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We don't support Vera yet, but that's something we're researching.
For now, use a booking custom field to track the ones you generate and merge them into the email. We'll keep you posted as we get into Vera.
Happy Friday everyone!
I wanted to take a quick second to share some exciting news! Our Payment Methods area has gotten an overhaul and, with that, we have added the ability to connect multiple PayPal accounts.
Previously, you could only have one PayPal account connected to OwnerRez no matter how many properties you have. Now you can connect as many PayPal accounts as you want!
To connect more PayPal accounts, go to Settings > Payment Methods and just click the button!
It will take you to a PayPal login page where you can authorize OwnerRez to transact on your behalf using whatever PayPal account you logged in with. If you already connected that PayPal account previously, OwnerRez will refresh what was there already.
And make sure to check out the Payment Methods area to see the facelift it got! We've made the pages easier to use, added test buttons and more.
I just installed the Vera system. I believe the lock is by Yale. Can I automatically have codes issued?
We've released 3 lock integrations in the last month or so – eRentalLock, ResortLock, and RemoteLock.
After those releases, we started looking at the rest of the lock market to see what other smart lock systems we should consider adding to OwnerRez. There are so many different types and brands of locks there are nowadays with all sorts of features, pros, cons. Some can be connected to via API and are a possibility for OwnerRez integration, some are totally disconnected or only accessible through their own phone app, and some are in the middle between the two and can act disconnected or be integrated via a bridge/hub device.
Based on all of that research, I decided to write up this post to share everything we've learned so far.
WARNING: long post ahead -- 2700 words, 8 lock types, 21 locks, hubs, bridges etc. Tips and tricks are at the bottom, so if you've already got a smart lock, head down there to make the most of it :-)
I'm sure I haven't covered everything, so feel free to contact us and share your experiences or link me to a lock type I missed and I'll add it to the stack.
$20-$150
First off, there are offline or disconnected lock methods. There's a lot of variety even here, but they share a common theme of requiring manual programming with physical access to the lock required.
The oldest method: leave the key with a neighbor/realtor/under the mat/over the door/in the flowerpot. I'm not even going to get into the pros and cons here.
Key with neighbor or realtor can work if you trust, but that's a lot of reliance on someone to physically be there.
Key under the mat... please don't do this. Even out in the boonies where you can leave your doors unlocked, you'll find that it can cause problems. I've personally had issues with folks in the neighborhood dropping by... or the old "we just used the hot tub because nobody was there" and then having a frustrated guest and extra cleaning. Locks are to keep honest people honest.
Key lock box, with combination required to access the key. Basically a small key-sized safe, screwed down with heavy duty screws.
PROS: Cheap and reliable. $20 bucks for the lock. Everybody knows how to use it. Very unlikely to break down. Easy to rekey the entire house to work on one key.
CONS: Physical access required to program the lock, meaning the code isn't changed often. Code is shared for multiple bookings -- even if you change it every month or two it's still some level of bookings using the same code. No long term access codes for housekeeping/maintenance. No access logs. Keys can be duplicated.
Programmable electronic locks. These are enhanced deadbolts or latchbolts with a combination key pad. If the correct combination is entered, the door lock will open.
PROS: Still pretty cheap and simple. $50-$150 for the lock. Multiple codes are available so you can use some for bookings and others for housekeeping/maintenance.
CONS: Physical access required to program the lock. Now we've got batteries to worry about. Most of these last for years, though, but it's still something to log and change. Still no access logs.
$300-$500
These terms all refer to the same basic concept. This is an upgrade to programmable locks where there is a known sequence of codes pre-programmed into the lock set for different dates and times. This allows you to generate a code remotely that is only valid for the check-in/check-out dates of a booking, all without being connected to the lock.
PROS: Codes can be generated remotely, no physical access or wireless connection required. Housekeeping and maintenance can have separate long term codes or even one time use codes. Access logs can be downloaded.
