Investing in a vacation rental in Big Bear isn’t just about owning a piece of mountain paradise—it can be about creating a flexible income stream while keeping a home you and your family can enjoy year-round. With consistent demand from skiers, snowboarders, boaters, hikers, and families seeking a mountain getaway, Big Bear homes have strong potential to generate reliable rental income. The key? Amenities.

Homes with the right features don’t just attract more guests—they stand out in search results, rank higher on booking platforms, and ultimately drive more revenue. Adding even a single major amenity, such as a hot tub or a game table, can transform a home from an average performer into a top-tier property.

Top Amenities That Drive Revenue

If you’re considering purchasing a vacation rental in Big Bear, here are the features that consistently deliver the biggest return on investment:

• Spa/Hot Tub – The #1 searched feature in Big Bear. Guests want to soak after a day on the slopes or trails.
• Pet-Friendly Homes – Expand your potential market by 30–40%. Many travelers won’t book without this option.
• Arcade & Gaming Systems – Pinball, Pac-Man, virtual golf, or other unique attractions add serious “wow” factor.
• Game Room Staples – Ping pong, pool tables, air hockey, and foosball keep groups entertained during their stay.
• Fire Pit – A highly desired feature for cozy evenings under the mountain sky.
• Streaming TVs in Every Room – Today’s travelers expect seamless access to Netflix, Disney+, and more.
• Workstation/Desk Space – Cater to remote workers and digital nomads who often stay longer.
• Sleeper Sofa – Increases guest capacity without adding extra bedrooms.
• Kitchen Upgrades – Matching appliances, ice makers, water dispensers, and extras like crock pots and air fryers keep guests happy.
• Luxury Add-Ons – Jetted tubs and high-end finishes elevate the overall guest experience and justify premium rates.

Bottom line: Amenities = Revenue. Each feature you add makes your home more “click-worthy,” which translates directly into more bookings, higher nightly rates, and greater owner satisfaction.

Why Now is the Time to Invest

Big Bear’s year-round appeal ensures steady guest demand. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes; in summer, the lake draws boaters, anglers, and families; and during spring and fall, hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts fill in the calendar. This consistent demand means that well-appointed homes with in-demand amenities not only book faster but also command higher nightly rates.

For buyers, this makes Big Bear a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds:

• A personal retreat in the mountains.
• A flexible income stream supported by high demand.

Final Takeaway

If you’re exploring the Big Bear market, remember: the right amenities are not just upgrades—they’re investments that directly increase your property’s earning power. Whether it’s installing a spa, making your home pet-friendly, or upgrading the kitchen, each feature can elevate your rental from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Big Bear Real Estate Team is here to help you find a property that maximizes both personal enjoyment and investment potential. Ready to start your search? Contact us today to explore Big Bear homes that are vacation-rental ready.

The post Why Amenities Matter: Boosting Vacation Rental Returns in Big Bear appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

Q: How much can I expect my Big Bear investment cabin to earn as a vacation rental?

A: It depends… 

The earning potential of a Big Bear vacation rental property depends on several factors

Location, Location, Location

Typically, homes near the lake, village, and ski resorts will gross the highest in the Big Bear valley. Central Big Bear Lake tends to be the highest grossing area in terms of a vacation rental, since most recreational activities and events are located here. Big Bear City comes next, as it is the next closest in proximity to the ski slopes and the lake. Sugarloaf is third on the list, being located further out from the attractions. Fawnskin is on the north side and known as the “quiet side of the lake”, giving it a different appeal and rental potential.

Size & Occupancy

In general, the more guests that a home can accommodate (which is dictated by the rules & regulations/code – more on that later), the more the home would rent for per night. This is not a hard and fast rule, however. Tiny homes that accommodate 2-4 guests can do phenomenally well, since small groups and couples usually look for smaller spaces to rent. Not everyone needs 3 bedrooms. Tiny cabins also have less upkeep, are easier to clean, and are a lot lighter on the utility bills (heating a 400 square foot home costs a lot less than heating a 1,200 square foot home). Since the maximum occupancy for most rentals is 16 guests (with exception to some large homes on acreage), the largest homes tend to gross the highest profits. Find your sweet spot. What will appeal to your personal needs, and what can you afford to manage for your guests?

