If you have been thinking about working with a short term rental manager, you have most likely reached a point where you are ready to grow. The number one reason that property owners hire managers is to get better results from short term letting. Whether you have been dipping your toes into the short term rentals market with an Airbnb listing or you are serious about succeeding in this often competitive industry, a manager is often a logical step in the process.

When choosing a short term rental manager, there a few questions that will make the search a bit easier. Keep reading to find out which questions you should be asking potential managers.

What to Ask Your Prospective Short Term Rental Manager

Some of the top questions to ask when selecting a short term rental manager include the following:

1/ What experience and expertise can you bring to the table?

Essentially, what you are asking here is what prospective managers can do for you. How much experience do they have in the holiday rentals market? What skills do they have that would make them a good fit? Most good managers will have a choice of packages that cater to the needs of rental owners. A good manager will be able to tell and show you how you could maximise your bookings, and ultimately, grow your results. Be wary of big, empty promises, however. A good manager will never make any promises that are unrealistic or unachievable. Instead, estimates and projected earnings will be discussed.

2/ What exactly is included in your management packages?

You will also want a clear breakdown of each type of package. A typical full management package would include marketing across multiple channels, day to day management, bookings management, and guest concierge. Other services and features may also include reporting, photography, and housekeeping. A marketing only package meanwhile would include listings, photography, promotion, social media mentions and other services designed to promote your property. Make sure that you know exactly what is offered in each package so that you can make an informed choice on which package is right for your needs and budget.

3/ Why do I need a professional to assist with managing my rental?

This is a trick question, needless to say. What you are asking here is how a manager compares with self-management. Most often, you will soon see the value in a manager once you get a better idea of what the manager has to offer. While you may be able to compete with some services, you will very likely be unable to manage your property at the same level. Most managers have a team of professionals that assist with everything from listing creation to guest relations, front desk, accounting, marketing, and management. This gives you the very best level of service at all times, which in turn gives you the best chance of success.

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Ready to find out more about working with a dedicated manager? Read our expert tips on how to choose a holiday rental manager. You can also contact us to learn more about how to get started with a short term rental manager in Cape Town.