VRM Software Blog

Brand New Owner Portal at VRM

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:09:00 GMT

Be sure to watch the webinar replay for our brand-new OWNER PORTAL. See how you, the vacation rental manager, will have 100% control of the Owner Portal and the ability to update configurations at any time. Christian Hillebrand, VRM's Director of QA, gives a comprehensive Owner Portal configuration overview, including a detailed description of what each configuration controls. You will also learn about added functionality and what is coming with the Owner Portal within the next update. Watch the Webinar Replay Today!!After the webinar, be on the lookout for additional features and future functionality included in upcoming updates.Below you will find the replay for the Guest Portal webinar. If you haven't already watched it, or would like a refresh, please click below! Guest Portal Webinar Replay Walk with us step-by-step through the specifics of this amazing piece of functionality. We map out the customizations available and educate users on how to use the functionality to fit their needs. Get a first-hand look at Guest Portal from inside VRM's vacation rental software.

VRM Guest Portal Experience and Why it Matters

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:44:27 GMT

Join us for an in-depth overview of VRM's Guest Portal. Christian Hillebrand, VRM's Director of QA, will be walking you step-by-step through the specifics of this amazing piece of functionality. He will be mapping out the customizations available and educating users on how to use the functionality to fit their needs. Get a first-hand look at Guest Portal from inside VRM's vacation rental software. You and your guests are going to love its aesthetics and user-friendly capabilities. We can't wait to give you a grand tour. Property managers using the Guest Portal can create a customized experience based on their branding and company preferences, such as: color scheme, logo, contact information, the ability to turn on and off each piece of functionality, the freedom to change the language on labels and buttons, and the option to apply customized messages for the guests. Your Guest Portal experience is fully within your control with just the click of a few buttons. WATCH THE WEBINAR REPLAY Are you ready to be in the driver's seat of your Guest Portal? Click to watch our educational and informational webinar today!

5 Must Haves for Your Vacation Rental Accounting Solution

Mon, 3 Jul 2023 19:20:42 GMT

Are you a vacation rental owner or property manager looking to streamline your financial management processes? Join us for an informative webinar titled "5 Must-Haves for Your Vacation Rental Accounting Solution" and discover the essential features and functionalities that your vacation rental software should possess to effectively manage the accounting needs of your vacation rental business. In this webinar, the VRM team will guide you through the key considerations when selecting an accounting solution specifically designed for the unique needs of the vacation rental industry. We will explore the five must-have features that are crucial for ensuring accurate financial tracking, efficient reporting, and more. What to Expect This webinar will cover the following accounting must haves:1. Escrow/Trust Accounts (2:36)2. Procedures for Month End (5:54)3. Owner Statements (9:43)4. Ability to Create 1099s (12:25)5. Reports (16:54) EXPERIENCE VRM ACCOUNTING! Our team of vacation rental software experts would love the opportunity to talk to you about our accounting solution. See for yourself why our accounting is the BEST in the industry! Schedule your customized demo today. Let's Connect

