About Us

Tara Hargenrader is the founder of RentingWildwood.com, an owner-direct vacation rental platform built on local expertise, personalized service, and exceptional value. A South Jersey native with longstanding ties to Cape May and the Wildwoods, Tara combines her professional background with a deep appreciation for the communities she serves.

Tara earned her bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her master’s degree in marketing from National University in 2012. In 2014, she founded Strictly Social LLC, providing digital marketing services to businesses across a wide range of industries nationwide.

Drawing on her experience in marketing and real estate, Tara launched RentingWildwood.com in 2022 to offer homeowners and vacationers a more personal, cost-effective rental experience. Unlike the largely hands-off approach of major booking platforms, Renting Wildwood provides attentive, personal service, helping guests find suitable accommodations and supporting owners throughout the rental process.

The platform is completely free for property owners, allowing them to advertise without listing fees or commissions. Guests pay a booking fee while still saving an average of 20% compared with Airbnb and Vrbo. Rental agreements and rental payments remain directly between the owner and guest, combining the value of booking direct with the support of a dedicated local business.