When looking for a vacation rental on a listing site, one of the first things that renters look for after the obvious (location and price) is: How many TVs do you have and how big are they? So when it comes to furnishing your vacation home, it's important to give thought and consideration to TVs, in addition to furniture and beds. To start with, I'd recommend having at least two TVs in your home: One in the living area and one in the master bedroom.

The Living Area
The living area is usually the hub of indoor activity during your renters' stay. If you can afford it, I'd recommend having a TV that is a least 27” with a DVD player and a VCR.

The Master Bedroom
Since a lot of adults like to fall asleep with the television on, it's important to have a TV in the master bedroom. It doesn't have to be that big (19” would be fine), but does need to get at least the broadcast networks. A TV/DVD combo would also be a good choice.

Do you need additional TVs?
After you've rented your property for a while, you'll get a gauge as to where else your renters would like an additional TV, if at all. If you have a game room in addition to your living area, that'd be a good spot. That way two groups can watch different movies at the same time.

If you have a room set up especially for kids (with bunk beds, etc.) consider putting in TV and a game console like (Xbox or Playstation 2). Don't worry about spending big bucks for the latest and most technologically advanced-- the kids have those at home. You can often pick up a used console with games included on Craigslist for under $50.

Should you buy an HDTV?
High definition television are all the rage-- you can watch the football games as if you were there, marvel at the detail of re-mastered DVDs, and see the actors pores…. but do you need one in your vacation home? That's up to you. If you market your second home as a “luxury” property, then an HDTV is almost expected these days, but if you market your property as “family-oriented” and “fun,” it will not make or break your renters' experience-- for now. In five to ten years, a new technology will have come along and high-definition televisions will be the reasonably priced alternative.

Consider, however, that adding a high-definition television could provide your property a competitive advantage over the others in your vacation rental market.

When buying a new television for your vacation property, keep in mind:
In 2009, all of the broadcast networks will be switching their transmission from analog to digital (right now they broadcast in both). This means that most older televisions (pre-2000) will no longer be able to transmit broadcast or basic cable stations without a converter.

If you're in the electronics store and find a ridiculously good deal on a TV, it's probably doesn't include a digital tuner, so be sure to double-check before you buy.

What kind of TVs do you have at your vacation rental and why? "I bought a 26 inch LCD TV for the master bedroom at Walmart for about $500 and our inquiries have really increased." --Paul B., Bend, Oregon.

How to Choose Between Cable TV and Satellite Answering these questions will help you decide between cable and satellite for your vacation rental home.   Amenities Checklist for Vacation Rentals What amenities are expected and which will help seal the deal?   Finding Service Providers: How to Be Proactive in Renting Your Vacation Home A quick list of service providers you may need as you embark upon renting your vacation home.   The 4 Criteria That All Renters Are Looking For Make sure that your vacation rental listing talks to your intended audience.

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