Amenities

Three main amenities common in Big Bear vacation rentals are: hot tub, game table, and internet. Adding these three amenities to your home greatly increases its desirability and may warrant a bump in what you charge per night. Other amenities and options to add to your listing include: pet friendly, garage access, washer & dryer, and a fully/partially fenced yard.

Reviews & Return Guests

It speaks for itself that the positively reviewed homes on platforms like Airbnb & VRBO rent out more often with repeat guest bookings. Keeping your home well maintained, properly cleaned before arrival, providing good customer service before, during, and after guests’ occupancy, and catering to their experience will garner positive reviews. It doesn’t necessarily mean you can charge more per night, but it will help keep a steady stream of bookings coming your way.

Code Compliance & TOT

It is important to comply with rental codes and regulations. Depending on where the home is located, the code compliance rules and regulations will be governed by either the City of Big Bear Lake or San Bernardino County. If the home has unpermitted areas or glaring structural issues, it may not pass inspection and therefore will never be permitted as a vacation rental. Not permitted = no income.

It is also important to pay your fair share of transient occupancy tax (TOT) and TBID assessment. These are required by law to be paid by all property owners earning rental income. More info on that here.

Vacation Rental Management

Most vacation rental management companies in Big Bear want your business, and they want you to be successful. The more your home grosses in profit, the more the vacation rental company earns from managing the property for you! Don’t be afraid to develop a relationship with prospective rental companies early on and ask questions. They are usually happy to provide estimates as to the gross revenue the home could produce. Once you narrow down your property search to a few favorites, ask for rental projections. This will equip you with knowledge to make better decisions when offering to purchase your investment property.

Ownership Costs

Don’t forget that owning a vacation rental costs money. Mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance are some of the expenses you will be responsible for. Click here for more information on the costs associated with owning a vacation rental property in Big Bear.

We Can Help

Reach out to our team for more info; we love to share our local knowledge of this exciting vacation rental investment niche!

Originally published Oct 4, 2019, updated May 29, 2025

The post How Much Will My Big Bear Vacation Rental Earn? appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

What does it cost to manage a vacation rental in Big Bear?

A common question we get from our clients is, “What are the costs associated with owning, managing, and maintaining a vacation rental cabin in Big Bear?” This is an excellent question and is one that should be considered by every homebuyer shopping in the Big Bear real estate market. Costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including what type of management model you choose. See below a list of typical costs and expenses you can expect to have as the owner of an active Big Bear vacation rental investment property.

1. Mortgage

Assuming you obtain a mortgage loan to purchase your investment property, your monthly mortgage payment, including principal and interest*, will be among your largest costs associated with ownership. It is important to have a solid understanding of you loan terms, interest rate, and monthly payment, so make sure you discuss this with your lender and/or mortgage broker.

2. Taxes

Property taxes are due biannually, though may be paid in monthly installments with your loan payment, depending on how your loan is structured*. Under California Prop.13, property taxes are 1% of the purchase price of the property, plus local taxes. Figure to pay about 1.3% of the sales price. Future increases in assessed value are limited to an annual inflation factor of no more than 2%.**

Owners whose vacation rentals are located in the City of Big Bear Lake need to pay a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Big Bear Lake Tourism Business Improvement District assessment (BBLTBID) assessment to the city. TOT is equal to 10% of the gross rental receipts and TBID is 3% of gross receipts – 13% total, monthly. If you use a vacation rental company to manage your home they may charge these fees directly to the guest, so you would not have to factor this into your overhead.

3. Insurance

Lenders require the property to have a homeowners insurance (aka fire insurance) policy covering the property to protect them against loss. Even if you are not getting a loan to purchase the property it is highly recommended that you get insurance to protect yourself. Shop around, not all insurance companies offer the same coverage and premiums vary. This is especially true in the unique mountain community of Big Bear.

