How to create a great vacation rental listing on KSL Classifieds

A lot of work goes into renting out your vacation property, from the decision to rent it in the first place to any renovations, upgrades or redesigns you want to make. It’s a labor of love, but it’s all worth it when you get to share your amazing home with others and make some added income while you’re at it. So the last thing you want to do is to let all that hard work go to waste, right? Well, a lackluster listing can do just that, leading potential guests to book with someone else. KSL Classifieds is here to help.

Creating your listing

First things first. Follow this step-by-step guide to creating a rental listing on KSL Classifieds, making sure to select the category “Other Real Estate” and the subcategory “Vacation Homes for Rent.”

Setting a price

One of the first things you’ll be asked to do when creating your listing on KSL Classifieds is to set a price. This is an important step to success, and there are lots of things to consider. 

Look at the local market

How does your short-term rental  compare to similar properties in the area? Look for properties with similar qualities (location, size, amenities, etc.) to get a ballpark figure before narrowing things down.

Factor in expenses

There’s a bit of math to be done, but don’t run away screaming just yet. After all, we’re talking phone calculator math, not the graphing calculator kind. To figure out your expenses, calculate fixed costs first, including things like:

• Taxes

• Insurance

• TV and internet charges

• HOA fees

• Other monthly expenses. 

Next, figure out variable costs like gas, water and electricity, which will change throughout the year. When you’re done, you’ll have a solid overview of what expenses you’ll need to cover.

Consider seasonal price changes 

People might be willing to pay an arm and a leg for your ski-in ski-out rental in February, but the demand might drop a bit come summer. Look at the costs and adjust with the trends. The goal is to have your short-term rental filled as often as possible, and the money from your busy season might let you offer folks a deal in the off-season to keep revenue flowing.

Looking to skip a skep or two? Try using a dynamic pricing tool. There are plenty of programs to choose from that will analyze data points like competitor rates, popular nearby events, market trends and more to give you an ideal nightly rate. For more tips on how to price your vacation rental, check out our in-depth breakdown. 

Picking your pics

What’s the easiest way to help people imagine themselves in your vacation home? By showing them exactly what it would look like. When pictures are done right, they can do most of the heavy lifting for your sales pitch. 

Take photos during the day with natural light

Natural light not only provides a softer glow in photos, but it’s also a big selling point. Everyone loves natural light, and vacationers are especially keen if your property offers great views of the surrounding area. 

Snap a pic of the front of the property or building

Even if it’s an apartment or condo, people still want to see where they’re staying from the outside. Blue skies are a bonus for outdoor photos, but if your rental looks better with a fresh coating of snow then a gray day is A-OK. Pro tip: unshuttered windows and an open door deliver a welcoming feel.

Include the most important rooms

Make sure the most important rooms in your rental are on display. That means the kitchen, the living room, bathrooms, bedrooms and any important outdoor features like a porch or yard. Be careful not to include too many photos, though. According to a 2015 study by Zillow, 22-27 photos is the sweet spot for online listings. 

Show off the amenities

Showcase everything that makes your short-term rental special. This could be obvious bonuses like the hot tub at your Park City ski chalet or the pool at your Vegas villa, but it might also include smaller perks like an outdoor mini-fridge or a ski rack in the garage. If you can’t include photos, make sure to mention amenities in the description. (It’s a good idea anyways.)

Set the scene

A little detail can go a long way toward selling the experience, so if there are certain things you feel will set the mood, don’t be afraid to include them. A hot cup of cocoa in front of a roaring fire or a tropical drink by the pool might be just the thing that makes someone choose your listing over someone else’s.

Descriptions and details

Picture your listing like a dating profile — it might look good, but if things are gonna get serious it’s gotta have a good personality too. Avoid the left swipe and pay attention to these tips. 

Use colorful language

Where would you rather stay? A “rustic mountain getaway that’s perfect for cozy weekend stays and adventure-packed ski trips alike,” or a “two bedroom Solitude Resort condo”? Adding descriptive language gives life to your listing and helps it stand out. Don’t get too descriptive though — you’ll risk sounding like you’re overselling. 

Include search-friendly keywords

Put yourself in the shoes of someone looking for your property. What words might they use to search for a perfect getaway? If you’re close to an iconic destination, say so in your title. If your place is great for families, couples or solo travelers, mention it. Other things that are good to mention early in the description or in the title include the number of bedrooms/beds, the property type (apartment, condo, house,etc.) and a quick descriptor if there’s room. Here’s a good example: “Cozy 4-Bedroom Cabin for Rent Near Sundance!”

Mention nearby attractions

If you’re located near a major tourist destination, mention it in the title. But the description is also a chance to list other great things about the area. Maybe there are cute downtown shops within a quick walk, or a neighborhood path that leads to the water. This is your place to include things that don’t show up in the photos.

Look at descriptions of competing properties

It’s always a good idea  at popular rentals in the area to see what they’re doing well in their descriptions. If your rental fits the bill, say something similar and you might see an uptick in interest.

Say what you love about it, too

If people can tell there’s a real person behind the listing, it’ll only add to the charm created by your pictures. Those are worth a thousand words, after all. A few more good ones from you should seal the deal. 

For more rental tips, check out KSL Classifieds’ resource center. When you’ve finally got all your ducks in a row, add your listing and start raking in the benefits of your vacation property.