Since we added Listings 101 to our site in December, we've had over 100 requests from owners asking that we critique their listings. Due to their overwhelming popularity, we're not taking any more requests at this time. However, that doesn't mean that you can't assess and improve your listing on your own.  Below is the criteria that we use when critiquing a listing.  I'd recommend taking some time, printing off this list, and going through your listing section by section.  Here's an example of a completed assessment.

Rental Market

How many properties in the area?

What are they like (type, size, location)?

What amenities are expected?

Is it a highly seasonal market?

Overall

Property's top selling points:

Theme(s):

Location Type:

Does the property accept pets?

Is it toddler friendly?

Are there any age requirements?

Does the listing properly sell the property?

How is the overall completeness (# of photos, thorough descriptions, etc.)?

Headline

Number of Words:

Is the capitalization consistent?

Does it convey competitive advantage?

Does it list major keywords for the area?

Could it change seasonally?

Thumbnail Photo

Take a look at the landing page-- Does the property photo stand out amongst the crowd?

Is the photo brightly lit and colorful?

Could the photo be cleaner (i.e. cars in the driveway, etc.)?

Could it change seasonally?

Photos

Number of photos:

Does the listing include photos of the:

Living Area?
Each Bedroom?
Kitchen?
Dining Area?
View?
Exterior?
Amenities (pool, hot tub, pool table, etc.)?

Are the photos well-lit?

Are the photos colorful?

Does the listing provide descriptive captions for each photo?

Are the photos of the property itself and not the location?

Is there unnecessary clutter in the shots?

Could the photos be changed seasonally?

Is the size of the space clear?

Are the photos grouped sensibly?

Description

Is the tone conversational and friendly?

Does the description flow easily from idea to idea?

Is the prose free of unnecessary words and hyperbolic descriptors like “very,” “great,” “awesome,” “amazing,” and “fantastic?”

Are the most important details (i.e. beds, baths, etc.) included in the beginning?

Are there location description details in this section?

Could the description be changed seasonally to draw in different types of travelers?

Does the description paint a clear picture of the vacationer experience?

Is there any local lingo or acronyms that might confuse renters?

Location Description

Does the listing give the distance to major sights and landmarks in miles or minutes?

Is it clear where the property is located?

Does the listing mention major nearby landmarks and attractions?

Does the listing properly sell the location in this section?

Does the listing use the map feature?

Calendar

How recently was it updated?

Are there any special offers to entice prospective renters?

What dates are solidly booked?

What dates are still open?

Rental Rates Table

Are the rates entered in the table?

Does the listing break rates down by specific dates?

Are all fees included or mentioned (cleaning, taxes, deposits)?

Are rates repeated unnecessarily?

Does the listing offer any special rates for upcoming events?

Property Info/Amenities Table

Are the bed/bath descriptions complete?

Does the property have wireless Internet?

Does the owner accept credit cards?

Does the listing utilize the Notes section?

Is there anything that needs to be explained further?

Further Details

Does the listing offer any extra information about the area?

Is there a link to personal web site?

Does the listing have any reviews?

Owner Contact and Booking Information

Is there an owner name provided?

Is there a phone number provided?

Is there a cell or alternative number provided?

Does the listing designate the best times to call?

 

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Sample Forms & Checklists for Vacation Rentals    A list of the sample forms available on the Owner Community.