You can make changes to your listing at any time, and in fact, we recommend it. Updating your listing not only helps you to keep current and up-to-date information on your advertisements, but it might even help you to attract new travelers. Plus, some search engines might even reward you for newer information by displaying your page higher in the search results.

So once you sign in to your account and click "Edit Listing", what should you focus on?

• Availability Calendar
  Update your availability regularly to prevent misleading potential renters. An up-to-date calendar shows renters that you are an active owner.  Some travelers will not even bother inquiring with owners that do not keep a current calendar because they assume the owner will be unresponsive or perhaps that the dates are no longer available.  On the other hand, a calendar that isn't up-to-date might seem like it has no bookings at all, and a traveler might assume there is something "wrong" with your home.  How can you change these perceptions? Sign in to your account and click "Update Calendar".
• Rental Rates
  Keep your rental rates up to date. If all the rental rate dates you entered have expired, no rates will appear in the search results or in your listing.  In general, your rental rates should be listed for at least one year from today.  Be sure to specify the dates for which the rates apply, and perhaps name these different time periods or seasons for extra clarity.  If your ad does not list nightly, weekly, or monthly rates, be sure to include all three.  Even if you have 1-week minimums or rarely get monthly renters, it is still helpful to travelers to display all the various rates.  Don't forget holiday rates and special offers too.
• Headlines/Descriptions 
  If your calendar is up-to-date and your rental rates table is completely filled out, then what can you do to refresh your listing?  Consider updating your headline or property description.  If you haven't added any new amenities or additions to your home, you might just feature available dates in your headline for an opening you'd like to fill.  Or if you're offering any promotions like "buy 3 nights, get the 4th night free" or gift certificates to local restaurants, you can also highlight those specials.  Another option is to feature local events and festivals or upcoming holidays within your headline and/or description.  Changes to the text within your listing count as updates as well.

Here are answers to some common questions regarding listing changes:

• Can I put a different property in my listing?
  No. Each listing has a specific property number and is linked to a specific property. Changing the property for a given property number would lead to confusion and possibly misrepresentation.
• How soon will the changes appear?
  Changes to your listing will be updated on the site within 24-48 hours.

The Importance of Keeping Your Calendar Up-To-Date Don't underestimate the importance of calendars in the traveler search process.   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.   The Importance of Structured Rates Price is a very important factor when travelers search for vacation rental properties.   How to Improve Your Search Results Order Tips for improving your property's placement on HomeAway.com.

© Copyright, HomeAway, Inc. 2006, Updated 9/9/08