How VRM Clients Can Enhance Revenue and Guest Experience with DACK

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 17:01:52 GMT

In the competitive vacation rental industry, providing unique and personalized experiences is essential to stand out from the crowd. Property managers are always on the lookout for innovative tools that can enhance their offerings and streamline operations. In this blog post, we will explore the game-changing capabilities of Dynamic Attribute Control Kit (DACK) which is now being offered to VRM's vacation rental software clients. Let us introduce you to DACK, our newest integration partner. See how they can help revolutionize your vacation rental business with their portal and guest app for both Android and iPhone. Understanding DACKDACK, developed by DACK Inc., is a cutting-edge technology and application that gives vacation rental managers to powerful portal to control, customize and manage guest experience, messaging, verification, check-in/out, and more. It provides property managers with the ability to curate unique guest experiences, maximize revenue potential, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving vacation rental market. By offering stay enhancements and upsells to your guests from the convenience of their smart device, DACK helps to boost revenue. Guests are able to customize their stay through the unique offerings and have helpful guest information in the palm of their hand.Tailoring the Guest ExperienceOne of the standout features of DACK is its ability to personalize the guest experience. With DACK, property managers can offer a wide range of convenient tools and vacation experience options at the push of a button. The guest can easily navigate to the property using the map feature, purchase add-on (such as a picnic basket), or use coupons to special attractions or restaurants. They can even unlock the door or access door codes directly within the app. If a guest wants to find the best beer garden in the area, they can find that too.Revenue OptimizationDACK makes it easy for property managers to offer optional extras like early check-in and pet-fees, or fun upgrades like a private chef. After the initial reservation or even during the car ride to your destination, guests can scroll through the add-on options. The options are endless for the guest to curate the perfect vacation itinerary, right from their smart home.Streamlining the Vacation ExperienceDACK also provides other functionality that makes the vacation experience for guests streamlined, with an all-in-one solution. Here are a few of the options that can be offered to your guests, all from one single application:Digital Property GuideDigital Access & Smart LocksLocal RecommendationsCheck-In and Check-OutGuest MessagingSmart Home & IoT Owner Acquisition OpportunitiesProperty manager can also leverage this tool for owner acquisition. When a potential owner is looking at your vacation rental management company over the competition, you can show them how easy it is for you to highlight their property and its amenities to your guests. After all, who wouldn't want to stay a property with this unique application feature... and who wouldn't want their property to feature this application?Set-up is a BreezeVRM and DACK have done the heavy lifting for you during our integration process. Setting up your DACK account is simple and user friendly. Click here to read VRM's help article regarding this new and exciting offering.Real-Life Success StoriesDACK clients have experienced remarkable results. Many have reported significant revenue growth, improved guest satisfaction, and increased bookings. By harnessing the power of DACK, these managers have gained a competitive edge in the market and elevated their properties to new heights. Will you be one of the first from VRM to experience this for yourself? In an industry driven by guest expectations and revenue optimization, DACK offers vacation rental managers a powerful and engaging solutio

Leveraging VRM for Best Practices on Your Direct Booking Website

Fri, 5 May 2023 13:31:16 GMT

Is your direct booking website maximizing all its potential using the features available within the VRM software? We partnered with the digital marketing and website experts at Bluetent who helped us dive into the most critical features within the VRM platform that you should optimize to improve website user experience, increase conversions, and ultimately drive direct bookings!In this webinar, VRM's Ondrea Valenzuela and Megan Vangelist are joined by Robyn Scott and Kara Kacmarcik from Bluetent. Check out what happens when our vacation rental software experts join forces with industry marketing professionals! What to Expect from This Webinar Watch to learn why a direct booking website is important and which optimization strategies to consider. Important features to optimize on your website:Optimal property titlesâ€‹Keyword dense property descriptionsâ€‹Image quality and order of imagesâ€‹Amenities â€“ clean and organizedâ€‹

VRM Insider: The VRM Pace Report Enhancement

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:03:14 GMT

At VRM, we are always one the hunt for ways to make improvements to our vacation rental software. We recently released new Pace Comparison Report that you are going to love. The new enhancements are for both short-term and seasonal rental. They provide a benchmark for how your business is doing for a selected year-to-date, and the ability to compare that to another year. The Pace Comparison Report for short-term rentals will allow you to view the differences between the two years. Those difference include: gross rent, percentage of gross rent difference, number of nights booked, percentage of difference of nights booked, the number of reservations, and the percentage difference of number of reservations.You will see in the webinar that the Pace Comparison Report for seasonals is slightly different, but works in the same. It will include the comparison for gross rent and nights booked. Pace Comparison Report For Short-Term Rentals, this report can be found:Accounting > Reports > Pace Comparison - Short TermFor Seasonals, this report can be found under:Accounting > Reports > Pace Comparison - SeasonalsWatch the full webinar replay for a complete review of this report enhancement! For more information about VRM enhancements or upgrades, contact us today! Contact VRM

VRM Insider, See What VRM Clients Are Saying About Their Revenue Management Solution

