Below is the criteria that we use when critiquing a VRBO.com listing. I'd recommend taking some time, printing off this list, and going through your listing section by section.

Overall

Property's top selling points:

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.)?

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?

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?

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 conversation 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?

Is there a link to an online guestbook?

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?

Calendar

How recently was it updated?

What dates are solidly booked?

What dates are still open?

Vacation Rental Features

Are the bed/bath descriptions complete?

Does the property have wireless Internet?

Does the owner accept credit cards?

Does the listing utilize the Other Amenities section?

Is there anything that needs to be explained further?

Rental Rates

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?

Further Details

Is there a link to personal web site?

Owner Contact and Booking Information

Is there a phone number provided?

Is there a cell or alternative number provided?

What advice do you have for someone creating a new listing?

How to Build the Perfect VRBO Listing Use this checklist to determine your listing's areas for improvement.   How to Write a Standout Description for Your VRBO Listing Learn pointers for creating a thorough and easy-to-read property description.   Examples of Well-Written VRBO Headlines Develop your own unique headline with these tips and well-written samples.   3 Options for Marketing Your Vacation Home on the Internet Three online ways for vacation rental homeowners to get exposure (and find potential renters) for your vacation rental home.

© Copyright, HomeAway Inc. 2009, U.090506.AF