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Fireplaces have been the thing of log cabins for years. For practical purposes, it is a radiator of heat, a life saver in extreme cold conditions out in the wild. But just because it’s a thing of cabins and such doesn’t mean people haven’t adapted it for their own aesthetic purposes. As with all exotic things, humans always find a way to be recreate things that they are not always exposed to.

To most romantic individuals, fireplaces are the ideal centerpieces of living rooms. Sitting in front of the fire on a warm fur rug with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day is heaven to those seeking that perfect setting.

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Majority of people have their vacations during peak season, hence the phrase “peak season”. But there are also those who prefer to go somewhere in the colder months because thay want to: avoid the crush of people in vacation spots during peak season and take advantage of off season vacation rates. Your goal as an investor is to make your vacation home synonymous with value for vacation money.

Here are a few things that are sure to help.

• Winterize your advertising. Emphasize amenities in your house like a jacuzzi and sauna room. Use inviting words like snuggle, cuddle, cozy and warm. Tickle their fancy and paint tempting pictures like “Imagine yourself gazing at picturesque vistas of snow-capped mountains while half submerged in the warm jacuzzi bubbles gently playing around you.” Then add an off season photo or two of the house to your website.

• Give off season promotions. An example would be book “one night and get one night free” in the same suite. People love good bargains and they anticipate one in winter. When you get inquiries from a caller hoping to book in the summer, offer them a “winter rate” like 40% discount on a weekend booking – that way, they can inspect the place earlier. Or, your off season promo can go like this: Make 2 off season bookings and your third off season booking is free. What’s important is for you to be creative while not forgetting about your bottom line.

• Make the most of holidays. Early November is not early to put up a Christmas tree or deck the halls with boughs of holly. People from all walks of life, from 9 to 99 are sure to enjoy the holiday trimmings.

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Luxurious condos are also on the rise. While the ownership of these are centered more around a buyer looking for a quality lifestyle, extravagant amenities, and great locations, there are many that are willing to pay the price. In Florida last year, a 4,800 square foot condominium was sold for $4.65 million dollars. In 2005, California experienced a 90% jump in condominiums priced over one million. There were 1,677 condo sales, all in the one million dollar price range. Many of these luxury condominiums are located in areas of wealth and many have top-notch views. Amenities in such luxury condos may include quality furnishings, such as appliances, granite counter tops, and window treatments. Many luxury condo buyers like the fact that the properties are secure and feel their items of wealth are protected in this type of environment and they don’t have to pay the added cost of security. Condo hotel developments are on the rise in larger cities, as well. This type of luxury living affords one the opportunity of living in their own condominium with all the amenities of hotel living, such as room service, maid service, and concierge service. Research shows the average condo hotel buyer to be between the ages of 35 and 50 years old and many simply are purchasing them as both an investment property and vacation property.

Electric fireplaces are fireplaces that, as the name implies, run through electricity. Two types of electric fireplaces exist. One is a heater and one serves for aesthetic purposes only. Other varieties or combinations may also appear from time to time in the market. Generally speaking, people who are for the aesthetic purposes of fireplaces do not usually purchase electric fireplaces as a practical replacement for real fire places. No matter how convincing the fiber optics can be or how high definition the LCD can be, nothing beats the dance of a true flame and its hypnotizing effects on people who love to stare at fire.

To start off, there are many types of fireplaces. First of all, there is the direct vent fireplace and the unvented fireplace. Direct vent fireplaces have a glass protecting the front of the fireplace so that loose sparks may not be spat out and a column leading outside where all the combustion, exhaust, and moisture are expelled. Unvented fireplaces meanwhile have no glass front. All the combustion, exhaust, and moisture have nowhere to go except through the only opening, the front.

Naturally of course, a direct vent fireplace is the healthier option of the two. However, not every type of accommodation can accommodate a direct vent fireplace. Some, like apartments, condos, or flats ought to opt for electrical fireplaces.