What Makes Your Vacation Rental Property Unique?

You finally made the jump. You bought a second home or an investment property in a prime location and you're ready to start generating some income. Maybe the plan is to list it on Airbnb, or on VRBO, or perhaps through a private listing agent. When people put in your home’s location in their search engine and hundreds of properties come up...how do you set your home apart?

1. Keep decor current - This may not seem like a deal breaker on the surface, but when people have dozens or even hundreds of options to choose from in prime rental locations, decor makes a property stand out. Chic, simple furniture doesn't have to be expensive, but it can make all the difference to a potential renter.

2. Invest in great photos - Now that you have updated and fresh decor, it’s time to show it off. You could have the most beautiful home on the market, but if the pictures don’t showcase your home’s special features and beautiful aesthetic, no one will be giving it a second glance. In the vacation rental market, pictures are the top thing that renters have to reference when making a decision and you need to make sure that your home stands out. Make the small investment for professional photos and they will more than pay for themselves.

3. Provide fast, reliable WiFi and highlight that in your listing - We’ve all heard talk about the “new normal” now in a COVID-19 world, and as people are learning how to adapt to remote work situations and more flexible schedules, “work-cations” are going to be here to stay. Make your property accessible for folks who are taking advantage of a remote work arrangement by ensuring they have reliable technology, and even a small office or desk area, if your space allows. As the global office environment is changing, work access from any location is becoming increasingly important and can be a determining factor when choosing a vacation destination.

4. Provide basic laundry and kitchen items - We’ve all been there: you go on a trip and plan to make a big meal with your friends or family one night while you’re there, only to find that half of the utensils you need aren’t in the home. No one wants to have to pack their entire kitchen to go on vacation, or be unpleasantly surprised when the items they need are unavailable. Stock your fridge and laundry room with supply for your guests and it will reflect in your reviews.

5. Leave small surprises - Another low investment idea that generates big results is leaving your guests with a welcome basket upon arrival. It doesn’t have to be anything big - a few K-cups of coffee, a famous local treat, or a handwritten note are all small things that pack a big punch. Having a little something special waiting for your guests upon their arrival adds that little special touch, especially after a long day of travel, and sets your guest experience ahead of the pack.

6. Leverage Hausguest services - Once you’ve updated and marketed your property, made it accessible for remote work, and left your guest fully stocked, Hauguest is here to help take your guest experience to the next level. Becoming a partner with Hausguest allows you to connect your guests directly with our platform to order the on-demand services they need throughout their stay, or handle the process directly through us and delight your guests with pre-arranged services throughout their stay. However you want to handle the booking, Hausguest is here to help make your vacation rental property feel like a resort.