CONS: Batteries. Access logs are only accessible by physical download from the lock, no remote connection. Codes are pre-defined so they can't be extended if the guest wants to stay additional days -- instead you'd have to send a new code for those days.
There are several different companies offering this type of lock:
This is a hybrid algorithmic lock and keybox. You can generate access codes remotely via the numeric sequence generator, and then those codes give access to the keybox to retrieve the key.
$175-$500
Finally, we get to smart locks. Rather than having a pre-programmed sequence of codes, you are able to add your own codes with check-in/check-out date/time, long term access codes, or one use access codes.
There are several different varieties based on what method is used for connectivity. Some can be connected directly via WiFi and are accessible over the internet. Others can be accessed locally either via open Zigbee/Z-Wave protocols or via a proprietary bluetooth connection to a mobile app. If you want to make the local locks internet accessible and programmable remotely, you can set up a separate bridge or hub device that connects to the lock and then connects via WiFi or wired connection to an internet service.
Zigbee and Z-Wave are two similar protocols to deliver a low powered wireless mesh network for connected home automation devices. Given a device like a lock, thermostat, window sensor, light, etc. and a hub with the same technology, the hub will be able to control the devices and optionally provide an internet bridge to allow control over the internet.
For vacation rental purposes, you'll probably want to set up the bridge device so you can program codes remotely, so factor the bridge into the cost. The proprietary bluetooth locks have dedicated bridges that can only handle those devices. The open Zigbee/Z-Wave hub/bridges support many different devices in addition to locks, like thermostats, sensors, etc.
Some smart locks are now designed with only the touchpad -- no keyway! Yale Key Free, Yale Assure, Kwikset Obsidian, etc. No key removes the risk of the lock being picked or opened with a bump key... but of course there's no backup if something goes wrong.
PROS: Codes can be added remotely at any time, with any numbers you like. Many owners use the last 4 of the guest's phone number to keep it simple and memorable. Housekeeping and maintenance can have their own codes. Access logs are accessible in real time, so you can see when guests or staff have arrived and departed.
CONS: Internet connection is required to program the device. If a code is already programmed in, guests can use it if the connection goes out, but it may not be the best bet in remote areas with spotty internet. Batteries.
RemoteLock is the only lock I know of that can directly connect to your WiFi with no bridge or hub needed. This greatly simplifies setup if you only have the one lock and no other devices to connect.
Gate is an internet-connected, video-enabled keypad smart lock. An "all-in-one" device, Gate connects to WiFi directly, so that owners can manage access remotely using the Gate app to perform actions such as create time-bracketed pin codes for guests or view and communicate with guests at the door. The camera and two-audio are built directly into the smart lock. Gate also has a physical key backup.
These locks use either Zigbee/Z-Wave wireless mesh networking protocols to connect with a hub that will manage them. You'll need both the lock and the hub at each property, so factor in the combined cost when making comparisons.
A combination of a Zigbee/Z-Wave smart lock from above with one of these internet bridge/hubs will make the lock programmable and accessible from anywhere over the internet. When figuring the total cost, add the price of the hub here with the lock from above.
If you use one of these hubs and want OwnerRez integration, let us know. We're still in the research phase for the internet bridge/hub to Zigbee/Z-Wave lock connection, so any feedback or info on your hub and its API will help us get to the end goal of integration.
These use their own apps and/or bluetooth rather than an open standard like Zigbee/Z-Wave. Some can be internet accessible with a separate bridge purchased from the same company versus the standard Z-Wave/Zigbee hubs that work with all open devices.
Independent locks:
Conversion kits that fit over an existing deadbolt:
Add a bridge to make one of the above locks internet connected.
If you're very cost conscious, a key lock box or programmable electronic lock is going to be far cheaper than the smart locks. The question is whether it is worth it to save a couple hundred dollars versus having shared lock codes and requiring direct access to reprogram the locks. A smart lock is a one time investment, assuming you choose one without a monthly fee, so that can repay the investment quite rapidly.
