Suggestions on What I can do to Get Inquiries

[Wastin Away]

I have a home that I am renting for friends of ours that is in our neighborhood and so close to the beach, pool and access. It is a great house but for some reason I am not getting the inquiries I thought I would be getting. Would love suggestions on what you think I can do? You can go to VRBO #131930 or www.emeraldcoasttours.com/15southryan.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[Smiling JOe]

Stimulate the economy, giving people enough money to take vacations, would be a start. I think everyone is likely to see slower numbers, plus, there is now much inventory out there, so prices will have to be very competitive.

[kurt]

Hi WA - posting here is a good start. Even if you don't get direct inquiries from this forum (which I hope you will), your link here will help you get found in search engines. Also - you should start a new thread simply promoting your rental with links to your virtual tour page and vrbo page, as well as all of your descriptive text and contact info. You could even include photos from the virtual tour directly in your thread.

The title of your new thread should be descriptive - i.e. "Emerald Tide - 4bedroom gulf view in Seagrove Beach". You might also consider a discount or some other consideration for people who contact you through the forum here.

In addition, you can offer last minute specials by posting them in your thread. Posting additions to your thread bumps it to the top of the thread list in the forum. Keep your thread updated with things that are happening with your home, maybe even post a quote now and then from a happy renter.

Don't be shy. You have a great home and people will be able to see that if you promote a little bit. With a little humility and a little bragging, the regulars here on the forum will remember and recommend your home to newcomers, friends, and relatives.

Another thing you might want to do is consider having us purchase a domain for you - i.e. "EmeraldTideBeachRental.com" or something like that. It is easier to market when you have your own domain and if worked right can help you get found in search engines. And if you have other rentals we can add them to your "home" page with links to virtual tours, vrbo, etc. You can also put your website name on flyers, newspaper ads, on your rental sign, etc. A website name is easier for folks to remember.

On your website, virtual tour, vrbo page, etc. you might want to include a little bit of info about your neighborhood, the SoWal area, and any other personal info you find relevant. tell people what's really special about your home and our area.

Also I notice that you don't have a link to vrbo on your virtual tour page, which they require if you link FROM their site, so I'll add that for you.

Summer's Edge is a great subdivision, but as you know there is a lot of competition there (and in our area in general). Whatever you can do to stand out from the crowd a little is sure to help get you bookings.

Keep a guest book in your rental and make sure that there is a space for people to write their mailing address and E-mail address. Many of your renters will be repeat customers, and you’ll want a way to keep in touch with them. Offer repeat renters special deals. Word of mouth is very important. Happy repeat renters will sell your rental to friends, family, and coworkers.

Consider adding renters testimonials and comments to your rental web site. Happy customers will help you sell your property to others. Potential renters love to read what others have to say about your rental, vacationers are usually helpful to one another and share a trusting bond.

I hope this helps. Feel free to call or email to discuss further.

[barefootguy]

I'd suggest listing everywhere you can except VRBO. VRBO is a lousy site for vacationers to use, unless they know the area well and know what community they want to be in. Get listed on a bunch of the other sites and you'll get inquiries. I can't guarantee bookings, but you should get lots of inquiries.

[tebo]

The house looks really great. It will take a family large enough or a group of people that want to share their vacation with others. Some people just want to use that time to be with family and the family may not be quite large enough. The inside of the house is very nice.

[seacrestkristi]

I was thinking about a neon 'vacancy' sign in the window might be good.

[Minnie]

Your place is beautiful. Too large for us and we need pet friendly, but as Kurt said, now that I have seen it, I will refer it to anyone I know that is looking for a larger place.

Good idea too about the having your own domain to link to. Most of the VRBOs I am most interested in have additional photos to look at. The photos on Kurt's site are a much better representation than what you can show on VRBO.

[seacrestkristi]

That is a beautiful place and daddyo's tours are the bomb! There is so much available down there.

