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Hi everyone,
Happy Labor Day weekend! This marks the official end of the summer vacation season, kids back to school and no more wearing white shoes (does that rule still apply?)
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We also wanted to let you know: If you have a property listing on HomeAway.com, be sure to watch your email for an important announcement sometime in September about the new changes that'll be happening on the site. You may have to tweak your information a bit.
Since last month's newsletter focused on how to get a jump on marketing your home to the fall and winter renters, we've taken a different slant on this month's newsletter. This time our theme and Top 10 List are about describing your location information in your advertisements.
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Wait! Before you close this email because you don't think this applies to you, you need to know how this topic was chosen—my personal experience and frustrations when I reserved a vacation home for a wine-country tour.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Gustav or Hanna. If your vacation home may be affected, refer to the article: What to Do if a Hurricane Is Heading Right for Your Vacation Home.
Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
Christine
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Christine recently searched for a vacation home to rent and found that many listings really lacked location information, hence the inspiration for this month's Top 10 List (below.) Other than the items we've mentioned, what are the most common location questions you receive from renters?
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| Last month, we asked our owners what they do to attract off-season bookings. Take a look at the off-season marketing tips that other owners have shared. |
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Have a question for Christine? Leave a message at (512) 493-4340 and get an answer on the air.
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Registration is now open for seminars through the end of November. Click on the cities below for more information.
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We've been hard at work developing new Pre-Recorded webinar topics for you to download at your convenience.Visit the Vacation Rental Webinars Page for more information.
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NEW Pre-Recorded Webinars:
How to Encourage Repeat Renters
How to Market to Business Travelers
How to Keep Your Home Booked in the Slower Season
How to Get YOUR Property to Show Up Higher in Google |
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Visit the Owner Community for more August Vacation Rental News and 100s of articles in the Vacation Rental News archive.
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Where home prices are likely to rise "Believe it or not, in the future people will be buying and selling homes. Some of them will even make a profit. It's not so crazy an idea." Forbes.com 8/25/2008
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| Move over, hotels "Dale Wood says that spending $7,000 to rent a house on the beach for a week's vacation in North Myrtle Beach with his family is not crazy. In fact, he says it's cheaper than a hotel, if you think about it." MyrtleBeachOnline.com 8/24/2008 |
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What the New Housing Bill Means to You "If you're a homeowner, or wish to become one, you need to know the details behind the housing bill pushed through Congress and signed recently by President Bush." ABCNews.com 8/12/2008
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1. Car necessity. Unless they're planning on scooting around town on rented segways, your guests are probably going to want to know whether they need a car to easily explore your area. Let them know whether it's a complete necessity, recommended, or not needed at all.
2. Nearest mode of transportation. Equally as important is whether your guests will be able to use mass transportation during their stay. Just in case people want to jump on the bandwagon – literally – let your renters know whether your home is near a bus, train, or subway stop.
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3. Distance to nearby towns. If your home is located in Podunkville USA, but really close to some popular attractions, you should give guests a clearer idea of where your home is located relative to places they know. List distances or driving time to neighboring towns and cities that are more familiar.
4. Distance to beach, mountain, lake, etc. Whatever the main “natural” attraction in your area is, be sure to highlight your home's proximity within your listing. If you can smell the saltwater from your balcony or reach out the window and touch the mountains, chances are your guests will appreciate this info. Even if you';re a little farther away (like your guests will have time to fully air-dry before they get home) it is still important to paint a clear picture for your renters.
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5. Distance to metro cities. For those travelers that are packing up the minivan, practicing their favorite sing-alongs and taking a road trip to your home, be sure to help the drivers out and include distances from major metropolitan areas.
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6. Nearby landmarks or attractions. Including specific area landmarks or attractions in your listing will not only give travelers a feel for your home's location, but these popular keywords could help your ad show up higher in the search engines. Even if the attractions in your town include a snake farm or the World's Largest Ball of Yarn, go ahead and include them – you never know if it will seal the deal for some renters.
7. Upcoming events. Listing special events for your area gives travelers an idea of things to do beyond the year-round attractions. If your city is hosting the next Monster Truck Rally, mention the dates in your listing even if it doesn't appeal to your typical target market. Grandma and Grandpa might not be interested, but it might be enough to convince Teenage Billy to come along for the family trip.
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8. Area Activities. One purpose of your property listing is to help vacationers picture what it would be like to stay in your home and your area. Make sure to let them know everything there is to do, from bicycling to spelunking, and whether they';ll need to bring along supplies, like metal detectors for treasure hunting on the beach. They might have already done some research, but you should reinforce why your area is THE spot for their next vacation.
9. Activities that would appeal to a variety of travelers. Remember that not everyone is a beach-lover or a snow-bunny, and chances are the things that appeal to parents will differ from what appeals to the kids. Be sure to include information about nearby museums, theaters, and art galleries for the less-outdoorsy, and include activities that will satisfy the whole family (like movie theaters, malls, and amusement parks.)
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| 10. Distance to conveniences. Nearby grocery stores and pharmacies might not be reason enough for travelers to hop on a plane, but it can be the deciding factor when a renter is considering more than one property. Without nearby conveniences, travelers will have to use their valuable vacation time to stock up the kitchen, grab items they might have forgotten, or make an emergency run for Pepto or Tums. Include this information up front so your guests know just how well-situated your home is. |
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We get asked time and time again if it's really necessary to accept credit cards.
Well ask yourself this: On your last vacation, how did you pay? Did you write checks for your airfare, lodging, groceries, breakfast at McDonald's, etc.?
More and more travelers pay (and expect to pay) by credit card than ever before. Sure, your current renters are okay paying by check. But what about the renters who don't even inquire because they look for "accept credit cards" in the property highlights.
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