How to Market Vacation Rental Homes
How to build rental income for a vacation rental home property
Congratulations! You own your perfect vacation home. You found the best location and at the best price. Now you need to start paying for the mortgage. Why not do it by attracting vacationers to select your property and book it. There are many vacation rental homeowners who support part of their investment by creating a vacation rental income. If done correctly an online vacation rental income will allow the home to pay for itself and in down turned real estate markets, for you to keep that home.
To market your home to the widest audience possible at the lowest price, we suggest utilizing the web. In the last 5 years, more than 90% of vacationers searching the web to find best rates and fares. The novice vacation homeowner should consider advertising their home through one of the many vacation home directories on the web. The principle idea of these directories is that it allows private vacation homeowners to showcase their property with pictures and text detailing what the home has to offer. The potential vacationer can then sort through these details and contact the homeowner directly and inquire about renting the home.
There are many vacation rental websites out there and vacation home owners should do their own research by viewing a few and comparing things such as layout, ease of navigation and price to list their home. You can pay as much as $75 to $300 in annual fees to list the home within their pages. But some great up-and-coming sites offer free listings. Visit www.perfectplaces.com or www.DestinationVillas.com. www.DestinationVillas.com offers free vacation rental listings worldwide, destination information, free tools and last-minute deals that will attract renters. Once you’ve decided which directory you wish to join, here are some key pointers from vacation rental editor Tori Milan:
• Pictures Sell - Include on your listing as many excellent quality pictures of the interior of your home and outside area/view from patio or lanai.
• Tell the truth when you write about the home; if you can’t see the ocean unless you lean off the lanai and strain your neck it is not an ocean view! Mis-representing your property will lead to angry guests. Protect your reputation by “telling all,” including nearby construction or other issues that could cause a problem. Remember that you stand more to lose by a guest demanding a refund after using the home.
• Use the self-promotion tools provided by the website, such as last minute deals or special announcements you can create or participate in.
• Your text should be unique and contain keywords that will rank well for the search engines. Name drop local beaches ski resorts or other attractions that will sell the property.
Tori Milan