Wed, 5 Apr 2023 15:12:18 GMT

It is always a great day when we get to hear from one of our vacation rental software clients about their experience with a partner integration product. That is exactly what happened during this webinar! Our friend and client, Miller Hawkins (owner of Booe Realty and immediate past president of VRMA) joined us to have a conversation about his experience as a new user of RevMax, a premier revenue management tool. We were also joined by Maureen Shilling from RevMax. She helped to answer questions and give live examples of the RevMax system. Watch the Replay VRM clients who are interested in optimizing and automating their revenue management strategy are not going to want to miss this webinar replay!RevMax, a full-service revenue management solution, will help you discover the steps that you can take today get advanced data and analytics, increase performance, and compete at the MAX in your market. The insight from your fellow VRM user will give you confidence in this exciting new product.What are you waiting for? Watch the webinar and connect with RevMax for a personalized demo. Ready to take your revenue management to the max? Click below to see more about RexMax and their full suite of products... or to schedule a demo. RevMax

VRM Insider, Revenue Management is About to Get Even Better

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:47:41 GMT

Join us for an in-depth look at the exciting new services from RevMax. RevMax, a full-service revenue management solution, is now available to VRM users. As your vacation rental software provider, we are always looking for cutting edge technology we think will benefit our clients. This new system offers everything you would need to automate revenue management strategies to save you time, advanced data analytics so you know how your properties are performing, and what you can do to help increase performance. You are also invited to take a look at enhanced tools so you can make sure you are competing at the highest level in the marketplace. We look forward to showing you how RevMax can help your company compete. Watch the Webinar Replay If revenue management and automation are something you are interested in for your vacation rental business, then you will want to watch this webinar. Take a hour to look and listen to the different ways RevMax can save you time and maximize your earning potential. This webinar will answer the following questions:1. Why use a revenue management system?2. What revenue management solutions are available through RevMax?3. How do I learn more about RevMax tools? 4. Who can I speak with at RevMax to get started?5. What does onboarding look like?6. What if I want to use a revenue management tool by I need support? SCHEDULE YOUR 1:1 DEMO WITH REVMAX VRM's General Manager, Ondrea Valenzuela, will set up a personal introduction for you. Send her an email today. Set Up 1:1

How We Grow: The Vacation Rental Show

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Announcing How We Grow: The Vacation Rental Show Podcast Valentine's Day is all about celebrating what you love. That's why this year, we're announcing the launch date of a project that's been a true labor of love. We're excited to announce that February 28 will be the launch date of, â€œHow We Grow: The Vacation Rental Show.â€ What to Expect Host Lynell Gordon, a vacation rental industry expert with decades of experience behind her, will explore industry news, up-and-coming technology trends, and groundbreaking strategies to help you and your business grow. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned property manager, you'll find something to spark your interest and help you improve. The first four episodes include: Succeeding as a Property Manager â€“ from Beginner to Seller From Start-Up to Selling the Company â€“ the Ultimate Property Manager Success Story Wow Customers and Grow Your Business Balancing Growth with Service Don't Forget to Subscribe to How We Grow: The Vacation Rental Show Subscribe today on your favorite podcast provider to be among the first to listen to the industry's newest podcast on its launch date, February 28, 2023. Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date on the podcast and other exciting industry news. Listen to the trailer here Listen Now

