Help

I'm interested in using Local Bigwig for my next trip. How does it work?

Local Bigwig provides an easy, free, and secure way to search and book vetted furnished monthly home rentals. We have aggregated the corporate housing and extended-stay providers on one platform, so you only have to go to one website to see all of your options. We list only furnished, unshared apartments/homes. Home rental providers pay our fees so we don't charge anything to guests.

Please see the Guests page to learn more about how it works.

Why should I use Local Bigwig?

For guests, it is typically a time-consuming and stressful process to find and book a furnished home rental. We are bringing online this paper and phone-intensive business. Just like booking rentals cars, hotel rooms and flights online, booking a 3-month furnished rental (which is our average rental length) should be easy and quick.

What kinds of homes can I find on Local Bigwig?

You can find a diverse set of furnished private houses and apartments - from studio to 4BR and more - in various locations in the U.S. and Canada. We don't deal with shared or unfurnished accommodations.

Do I have to pay to use LocalBigwig.com?

No, it's completely free for guests to sign up and use our website. Keep in mind that we charge a 5% fee of the total rental amount to our hosts.

How safe is it? How do you ensure my privacy and security?

Local Bigwig aims to remove shadiness of the online space and promotes safe and transparent communications and transactions. We monitor home listings and hosts' profiles.

Where is Local Bigwig available?

Currently we have home listings in most major cities in the United States and Canada such as New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, and Honolulu. We will soon offer more international listings - including Europe and Asia.

How are the home rentals equipped?

All of the home rentals are equipped differently although Local Bigwig only deals with furnished homes. You can see the amenities of specific listings under the Description tab. If you want to find out about specific amenities, we recommend you to contact the host.

Who uses Local Bigwig?

Local Bigwig has served various types of guests, but our typical customers have been business travelers and families. In addition, there are many who are (a) on temporary business assignments, (b) relocating for work, (c) in-between buying/selling their home, (d) in divorce situations, (e) undergoing home renovations (f) in academia or studying/teaching elsewhere, (g) relocating for a hospital treatment, or (h) in an extended vacation.

Do I have to sign up to look for an apartment?

No, you can look up as many listings as you want without signing up. However, we suggest you to create an account for free so that you can keep your wish list using My Shortlist.

How long does my membership last?

Once you register at LocalBigwig.com and create a profile, your membership does not expire.

How can I delete my account?

Please email us at info@localbigwig.com. We will appreciate any feedback from you.

How do I search home listings on LocalBigwig.com?

It's easy - enter a city, state, or zip code in a search box, choose your move-in and move-out dates if you already know then click on the Search button. Home listings that fit your criteria will be shown, and you can filter and sort the results.

How do I know if the apartment / house is available?

You can see the availability by clicking on the Availability link within the Property Details page. If the host does not specify available dates for the listing, we recommend you to contact the host.

Is there a minimum number of nights I have to stay?

It depends on hosts and listings. In New York City, there is a law that prohibits a stay that is shorter than 30 days. Learn More

Can I see the home/apartment before I book?

Yes. At Local Bigwig, we are all about transparency and open communication. You may feel the need to visit the apartment before booking the place and we understand that. To see the home/apartment, simply contact the host to arrange a time.

What is My Shortlist? How does it work?

Whenever you find a listing that you really like and want to check back later, click Add to Shortlist on the listing page. The listing will be saved in My Shortlist. You can easily access the favorites anytime later on your Profile page.

How can I find out more information about the listing? Who should I ask?

We recommend you to contact hosts to confirm and review every detail before booking the listing.

How do I contact the host? How do I ask a question?

You can click on the Contact Host link on the Property Details page. When your message is sent, the host will receive an email notification from Local Bigwig. We recommend guests to use the messaging feature to ask questions about the listing, pictures, availability, neighborhood, and other specific features of the listing.

Can I call or email a host before I book?

Yes, but we recommend guests and hosts to primarily use our messaging system. In case there are any issues between hosts and guests, we can monitor communications and mediate the trouble.

My host made an offer. What should I do?

After you see the Offer Details, you can either accept the offer and book it or contact the host to discuss and revise the offer.

How do I book a property?

Click on the Book It button on the listing page and fill out your information. Then you will make a payment by entering credit card information. We accept credit cards (Visa, Master, American Express, and Discover) and PayPal; we will soon add other payment methods.

After you confirm everything and submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation by email as the host will also receive one. Please note that your booking is made only when the host accepts your payment on LocalBigwig.com. We don't charge anything for an incomplete booking.