When deciding between algorithmic locks and internet accessible locks, the key question is that internet accessible locks… require a solid internet connection. The price is similar between internet locks and algorithmically determined ones. If you've got intermittent connections, don't go with the internet lock. I've got several cabins in a remote mountainous location. Even though there is internet most of the time, I've gone with algorithmic locks just in case. Either way, connection isn't required for guests to access the lock once it's programmed, but I've heard many stories of devices with intermittent connections needing to be reset and causing extra work. If the connection is solid, then the internet lock will give you a bit more control -- the chance to reprogram dates on a code, viewing access logs remotely, seeing whether a lock is currently locked, and remotely locking a lock if a guest forgets to lock on departure.
One thing to consider, especially while transitioning to a smart lock and setting all of the process, is to use a smart lock for the main lock box but also have a second key lock box with a backup key. That will cut down on any service calls to help the guest with the smart lock as you can give them the code for the backup key over the phone. But that code isn't shared with everyone, only with people who have issues gaining access through the smart lock.
Wow, thanks for reading all the way to the end! I learned a lot while researching for this article and I hope you learned a lot reading it.
If you know of any additional locks that could be added, or want to share what you do with your locks, more tips and tricks, etc. contact us.
We've got two ways to integrate OwnerRez into your website. Either add our widgets to your existing site... or you can use our recently released hosted websites to host your site directly from OwnerRez. Both methods get you inquiry, book now (if configured), rates, availability calendars etc. directly on your site.
Since we released hosted websites a couple of months ago, we've been hard at work on improving the template and feel of the site.
We just released a big improvement on the header, with a new mode for a full width (but not full page) carousel/header unit:
At the same time, we added the capability to set your own custom carousel images (rather than using only the property thumbnails).
To apply these new settings, go into the page settings for your home page on the hosted website:
A few weeks ago we added support for eRentalLock door locks.
We've just added support for two new types of locks -- ResortLock and RemoteLock, both by LockState. ResortLock is a number sequence lock like eRentalLock, while RemoteLock is a WiFi connected lock.
If you have one of these locks already, they are very easy to set up. Once you've got them connected on LockState Connect, go to Settings > Door Locks in OwnerRez (under integrations) and add your account there.
We've written comprehensive support articles about both systems, with instructions on everything from code generation (manual, automatic, and bulk) to field codes and email templates:
If you don't have a lock yet, we've partnered with LockState to give you a $50 discount on ResortLock or RemoteLock smart locks! Go to the Door Locks page in your account for more information on how to access the discount.
Do you use a different lock type? Let us know in the comments and we'll add it to our list of future integrations to research.
Good! I am waiting for smoky mountains are site; but our tourism bureau runs excellent site just like that - only links to listings, no meddling in payments. it ranks pretty high on google ( visitmysmokies.com)
BlueMtnCabins said:
here is one more reason - dynamic fee. Even if you drop your price HA will up the fee amount to "fill in the gap"
We are on it and will try to fight this in our local area in the Catskill Mountains NY region. In the process of building Local website at https://www.catskillgetaway.com , domain previously just used by one owner but redesigned now for owners to join and list their place. It will be only used as an advertisement venue and all the communication will happen directly between guests and owners either via email, phone or through dashboard on website. We won't be processing payments, it's too much to deal with but it should help people go back to the basics and direct communication with guests. I hope it will help. Crossing fingers! :-)
Ella
We are on it and will try to fight this in our local area in the Catskill Mountains NY region. In the process of building Local website at www.catskillgetaway.com , domain previously just used by one owner but redesigned now for owners to join and list their place. It will be only used as an advertisement venue and all the communication will happen directly between guests and owners either via email, phone or through dashboard on website. We won't be processing payments, it's too much to deal with but it should help people go back to the basics and direct communication with guests. I hope it will help. Crossing fingers! :-)
Ella
Alan Egan posted his after that fella Remy (I mentioned) reported what HA (or its European version) did in response to Remy's attempt to lower his rate. I saw other owners reported jumping service fee when they sent quotes to different travelers for the same number of same priced days. But those differences were within $10-15 ( like fee going from $110 to $125 or so) but this is over the top.
