Frequently Asked Questions:

• Why should I list with KWShoreRentals.com? - Because we are Ocean City's first real time reservation site offering the convenience of real time reservations and credit card payments.

• How do I list my Unit? - From www.KWShoreRentals.com click on Owners (located on the top menu). Then click on Rent With Us, scroll down to create new account then follow the directions. You only need to enter all of the appropriate information one time. This information transfers with your listing from season to season, however; you do have the ability to update it at any time.

• How much time do I need to enter my information for my unit? - Entering your property and personal information takes approximately 10 -15 minutes, depending upon your knowledge of how to navigate on a computer. Remember you are positioning your unit to sell itself across the internet, please take the time to tell those interested about all of the features your unit has to offer. Once listed please feel free to call one of our rental specialists should you have any questions.

• Why should I purchase the digital imagery package? - Most Tenants prefer viewing professional photos and the virtual tours because they can see the actual space in your unit without taking the time to physically preview your property. We market our site to Tenants throughout the United States and Canada and therefore choose to provide professional digital pictures and virtual tours as an option for those families with busy schedules. This is a one-time charge. We utilize a professional photographer who will take up to 6 virtual tours and 10 digital pictures which allow Tenants to make a decision based upon quality professional imagery. This purchase will also entitle you to a free featured rental listing spot on our site for 90 days!

• If I pay for a digital imagery package and pay commissions, what can I expect from KWShoreRentals.com? - Keller Williams Realty Oceanside Rentals budgets over $300K annually which allows us to attract vacationers well beyond the traditional market. Our signs are highly visible across the entire island; email blasts and post card campaigns are launched on a regular basis along with utilization of search engine phrases insuring our presence in the top three searches on the internet for Vacation Rentals. You also receive a bonus featured rental spot on our site for 90 days!

• How much will it cost to list my unit? - For every rental we book, 12% commission is paid to Keller Williams Realty Oceanside Rentals. This commission covers the use of our web-based secure site allowing for 24 / 7 rentals and the marketing of the site. Digital Imagery currently costs $190.00 for up to 6 virtual tours and up to 10 digital pictures. For larger homes, digital imagery currently costs $265.00 for up to 10 virtual tours and up to 10 digital pictures. This is a one-time fee.

• What paperwork do you need from me? - All we require are two forms, a W9 and a Good News credit card authorization form, both available online. Print, sign, mail and sit back, relax, you're done!

• Do I need to do this every year? - No, your listing is perpetual. Each year we will notify you by email and give you the opportunity to update your rates and availability. It's automatic – no paperwork, no additional fees!

• Do I need any other licenses? - Yes. Ocean City requires a mercantile or room license along with a Fire Inspection. If you do not comply, you will be subject to fines. When you sign up on our site, information is provided to assist you with this process.

• Do I need to give you a copy of my mercantile license? - Yes. You should provide us with a copy of your license to rent each year.

• How many keys do you require I leave with your office? - We ask each owner to give us 5 sets of working keys for all locks. We ask that you test each key prior to bringing them to us to insure proper accessibility and avoid the necessity and cost of an emergency locksmith call.

• Where is your office located should I need to speak to someone? - Our main Rental office is located at 1 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City, New Jersey.

• What are your office hours? - During the rental season we are open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sundays 9am to 3pm. We offer voice mail and email access 24/7.

• Once I list my property, how long does it take before it is online? - Depending on the time of listing, your unit will appear online within minutes; at the longest within 24 hours, provided you have either purchased a digital imagery package or uploaded your own photos.

• How long does it take to get my photos and virtual tour done? - Once you are listed and have supplied us with working keys, we immediately order your photos/tour. The photographer will come within one week but since this tour is shot only once please remember this is weather dependent.

• Do I need to be present when the tour and photos are shot? - No. Once we have your working keys, the photographer (who is insured and bonded) will access your property and complete the shoot.

• How long before my photos/tour appear on the site and how will I know? - Within a week to ten days of being shot, your photos and tours will be loaded to your site. We will send you an email notification with a link showing you the virtual tour and photos.

• Does your commission include cleaning? - No it does not. We do offer a list of reliable cleaners for you to contact. This list is located on our homepage under Cleaning Services.

• When do I receive my checks? - Once leases have been fully executed by both Tenants and Homeowners, payment is released to the Homeowner. The first check includes the deduction for full commission. Within 90 days of check-in, the rental is paid in full and only one check minus full commission will be issued to Homeowners.

• What happens if an issue arises at my unit during a rental? - Typically the Tenant notifies our office between the hours of 9am to 4pm and we in turn will place a call to you reporting the issue. At that point the decision is yours as to how to handle the issue. We do offer suggestions of repair/service people should you require them, but the responsibility of remedying the situation and satisfying the vendor monetarily is the sole responsibility of the Homeowner. If a Homeowner cannot be reached, the Homeowner agrees Keller Williams Realty Oceanside Rentals will remedy the issue and deduct the expense accordingly from rental payments.

