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?

Survey Results: Listing Updates    Compare the frequency of your own listing updates to our recent survey responses.

VRBO Listing Critique: Ariel Dunes (Destin, FL)    Very thorough listing with a good use of space.

VRBO Listing Critique: Sea Sun Rentals (Fairfield Sunrise, AZ)    With some help from this owner's personal website, this VRBO listing could be especially great.

HomeAway Listing Critique: Sugar Bay House (St. Croix)    This listing has fantastic photos and good descriptions, but should use the rates table.

How to Build the Perfect VRBO Listing    Use this checklist to determine your listing's areas for improvement.

How to Write a Description for Your VRBO Listing    Learn pointers for creating a thorough and easy-to-read property description.

How To Use iTravex.com: A Vacation Home Travel Exchange    Learn how to fill last-minute vacancies at your vacation property and earn next-to-nothing* stays at other vacation homes.

Examples of Well-Written VRBO Headlines    Develop your own unique headline with these tips and well-written samples.

How To Use iTravex.com: A Vacation Home Travel Exchange    Learn how to fill last-minute vacancies at your vacation property and earn next-to-nothing* stays at other vacation homes.

Ask Christine #16: Renters Asking for Reduced Rates (Transcript)    Christine shares some ideas for working with budget-conscious travelers.

Buying an Investment Property in Muskoka, Ontario (Transcript)    Real Estate Agent, John Jarvis, discusses the vacation home market in Muskoka.

Creating a Virtual Tour of Your Property (Transcript)    Christine interviews Ed Reese about the benefits of creating a virtual tour of your vacation property.

One-on-One with Santa Fe Vacation Rental Owner, Deborah Haws (Transcript)    Deborah Haws discusses how she manages her Santa Fe vacation rental property.

Buying an Investment Property in Naples, FL Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine and real estate agent, Lynn Wilber, discuss the vacation home market in Naples, FL.

One-on-One with Richland Chambers Lake, TX Vacation Rental Owner, Michelle Helterbran (Transcript)    Christine interviews lakehouse owner, Michelle Helterbran, who had the first vacation rental on Richland Chambers Lake, TX.

Ask Christine #15: How to Convert Inquiries to Bookings (Transcript)    Christine advises a homeowner on how to convert her many inquiries into actual bookings.

Buying an Investment Property in Naples, FL Part 2 (Transcript)    Second part of Christine's talk with Naples real estate agent, Lynn Wilber.

One-on-One with Santa Fe Vacation Rental Owner, Deborah Haws (Transcript)    Deborah Haws discusses how she manages her Santa Fe vacation rental property.

Ask Christine #12: Multiple Property Owners and Calendars (Transcript)    Christine addresses the common issue of keeping calendars up to date for owners with multiple properties in the same area.

Managing Vacation Rental Properties as a Co-op (Transcript)    Christine interviews Bev Babich of Colorado, who is part of a Vacation Rental Property Co-op

The Resort and Second Home Market (Transcript)

One-on-One with Washington State Vacation Rental Owner Bob Kelly (Transcript)    Christine talks with vacation rental owner, Bob Kelly, about why he chose renting by owner in Pacific Beach, WA.

One-on-One with Canmore, AB Vacation Rental Owner Richard Colwell Part 2 (Transcript)    Christine continues her discussion on the challenges of renting and maintaining a vacation property from abroad.

One-on-One with Canmore, AB Vacation Rental Owner Richard Colwell Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine discusses the challenges of owning and renting a vacation home in Canada while living in the UK.

Selling a Vacation Home, Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine talks with Washington owner, Ed Reese, about his experience owning vacation properties.

Selling a Vacation Home, Part 2 (Transcript)    Christine talks with Washington owner, Ed Reese, about his process for selling a vacation home.

Buying an Investment Property in Stowe, VT (Transcript)    Christine chats with Stowe real estate agent, Ken Libby about the current market conditions.

Buying an Investment Property in Kissimmee, FL (Transcript)    Christine discusses the Kissimmee and Orlando markets with vacation home real estate broker, Raymond Butterfield.

Vacation Rental Resources: Quebec (QC)    Handy resources for vacation rental owners in Quebec, including tax information, regulations and forms.

Vacation Rental Resources: British Columbia (BC)    Handy resources for cottage rental owners in British Columbia, including tax information, regulations and forms.

Vacation Home Amenities: Room by Room    Learn how to outfit each room of your vacation home for maximum renting potential.

Creating a Top-Notch Marketing Plan for Your Vacation Rental    Pointers for attracting more travelers, getting your financials in order, and determining your personal keys to success.

