What exactly is a "Preferred" renter?
To clear up what a Preferred renter versus a regular renter is, a little history of the Preferred renter is in order. When we first purchased Pooh & Piglet's Place, we tried a number of different ways to book it up as much as we could. But often there were still weeks where the house was empty. So, if we could not occupy it ourselves, we would offer it to family, friends and work colleagues for free. The only thing we asked was for them to clean it thoroughly before they left which we thought was a fair trade. (So did they). Now the days of an empty house are very rare since we are typically booked nearly every week of the year.
After I developed this website, we had these folks create an account and I put a flag on their account indicating that they should get reduced pricing. I called this the "Preferred" renter flag. If it is set on an account, the prospective renter notices that the pricing is somewhat reduced (anywhere from $75 to $125 per week). And when you reserve or book the week, the system does not require the security deposit. Since these folks have demonstrated that they know how to clean to our expectations, and have demonstrated a willingness to do it before they leave, we can trust them to do so whenever they occupy the house. So, this saves us a trip from New Bern to clean it ourselves, which saves us time and effort. As the saying goes, "time is money".
So, we are willing to make anyone "Preferred" as long as they demonstrate that they are willing to clean and know what "clean" means. We never offer "Preferred" rates to a first time renter since we have no idea whether they will take the time to clean and know what we mean by "clean", But, if during their first booking as a Regular renter they make the effort to clean (even though they are not required to do so), then we know we can trust them to do so on future bookings. It is an honor system. But, we have never had anyone fail to clean the house if they have been entrusted with the responsibility. Also, "Preferred" folks know that if the next subsequent guest complains that the place was not clean when they got there, this could put their "Preferred" renter's status in jeopardy.
So, if you want to be "Preferred", just clean the house before you leave on your first visit to P&P Place. There is a page in the Pooh Piglet booklet at the house and on the About page of this website that explains what our reasonable cleaning standards are. It's not hard, it's pretty much a no-brainer, and it only takes two hours or less to do. Most of our "Preferred" renters go above and beyond and they treat this house like it is their own. We love renting to people like that and want them to keep coming back. When we come down to clean after your first visit, if my wife finds it acceptable, I will reach out to you and offer you "Preferred" status. I usually send the email the Monday after your departure. It is worth it to us to pass on some savings to folks who we would "Prefer" to rent to. And people who are responsible generally take better care of the house which is good for everyone!