The State of Vacation Rentals - 2014 Homeowner Forum

Homeowner Forums Fall 2014
The Cape & Islands Specialists since 1997

Our Year-End Report: 2014 Recap and a look to 2015
Summer bookings:
• Martha’s Vineyard: 4.6%
• Cape Cod: -.5%
• Nantucket 1.3%
2

The Current Cape & Islands Vacation Rental Industry
• Recent economy has produced a consumer’s
market
• Increased inventory of rental homes
• Vacationers are more experienced and savvy
• They demand:
– responsible and responsive owners
– top-level cleanliness and maintenance
– basic amenities and supplies
– thorough and accurate listings
• Guest reviews empower the vacationer
3

Guest Reviews
In our recent survey of vacationers:
• 94% said they are more likely to inquire about a
home with several positive guest reviews and one
negative one versus a listing with no reviews at
all.
• Over 30% would not even inquire about a
property with NO guest reviews.
• 61% would be more likely to write a guest review
if asked by the homeowner.
4

“We had fun playing bad mitten and volleyball”
5

“Loved the outdoor shower! The smell of sewer
flowers fills the beautiful breeze.”
6

“Our only regret is that we did not purchase a
pass to the Cape Cod National Seahorse.”
7

Homeowner Management Techniques
 Be more flexible, accommodating, & customer service-oriented
than ever!
 Personalize your tenant relationships
 When screening tenants, manage their expectations
 Be communicative: Leave a welcome letter, be explicit
about check-out procedures, etc. – and check in with
them after they arrive!
 Provide value-added extras
 Be compulsive about cleanliness
 Return security deposits quickly
 Request a guest review promptly after each rental
8

View which items have been completed, their due dates, and any that are overdue
10
Booking Management

Homeowner Marketing Techniques
• Plenty of top-quality pictures with descriptive captions
(and video).
• Maintain a visually attractive and informative listing.
Enable the map zoom feature.
Sell your location as well as your home, direct them to
the Vacation Planner and Events page.
• Keep calendar date stamp current.
• Respond to inquiries quickly.
• Use Owner Specials and Last-Minute Availability Alerts if
necessary.
• Take advantage of social media.
11

Recent Site Enhancements – Last-Minute Availability Directory
12

Vacationers want clear, bright, large pictures
13
56% of vacationers would not even
inquire about a home with dark or
grainy pictures!

How Can We Help?
• Easy-access phone support
• Blog, Tutorial Videos, Newsletters
• Our Consulting Services
• Professional Photo & Video Services
14

• Businesses include home maintenance, repairs,
painting, house cleaning, home watch, and landscaping.
• Share your opinions with fellow homeowners
15
Home Services Directory

Use our Vacation Planner & Guidebooks to Market Your Location
16

Recent Site Enhancement - Google Map View of Search Results
18

Recent Site Enhancements – Google Map View of Search Results
19

Sneak Peek
Building the buzz about our new brand messaging
Making mobile & tablet access easier
20

Vacationer Cape & Islands Experience Feedback
• Cross the bridge and you are transformed
• The Cape & Islands provide a happy place for
1,000’s of people
• Family traditions are built on the Cape & Islands
• “We travel all over the world, but it’s not a summer if
we don’t go to the Cape (the Vineyard or
Nantucket)”
21

Website Redesign for Various Devices
23
Mobile Phones Tablets

The State of Vacation Rentals - 2014 Homeowner Forum

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Similar to The State of Vacation Rentals - 2014 Homeowner Forum

Recently uploaded

The State of Vacation Rentals - 2014 Homeowner Forum