5 Great Ways to Encourage Your Guests to Book Direct

Tue, 7 Feb 2023 13:38:21 GMT

This blog post was originally published on 2/1/2019. It was updated on 2/7/2023.People are constantly traveling and with travel, comes the need for somewhere to stay. With so many third-party websites providing vacation rentals, it's easy for vacationers to get overwhelmed with all of the options available to them. Booking direct is an amazing way to secure a vacation rental that is loaded with benefits. There are numerous beneficial reasons to encourage your guests to book direct, some that may even be surprising. When guests are in the market for a great vacation rental, they are excited about their upcoming vacation and are probably not considering that there may be better options than booking through an online travel agency such as Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. Here are several reasons why booking direct is a better option versus an online travel agency. These are all reasons you should be sharing with your potential guests. No Hidden FeesWhen using online travel agencies, you are paying for hidden fees (often in the hundreds of dollars) that you don't even know about. Local property management companies will break down where all of your hard earned money is going and it will typically cost less than booking through an online travel agency. Local ExpertiseOnline travel agencies do not know the ins and outs of the area like a local property management company does. The people that own and operate property management companies are area experts and know the best things to do, places to eat, and can help you find the perfect vacation rental that suits all of your needs and wants. At times, they can provide special promotions or discounts that wouldn't be available through an online travel agency. MishapsNobody wants to think about a mishap on vacation, but let's be honest ... occasionally, stuff happens. When guests book through an online travel agency, who are they going to call when a pipe blows at 3:00 AM? Or the refrigerator stops working? The list goes on. When vacation rentals are booked through local property management companies, guests get the customer service and peace of mind they deserve. Larger Pool of Vacation RentalsDue to the cost of listing on online travel agencies, often the best and most highly demanded homes are not listed on the big websites. This means that guests are missing out on tons of homes that could be perfect for their vacation, but they never have the opportunity to learn about them. When guests book direct through a local property management company, they have a substantially larger pool of vacation rentals to choose from. Supports Local EconomyBooking through an online travel agency helps line the pockets of already wealthy CEO's. When guests book direct, not only are they helping a local (often family owned) property management company thrive, but also contributing to the local economy as well. This is an opportunity for guests to invest in the beautiful community that hosts their beloved vacations. Now that we've discussed a few of the many great benefits of booking direct, you may be wondering how to spread the word to your potential clients. We have curated five great ways to encourage your guests to book direct and encourage you to share and use this valuable information in the following way

VRM Insider, Rental Guardian's Homeowner Protection Plan Offers Protection and Added Value for 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:51:38 GMT

If you are ready to take your owner acquisition to the next level, then you are going to want to check out the VRM partnership with Rental Guardian's Fort Fiji Homeowner Protection Program (HPP). This new program not only offers added value for your business in 2023, it also gives your homeowners peace of mind and a sense of security for their vacation rental investment. As your vacation rental software provider, we are on a mission to partner with the best businesses in the industry who offer you the product, coverage, customer service, and expertise that you are looking for. See how the Homeowner Protection Program will help you grown your inventory and give your homeowners best-in-class protection. Watch the Replay Click to watch this 44-minute informative webinar. Our friend, John Slaughter from Rental Guardian, will cover the following in this presentation:-What is the Fort Fiji Homeowner Protection Program?-How can HPP help you retain your existing homeowners?-How can HPP be used as a valuable tool to add more units?-What levels of HPP are available and how much do they cost?-How easy is it to implement and use HPP?-How do I activate HPP for my business? If you would like to learn more about HPP directly from Rental Guardian or are interested in a free consultation, please click below. The team at Rental Guardian would be happy to answer your question and help you get started! Tell Me More GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!Click the button above to get started or watch the webinar!

