15 Ways to Make Your Short-Term Rental More Appealing

If you own a short-term rental as part of your real estate portfolio, your goal should be to entice new guests and encourage repeat ones. Here are a number of ways to make your vacation rental the place people want to stay.

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People who book vacation rentals run the risk of not knowing exactly what they're signing up for. You can mitigate some of your first-time guests' concerns by being very descriptive in your listing. Describe the layout of the home, the bedrooms, and what's included and take a bunch of photos as well.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways Booking a Home Rental May Save You Money on Your Next Vacation

If your short-term rental is off the beaten path, it may not easily come up on navigation systems. It's a good idea to give step-by-step directions so that your guests know exactly where they're going.

Giving a great first impression is crucial when you're talking about a vacation property. It pays to invest in your home's curb appeal, whether in terms of landscaping, a newly painted fence, or even a welcome sign.

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

The last thing guests want to deal with is a complicated system for picking up keys. Consider investing in an electronic lock, where you simply text or email a code for your guests to put in upon their arrival. Otherwise, make sure your keys are easily accessible.

If you live close to your rental property, it's never a bad thing to meet guests when they show up to help their stay get off to a smooth start. If you can't greet guests in person because you live too far away or are out of town yourself, be sure to check in with them after their arrival.

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A home that's clean and well kept is one that's bound to encourage repeat visits. Invest in a good cleaning service so that your home looks pristine when new guests arrive.

ALSO READ: 4 Ways I Keep Home Maintenance Costs Down

Many people choose vacation rentals over hotels for the ability to cook and prepare food. So, you might attract more visitors with a well-stocked kitchen -- one that includes pots, pans, baking trays, and basic items like spices, condiments, and oil. For an even nicer touch, throw in free coffee.

One great thing about staying at a hotel is that you get to feel pampered. You can help replicate that experience by loading your bathrooms with soft, fluffy towels.

ALSO READ: 3 Ways to Furnish Your New Home on the Cheap

Some people enjoy sampling different toiletries at hotels. It pays to go the extra mile and invest in some higher-end bath and body products like soaps and lotions for that hotel-like experience.

ALSO READ: Best Hotel Credit Cards of February 2022

The people coming to stay at your rental may not know the area. Help them get acquainted by assembling a guide complete with local attractions and restaurant recommendations -- if you're able to include some menus, even better.

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As a vacation property owner, you have to protect your bottom line. But it also pays to be as flexible as possible with guests when it comes to cancellations. So, to that end, give as much leeway as you can. You might also allow guests to cancel last-minute and get fully refunded, provided you can rebook your home and not lose out on revenue.

Your guests may be bummed to learn that they need to haul out of your rental by 11:00 in the morning. If you don't have a new party coming in the same night as their departure, offer your current guests the option of a late checkout.

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There's nothing like walking into a rental and being greeted with a fruit basket or bottle of wine. Putting out a modest welcome gift could really set the tone for your guests' stay, so it's worth that small investment.

Many people struggle with pet care when on vacation. So, if you allow pets at your rental, you might not only attract more guests but also position yourself to command a higher nightly rate. Remember that it's perfectly acceptable to charge a pet fee or security deposit -- provided you keep it reasonable, of course.

ALSO READ: 1 Top-Dog Pet Stock for the Long Run

One of the best things you can do as a short-term rental owner is quickly respond to guests' questions. Doing so sends the message that you value them and want their stay to go perfectly.

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Securing a steady stream of guests for your short-term rental is a great way to profit nicely as a real estate investor. Follow these tips to give your property an edge and make it the place people want to keep coming back to.

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