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  Listings 101 , HomeAway Listing Critique: Swaying Pines Chalet (Gatlinburg, TN)  
 
     
HomeAway Listing Critique: Swaying Pines Chalet (Gatlinburg, TN)

This cabin rental listing gets an A+ for completeness.
 

Swaying Pines Chalet: http://www.homeaway.com/112047 


PROPERTY HEADLINE & PROPERTY ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY

The property headline is terrific.  It is specific and hits all of your major selling points.  Many renters use the search function and would likely type in "Gatlinburg" & "fishing" or "Gatlinburg" & "hot tub," so it's a good idea to highlight those words in you headline. We also noticed that you change your headline occasionally. Great!

With 463 properties in Gatlinburg, your picture has got to pop.  Your photo is good, but not great.  The blue exterior is something that could make your picture stand out as renters scroll down the page; however, it is not as bright as it could be.  Try taking external shots as close to noon as possible to help avoid shadows.  Also, instead of a straight-on shot, try taking pictures front different angles and heights.


PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS

The shots of the living area and the bedroom are great.  The renter can tell exactly what they're getting.  It's also good that you included a shot of your hot tub.  Renters may be comparing properties based on the look of the hot tub alone. An aerial angled shot of the hot tub may give a better view. 

 

Good job utilizing the photo caption option.  Your captions give a lot of important information that may not necessary fit elsewhere in your listing.

 

Emily, Yardley (PA) suggests: "Amy should really consider adding more pictures -- especially since HomeAway Network sites allow property owners to post a total of 12. Why not go for the max!"


SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY

You seem to have a good pulse on what renters are looking for in your area.  Your description paints a clear picture of your property and the extras that you offer.

The location description outlines the local attractions, but could be more specific about what kinds of shopping are available, as well as, specific geographic attractions.


AVAILABILITY CALENDAR

Fantastic job keeping your calendar up-to-date.  This contributes to the overall completeness of the ad, which is something that renters highly value.


RENTAL RATE & FEE TABLE

Again, great job in your completeness.  Just by looking at your rental tables, renters can figure out pretty much everything that they need to know about your pricing.  Good idea listing your "Stay 6 Nights..." special and including the deposit and fee information.  I'm sure that your all-inclusive approach is much-appreciated by renters.


BASIC PROPERTY FEATURES

Very descriptive and complete.  It's very important to list specific information about the beds and bathrooms and you have it all described in clear terms.


AMENITIES & ATTRACTIONS

You have a wide variety of entertainment options for your guests.  That is great in remote areas like Gatlinburg.  At your property I'm sure the parents can imagine enjoying a soak in the hot tub after a busy day of Dollywood and horseback riding, while the kids play video games and watch movies.


CUSTOM LINKS, REVIEWS & OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION

Good job taking advantage of the custom links section.  Renters will feel more comfortable renting your property after reading all of the great things guests have written in your guestbook.

In addition to your guestbook, it'd be a good idea to utilize the reviews.  These let renters know that what they see is what they get.  Also good idea to write the specific times you accept phone calls. I'm sure this avoids those calls from renters surfing at 2am.

The Diagnosis: This is definitely a role-model listing. It's terrific in its completeness and, judging by the availabilty calendar, produces solid bookings.  Re-shoot some of the pictures and the listing would, no doubt, stand out even further amongst the competition.

Do you have additional suggestions for this ad? Email us.


© Copyright 2007 HomeAway, Inc.

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