Most rental management companies will require that you have a “short-term/transient rental” type of insurance. Typical coverage amounts required are $500,000-$1M.

4. Utilities (gas, electric, water, cable, internet, etc.)

Utility costs can be very high during peak rental seasons, especially during winter months. Costs can also vary widely depending on occupancy rates and other factors. Installing a remote wifi thermostat such as a Nest can help manage gas usage for heating. Electricity costs will be higher if running a hot tub. Excessive water usage can be mitigated with the use of low-flow fixtures. Having internet at your cabin is highly recommended since it is more or less expected these days. Cable is not necessarily required; if you furnish the home with Smart TVs, guests will be able to stream Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.

5. Property management

If you use a vacation rental company to manage your home, you will pay a commission. Most vacation rental management companies charge between 25-35% of the nightly rents plus any incidental costs and fees.

Cleaning 

If you use a vacation rental company to manage your home they usually charge these fees directly to the guest, so you likely would not have to factor this into your overhead. If you manage the property yourself “by owner”, you can hire a housekeeper to clean after each guest, or do the cleaning yourself.

Your home will be professionally cleaned in between bookings; however, a deep cleaning is usually necessary once or twice a year. You can do this yourself or hire a local housekeeper to get all the nooks and crannies. Carpet cleaning and dry cleaning of comforters twice a year is also recommended.

Maintenance

Rental companies aim to keep your guests happy and will send out a maintenance technician to help fix or troubleshoot common issues. This cost will vary widely and can be difficult to project. One company we are aware of charged $20 per maintenance call, plus any supplies or materials needed (extra batteries, light bulbs, coffee makers, cutting boards…you name it). This is why it’s important to make sure your home is well stocked and running smoothly. Other maintenance items that arise will need to be addressed. If something material breaks at the home, like an oven, water heater, or a broken pipe, the rental company will usually coordinate with licensed professionals to fix these items for you. This is when you should expect to receive a call and authorize any quotes or bids to be charged to your account and approve work to be completed.

Hot Tubs

It is not necessary to have a hot tub, but they can have an impact on rental revenue and increase bookings. Hot tubs should be serviced weekly. Some vacation rental companies will have you contract with an outside vendor, and they can charge about $75-100 per month. During peak seasons, the hot tub will need to be serviced more frequently (in between bookings, and as needed) for additional fees.

Snow Removal

Most streets are plowed by the city, however, driveways are not. Snow removal at your cabin is important. Guests typically are responsible for the snow removal once they are occupying the home, but the owner is responsible for ensuring the guest can access the home (and during heavy snowstorms, this can be challenging). The rental company can coordinate this for you. Some companies provide the snow removal for you at a fee, and some companies will have you contract with a third party vendor. Typical cost for the whole winter season is around $500-600, depending on the amount of snow removal needed.

Weed Abatement

Weed abatement and pine needle removal is required twice a year. The cost for this largely depends on how much needs to be removed. You can hire a yard care company or do it yourself. Do it by the deadlines to avoid fines or fees.

Conclusion:

Understanding vacation rental management costs in Big Bear is essential to making smart investment decisions. From commission rates to maintenance fees, knowing what to expect helps you plan your budget and set realistic income goals. Whether you’re a hands-on investor or looking for full-service support, the right property manager can make all the difference in maximizing your returns and keeping your rental running smoothly. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to learn more about owning and managing a successful vacation rental in Big Bear.

*Depending on how your loan is structured, your monthly payment can be the sum of the monthly loan service (principle and interest) plus the monthly property tax payment and homeowners insurance premium, also known as PITI. Every investor should have a good understanding of what their monthly PITI costs will be before making a decision to purchase a vacation rental investment property.

**For all tax related advice, consult with your CPA or tax professional.

Article originally posted Apr 30, 2018; updated Jan 15, 2025.

