15 Strategies for Boosting Off-Season Rentals at Your Vacation Home

Owning a vacation rental can be a profitable endeavor -- at least when your property is high in demand. But you don't want to neglect the off-season. Even if it hasn't historically been a big moneymaking period for you, that could change. Here are some strategies for drumming up rentals outside your peak season.

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If you own a beach house, don't expect the same nightly rate in April or October that you'll get in June, July, or August. Be prepared to adjust your prices to make your rental seem more attractive, financially speaking.

Guests who had a pleasant stay at your rental during its peak season may be inclined to return -- if you sweeten the deal with a discount. Consider offering 10% or 20% off of your nightly rate as a reward for those who come back.

Previous guests can be great resources when it comes to increasing off-season bookings. Consider setting up a referral program that rewards former guests with a gift card if they send a new off-season renter your way.

ALSO READ: 3 Reasons Vacation Rentals Will Be Big in 2022

During your peak rental season, you may decide to impose a minimum stay. During the off-season, it pays to be more flexible. That could mean lowering your minimum stay or even deciding you'll take single-night rentals if that makes sense financially.

You may find more potential guests during holiday weekends. It pays to offer promotions or discounts for those looking to flock to your area, even if its peak season has passed.

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It can be difficult for guests to figure out what to do for fun during the off-season. To that end, step in by offering add-ons like walking tours of the area, personal chef services, and other amenities that make for more of a complete vacation.

The better a job you do of outfitting your home with enticing perks, the more bookings you're likely to enjoy on the whole. Considering upgrading things like entertainment options to draw in more guests.

You may find guests who want to set up shop in a new city for weeks at a time. Consider offering a nice discount for those who book your rental for many weeks outside of your prime season.

Now that remote work is more common, you might manage to market your home to those looking for a change of scenery. To that end, prepare to upgrade your rental's internet service and set up a work area with a comfortable desk and good lighting.

ALSO READ: Why Remote Work Doesn't Derail Productivity

The more flexible you are with your guests, the more likely they might choose your rental over another. Consider giving guests a lot of leeway when it comes to the off-season since it's not necessarily a time when you're banking on that much revenue anyway.

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You may have your rental property listed on a single site. If you want to boost off-season business, sign up for more sites for added visibility.

Tweaking your home to match the season could be your ticket to extra guests during the year. That could mean putting up a Christmas tree in the winter and Halloween decor in the fall.

ALSO READ: How to Make the Most of Your Rental Property This Holiday Season

Want to market your home as a prime family reunion spot no matter the season? Then invest in longer tables and extra chairs to accommodate larger crowds.

Nothing draws in guests like the word "free nights." If business tends to be slow during the off-season, you may want to throw in one free night for every two nights booked.

It's common for vacation rental owners to pass cleaning fees on to their guests. If you're looking to boost business when it's slow, it may be time to eat those costs yourself.

The last thing you want is for your vacation property to sit empty for months on end. Use these tips to increase off-season bookings -- and enjoy a nice uptick in revenue.

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