Do hosts require a security deposit? How much is a deposit?

Local Bigwig allows hosts to choose whether to charge a security deposit. In case you need to submit a deposit, you will pay it with the first month's rent.

Do I have to pay additional fees for hosts or Local Bigwig?

Guests don't have to pay any additional amount to Local Bigwig. Home rental providers pay our fees.

When do I make a payment? Can I pay monthly?

Booking is made when a host accepts your first month's payment. Depending on host's settings, you can pay monthly or all upfront. If you would like a special payment schedule, contact the host so that the host can make an offer for you.

What payment methods are available?

We accept credit cards (Visa, Master, American Express, and Discover) and PayPal. If you need to arrange other forms of payment, please call us at 212-292-3160 or email us at info@localbigwig.com.

Does my credit card number go directly to the host?

No, hosts will never receive your payment information.

Can I use foreign currencies?

Unfortunately, Local Bigwig doesn't support foreign currencies at this point. However, you can use your credit card from anywhere in the world.

Can I book when I am outside the U.S.?

Yes, as long as you have an Internet access, you can book from anywhere in the world!

Can I call Local Bigwig to find an available apartment and book it?

Yes. If you need to make a last-minute booking, please call us at 212-292-3160 or email us at assistant@localbigwig.com.

Are you screening the hosts?

Our listings are provided by partners who are the professional corporate housing and extended-stay providers or companies. With an advertising fee agreement signed, we call, meet, and closely work with our housing partners on a regular basis.

How will I get keys/access to the home? How will I return keys after my stay?

Each host has a different way. The host will contact you prior to your arrival to set up arrangements.

How do I change/cancel my booking?

To change/cancel your booking, go to the Booking Details page and click on the Cancel Booking Request button. Hosts usually have their own cancellation policy. The host will give you a refund based on the policy.

What happens if I arrive late?

Delayed flights, transportation strikes, lost luggage - we've been through it all. Contact the host before your departure for emergency contact information and get in touch with them as soon as you can to let them know about your arrival. If you cannot contact the host, please call us at 212-292-3160 or email us at info@localbigwig.com.

How do I get my deposit back?

Please contact the host to make the proper arrangement.

I'm interested in listing my furnished properties on Local Bigwig. How does it work?

Local Bigwig provides an easy, free, and secure way to search and book vetted furnished monthly home rentals. Listing with Local Bigwig is quick and easy. We operate on a pay-for-performance model, so there is no upfront investment to list with us. Your furnished, unshared properties will get global visibility, lead generation, and marketing traction instantly. We charge our 5% fee on the total rental amount only when we are able to deliver a booking to you that you accept.

Please see the Hosts page to learn more about how it works.

Why should I use Local Bigwig?

We provide targeted leads, accelerate the booking and payment process, and increase transparency. We have successfully served corporate travelers and relocating families looking for furnished monthly home rentals.

What kinds of properties can I list on Local Bigwig?

You can list a diverse set of furnished private houses and apartments - from studio to 4BR and more - in various locations in the U.S. and more. We don't deal with shared or unfurnished accommodations.

What's the cost to list my properties? Can I list multiple properties?

Listing your home on LocalBigwig.com is completely free. You can list as many properties as you want on our website for free. Keep in mind that we charge a 5% fee of total rental amount when a booking is made.

How does payment system work? How does Local Bigwig payout?

Local Bigwig charges a 5% fee of the total rental amount only if we're able to deliver a booking that you accept. Keep in mind that our 5% fee is separate from a 3% fee charged by the payment processor. This 3% fee is your responsibility and is deducted from your total payment.

You can set up the payout preference in your Profile page (Profile > For Hosts > Payout). We currently have three options: PayPal, bank transfer, and check. Please select one and enter your information, so we can release the payment to you once the guest arrives at your property.

How does Local Bigwig promote my listing? What can I do to promote?

Local Bigwig employs a mix of online marketing techniques including insertion advertising, social media, SEO, SEM, and other types of partnerships. Our partners include Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, Vast, and eBay Classifieds: your listings are automatically syndicated to those portals.

You can also promote your property pages through your social media pages. Let us know if you would like us to feature your properties on our Insiders' Guide and email blasts.

How safe is it? How do you ensure my privacy and security?

Local Bigwig aims to remove shadiness of the online space and promotes safe and transparent communications and transactions. We monitor guests' profiles to maintain the most respectable online community possible.

Who uses Local Bigwig?