The post Big Bear Vacation Rental Management Costs appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

New Vacation Rental Rules Now in Effect in Big Bear Lake

Vacation Rental Ordinance Adopted September 16, 2021

The City of Big Bear Lake enacted a new vacation rental ordinance that contains more robust enforcement rules which went into effect on Sept. 16, 2021.

The ordinance includes:

• Guests must sign a Good Neighbor Policy published by the City prior to occupancy. Owners/managers should take a picture of the signed policy and provide it to the Compliance Officer if asked. Failure to provide a copy of the signed policy will result in a citation being issued to owner and/or agent.
• Trash cannot be left at a vacant vacation rental. Guests must take trash to the Clean Bear sites or dispose of trash in commercial bins located at condominium units.
• In-person check-in is required. Advertising a property as having “self check-in” is subject to a $2,500 fine.
• The maximum number of cars allowed at a vacation rental is equal to one per bedroom. The rental agreement and number posted on the exterior sign for maximum cars needs to reflect this limitation.
• Owners and agents must maintain an email account and accept all correspondence from the City via email.
• Guests leaving their dogs at the property to incessantly bark and disturb the neighborhood are subject to a $500 fine.
• Upon license renewal, owners and agents must submit proof of property insurance with the license application.
• Owners and/or agents must be certified by the City annually. The certification test has been updated and can be taken now. All management company staff members involved in check-in, reservations, and 24/7 response must be certified.
• An owner is limited to holding no more than two licenses. (Current holders of more than two are allowed to renew indefinitely.) Owners cannot hold property in more than two LLCs or corporations.
• Licensees making two or more late TOT/TBID remittances within a 12-month period will not be allowed to renew their licenses. They are also subject to penalties and interest on the amount due and may incur a $500 fine. TOT is required to be set apart from other revenue and not co-mingled in personal checking accounts.
• Business licenses are no longer required for owners.
• Affidavits from 24/7 and check-in agents are no longer required.

For more information about the Vacation Rental Program in the City of Big Bear Lake, click here.

The post New Vacation Rental Rules in Big Bear Lake appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

UPDATE: Click here for info on the Vacation Rental Ordinance adopted Sept. 16, 2021

New Vacation Rental Ordinance Moving Forward

The post New Vacation Rental Ordinance in Big Bear Lake appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

4 Ways to Assess a Return on a Big Bear Vacation Investment Property

1. Hire a Big Bear Real Estate professional who can properly analyze a revenue return on a property.

You need an agent who knows her stuff about how a Big Bear vacation rental investment property will perform. If your agent is simply agreeing with everything you say you want in a revenue return on your investment, that is a huge red flag. Identifying, creating, and maintaining a healthy return on your Big Bear vacation rental investment property is a process. Leverage your local expert and gain the confidence to make the right investment decisions. 

2. Don’t take a rental return history at face value.

Whatever the numbers show on a rental history, it’s important to look deeper at the reasons behind the return. Revenue return can be impacted in both positive and negative ways, depending on several factors. Low numbers do not always equal low return potential. Look at when and how often an owner has used his cabin, whether or not the owner has made changes and improvements to the cabin as recommended by their vacation rental management company, and whether or not the owner maintained an inviting atmosphere for guests. These are all areas that can be tweaked to increase bookings and increase rental income.

3. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If you are looking at how a property performs with a specific company, do not expect that the numbers will translate if you change companies or management models. Not all rental companies are equal and not every property management model is a good fit for every rental owner. Changing management companies or deciding to go it alone can have adverse effects on your return. Remember that an established positive rental history has value.

4. Generate a return legally.

If you have found a property that appears to have an exceptionally good revenue return, make sure you ask if the property is registered with the city or county as a vacation rental property. If the property is not registered with the proper governing body, it is operating illegally. Being registered means that code compliance must be followed, and taxes and fees must be paid. It is a risky starting point for an investor to take on a rental that is not registered. Your agent should be able to inform you of this. Do not endeavor to generate an illegal revenue return with your investment property. People who do are exploiting the industry and setting themselves up for failure.