One of my listings ( 4 bd) is expiring in July. I have not had an inquiry or booking via VRBO in a long time and only 2 bookings outstanding going forward (they explain this by my property being booked so well via other sources). So yes, I am seriously thinking of NOT paying for renewal. I mean, Tripadvisor and Airbnb subject owners to similar tactics, but at least they do not expect owners to PAY subscription fee for such abuse. HA does. I have TA sub (formerly VHR) and so far since i PAID for the sub, they do not meddle in my business (but traffic is very slow).
this EXPE head is way brazen. I do not think lawsuit will help because Vacation rentals are not a big player due to being a fragmented mom and pop operations - they do not have lawyer-power of big hotel chains to fight this. And unless there is a public perception and awareness of this price fixing duopolistic abuse (look at DISH and DIRECTV getting away with basically price fixing - no one is suing them for being duopoply!) , nothing will happen. courts take years - there is Ivan Arnold's class action lawsuit in CA which I do not think anything is happening there ad that was filed in early 2016. They (EXPE) just waiting it out.
This is really mind-blowing. I just read a post by Alan Egan (who we love here at OwnerRez) that someone forwarded me. He's dead right - time to leave HomeAway for good. Or at least price your properties so that they are 30-50% higher on those listing sites so that it's worth the BS of having to deal with it. But drive your business outside of HomeAway for good. Really quite astounding how much of a money-grab it is for them at every turn!
To add, recently the interface to wheelhouse pricing stopped working. Knowing that, I find that "coincidence" highly suspicious. Why? because for owners using wheelhouse, wheelhouse will price one's property to what market will bear. So that will leave no room for HA's own dynamic fee, IMO. So I am thinking that is y there is an "issue" connecting wheelhouse pricing now. I think it is by design.
Not exactly, but close. It has been reported that they have already removed thr breakdiwn of the fee in their help section. I presume it is because fee is dynamic.
One fella in Fb group just reported that he had a traveler asking for discount. He sent quote discounted by 100 euros but the traveler on their end only saw 50 euro quote reduction - because HA apparently increased relative fee amount on the 2nd quote. Several owners mentioned sending a quote(preapprive) to traveler. Quote expires. Traveler asks yo resend. Owner sends - quote goes up by several $.
Outside of euro example so far most fluctuations are within a few to dozen dollars but the direction yhis is taking is highly troubling. This meand they take complete control of pricing and essentially owner cannot even drop price without them interfering.
On another note, the links to owner sitesare gone from altady-sent email in HA mailbox. Walled garden.
BlueMtnCabins,
Tell me you're joking!!! I had not read that yet. Do you have have a link or more information you can share about this? HomeAway will increase your rate as high as they want to what they think it should be and just keep the rest? So if an owner put their condo at $50/night - way below market price, to drive in a bunch of good business/review - HomeAway will up that to say $300/night and just keep $250/night difference? If so, wow, that may actually be illegal since they are reselling a product way outside of the limits the producer has set. That's no longer adding a service fee. That's reselling a not-for-resale product at rates the product owner has disallowed. I guess HA is going to keep getting worse and worse until they get sued or owners ban together and room all their product from HA's network.
here is one more reason - dynamic fee. Even if you drop your price HA will up the fee amount to "fill in the gap" to what its algorithm thinks market can bear. Which essentially means owner completely loses control over their pricing. We cannot raise the price (because add on fee makes it overpriced by fee amount) but now we cannot lower our price either (say, to attract traffic) because increased fee will step in . is your blood boiling yet?
Here's one more reason to HATE vrbo.
I received a cease and desist notice from homeaway noting I am breaching their terms of service by using "vrbo" in my url while maintaining a listing on vrbo.
