29 May, 2024
Have your occupancy rates dropped? With so many vacation rental properties listed on booking websites like Vrbo and Airbnb, it’s time to make your vacation rental stand out. How can you make your short term rental property stand out from the competition? Here are three quick questions to evaluate your chances of achieving investment property success. Does my short-term rental property lack visual appeal? Unfortunately, when it comes to short term rental properties, people do judge a book by its cover. When potential clients shop online, they skim the listings for photos that catch their attention. They usually don’t even read the description if the images don’t capture their interest! So, if your photos are bland, it doesn’t matter what amenities you include or how well your descriptions are written. Ensure you have great photos that are as impressive or more impressive than the competition. You have first to attract people with pictures that stand out – after that, you can seal the deal with your amenities and other selling points. But maybe it’s not the photographer's fault … Your property may be outdated. If so, make a few simple upgrades to help amp up visual appeal. Consider adding some exciting colors. If you have builder-grade “neutral” paint throughout, pick a few key walls and add a pop of color. This is such an inexpensive way to add personality and spark to space, and the transformation can take place in a couple of days for a few hundred dollars. Next, refresh and replace your soft goods, such as throw pillows, curtains, blankets, and rugs. If you have not done this in the last three seasons, then it is time to invest money in this area. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to increase your visual appeal. After these visual updates are complete, take updated photos and refresh that listing. Does my vacation rental have amenities my guests expect or appreciate? What amenities could make your listing stand out? Nearly all short term rental properties are stocked with basic amenities like TV’s , coffee makers, Wi-Fi, cooking utensils, and pool towels. These things are not special. They don’t inspire people to click on your listing or book a stay. You need to choose some special amenities that will wow potential clients. The location of your vacation rental somewhat influences this decision. For example, in Branson, Missouri, vacation rental clients often expect family-oriented amenities such as hot tubs, pools, arcade games, fire pits, and outdoor gathering areas.