Ideally, your agent is a comprehensive expert in these areas. There are many ways you can drive your Big Bear vacation investment property into one with a healthy and even a high revenue return. Each investor is different and has different goals. Your agent should be able to help you identify what will work best for you and your investment strategy.

The post How to Assess a Return on a Big Bear Vacation Investment Property appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

Big Bear Vacation Rentals Must Follow The Rules

All homeowners who wish to rent their cabins as vacation rentals in Big Bear must comply with rules, regulations, and restrictions as governed by the city or county. Getting your vacation home permitted for rental can be daunting, but fret not. Jumping through the hoops is a necessary process but is not impossible.

The rules and ordinances exist mostly to ensure the health and safety of vacation renters, surrounding residents, and to protect owners’ property. Depending on the property’s location, it must be registered with either the City of Big Bear Lake or the County of San Bernardino.  

Here are some examples of regulated items:

Occupancy Limitations and Parking Restrictions

In the City of Big Bear Lake, the occupancy is limited to one person for every 200 sq ft of living area based on the square footage of the entire house. San Bernardino County determines occupancy based on the square footage of the sleeping spaces. There is also a limit to the numbers vehicles that are allowed to park on the property based on the occupancy limit of the home and available off-street parking spaces.

Signage

Each vacation rental in the City of BBL is required to have an approved identification sign visible from the street including the contact info for the owner or managing agency, occupancy and vehicle limitations, and the phone number to the City’s Code Compliance division.

Check-in Procedures

The City of Big Bear Lake requires that all renters must be checked-in “face-to-face” with the vacation rental owner, manager, or management company. Simply giving out a lockbox combo or keypad code is a violation of this requirement.

Fire Safety Equipment

There are specific rules regarding the installation and placement of fire extinguishers (and annual certification tags), smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and ash disposal. In addition, there must be a minimum amount of clearance between fireplace chimneys and tree limbs.

Emergency Egress

There are regulations regarding which rooms and areas are legal for occupancy based on the available exit points, i.e., windows and external stairs.

Other Health & Safety Items

More health and safety items that must be compliant include: structural soundness of all stairways, decks, and railings; and functioning plumbing and electrical, i.e no leaky faucets or exposed wiring.

Applications, Forms, Fees & Taxes

Regardless if your cabin is located in the City or the county, you will need to make sure all of the required applications, inspections, permits and other paperwork are completed and current. In the City of BBL, you will be required to pay TOT (transient occupancy tax) and TBID.

More Information & Resources

City of Big Bear Lake

If your property lies in the 92315 zip code, you will need to adhere to the City of Big Bear Lake private home rental ordinances. The City of BBL provides a wealth of information on their website, including a comprehensive manual with photos and diagrams to clearly illustrate the requirements. Read through the info thoroughly, so you know what to expect when preparing your cabin to be a permitted vacation renatal.

San Bernardino County

Properties that lie outside of the 92315 zip code in neighboring Big Bear areas (including parts of Moonridge) will need to follow the Short Term Rental Ordinance established by the County of San Bernardino. Historically, the county ordinances were considerably less stringent, but they have become more strict in recent years.

Management Companies

If you rent your home through a vacation rental management company, they will likely help set up your home and guide you through the compliance process.

The post Is My Big Bear Vacation Rental Compliant? appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

Interviewing your vacation rental company

Choosing a vacation rental company to work with in marketing and managing your investment property is an important decision. It can be a challenge knowing what questions to ask if you are unfamiliar with the Big Bear area and market, typical procedures, city and county rental regulations, and so on. Here are 15 important questions to ask when interviewing a potential vacation rental management company.

1. How much do you charge?

The number one question is, of course, “what are the fees and commissions charged by the management company?” Commissions are typically based on a percentage of nightly rents collected. What other fees are associated with marketing, cleaning, and maintaining my investment property?

