Listing: http://www.homeaway.com/148024  

Rental Market: Chicxulub, Mexico

How many properties in the area? There are 21 properties currently listed on HomeAway in Chicxulub and 509 in the Yucatan / Mayan Riviera region.

What are they like (type, size, location)? In Chicxulub, the properties are mostly 3 to 4 bedroom houses and villas on the beach.

What amenities are expected? Over half offer air conditioning and a pool. Few have dishwashers, washing machines, or Internet access.

Is it a highly seasonal market? Since this is a tropical/beach location, the summer is the peak season, but the weather could draw in renters year round.

Overall

Property's top selling points: location, pool, internet access

Theme(s): “away from it all” and “romantic”

Location Type(s): “beach” and “near the ocean”

Does the property accept pets? No

Is it toddler friendly? No

Are there any age requirements? No

Does the listing properly sell the property? Yes

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

Headline

Number of Words: 7

Is the capitalization consistent? No. Also, “BeachHome” should be two words and there are two commas after “Spacious.”

Does it convey competitive advantage? Somewhat.

Does it list major keywords for the area? Yes. “Chicxulub,” “views,” and “pool.”

Could it change seasonally? Yes, could target snowbirds, spring break-ers, summer travelers, honeymooners.

Thumbnail Photo

Take a look at the landing page-- Does the property photo stand out amongst the crowd? Yes. The blue sky background makes it pop.

Is the photo brightly lit and colorful? Yes.

Could the photo be cleaner (i.e. cars in the driveway, etc.)? Yes. The timestamp in the corner could be gone, as well, as the car and the person in the shot.

Could it change seasonally? Yes, but the appeal is pretty much the same year-round.

Photos

Number of photos: 12

Does the listing include photos of the:

Living Area? Yes.
Each Bedroom? No. Only Penthouse bedroom.
Kitchen? Yes.
Dining Area? Yes.
View? Yes.
Exterior? Yes.
Amenities (pool, hot tub, pool table, etc.)? No.

Are the photos well-lit? The exterior shots are. The interior shots are a little dim.

Are the photos colorful? Same as above. The exterior shots are great. The interior ones need better lighting to appear their best and brightest.

Does the listing provide descriptive captions for each photo? Yes.

Are the photos of the property itself and not the location? Yes. Except last photo.

Is there unnecessary clutter in the shots? The timestamps have got to go.

Could the photos be changed seasonally? Not really. Maybe add a Christmas tree during the holidays.

Is the size of the space clear? Not really. But it's hard to convey the space of large (especially multi-level) properties.

Are the photos grouped sensibly? Yes-- grouped by floor.

Description

Is the tone conversation and friendly? Not really. The description is made up of short, choppy fragment sentences.

Does the description flow easily from idea to idea? No. The lack of complete sentences and rampant typos make the description hard to read.

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

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

Are there location description details in this section? No. That's good. Location details go in the next section.

Could the description be changed seasonally to draw in different types of travelers? It could, but doesn't necessarily need to be.

Does the description paint a clear picture of the vacationer experience? Not really.

Is there any local lingo or acronyms that might confuse renters? No.

Location Description

Does the listing give the distance to major sights and landmarks in miles or minutes? Yes. Not consistent in how distance is related-- sometimes miles, sometimes minutes.

Is it clear where the property is located? Yes.

Does the listing mention major nearby landmarks and attractions? Yes.

Does the listing properly sell the location in this section? Yes, but this section like the one above is full of fragments and somewhat incoherent thoughts.

Does the listing use the map feature? Yes.

Calendar

How recently was it updated? Feb. 26th.

Are there any special offers to entice prospective renters? No.

What dates are solidly booked? Some weeks booked in Feb. and March.

What dates are still open? Wide open after March 23rd.

Rental Rates Table

Are the rates entered in the table? The Off-Peak rates are.

Does the listing break rates down by specific dates? Yes.

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

Are rates repeated unnecessarily? No.

Does the listing offer any special rates for upcoming events? No.

Property Info/Amenities Table

Are the bed/bath descriptions complete? Yes. Very.

Does the property have wireless Internet? Yes.

Does the owner accept credit cards? Yes.

Does the listing utilize the Notes section? Yes.

Is there anything that needs to be explained further? No.

Further Details

Does the listing offer any extra information about the area? Yes. Golf info. Also, extra info on Refund Policy.

Is there a link to personal web site? No.

Does the listing have any reviews? No.

Owner Contact and Booking Information

Is there an owner name provided? Yes.

Is there a phone number provided? Yes.

Is there a cell or alternative number provided? Yes.

Does the listing designate the best times to call? Yes.