[dunelover]

I may get booted off this thread for saying so, but consider updating the interior some. I have been looking at several listings on vrbo lately and I find the competition in your summer price includeds homes w/ much nicer interiors. Maybe it is easier for a stranger to say than possibly some of your friends.

I have been shopping 3 and 4 beds, and can find a gorgeous gulf-front at bella vita or adagio for 3700 during summer. Just my opinion, but w/ so much competition it might help. One thing I also like is the exact steps, yardage to the beach.

[Wastin Away]

I may get booted off this thread for saying so, but consider updating the interior some. I have been looking at several listings on vrbo lately and I find the competition in your summer price includeds homes w/ much nicer interiors. Maybe it is easier for a stranger to say than possibly some of your friends.

I have been shopping 3 and 4 beds, and can find a gorgeous gulf-front at bella vita or adagio for 3700 during summer. Just my opinion, but w/ so much competition it might help. One thing I also like is the exact steps, yardage to the beach.

I would hope that you would not get kicked off this board for voicing your opinion. That is the conculsion that I have had. But, when you get in the house it really is a nice and very spacious house. I do have to say though that when I am comparing I try to compare a house to a house. Condo's are great, and I rent some really nice condos for friends of mine in Destin, but when comparing you just can't compare.

[dunelover]

I would hope that you would not get kicked off this board for voicing your opinion. That is the conculsion that I have had. But, when you get in the house it really is a nice and very spacious house. I do have to say though that when I am comparing I try to compare a house to a house. Condo's are great, and I rent some really nice condos for friends of mine in Destin, but when comparing you just can't compare.

I agree, a house is nice and we prefer them as well. Sometimes we just enjoy the view that a condo typically gives of the gulf. I will give you a link of a house I was interested in, but I can't get them to call me back or respond to the request thru vrbo, so they are missing out on my money. But, I would consider this a good comparison. http://www.vrbo.com/127073. It supposedly has gulf views. Also, this house doesn't have a view, but interior looks nice and it has a pool. http://www.vrbo.com/123646, but again, I haven't heard back from my questions, so they are missing out as well. Anyway, If I was your customer, these are the types I would be comparing your friends house to.

Another thing HIGH on my list is a repeat discount. Sometimes it is just nice to know what to expect---unlike our last trip that looked "great in pictures" but a lie on print, and dirty to boot!

Good luck--your heart and efforts are in the right place, so I am sure you will reap the reward.

[URQ]

15 s. Ryan-Emerald Tide...This is the house we just stayed in the week after Christmas...it is so beautiful!! The decor was very nice, professionally decorated, and did not seem to be in need of any urgent updating to me, (and am usually picky since I have some background in interior design.) It was a wonderful home, and I would recommend it to anyone. The location was fantastic too. If you need any comments/recommendations from previous renters I would be happy to do so...I loved Emerald Tide and it was hard to leave...(especially coming back to Kansas City and our 17 degree "heat wave!") URQ

[Wastin Away]

15 s. Ryan-Emerald Tide...This is the house we just stayed in the week after Christmas...it is so beautiful!! The decor was very nice, professionally decorated, and did not seem to be in need of any urgent updating to me, (and am usually picky since I have some background in interior design.) It was a wonderful home, and I would recommend it to anyone. The location was fantastic too. If you need any comments/recommendations from previous renters I would be happy to do so...I loved Emerald Tide and it was hard to leave...(especially coming back to Kansas City and our 17 degree "heat wave!") URQ

Thank you for your comments. We hope your group comes back again. My housekeeper commented very highly on your group.

[Ocean Lover]

The house looks really great. It will take a family large enough or a group of people that want to share their vacation with others. Some people just want to use that time to be with family and the family may not be quite large enough. The inside of the house is very nice.

I agree, the house is great. Good luck on future rentals!

[peapod1980]

Good idea too about the having your own domain to link to. Most of the VRBOs I am most interested in have additional photos to look at. The photos on Kurt's site are a much better representation than what you can show on VRBO.