2. What sets the vacation rental company apart from the others?

What is their unique value proposition? Do they have 5-star reviews? Are they the best at marketing? Are they best at cleaning and maintenance? Listen closely to what they emphasize and also to what is not mentioned.

3. How are your reviews?

Reviews are imperative in this day and age. Positive reviews will drive bookings, especially on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. How does the company respond to negative reviews? How does the company circumvent negative reviews to begin with?

4. How do you get my property booked?

What methods does the management company utilize to market your home and get bookings? Online and print advertising? Are they easily found by search engines? What incentives or deals are offered, if any? For example, book two nights and get the third night free? What can I do to help get more bookings?

5. How do you keep my home clean and how well do you keep an eye on it?

Cleanliness is key. The majority of negative reviews come from renters of dirty houses. What is the cleaning procedure for the home? Are cleanings audited? During peak seasons, housekeepers may only have the 3-4 hour window in between back-to-back bookings to get a home back in shape. Does your company block out a day during peak times to allow for a more thorough cleaning?

Furthermore, does the company have an opening and closing procedure? An “opener” is typically the person that comes through to audit the cleaning, test for hot water, make sure the hot tub is on and running, check lightbulbs, batteries, cable and internet connection, and so on. When guests depart after their stay, someone needs to come through to make sure lights are turned off, heating is adjusted properly, doors and windows are locked, and of course, check for any damages. Most companies have some kind of procedure for this, since otherwise your front door may be left wide open with the heater on 85. How long does it take before a “closer” comes through to inspect the property?  

6. What policies are in place for when damages occur?

Accidents happen. Does the rental company collect a security deposit? What about pet deposits (if you opt to allow pets into your home)? Some companies will market your home on Airbnb, VRBO, and other third party websites that have their own security deposit policies and methods. How lenient is the company with damages? Do they automatically charge the guest for every little scratch? Though this approach may be good for the owner, it isn’t great for the guests. Wear and tear is to be expected and happens over the course of many bookings. Holding guests responsible for the little things and charging them for it leaves a negative impression with the guest and may not lead to repeat bookings with your home or the company. Some companies may expect you to fix and pay for damages that were not caught during inspection, some companies may split the cost with you, and some companies may have a “fund” set aside for this.

7. How does the company manage snow removal?

Do they have you contract with a third party vendor for snow removal (plowing the driveway, shoveling a path to the front door, stairs, etc.)? Does the company have their own equipment? What are the costs?

8. How is the hot tub maintained?

Hot tubs need to be serviced often, usually weekly, or in between bookings to ensure cleanliness. Does your rental company service hot tubs directly or do they have you contract with a third party vendor? If they do not clean the hot tub directly, who do they recommend or refer? What happens if the hot tub breaks? Do you make sure the hot tub is on and running prior to the guests arrival?

9. How do you handle maintenance and service calls?

Maintenance and customer service is key. Aside from cleanliness, guests expect a home that functions and operates. Processes should be in place to ensure that the home is up to snuff for the next guest, but often something gets overlooked. Light bulbs burn out, batteries die, appliances stop working. Keeping guests happy is paramount, as it leads to repeat business and glowing reviews. Most rental companies will have “maintenance technicians” they will send out when an issue arises. Guests will call in with varying problems. Most of the time, the representative answering the phone will try to troubleshoot the issue without sending someone out. It’s not uncommon for a service call to be placed and a representative to be sent to the property to fix something. What is the cost associated with the service call? Will your management company keep the guest happy or try to save on costs and let the guests figure it out for themselves? What is the process for fixing something with a larger cost or involving the service of a licensed professional?

10. What supplies does the rental company typically provide for guests?

Supplies and amenities are usually part of the package deal. Guests need things like sponges, paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, and toilet paper in order to make their stay more comfortable. What about body soap and shampoo? Not all companies are equal in this respect. Some companies will provide the bare necessities and others will go above and beyond with a gift basket. The range of supplies does not necessarily indicate a better or worse quality rental company, it’s just a matter of cost and management for the company and owner.