• Can I rent on my own or list with another Realtor? - Yes, but you must remember that our site is live so keeping availability up to date is your responsibility and of the utmost importance in order to avoid double bookings. You must inform your other Realtors that you are working with us and let us know who they are when you list so that we can keep each other informed. Communication is key!

• If I rent on my own and get a booking, when should I notify you? - Immediately!! Please don't wait until your lease comes back or you receive a check – our site is live!! All you have to do is log into your site and change your availability, it's easy as 1, 2, 3!!

• Will you give my keys out for me if I do rent on my own? - As a service and for a modest fee of $30 per rental, we will assist you with this, however, you must pre-pay and register your vacationer with us at least 72 hours prior to check in day.

• Whose responsibility is it to schedule my cleaning crew? - It is up to you to keep your cleaning crew informed of your schedule.

• Who takes care of the security deposit and how much should I charge? - Keller Williams Realty Oceanside Rentals will handle the security deposit for you. Our standard deposit is $400 per week or 10% for seasonal rentals. We recommend $500 for a condo; $650 for a townhouse; and $650 per person for a seasonal group rental.

• What do I do if there is damage to my unit? - Your cleaning crew should be responsible for notifying you of any damage to your unit. In turn, you must notify us within a timely fashion (within 3 days). We will then ask you to provide us with a list of damages in writing. From there we will notify the Tenant and attempt to assist both parties toward an amicable settlement. We will not release any deposits until this is achieved. Please click here for more info on Security Deposits.

• How do I know what to put inside my unit? - Please click here for a sample inventory. Remember to always keep in mind the number of occupants in your unit and to provide an ample amount of supplies and furnishings (e.g. dinner table and chairs) to accommodate them.

• Should I provide linens and towels? - No. Our site specifically states that they are not provided as does our leases. If you do provide them and they are removed or left unwashed, we will not hold the Tenant responsible by making deductions from their security deposit.

• How do I let my Tenants know about my rules? - Please post your rules, especially about trash and recycling, in a conspicuous place in your unit. Many homeowners choose to provide books with helpful information so that Tenants may enjoy their stay and follow necessary guidelines. Operating instructions for A/C, grills, appliances, TV's, sound systems, VCR's, DVD's, etc. are always helpful. Trash and recycling rules however should always be very visible as fines can be issued.

• Do I have to provide a phone in my unit for 9-1-1 calls? - No, you do not. If you do, we recommend a long distance block.

• What type of cable TV should I provide? - Extended basic should be the bottom line package so that Tenants can enjoy news channels, Disney channel, etc. (this package does not include premium channels such as HBO). If you have On Demand, we recommend blocking it.

• Is it advantageous to provide TV's & DVD players in the bedrooms? - Yes! Children today have DVD's in their cars – they are accustomed to this convenience – an extra TV/DVD can mean choosing another rental unit over yours.

• Is it ok to have a locked closet for my personal belongings? - Yes, many owners take one closet and lock it for their personal use. We suggest that you mark it private and try to choose a closet that will not inhibit storage for the Tenants (i.e. the master bedroom closet). Also, please remove your personal belongings from the condo (clothing, etc.).

• If I have a storage unit, is it better to provide it to my Tenants? - Absolutely! This will avoid dragging beach supplies into your unit thus keeping down the amount of sand and general wear and tear on your walls.

• Am I required to supply toilet paper, dish detergent, etc.? - No, you are not required to, but we certainly recommend furnishing your condo with amenities you would prefer to find upon your own arrival at a vacation rental, thus ensuring a Tenant's return.

• If I do choose to supply some basic items, how do I control the supply? - You can either give your cleaning person a key to an owner's closet where you keep these items or make a monetary arrangement with them to provide these items.

• What items would you suggest I supply? - As a courtesy, we would suggest stocking toilet paper, light bulbs, batteries for remotes or smoke alarms and matches.

• What do you recommend I do to my unit in the off-season? - Please take the time in the spring to have a thorough cleaning including rug scrubbing. (Please click here for a detailed Spring Cleaning List). Changeover cleanings between rentals are typically “surface cleaning”, so spring is the perfect time to dig in and really clean! Don't forget to service your air conditioners, insure that all appliances are in good working order, check your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and fill your propane tanks.
  
  In the fall, a general cleaning is also recommended as vacationers will be visiting to choose their vacation rental. Please remember to turn off your outside showers and bring in your deck furniture. Remember, both spring and fall offer excellent access time to your unit for improvement and maintenance. Always look at your unit through the eyes of a Tenant and you'll see your unit as it should be.