What marketing do you provide?
Our marketing strategy is consistently reviewed to ensure we’re up-to-date on the latest techniques and platforms. We have an email list of over 120k addresses and a combined social following of over 77k. We consistently interact with our audience with engaging content.
We also market your property on several of the leading vacation rental sites, not to mention directly on Benchmark30a. Depending on each situation, we can expand listings to include other sites. We’re always evaluating which sites to partner with, but rest assured that with our 30+ year legacy in vacation rentals, we have a huge referral and past guest network. Booking via our website or by telephone is consistently our #1 booking channel and always growing.
What is your management fee?
It varies depending on size and valuation. We are happy to discuss this in more detail when walking through your property. If you'd like us to provide you with a rental projection, please visit www.benchmark30a.com/management and fill out the request form.
How are my rates and home priced?
We have a dedicated analytics team to review rates; not only on our own portfolio but on the competition’s. We’ll review your property on a routine basis to ensure we are adapting as the market dictates.
Do owners pay for marketing?
We will cover most of the cost of marketing your home. If you’re interested in a featured listing or running a special, there may be an additional fee. We pass the annual VRBO subscription fee on to each owner.
How often do you pay owners?
We pay owners monthly. Owners typically receive their payments within 10 business days after the end of the month.
What will I need to do to prepare my property?
We will inventory the home, providing you with a list of necessary and recommended items. Recommended items are optional but based off frequent renter requests. We’ll also schedule you for a Maintenance Inspection. This is our team’s opportunity to become familiar with the home and provide a list of recommended repairs.
Will I have any usage restrictions?
No! This your home, and you should feel free to stay in it as you wish. There will be a cleaning fee associated with any owner stay. You’ll be able to block out time at your property through your Owner’s Portal as well as by communicating with Reservations or your Property Manager.
What do you supply for guests?
We want to leave a lasting impression on our guests, and ensure they feel welcomed. Aside from the welcome bag Benchmark provides, guests are given an initial start-up of essentials. For the kitchen this includes a sponge, dish soap, dishwasher pods, and a paper towel roll. Each bathroom gets shampoo/conditioner, hand soap, body soap, and a roll of toilet paper.
What fees are guests charged?
We like to be completely transparent. Guests will find the total fees and taxes separate from their rental charge broken out on our website when requesting a quote. The total includes a Reservation Fee, Cleaning Fee and Damage Waiver. The total of these fees vary based on the daily rate of the property, typically a % of that rate. Travel insurance can also be added for an additional cost.
What are your age requirements for reservations?
No reservations are allowed for anyone under 25. One guardian is required for every 4 guests who are under 25. Guardians must be present at check-in. Underage drinking and/or partying is not allowed in any property. We may also require an additional Spring Break Rental Policy be signed when applicable.
How are linens handled?
All linens are cleaned and turned prior to each arrival. Dirty linens are returned to us at a central location where they are commercially laundered and prepped for the next exchange.
How is cleaning handled?
After a guest checks out, your property undergoes 2 separate inspections. A Benchmark employee will inspect before the cleaners arrive to check on overall property condition and verify that no maintenance is needed. Once inspected, our cleaners are alerted that the property is ready. We provide them with an in-depth checklist to complete prior to all arrivals. Once the clean is complete, a Benchmark employee then inspects your home a 2nd time to guarantee it is pristine and ready for the next guests. No check-in is approved until a member of our staff has seen the property.
What happens in the case of any damage to the home?
Benchmark thoroughly inspects every property after each guest departs. If we find anything requiring repair, we immediately contact maintenance, or the necessary professional required for the job. Each guest pays a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of their reservation. For excessive damage we will charge the guest accordingly.