Local Bigwig has served various types of guests, but our typical customers have been business travelers and their families. In addition, there are many of those who are (a) on temporary business assignments, (b) relocating for work, (c) in-between buying/selling their home, (d) in divorce situations, (e) undergoing home renovations (f) in academia or studying/teaching elsewhere, (g) relocating for a hospital treatment, or (h) in an extended vacation.

How long does my membership last?

Once you register at LocalBigwig.com and create a profile, your membership does not expire.

How can I delete my account?

Please email us at info@localbigwig.com. We will appreciate any feedback from you.

How do I list my properties on LocalBigwig.com?

It's easy - create an account, click on Your Listings and then Create New Listing. Enter all the required information. Once you create a listing, you can edit and add more information, including pictures, availability, payment preferences, etc.

How do I edit / delete my listing on LocalBigwig.com?

To edit, click on Your Listings and then Edit Listing. To delete, go to the editing page and click on Unpublish This Listing at the top of the page.

What are the elements of a good listing? What attracts guests?

To create a good, attractive listing, put yourself in the shoes of the guest who is looking for accommodation.

Update as many photos as you can. Guests want to see how staying at your home is like. It is also helpful if you can upload pictures of the neighborhood. Provide every detail of the home listing. Also, try to make your recommendations of local attractions in your neighborhood.

Can I require a security deposit in addition to my rent?

Yes, you can require a security deposit. Please enter the exact amount in the Deposit field as it will be included in the automatic calculation of the total amount.

What is Payment Preference? How does it work?

In the Settings section on the property editing page, you can set up the payment preferences - All Upfront or Monthly - for long-term stays (3+ months) and short-term stays (3 months or shorter). It will be applied to auto-calculation and payment schedules.

I have multiple rates for each property. Can I list them all?

Yes, once you enter the primary monthly rate, you can add more rates on the property editing page.

Is there a minimum / maximum number of nights for which I have to list my home?

You, as a host, can determine the minimum / maximum number of nights. In New York City, there is a law that prohibits a stay that is shorter than 30 days. Learn More

Can I invite a guest to see my property before booking?

Yes. We're all about transparency and open communication. If you and the guest want to video skype, chat over coffee or do a walk-through of the home, go for it. Most guests prefer to see the home before they commit to renting it.

Help! Why isn't anyone booking my home?

There are a few reasons you're not attracting guests. First of all, take into consideration the price for which you are listing your home - is it too high? Research the market price for the comparable home, try to lower your rent a bit and see if that makes a difference. How is your description? Make sure you take full advantage of the photo section and list all of the amenities and qualities that your home has to offer to the weary guest! For creating an attractive home listing, please refer to the question on the elements of a good listing above.

How do I contact / reply to guests?

Guests contact you when they are interested in your home and want to ask questions. When you receive a message, you also get an email notification from Local Bigwig. Go to Inbox to see and reply the message.

Can I call or email a guest before booking?

Yes, but we recommend that guests and hosts use our system's messaging system. In case there are any issues between hosts and guests, we can monitor communications and mediate the trouble.

What is Make Offer? How does it work?

If you are okay with lowering your total rental amount for this specific guest, submit your offer. Confirm the move-in and move-out dates, as well as the total rental amount and click on the 'Submit Offer' button.

I received a booking request. What should I do now?

When you receive a booking request and payment from a guest, you will first receive an email notification. In your Inbox, you will be asked to either accept or decline the payment. Click on the Accept button to receive the payment.

Guests will pay the rent monthly. How should I receive payment?

We can forward the payment as the guest pays monthly. Please set up your Payout Preferences in your Profile > For Hosts > Payout.

Can I get paid in a certain method? How can I set up my payout preference?

Yes, please go to Profile > For Hosts > Payout to select one option. We currently have three options: PayPal, bank transfer, and check.

Are you screening the guests?

We do make sure the contact information (email address, phone number, etc.) is valid. However, it's your responsibility to monitor your guests. You can ask your guests to provide references, ID, etc.

Do I have to meet the guest and give my key?

After a guest booked your home, please contact the guest prior to his/her arrival to set up an arrangement. Please contact us promptly if you need any support.

What do I do if I need to cancel a booking?

If you need to cancel the booking made already, you need to give a refund to the guest based on your cancellation policy. We encourage you to notify the guest as soon as possible. Please contact us for refund assistance.

How do I deal with cancellation? How do I process a refund?

If you need to process a refund, please contact us at 212-292-3160 or info@localbigwig.com.

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