I agree with this. We use VRBO all the time, and one thing I always notice and appreciate are the listings that have a link to the owner's website. Usually the photos on the VRBO page just aren't enough to give a clear representation of the property, but an additional website with more photos and/or a virtual tour often seals the deal for us.

[Jdarg]

I agree, a house is nice and we prefer them as well. Sometimes we just enjoy the view that a condo typically gives of the gulf. I will give you a link of a house I was interested in, but I can't get them to call me back or respond to the request thru vrbo, so they are missing out on my money. But, I would consider this a good comparison. http://www.vrbo.com/127073. It supposedly has gulf views. Also, this house doesn't have a view, but interior looks nice and it has a pool. http://www.vrbo.com/123646, but again, I haven't heard back from my questions, so they are missing out as well. Anyway, If I was your customer, these are the types I would be comparing your friends house to.

Another thing HIGH on my list is a repeat discount. Sometimes it is just nice to know what to expect---unlike our last trip that looked "great in pictures" but a lie on print, and dirty to boot!

Good luck--your heart and efforts are in the right place, so I am sure you will reap the reward.

Your second link is for a house in Cypress Dunes- isn't this the development without beach access? You can see the Gulf, but have to get in the car to get to it, right?

[dunelover]

Your second link is for a house in Cypress Dunes- isn't this the development without beach access? You can see the Gulf, but have to get in the car to get to it, right?

Yes you are right. Most of the homes do not have a view, but some do. A beach tram takes you to the beach.

[Philip_Atlanta]

I'd suggest listing everywhere you can except VRBO. VRBO is a lousy site for vacationers to use, unless they know the area well and know what community they want to be in. Get listed on a bunch of the other sites and you'll get inquiries. I can't guarantee bookings, but you should get lots of inquiries.

I undestand what you are saying, but vrbo still brings us a lot of inquiries and ultimately bookings. In my opinion, even though the site is not the best design by any stretch, it is the granddaddy and gets a lot of traffic (I'd assume the most). Also, for what it is worth - homeaway has indicated they will be updating it to be more inline with their other sites (pretty much all of them).

[Philip_Atlanta]

But, I would consider this a good comparison. http://www.vrbo.com/127073.

Beautiful house, but wow - holy fish-eye lens!! These guys need Kurt...

[NewUrbanGirl]

Some simple tips that have worked for us...
Check your email at least once a day for inquiries.
Call people back if they call you.
Email people back if they email you.
Follow up!
Be nice!
Give them good information on the house that is targeted to their needs; highlight what the kids can expect if they have kids, for example; tell them what's unique about your home to suit their needs.
Tell the truth.
If there is something they need to know about your place that's not immediately obvious, tell them. Everyone will be happier if they know what to expect.
Direct them to your own website if you have one; if not, consider getting one, well worth the cost.

We get a lot of inquiries and bookings via vrbo, but do have a link to our own website there. We also advertise on vacationrentals.com. And I've just started a small google and yahoo campaign this past year. Don't know how that's going to work out as yet. Does anyone else do that?

[SHELLY]

But, I would consider this a good comparison. http://www.vrbo.com/127073.

Beautiful house, but wow - holy fish-eye lens!! These guys need Kurt...

.....apparently purchased during the Housing Bubble.


.

[SWGB]

Beautiful house, but wow - holy fish-eye lens!! These guys need Kurt...

We prefer the term "rental vision".

[Wastin Away]

I appreciate everyones opinions. I am not with a rental company but I offered to help the owners out because I enjoy doing this and have had great success with my personal home. This message board always gives me some great ideas of which I have already put into action. Thank you.

[spinDrAtl]

I undestand what you are saying, but vrbo still brings us a lot of inquiries and ultimately bookings. In my opinion, even though the site is not the best design by any stretch, it is the granddaddy and gets a lot of traffic (I'd assume the most). Also, for what it is worth - homeaway has indicated they will be updating it to be more inline with their other sites (pretty much all of them).

Homeaway has already started to make small subtle changes on vrbo. We get a lot of inquiries from vrbo but we only have ski properties on there.