Examples of Well-Written Vacation Rental Property Headlines for HomeAway    Come up with new ideas for your own property headline by learning what works well in the examples below.

How to Market Your Vacation Home to Business Travelers    Learn how to attract business travelers as renters for your vacation property.

What To Do If Your Busy Spring Season Is Not Booked    Tips for getting those last minute bookings!

What To Do If Your Peak Summer Weeks Are Not Fully Booked    Suggestions for drawing traffic to your listing and securing last-minute bookings.

How To Market Your Vacation Property To Seniors and Snowbirds    Senior citizens and snowbirds are popular renters for the winter. Learn how to effectively market your vacation home to capture these bookings!

Off-Season Marketing Tips from Vacation Rental Owners    View responses to the July 2008 Question of the Month on attracting renters during the off-season.

Examples of a Well-Written Vacation Rental Property Description for HomeAway    Learn how to better organize the information in your property description for potential renters.

How to Market Your Vacation Home to Foodies    Food can play a major role in travel plans, so consider the role of your kitchen within your vacation rental listing.

What NOT to Include in Your Vacation Rental Property Headline    Learn what you can leave out in the limited space of your property headline.

Off-Season Marketing    A creative guide to attracting new travelers and filling your availability calendar during the slower season.

How To Dispute Your Vacation Home Property Taxes    Learn how to investigate and possibly lower your property taxes.

Sample Directions for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Learn how to make your vacation rental directions clear and thorough.

Merchant Credit Card Account Categories for Vacation Rental Owners    Be aware of the protection (or lack thereof) provided by your merchant account and/or business category.

Swimming Pool Rules for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for your renters by posting pool safety guidelines at your property.

Gratuity for Your Vacation Rental Housekeeper    Determine a clear gratuity policy to communicate to guests and your housekeeper.

Hot Tub Rules for Your Vacation Rental Property     Suggestions for rules to post to keep your guests safe, your neighbors happy, and your hot tub clean.

Maximum Occupancy At Your Vacation Rental    Some pointers for determining when to be flexible and when to enforce your maximum occupancy.

Checklist for Creating a Thorough Rental Agreement    Use this checklist to sort through your own rental agreement and be sure you have all the necessary clauses.

Checklist for Creating Comprehensive Directions for Your Renters    Use this checklist to make sure you aren't leaving out any important information for your guests.

Accepting Nightly Stays at Your Vacation Rental     Think outside the “weekly box” and consider accepting weekend bookings at your vacation home.

10 Less-Obvious Things to Include in Your Vacation Home Directions    Help renters be fully prepared for their stay at your home by going the extra “mile” for your vacation home directions.

Registering Your Vacation Home with the Do Not Call List    Ensure a peaceful stay for your family and your renters while staying at your second home.

How to Accept Security Deposits by Credit Card for Your Vacation Rental    How to handle deposit payments from your vacation rental guests via credit card.

The Pros and Cons of Donating a Stay    Consider donating a stay at your vacation home to one of your favorite causes, but be sure to consider the pros and cons.

Top 10 Most Common Cleaning Problems at Vacation Rentals    Avoid some of your renters' biggest complaints.

Handling Maintenance at Your Vacation Rental    Your one-stop-shop for learning the necessary maintenance tasks to keep your home up and renting.

Composting Toilets for Your Cottage Rental    Learn about a safe and environmentally friendly method of waste treatment.

Deck Safety for Your Vacation Property    Learn how to build and maintain a safe deck for you and your renters to enjoy.

Going Green at Your Vacation Home, Part 1    Easy tips for saving money and helping the environment while maintaining your vacation rental property.

Going Green at Your Vacation Home, Part 2    Learn how to help your renters be environmentally conscious while staying at your vacation property.

Deck Safety for Your Vacation Property    Learn how to build and maintain a safe deck for you and your renters to enjoy.

Weddings and Events at Your Vacation Rental Property    Tips for how to handle a group event at your vacation home.

Why Business Travelers Might Seek Out Vacation Rentals    Don't rule out a less obvious but important group of renters for your vacation property.

Obtaining Feedback from Your Vacation Home Renters    Easy ways to encourage your guests to provide constructive criticism

Top 10 Responses When Friends Ask to Stay at Your Vacation Property    Some serious and sarcastic responses for friends looking to stay in your vacation home.

Checklist for Responding to Vacation Rental Inquiries    Be sure your email includes all the necessary information before clicking send.

Responses for Vacation Rental Inquiries    Learn when to say yes, when to say no, and when to just pick up the phone!

