Contracts. Good for your guest and good for you. 
Why does a guest or a homeowner need a contract? Contracts establish what is expected from the guest and the homeowners. Contracts protect both parties.

A contract tells the guest what they are responsible for and what is expected of them during their stay at the vacation rental. The language in the contract should be clear and detailed so there is no confusion.The more details the better. A contract similarly lets the guest know what the owner is providing in terms of refunds, cancelations, deposits, damage repair and so on.

By having a clear and precious rental contract both parties can rest assured that in the event of a problem the finger pointing will be at a minimal because each parties responsibilities have been defined ahead of time.

More on contracts and keys points to add to your contract if you are an owner and keys things to watch for if you ar a guest, will follow in the next blog.

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Happy Campers  
How does an owner insure that their guests are happy campers. Happy campers mean returning guests.

First: Owner need to represent their property accurately. Describe in your advertising accurately what the property features. Don't exaggerate but don't underplay either. Tell it like it is.

Second. Provide lots of pictures even ones of the outside and the surroundings.

Third. When decorating your property put some personal touches (not too many) just enough so that it feels like home. Guests who are renting from owners want that personal touch, they are not looking for a hotel feel.

Fourth.Provide a guest book. This will be a great source of ideas and suggestions for the homeowners to use in updating, decorating or fixing the property. It also provides new guests with a view into the past guests experiences that were memorable and pleasurable.

Fifth: Always have a good cleaning crew. We'll discuss this later.

Sixth: Provide the guest with all the information they will need to check-in as soon as they book their reservation.Also provide the guest with directions to your property.

Seventh: Make sure when the guest arrives they have everthing they need for the first night. We will discuss this later also.

Eighth: Provide the guest with emergency numbers in the event of a problem.

Ninth: Provide the guest with local information and referrals to restaurants, and other services.

The tenth suggestion is one we will discuss tomorrow.

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Renting a condo from an owner 
When renting a condo from a home owner there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First: Paying for your reservation
We recommend you pay be credit card. Paying by check can be tricky for homeowner and guest when it comes to disputing charges and reservations. Credit cards, we feel are safer for both parties. Charges can be disputed, reservations can be confirmed and so on.

Second: Check-in Instructions
After you have paid for your reservation make sure to get check-in and check-out instructions from the owner. Be sure to read them and know when to check-in and check-out. I suggest you take these with you when you go on your trip. I know it sounds silly but you would not believe how many people have called while on the road,asking for directions, address and check-in times for the condo they reserved.

Third: Emergency info.
Make sure the owner provides you with emergency contact information (phone number 24/7)in the event there is a problem at your condo. Remember this is a house and things can break.

Fourth: Home sweet home
Unlike a hotel the condo you have rented is someones home. Please respect it as your own home.

Fifth: Damages or breakage
If you break something or you notice something is broken or missing notify the homeowner immediately. Our vacation homeowners take pride in their rentals. Since most owners do not live in the immediate vicinity they rely on cleaning crews and guests to notify them of broken or damaged items. In order to keep the home looking nice and functioning optimally please notify the homeowner immediately when you notice any damage. If you have damaged something the rental insurance will cover the repair. So please report.

Sixth: Enjoy your spacious and comfortable home away from home.



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Executive Chef comes to you for dinner 
Daniel Molnar graduated Culinary Institute of America in 1993. He has worked for prestigious chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Neil Fraiser in Los Angeles and George McGahffey in Aspen. Daniel recently left the Westin Monache hotel in Mammoth Lakes Ca. where he served as Executive chef for two years.
It is Daniels extensive travels throughout Europe, South East Asia, South and Central America that really define his cuisine. His appetizers tend to reflect ethnic street food while his entrees lean toward classic Western fare.
A typical menu might start with chicken mole tacos, ahi tuna in cucumber cups or beef satay with peanut sauce. Items reminiscent of Daniel’s travels abroad.
A simple salad with honey mustard vinaigrette and candied walnuts or a cauliflower puree with smoked almond soup might follow.
Entrees such as roast strip loin with chimi churi sauce, pan seared wild Salmon with dill cream or roast leg of lamb might be accompanied by a root vegetable gratin, caramelized Brussels sprouts, sautéed broccoli rabe or roast garlic whipped potatoes.
Deserts are a simple affair. Flourless chocolate cake with espresso cream or maybe a home made apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
Daniel is happy to prepare kids food. For a less formal evening, Daniel will be happy to drop off a completely prepared meal. The choice is yours.

To contact Daniel Molnar email info@mammothrentalbyowner.com or call (818)883-2488



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It's snowing!! 
When families come to Mammoth in the winter particularly, their concerned about costs. It's not just the cost of the rental, it's the clothing for the kids, the activities, food, transportation and so much more.

Renting a condo helps with the expenses becuase you can prepare your own meals and save money. We love to go snow shoeing and take our boogie boards and go sledding where no one has gone. My husband packs water, fresh bread, cheese, fruit and home made cookies and we all headout.

There are some awsome places to go sledding with young kids as well as teenagers. If you don't have snow shoes you can rent them for a few bucks for 1/2 day. It's as easy as walking. Pop on the snow shoes and walk out into the virgin snow. Sparkling and beckoning for you to leave your mark. You don't have to go far before you see a hill that no one has slid down. How can you resist? At least we can't, we all jump on our boggie boards (lying down on our stomachs and feet up in the air) off we go. Untouched snow. What a ride!!!!!! At the bottom it's easy since we have our snow shoes on we just walk up the hill and go again and again and again. Talk about bang for your buck. At the end of the day we are all tired with big grins on our faces. Come back to the condo and collapse, splurge and order dinner in, Pizza :)




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