I could fight them but the fallout - other owners listing being removed from vrbo would cause too much harm.
We'll just use a different url and continue our quest to become "vrbo independent". It will take some time but they are becoming less and less of a factor for my rentals.
Thanks for the heads up -- the article template link was grabbing a weird value when you copied and pasted it. The link wasn't going to the {BULEASE} even though the text showed that. I fixed the article and fixed the template for you.
If you want to check where links go in future, you can click on the link in the email template editor and use the chain link button in the toolbar to view a dialog that shows the Url (where the link goes) and Text (what is displayed to the guest), which can be two different values.
When I clock the link for {bulease}, I am getting an error message "Support Article Not found" when I go to review the email that was sent to the guest.
I verified that my email template contained the correct shortcode {bulease}. Is that shortcode not working? Or, what else could be wrong?
TIA
Did you know that triggers can be configured to target specific listing sites? Oh yes! A big use case for this is Airbnb...
Let's say you use our calendar import to automatically import your Airbnb bookings. Because Airbnb doesn't share the guest's real email address, you need to ask the guest for that (and probably other stuff) so that you can manually "clean up" the booking and keep your records up to date.
Previously, you had to remember to manually email Airbnb guests and ask for information online. Now, OwnerRez will do this for you.
When creating triggers, you'll see a new criteria option called "Listing Sites".
You can select All listings sites or select a specific list of them to target. When the system executes the trigger, this value will be taken into account.
So when your Airbnb bookings are imported into OwnerRez, you don't have to lift a finger - the system will send them your email template, saying whatever you want to say.
By the way, if you're looking for inspiration in terms of what to tell Airbnb guests, we have a sample in our email template library you may want to use called Airbnb request for contact info (real email address) and signed renter agreement.
Thanks for quick turnaround, yes that is definitely better. FWIW, I think VRBO's old calendar gets the visual treatment perfect... really sticks out with a round green circle, i.e. you have both shape and color as the indication plus their tooltips/popups work for those days just like any other day... but again, I appreciate what you have done already, that works for me - thanks!
Mmm, that's a good point. Damn, your calendar is stacked nicely already for this year -- hardly a day out.
I tweaked it a bit so the number bubble will show the today color -- that way you'll be able to see it on top of the booking if it is there. You're not subscribed to any holidays in settings, but if you were, you'd see those too now.
How's it look on your end now?
Thanks for working on this. Unfortunately I am not seeing it on my dashboard yet. In particular my only interest was today's date. If today is already booked, then you have a conflict of two colors (the other being booked), and I hope the today color wins..
@Daniel M: This was updated as part of a recent hotfix. Today, Holidays and turn-over blocks are now highlighted and colored. Enjoy!
Hi BlueMtnCabins,
You're so active all the time - I love it!!
We have a great support article about Damage Protection right there:
https://www.ownerrez.com/support/articles/damage-protection-overview
Give that a look!
(There's an entire section about Imported Bookings in there)
Have a relaxing weekend,
-Michelle
what about imported booking? where amounts are not imported/entered?
Love the integration. set up was easy too!
We're excited to announce that OwnerRez now fully integrates with eRentalLock door locks! We've been testing this integration in a small beta for about a month now, and it's ready to go for everyone!
If you have an eRentalLock door lock already, it's extremely easy to integrate. Go to Settings > Door Locks and walk through the process.
We've written a comprehensive support article about everything you need to know from end to end. Check that out here:
Integration for eRental Door Locks
We cover things like:
Enjoy!
Hi Daniel,
Good morning!
Yes, you're 100% right! We need to add a "Today" color and the same for holidays (as we do on the other views). I'll check with dev and see if it's possible to hotfix this in with the current schedule. No promises, but great idea.
I'd love a tiny improvement on the year view, which is to visually indicate today's date on the calendar for quick orientation. Usually I am looking for the current guest, or next or previous, so that would be super helpful.