11. How do you ensure that my cabin is legal?

Code compliance – what is it anyway? This is twofold. First, your Big Bear investment property will either lie within the rental ordinances governed by the City of Big Bear Lake or by the County of San Bernardino. The rules between the two are similar but have some important differences. Your Realtor should be well aware of the rules. The BigBearRealEstate.com team specializes in this area. Most all management companies will help guide you through the process of getting your home up to code and inspected. Inspections cost money, so do you pay for this or does your company? What about the other items required to pass inspection? Examples of required items are fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exit lights. Most of these items can be provided by the rental company for a fee.

Code compliance in action: Your home will have an occupancy limit. If the guests go over occupancy, what is the protocol? If the guests are loud and a neighbor calls in to complain, what is the procedure? Are guests evicted for inappropriate behavior or over-occupancy? Or will their security deposit be forfeited? Per code regulations, a representative from the company is supposed to be on call 24/7  to attend to such matters. It’s not optional, it’s the law!

12. How will we communicate?

Communication is important in any relationship. Will you, the owner, have one point of contact at the company for every question and concern? What departments are in place and who will you need to contact for various items? Set expectations in the beginning between you and the management company. When your expectations are not met (inevitably you will have some sort of issue), how will it be resolved? What will the company do to make things right? You will thank yourself for having this conversation sooner rather than later. 

13. What about the contract? 

Are there any special terms you should be aware of? Read through it carefully and ask questions. What if you’ve decided you’ve had enough and want to quit using the company? Make sure you are clear about the terms of your agreement.

14. What about when I want to use the cabin myself?

What is the process for blocking out a few nights for when you want to come use the house yourself? Is there a cost associated with using your own home? What about cleaning after your stay? Do you have the option of paying for a housekeeper to tidy up after an owner booking, and at what cost?

15. How and when will I be paid?

Lastly, how will you expect to get paid? Will the company mail you checks or do they offer direct deposit? How often are payments issued? You want to make sure to collect after all your hard work!

For more information on what costs are associated with owning, managing, and maintaining a vacation rental cabin in Big Bear, click here.

The post What to Ask Your Vacation Rental Company appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.

5 Tips For Keeping Your Vacation Rental Cabin Ready To Rent

If you want to reap the benefits of high returns from your Big Bear vacation rental investment property, it will need to be rented a lot. The challenge with lots of bookings is the wear and tear it can have on your cabin. Keeping your cabin fresh and ready for your guests will have an impact on your bottom line. Here are some simple tips to keep your cabin and your guests happy.

1. Make it bulletproof

Put protective strips on edges and corners of walls and furniture, washable paint on walls, and use stain resistant carpet and fabric. Cover dressers, end tables and other wood surfaces with tempered glass, especially the dining room table. This small effort and investment will preserve your cabin and keep it looking clean and fresh for each new guest.

2. Low maintenance is better

Avoid fixtures, appliances, fabrics and other items that require specialized cleaning products. Not only will they add time to the cleaning process (which is especially bad for back-to-back check-ins), they will end up looking dirty when improper cleaning products are used on them.

3. Choose wisely

If you are updating or remodeling  your investment property before placing it on a rental program, you can save money in the long run by choosing resilient materials such as granite, tile, or synthetic wood in high traffic areas. The hard surfaces can withstand abuse and be easily cleaned to have a “like new” appearance.

4. Don’t get burned

Make sure to invest in a large non-flammable hearth rug to prevent sparks and embers from the fire leaving burn marks in the carpet or wood in front of the fireplace. Keep a spare in your owners closet too.

5. Busy is better

Choose bedspreads, curtains, and other decorative fabrics with busy patterns rather than plain ones. The busier the pattern, the easier it is to hide pesky stains or worn materials.

The smart investor puts a lot of thought and effort into his Big Bear investment property. If your cabin is going to deliver fabulous results, it will be put through its paces. Your cabin needs to be ready to handle it like a champ!

The post Is Your Vacation Rental Cabin Ready To Rent? appeared first on BigBearRealEstate.com.