1. Identify your target market and set up your home accordingly
Who does your house most suit? Couples? Families? Groups? International travellers? Once you know your ideal target market, equip your house to meet the needs of the market. Put in bunk beds and toys for families. Queen sized beds for couples and groups. High end fittings and furnishings for the international market. Houses that sleep 8+ are very popular, so if possible, configure your beds to accommodate bigger groups.
2. Ensure your home represents value for money
There is a wide range of choice. Your house needs to represent value for money to maximise your occupancy. Your description must be accurate for repeat guests and positive word of mouth. Under sell and over deliver.
b>3. Respond quickly to rental enquiries and always have accurate rates and up-to-date availability
These days, people expect instant response. If they can’t get a quick reply with accurate information, they will look for alternative options.
4. Ensure that your home is neat, tidy and fresh for your guests
No matter the quality of your holiday home, it must be clean for the guests. Clean up the bugs, dust, spider webs and musty smell that often occur when houses that have been closed up for a period of time
5. Provide a well equipped and comfortable home for your guests
In the kitchen, provide plenty of kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery, cooking and baking trays. Make sure your beds are comfortable beds. Couches should be in good condition. Plenty of heating and warm blankets for winter rentals. Toys / games, DVD players. Extras such as bikes and kayaks are a real treat.
6. Make sure you can provide a quick response to guests if problems arise during their stay
Inevitably, problems arise during the stay – hot water stops, no water, broken TV. Ensure you can deliver an instant response to guests and have trades people on hand to fix problems. Otherwise, you risk losing guests and rental income!
7. Surprise and delight your guests
Everyone loves a surprise. Leave nice things in the home for guest. Coffee, tea, sugar. I-pod docking stations. Marshmallows in the winter. Be creative. Delight the guests!
8. Leave lots of cleaning supplies and good cleaning equipment
Guest appreciate a wide variety of cleaning supplies (floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, window cleaner, general cleaner, rags) and a good vacuum cleaner, mop, broom. Don’t bring down your second hand items from your home. Invest in great cleaning items so the guests look after your home well and protect your investment!
9. Solicit feedback from guests to help improve the overall experience
Don’t forget to ask the guests how they enjoyed their stay and what could be improved for future guests. Make improvements to your holiday home based on guest feedback.
10. Make sure your home is secure after the guests depart
You’ll need someone on the ground to check the house after the guests have departed. Make sure the house has been left clean. Check for any broken items. Ensure all windows and doors have been locked and deadbolted. Often, guests may miss some. Only release the bond once you know the house has been left in the same state it was found upon arrival.
