HomeAway.com advertises thousands of properties at the site, so you want be competitive. If visitors are in a rush to book a vacation rental, they may not have time to “call for rates.”

Keep it quick and simple by following 5 easy steps:

1. Keep rental rates clear, simple, and realistic. With more than 5,600 properties advertised on HomeAway.com, you can view a number of properties that are similar to yours and quickly determine a competitive rate.
2. Keep rate bands simple six or seven should adequately cover different seasons
3. The less expensive property of two apparently similar properties will be booked first. If filling your bookings early is important, quote lower rates.
4. If your rate is higher than other properties in your area, be sure that photos and copy communicate the value of a higher price, better location, more comprehensive facilities, extraordinary quality of furnishing, or other special features.
5. You can also start the season with higher prices and reduce them later in the season, or run special offers at any time. Refer to the HomeAway.com Guide to Searchable Special Offers for more details and pricing ideas.

How do you determine what your rental rates will be? "I research what Bed & Breakfasts in my area are charging to make sure I'm charging just a little bit less."  Anne F., Cape Cod, MA.  "I review the rentals of my competition, and target in on the most similar propety to mine. I then try to be a little lower than the competition. I'm always willing to negotiate within reason if it's not the busy season. My rule is "something is (WAY) better than nothing!" No owner wants an empty property!" -Mary, Bald Head Island, NC (VRBO) "I've recently had to take a look at my rates given the turn in the economy. I checked other properties within my community as well as neighboring communities with similar condos and community amenties. I also checked ads posted on Craigs List. I found the need to adjust to the times and it paid off right away." -Adrienne, Palm Desert, CA (HomeAway #166708, VRBO #141561)

Setting Rates for Your Vacation Rental FAQs Answers to the most commonly asked questions from vacation homeowners about setting rates.   Don't Lower Your Rates, Raise Your Standards Increased competition in your area? Don't panic and slash your rates. Instead add value.   Raising Your Rates: When and How Much? When and how much should you raise the rates of your vacation rental property for next year?   How to Prevent Common Listing Mistakes on HomeAway Read on to find out the most common items left out by vacation rental owners.

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