| You have found the perfect vacation home in the | | | | home to highlight its features. If possible, try to |
| perfect setting. Follow these simple steps to help | | | | stage the pictures - set an appealing dinner table |
| increase your rental revenue, so your vacation | | | | with dinnerware that suits the location/decor, |
| home is not only a place for you to relax but also | | | | make sure bed and bath areas are clean and |
| an instrument in helping create financial wealth. | | | | appeal to the senses, take pictures with good |
| #1: Understand Your Competition and Target | | | | lighting - you don't want dark, dreary pictures. The |
| Market - Browse various vacation rental websites | | | | more pictures you take, the better. You want to |
| and talk to property managers who offer rentals | | | | charm potential renters while erasing doubts. |
| in the area. This will give you an idea of the | | | | Finally, add the words to match the pictures. Make |
| current market to help set competitive prices as | | | | your listing stand out from the typical "2BD/2BTH |
| well as help you determine what amenities you | | | | Beachfront Condo" description. Be creative! If you |
| should consider in order to make your property | | | | find it hard to express yourself, imagine having to |
| stand out. This can also help answer common | | | | describe your vacation rental to a friend who is |
| questions/concerns: How do owners handle | | | | visiting for the first time. How would you describe |
| deposits? Outside of deposits, what are other | | | | the front of the property? What aspects of the |
| fees I should consider charging? Should I allow | | | | property do you love? What do you think they |
| pets? | | | | will like the most? What types of great activities |
| Evaluate your vacation home to determine for | | | | can you offer during their stay? Be specific in |
| which groups your property is best suited - | | | | your descriptions. Let potential renters know |
| couples, families, large groups, adventure, | | | | exactly what amenities you offer and highlight |
| relaxation, etc. This will help you create | | | | nearby attractions. |
| advertisements that will appeal to target | | | | #4: Offer an Availability Calendar - The Internet |
| audiences. Find advertisements that you find | | | | has given us instant access to all sorts of |
| appealing and use those to guide you in the | | | | information and many potential renters expect |
| creation of your own advertisement. | | | | that same access from you. By providing an |
| #2: Advertise, Advertise, Advertise - The | | | | availability calendar, renters can find out |
| vacation home that's the best-kept secret isn't | | | | immediately if you have openings for their |
| generating much revenue. Get your property out | | | | schedule or determine the best dates for their |
| where people will see it! There are many websites | | | | travel based on your availability. This will also |
| that offer free advertising with minimal work for | | | | prove to be a time saver. You will no longer need |
| you. Seek these sites out first, as it is a way to | | | | to waste your precious time returning phone calls |
| generate some exposure without the cost. To | | | | or sending emails saying, "Sorry, we're booked |
| get even more exposure, look for sites with high | | | | that week." Spend your time dealing only with |
| visibility by spending a little time doing some | | | | truly potential inquiries. |
| research. Try various search engines to find which | | | | #5: Offer Promotions - Sure a ski chalet does |
| vacation rental sites get the most exposure for | | | | great in the winter and the beach house is |
| your area. This will help you pick a vacation rental | | | | booked all summer, but what about the |
| website that generates high traffic for your locale. | | | | off-season? To generate yearlong income, you |
| These sites will most likely have attached fees, | | | | may want to consider reduced prices for quiet |
| but these fees will usually pay for themselves | | | | months. This will make your property stand out |
| with just one successful lead. The more sites you | | | | when compared to its competition. In addition, find |
| advertise on, the more traffic you will generate | | | | attractions for your property that are still available |
| for your vacation home. | | | | during the off-season (i.e. their may be no snow |
| #3: A Picture Says a Thousand Words - Potential | | | | for skiing, however, the ski runs make great |
| renters want to see what they are getting | | | | mountain bike trails in the summer and nearby |
| before they get it! Simply advertising your site | | | | trails offer nice hiking opportunities). Remember, |
| with basic descriptions is not enough. In the | | | | even if it is not the peak season, you can still |
| vacation rental business, pictures are key since | | | | capture an audience that is looking for a quieter |
| the majority of people will rent sight unseen. Be | | | | time to travel with alternative activities and |
| sure to take many pictures of your vacation | | | | bargains to boot! |