Homeowner Tips
The purpose of a homeowners to rent on their own is to avoid any management fees.  However there are many expenses that still are incurred un-necessarily by homeowners that can e avoided.  Below are a list of some idea to help keep costs down, help improve repeat renters/referrals, etc.

Some rental tips
Screen your tenants carefully
Have on hand a list of local venders
Have extra keys made up

Recommended minimal amenities
These should be the industry minimal. Each area has different general guidelines.
1-TV in  main room with VCR player
Radio/Alarm clock in each bedroom
Telephone for local calls
basic cable or satellite
small selection of cd's, dvd's, etc (1/2 doz)
Initial firewood
Kitchen accessories (pots, pans, utensils)
coffee maker, Toaster, microwave
1 Pillow for each bed

Add amenities to your home
Add additional amenities for impressive results
Soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, mouthwash, hand soap, shampoo, bug spray, toilet paper, paper towels, etc

Deluxe amenities
You may charge for some of these amenities while other should be included for deluxe listing
Full set of Linen for the stay
Full towel sets for the stay
Comfortable mattresses
Local maps, guides, travel information
Daily news paper / Popular magazines, books, board games
DVD Player / Stereo
PC / Fax machine
Binoculars
Disposable Camera
Cable full access (HBO, SHO, etc)
Nationwide telephone
Firewood for the stay
Food processor, blender, electric knife,
sealed ground coffee, soda, bottled water, spices
Hand soap, shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels etc for the stay
Paper plates, cups, utensils for the stay
2nd pillow foe each bed
1 blanket for each bed and spares
ironing board
Laundry detergent / softener for stay