically, payments are paid in January and May. Our accounting team collects and remits the local and state vacation rental taxes on your behalf, providing you with a 1099 at the end of the year for your income tax filing.
What kinds of services do you provide?
What kinds of properties are you looking for?
What do I need to do to get my house ready for renters and what do I need to supply?
Can I rent my home for a few weeks or does it have to be the whole summer season?
How much income can I make by renting my home?
How do you market my home?
Why should I list my home for rent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty as opposed to an online rental service (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.)?
How are payments and taxes handled?
What kinds of services do you provide?
Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty is a full-service real estate firm. This means that we manage the tenancy process on behalf of a property owner; our responsibilities may include marketing the property, arranging lease agreements, collecting payments, facilitating the check-in, arranging for any service calls should issues arise, assisting the check-out process, and scheduling the cleaning. We are always happy to accommodate additional needs for owners on a case-by-case basis.
What kinds of properties are you looking for?
We are looking for well-maintained, clean, and comfortable vacation homes in beachside communities, and we prefer homes that are waterfront, have water views, or are within walking distance of a beach. Our clientele are increasingly searching for vacation properties with updated amenities and "extras" to make their stays more enjoyable. We want our properties to rent successfully while generating the maximum amount of potential rental income for the owner.
What do I need to do to get my house ready for renters, and what do I need to supply?
We ask that you have your home cleaned professionally at the beginning of the season and to be sure that all appliances, plumbing, electrical components, smoke detectors, grill, and other key amenities are in working order and that a safety check has been done. We also ask that the home be supplied with mattress covers on the beds as well as pillows and blankets. If you choose to include linens, please make sure there are enough sets of sheets and towels for the occupancy of the home. There should be ample dishware, flatware, pots and pans, and other kitchen supplies to accommodate the maximum occupancy. Also we ask that you start the season with 2 full propane tanks for the grill as well as a few garbage bags, rolls of paper towels, toilet paper, etc. to start. Renters love to have beach chairs and a beach umbrella, but they are not required. Any additional amenities (Netflix, upgraded appliances, beach gear, etc.) may increase the value of your home and increases the potential for repeat renters.
Can I rent my home for a few weeks or does it have to be the whole summer season?
While we prefer to have availability for the peak season in July and August, you can let us know the availability that works for you and your family.
How much income can I make by renting my home?
Rates for homes vary from market to market but generally depend on the location, size, proximity to the beach, and types of amenities offered. Ranges generally vary from about $1,500 to $10,000 per week. We can help you come up with an accurate rental rate for your property.
How do you market my home?
First, we schedule professional photography for each of our listings. This photography is overseen by a member of our rental department. The listing page for the property is then created on our site, where potential renters can search for it by price, amenities, location, and more. Our listing pages also have calendars with up-to-date availability for those looking for specific vacation dates. Our rentals are also advertised on social media on a rotating basis. Our booking rate for the season is about 95%, and approximately 60-70% of our renters return each year, some for as many as 30 years.
Why should I list my home for rent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty as opposed to an online rental service (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.)?
In short: superior customer service that is local. Our rental agents know each property, the tenants and the area. They visit each home numerous times to best understand all the unique attributes of each property. Our rental department also speaks with every potential tenant to be sure the match is ideal between the tenants’ wishes and the home’s features. Tenants check in at our main office in person to get keys and a welcome packet, where questions are answered and area recommendations are given. Our office is within 10 minutes of our rental homes, making us very accessible should an issue arise. We also schedule cleanings after each renter, refill propane tanks for the gas grills, and schedule trusted, local service professionals. This level of attention won’t be found using online booking sites, and is part of the reason why our renters come back year after year. As an owner, the peace of mind of having someone available as situations arise is priceless.
How are payments and taxes handled?
We have a dedicated bookkeeper who tracks all the rental payments received and processes the payments to you, the homeowner. Typically, payments are paid in January and May. Our accounting team collects and remits the local and state vacation rental taxes on your behalf, providing you with a 1099 at the end of the year for your income tax filing.
