6 MUSTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VACATION RENTAL SEASON

Did you ever ponder as to why your vacation rental sits vacant certain weeks during the prime rental season while others are occupied?  It doesn’t have to. Here are the TOP 6 MUSTS as well as some advice to help you maximize your rental income.

#1 – MEMBERSHIPS & ADD-ON’s
Did you research all of the memberships, specials and services we offer?   Some owners do not; they choose the cheapest membership regardless of their situation. The basic membership is a great option for homes located in towns with very little competition, but not for homes with a lot of competition.  Bottom line, choose the best membership for your situation to assure maximum income. Please view a quick video from me on who should be choosing which membership and why it is so crucial to have the most exposure possible for just pennies a day.

#2 – THE SHORE WITHOUT THE CHORES
Do you have a million dollar home but furnish it with items you picked up at yard sale? Probably not, but you would be surprised how often we see this happen.  Vacationers want to vacation with all of the comforts they are accustomed to at home PLUS more. They’re willing to spend on quality as long as that is what they are truly receiving. Small items such as providing wi-fi, cable tv, bikes, beach chairs, etc. provide convenience for the renter making your home more appealing. Make it easy on them.  Investing this small amount will come back to you ten fold.

#3 – RENTAL RATES
With today’s sophisticated tools, renters can comparison shop on rental prices online.  Are your rates in line with your competition?  We can perform a Vacation Rental Market Rate Analysis on your home making sure your rates are in line with the market, or even identify if you are not charging enough, utilizing our extensive database of vacation home rates. Contact us if you are interested in having a rental rate analysis done on your home.

#4 – PHOTOS OF YOUR HOMES
How do your pictures look?  Are they appealing or are they dark, blurry or pixelated?  Eye catching pictures are the biggest difference between an average rental season and a remarkable spectacular rental season including quality tenants.  The right camera equipment can make all the difference.  Contact us for a quality photo showcasing all of the features of your property that make it special. Pictures are the first and only impression the renters see.  99% of renters do not drive to the home until check in.  Make sure to have several exterior photos, nearby attractions including the beach, bay, amusements, fishing piers, etc.  If it does not look appealing, renters will quickly move on to another home.  Don’t let this happen to you, take great pictures or use a professional service if possible.  Click here for all the details and to see a small sampling of our work.

#5 – RENTAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS
If you have an online listing, how is your property description? Is it dull or does it invoke the reader’s emotion? Great property descriptions allow the renter to envision what it would be like to stay at your property. Show some personality and highlight all of the key features that make your home special. This can be a game changer.

#6 – PLAIN VANILLA
How does your home look compared to your competitors? Is it a cookie-cutter three-bedroom two-bath condo just like everyone else?  If that’s the case, the only way you could realistically compete is by offering lower rates. Who wants to do that?  You need something that will distinguish your property. Sometimes a bright paint like a yellow or an aqua can make a huge difference.  Updating furniture with a bold colored sofa and love seat that complement the wall colors and surrounding furniture can boost rentals.  This would make your home stand out and differentiate it among the competition!  Need help?  CONTACT US, that’s what we are here for.