Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

BBQ to Support WAYVE Tomorrow Downtown Kitchener

Come out tomorrow from 11am-3pm to support WAYVE - Working Against Youth Violence Everywhere. A fundraiser is being held in downtown Kitchener and BTSH is a proud sponsor. Check out the Silent Auction, enjoy a BBQ, and support the local youth.

In May 2001 Howard Munroe, a 20-year-old black man, was stabbed to death by white youth in Kitchener's Victoria Park. As a result of the community's response to this murder, the Waterloo Region Youth Action Committee partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to create a program aimed at dealing with violence among youth. For more information, click the link below:

http://www.cmhagrb.on.ca/dnn/wayve/

Cleaning Windows

Cleaning your windows means not only will they look good, but you'll actually save on energy costs. Studies show that cleaner windows let in more sunshine and light, and help to keep your energy bills down. Here are some tips to help make them sparkle:

1. Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, to help prevent streaking. The sun dries the cleaning solution faster than you can clean it.

2. Newspaper really does clean windows best and it also applies a film that makes them resistant to dirt

3. Clean windows with a solution of water and vinegar (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar). If you have previously cleaned with commercial cleaners, add a 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap to the bottle for the best clean. Commercial cleaners often leave a wax type film on the windows that can't be removed with vinegar alone.

4. Use a cotton swab to get into the corners of the windows

5. When cleaning the exterior of windows, wash first with a squeegee or sponge and a bucket of water/vinegar to get the bulk of the dirt off, then wipe to a sparkling shine with newspaper

Save Our Peat Bogs!!

I like to pride myself on being environmentally conscious and responsible, but I have been corrected on a mistake that I've been making for years!

I often talk about planting seeds indoors prior to last frost so that your plants can be ready to plant once the temperatures and ground warm up. I have been recommending using peat pots to do this, since these can be transplanted directly into your garden in the pot. Here are some things that I did not know!

- It takes about 220 years to replace the peat stripped from the land in one year
- Harvesting peat releases carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas
- Peat bogs have the amazing ability to remove harmful impurities from water
- Peat bogs hold 10% of the worlds fresh water

This year I purchased Planters' Pride Biodegradable Pellet Greenhouse Kit. Incredibly easy to use, no need for potting soil, and even came with a humidity dome! I've planted my seeds and am now anxiously awaiting the first sprouts.