Guidelines for Communicating with Renters    Learn how to create thorough rental agreements, directions, and inquiry responses.

10 Groups That Might Rent Vacation Homes in the Fall    Consider reaching out to different types of travelers if fall is your slower season.

10 Ways to Improve Your VacationRentals.com Listing    Learn tips for enhancing all aspects of your VacationRentals.com listing.

How to Build the Perfect VacationRentals.com Listing    Follow these pointers for developing a stand-out ad on VacationRentals.com.

Christine's Blog: Being on the Renter Side (8/28/2008)    Christine shares some insights into her search and booking process.

Christine's Blog: Vacation Rental Highs and Lows (7/1/2008)    Christine discusses some unexpected bookings and a vacation rental obstacle.

Christine's Blog: An Overview of Spring Conferences (05/05/2008)    Christine talks about the recent shows and conferences she has attended.

Christine's Blog: Arthur Frommer's Radio Show (6/20/2008)

Christine's Blog: The Frommer Interview (6/23/2008)    Christine shares her thoughts about her Frommer interview and a recent rental pain.

Christine's Blog: 4th of July Weekend and Using the Find Feature (7/7/2008)    Christine explains why she doesn't use her own homes on the 4th of July and shares a handy keyboard shortcut.

Christine's Blog: Did Early Easter Affect Your Spring Bookings?     Before you start scratching your head about lower than normal spring rentals, it might just be the early Easter holiday. Consult your calendars for insight into booking patterns.

Christine's Blog: The 2008 NAREE Conference (5/13/2008)    Christine talks about what she learned from her panel at the 2008 NAREE Conference.

Christine's Blog: Misconceptions About Recent Inquiry (5/27/2008)    Christine discusses an inquiry from what she thought was a scammer but was actually a qualified renter.

Christine's Blog: Memorial Day Weekend (5/21/2008)    Christine talks about ideas for booking last minute renters for a big holiday weekend.

Christine's Blog: Back from Vacation (8/18/08)    Christine had a great time in Exuma and is ready to plan her next vacation.

Christine's Blog: My Labor Day Weekend Confusion (8/25/08)    Christine discusses some recent confusion about Labor Day availability.

Meet the Owner Community    Meet the staff members responsible for the behind-the-scenes work of the Owner Community.

Christine's Blog: Maintenance Disappointments (4/22/08)    Christine discusses her maintenance expectations and finding trustworthy service providers.

Christine's Blog: New Appliances (July 22, 2008)    Christine's special anniversary gifts resolve some vacation rental problems.

Christine's Blog: Preparing for Vacation (8/5/08)    Christine talks about the building excitement and the not-so-fun prep work for her upcoming vacation.

Christine's Blog: What To Make of the 2007 Vacation Home Buyers Survey (03/31/2008)    Christine's take on the survey results of the National Association of Realtors.

What Travelers Say About Non-Updated Calendars

Entering Guestbook Comments for Renters to Submit    The easiest and quickest way to get guests to submit reviews.

Adding a Pool Table to Your Vacation Rental    Things to keep in mind when adding this amenity to your cottage, condo, or cabin.

Choosing a Phone Service and Plan for Your Vacation Rental    Learn how to choose the best phone service and plan for both the homeowner and renters.

Welcome Baskets and Gifts for Your Renters    Gather some great ideas for gifts and treats for your vacation home guests.

Rainy-Day Amenities for Your Vacation Home    Bad weather is a bummer, but you can help alleviate guests' disappointment with fun rainy-day amenities.

Creating a Game Room at Your Vacation Rental Property    Learn how to furnish the extra space in your home to appeal to families with children.

Creating an Office at Your Vacation Rental    Follow these tips to create a functional workspace for business and leisure travelers alike.

How to Create a Gourmet Kitchen at Your Vacation Rental    Learn how to make your kitchen a destination in itself.

Decorating Your Beach Vacation Rental Home    Classic and understated beach-inspired decorating ideas.

How to Build an Outdoor Living Area at Your Vacation Rental    Learn some of the components of building a functional, comfortable, and memorable outdoor living space.

July 7, 2008: Meeting and Vacation Rental Workshop at Napa City Hall    Meeting on July 7 from 3 to 5 pm at Napa City Hall to discuss potential ordinances and short term rental classifications.

May 1, 2008: Marco rental commitee will have another 'final' meeting    The final meeting of the rental housing advisory committee Wednesday evening, wasn't exactly final.

April 29, 2008: Naples rental committee holds final meeting Wednesday    Marco's