Vacation rentals can truly be a property investor’s bread and butter. The market continues to demand these short-term rentals, but if the property owner doesn’t advertise via the most popular channels and provide an experience that is second-to-none, vacationers will find somewhere else to call their temporary home.

Online Marketing is Key 

While the top vacation marketing sites don't book rentals, travel agents often use the sites, and may ask for a commission when booking stays for their clients. Know what commission is fair, and be generous with travel agents; they will keep your property rented and the mortgage paid. Advertise (and ask your guests to post reviews) on sites such as TripAdvisor, HomeAway and VacationHomeRentals.com.

Be Memorable: Provide Some Extras

Is your property near a golf course? Leave some brochures on the kitchen counter and some golf clubs for tenant use. If your property is near a beach, keep beach towels, beach chairs and umbrellas in good working order. Welcome guests with a basket of local produce, a box of fudge or saltwater taffy from a local business, or a loaf of your own homemade bread. Providing your guests with these little extras will earn you repeat vacationers and some effective word-of-mouth advertising. 

Prepare to Address Problems Quickly

Short-term renters don't want to wait around for repairs, so when something goes awry, a vacation home owner needs to be ready to act quickly to resolve the issue. Whether it's plumbing, electrical or an HVAC failure, response time needs to be measured in an hour or two, not days. Problems with a rental leave a bad taste in the mouths of vacationers whose time is short anyway, and can cost owners some great repeat customers and reviews.

Keep your property booked and profitable with the right marketing and management. When a vacation home is well-kept and the perfect backdrop for families making memories, repeat customers and referrals will keep the short-term rental calendar full and property equity growing.