2023 Travel Quotes from Sea to Shining Sea

Wed, 4 Jan 2023 14:49:14 GMT

Quote lovers, travel enthusiasts, and music lovers from all of the United States are going to LOVE these state inspired sayings and songs. As your vacation rental software provider, we love to take a step back from the seriousness of software and offer something a little more fun and playful for our friends in the vacation industry. Check out these eight travel quotes from sea to shining sea! From the Carolinas to California, you are going to love these vacation quotes which also happen to be songs. We have linked each song to a YouTube video for your listening pleasure. I Left My Heart in San FranciscoIf you have ever been to San Francisco you know what Tony Bennet was singing about in "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". There is so much to love in the San Francisco Bay area. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, cable cars, Lombard Street, and the Fisherman's Wharf are just a few of the amazing landmarks that are any San Francisco itinerary. History, culture, and architecture are cornerstones of this west coast city. Sweet Home AlabamaWhether you know this phrase from the iconic song "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd or from the title of the 2002 romantic comedy staring Reece Witherspoon, it is sure to bring a smile to your face. Alabama is home to competitive collegiate sports, the Rosa Parks Museum, and beautiful Gulf Shores. How sweet is Alabama to you? West Virginia, Mountain MamaIs the song stuck in your head already? Young and old alike can sing you a few lines from the classic John Denver song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads". However, even if West Virginia isn't your home, you can feel the warmth of its mountain magic. Also known for coal and resilience, this eastern US state is an amazing place to explore and feel right at home. California Dreamin'Are you California dreamin'? If you have ever visited the majestic state of California, you will understand this phrase (and you may even enjoy the song "California Dreamin'" by The Mama's and the Papa's). Towering Redwood trees, the call of the Pacific Ocean, the lure of great National Parks like Yosemite, and the glamor of Hollywood are just a few of the things that will have you California dreamin'. Meet Me Underneath the Oklahoma SkyThis phrase is from Miranda Lambert's 2011 song "Oklahoma Sky". When thinking about vacations and travel, Oklahoma may not be the first thing to come to mind, but that doesn't mean you should automatically discount this south-central US state. OK is where you will find the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and a deep history & vibrant culture of Native American tribes. Moonlight in VermontIf you close your eyes, can you image moonlight in Vermont? The hypnotic glow of a moon shining through thin clouds, a gentle summer breeze, and the sway of romance underfoot... it is all captured in the song

VRM Insider, 1099 Updates That You Need to Know

Thu, 8 Dec 2022 13:30:38 GMT

Welcome to VRM's annual 1099 update. The 2022 tax year has brought several changes to 1099s, and we want to take the opportunity to walk you through them. As your vacation rental software provider, it is our job to keep you updated on such changes so that your tax season is as seamless as possible.Below is the full replay from our 2022 webinar for 1099 updates. Feel free to share this link with anyone on your team who needs the update information and training. Please reach out to our Help Desk if you have any questions. Watch the Replay Join Michelle and Lauren as they walk you through this year's 1099 changes and updates. This video is only 44 minutes long, and is packed full of great information.In addition to being the December edition of VRM Insider, this webinar also serves as Session 24 of our VRMU Back to the Basics Refresher Course. You can find the entire refresher course of our vacation rental software by clicking the button below. Get more info & training... Follow the links below to see all episodes of VRM Insider and to see the full VRMU Back to the Basics Refresher Course. VRM Insider Refresher Course

Free Printable Left Right Christmas Game, Vacation Rental Management Edition

Tue, 6 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT

When we sat down to think about what be the RIGHT gift for you this holiday season... and what might make your life a little easier (and fun), we tried to think about something that each our clients would be doing. We immediately knew that you would each be throwing your own office party... and as your vacation rental software provider we wanted to be included (when we may have otherwise LEFT out).In the spirit of holiday fun, we dove RIGHT in and designed a fun & interactive game for your staff to play at your holiday party! "A Left Right Christmas Story: Vacation Rental Management Edition" is a funny story that follows Molly the property manager and the staff at Vacation-Right Property Management as they navigate a small crisis on December 23rd that has LEFT the office in an uproar. Left Right Christmas Party GameTo play the game, everyone will sit in a circle with several prizes/gifts distributed. Someone will read the story out loud, being sure to annunciate RIGHT and LEFT. Each time the players hear the word RIGHT, the prizes/gifts are passed to the RIGHT. Each time the players hear the word LEFT, they prizes/gifts are passed to the LEFT. This continues until the end of the story. The players holding the prizes/gifts at the end of the story wins the prize/gift.There are several different ways your office can play this game. The office could provide a few prizes for the game or you would ask everyone to bring a gift for a random gift exchange (set a dollar amount). Be sure to read the instructions (image below) for more details on how to play the Left Right Christmas Story: Vacation Rental Management Edition. Ready to play this fun game at your holiday office gathering? Simply download and print! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Be sure to read the instructions. The instructions will give you more details and variations on how to play this Left Right holiday game.Be sure that the person who will be reading the story to the group takes time to read it through before the party! Be prepared!! Everyone will be laughing and having a great time RIGHT before your vary eyes! See our other holiday gift for you! Check out our FREE printable holiday wine and gift tags! Wine & Gift Tags