Did you know that the vacation rental industry is expected to reach almost $100 billion by the year 2028? With a number like that, you can see how investing in this industry makes sense.
Until recently, vacation rentals were dominated by large corporate hotel and motel chains, as well as resorts that came with a high start-up cost. But with the advent of online vacation rental services, anyone can offer their home and gain an additional source of income. One of the most popular of these services is Vrbo.
Read on to learn about the dos and don'ts of Vrbo management.
What to Know Before Diving Into Vrbo Management?
Prior to starting your Vrbo management business, there are some quality standards that your residence will need to meet. Most of these include following local regulations, such as getting a business license, regulations for a short-term rental, and meeting health and safety requirements. Vrbo also has requirements for what your listing must contain, including the number of pictures and description word count.
Maintain Communication with Your Guests
From the initial email correspondence to when they check out, having good communication with your guests is essential to building your reputation and getting more clients. There are some basic steps to remember throughout the whole process.
Before the stay, sending a welcome email is a great touch. During the stay, be prompt when responding to emails or service requests. After they have checked out, sending a thank you note leaves a great impression and could result in a return booking.
Provide a List of Important Household Items
Nothing is more frustrating to a guest than not knowing the little things, like the Wi-Fi password or emergency contact information. In a hard-to-miss location, have a sheet or binder with all the essential information needed for a stay. This could include, but isn't limited to:
- Check-in and check-out times
- TV operation
- Contact lists
- Passwords
- Local attractions
Keep the Property Clean
Ideally, your property is busy and being rented continuously. That will mean quick turnaround times for cleaning and getting it ready for the next arrival. Having a checklist of cleaning items for each room is a great way to optimize these tasks. Even when bookings are slow, or it's off-season, having a checklist will help you maintain cleanliness throughout the year.
Reach Out to Previous Guests
If a guest has left and enjoyed their stay, why not have them come back? Reaching out to previous guests through discounted stays or other special deals is a great way to drum up business. This is particularly smart during slow periods. Just a simple call or email should suffice and get your Vrbo rental some extra exposure.
Are You Ready to Become a Vacation Host?
Now that you've read about what goes into Vrbo management, what are you waiting for? Just knowing these certain dos and don'ts can help you provide a great experience. Before hosting, there are some legal steps you'll need to take.
If you're in the Kissimmee, Florida, area and could use some help with property management, contact us for all your needs.
