It is inevitable that eventually as you work in the holiday rental market you will meet the dreaded awkward customer. Jon explains how to handle such customers who are determined to make an easy transaction difficult.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Try to understand the situation from the customer’s point of view. Treat all problems as important to you as they are to him. Work with them to identify what outcome they want now. Avoid interruptions and deal with their problem personally. Confirm with them what action you are going to take.  BEST MOMENTS ‘Make a point of listening and letting them hav ..read more

Jon details how you can ensure good quality regular bookings into your rental property. He talks about changed habits post-pandemic and what you need to consider to keep your season fully booked and lucrative using online platforms and time-saving automation tools.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Self Catering is a type of holiday that the industry describes as ‘sticky’, in that once holidaymakers have found a property they like they return again and again.  People book more last minute due to the uncertainty the pandemic created, so don’t be frightened by empty bookings and drop your ra ..read more

Jon explains the principle of timing and how important it is particularly in a seaside town. At the time of filming, it is low season and consequently, the occupancy and the workload are much lower than it is at the height of summer. Here are some steps you can take to fill those holiday homes over this time and make the most of the slow period. KEY TAKEAWAYS Make the properties available to any contractors and key workers who are in the area for work typically midweek.    Winter is a good time to look at finding new properties and clients ready for the summer. Ideally time pur ..read more

Jon interviews Rich Laycock, Spa Properties client, Scarborough lover, holiday homeowner and property portfolio owner, about his experience of holiday rentals, being a landlord, investment diversity, future plans, Spa Properties comprehensive service, and how holiday letting is a good choice in an array of options for your property.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Rich invested in property in Scarborough due to the lack of swings in rental income and property value stability.   Multi-use properties are more desirable as you can adapt to changes in circumstances much more easily. Rich is p ..read more

Mike Moss of Action Coach Business Coaches interviews Jon on the podcast Business Spotlight about Spa Properties creation, fortunes and future. Listen in to find out what Spa Properties can do for you, its plans for the future and how you can be part of it, the coaches and business gurus that Jon follows, his business advice and his inspiration.    KEY TAKEAWAYS   Spa Properties was created to provide management services such as maintenance, upkeep, client greeting, troubleshooting, and payment to remote holiday homeowners.     Currently running 31 properties in Scarb ..read more

Double bookings are fairly inevitable in the holiday home industry and as a portfolio of managed property grows can become more likely. Sudden unavailability of properties, such as service problems like plumbing or electricity, can produce a similar result, a holidaymaker with nowhere to stay. Jon details how you can make the best of the situation by dealing with it in a professional manner.     KEY TAKEAWAYS   If you focus on the experience of the guest, double booking can be a good opportunity to build loyalty and repeat business.  Check the internet for any availability ..read more

In this episode, Jon looks at running the property as a successful business and details the things you are going to have to consider when letting out the property including the day-to-day of gaining bookings, managing bookings, and preparing the property for guests.    KEY TAKEAWAYS   Booking a property can often involve a lot of communication, especially with higher occupancy properties with people needing to ensure the amenities they require are available.  For key collection use key boxes so you do not need anyone to greet them at the door. This means the guest can arri ..read more

The next step after you purchase your property is setting up your holiday home as a holiday let. Jon presents a comprehensive list of considerations and requirements before you begin to let out your new holiday home.    KEY TAKEAWAYS   You need to ensure that the property is insured correctly. Your insurance company needs to be fully informed of your intention to let the property to validate your insurance.   You are now liable for energy bills, and water bills (which are constant even when unoccupied), and should consider broadband and television for your guests. All your ..read more

Join Jon in Scarborough amongst the seagulls as he explains the next consideration on your list when buying a holiday home, where? Your location can affect many aspects of your visits and your business, so Jon is here to map out the factors that you need to consider when deciding where to buy.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   Beachfront, town centre, national parks and beauty spots and overseas offer your traditional summer locations.  Metropolitan cities, historical and cultural cities, and event locations offer extra money all year from visitors and workers.    Jon picked Scarboro ..read more

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a holiday home to purchase. If you are buying for your own use you only have to consider your own needs but if you are buying as an investment what factors do you need to consider to get the best return on your money and your time? Jon is here to guide you towards a clear vision before you start the search for your property.    KEY TAKEAWAYS   A one-bedroom apartment can be ideal for couples with small children. Jon started with one of these and he will give you a tour.  A cottage can offer a rural experience and will le ..read more