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📸 Picture-Perfect Listings: 10 Shortcuts to a Standout Rental Listing
Want to learn how to craft a short-term rental listing that stops viewers in their tracks and locks in bookings? 💸 From stunning photos to detailed descriptions, keep reading for the tools to make your property stand out in a competitive market.
MARCH 10th, 2025
Good afternoon STR Report Community and Happy Daylight Savings!☀️ Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Can Monkey, the ultimate trash management solution for homeowners & property managers. In today’s issue, you will find:
📱Today’s Article: 📸10 Shortcuts to a Standout Rental Listing
📈 Trending Market Highlights: Myrtle Beach, SC & Gulf Shores, AL
🗑️ Never Take Out The Trash Again with Can Monkey
✉️ STR News: Expensify Launches Travel to All Customers & more
💸 Mortgage Rate Watch
🌲 Unique Airbnb of the Week
🏫 Subscriber Perks: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template & Tax Savings E-Book
✅ Community Perks: Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, Top-Tier Property Management, STR Loans & More, Airbnb Construction, STR Realtor Search, & Tax Savings for STR Owners
📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters
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💰 Tax Savings for STR Owners – Keep more of your rental income with expert tax strategies tailored for short-term rentals. From write-offs to depreciation hacks, maximize savings and minimize tax liability.
📸 10 Shortcuts to A Standout Rental Listing
Being successful in short term rentals takes more than just a pretty property. If your listing isn’t attracting viewers, you can significantly lose potential bookings. We’re sharing proven tips and tricks to create a standout short-term rental listing that attracts more guests, boosts bookings, and leaves a lasting impression.
1. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Title
Highlight unique features of your property.
Include keywords that target your ideal audience.
Example: "Cozy Beachfront Bungalow with Stunning Ocean Views".
2. Write a Compelling Description
Start with a hook: Describe the most appealing aspect of your rental in the first sentence.
Focus on benefits, not just features: Instead of "king-size bed," say "relax in a plush king-size bed for a perfect night’s sleep."
Mention unique aspects: Proximity to attractions, amenities, or themes (e.g., romantic, family-friendly).
Use sensory language: Paint a vivid picture that helps guests imagine their stay.
3. Showcase High-Quality Photos
Use professional photography or natural light for clear, bright images.
Stage the property: Add fresh flowers, clean linens, or set up a cozy corner.
Include various angles: Highlight every room, outdoor spaces, and unique features.
Edit but don’t overdo it: Photos should look appealing yet realistic.
4. Highlight Key Amenities
Mention essentials: Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, parking, etc.
Promote extras: Hot tubs, fireplaces, pet-friendly features, or workspaces.
Cater to your niche: Baby gear for families, or gaming consoles for young travelers.
5. Set Clear Expectations
Provide accurate information: Be honest about the size, layout, and any quirks.
Detail house rules: Clarify check-in/out times, smoking policies, and noise restrictions.
Explain fees upfront: Cleaning fees, extra guest charges, etc.
6. Optimize for Search Engines
Use keywords your audience is likely to search for: “Downtown loft,” “luxury cabin,” etc.
Include location-based terms: E.g., “5 minutes from Central Park.”
7. Leverage Guest Reviews
Feature positive guest experiences to build trust.
Add a personal touch by responding to reviews.
8. Price Competitively
Research similar properties in your area to set a fair price.
Offer discounts for longer stays or early bookings.
Tip: See The STR Report’s article about how to strategically price your short term rental.
9. Include a Strong Call to Action
Encourage immediate booking with phrases like:
“Book your stay today and enjoy the perfect getaway.”
“Don’t miss this limited-time offer—reserve now!”
10. Keep Your Listing Updated
Regularly revise descriptions, photos, and pricing.
Highlight seasonal attractions or special promotions.
Bonus Tips:
Personalize the listing: Mention how you host or provide tips for local experiences.
Be responsive: Answer inquiries promptly to build rapport with potential guests.
Don’t want to manage your own listing? Connect with expert property managers who will create the perfect listing for you.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Downloadable Myrtle Beach, SC Short-Term Rental Market Report
|
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $163 per night
Occupancy Rate: Peaks in July at 81.69%, with an annual average of about 54.87%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $59,000 per year
Read our full Myrtle Beach, SC Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Downloadable Gulf Shores, AL Short-Term Rental Market Report
|
Average Daily Revenue (ADR): $268 per night
Occupancy Rate: Peaks in July at 87.01%, with an annual average of about 57%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $98,000 a year
Read out full Gulf Shores, AL Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
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Managing trash may not be the most exciting part of homeownership or property management, but it’s an essential one. Missed trash days, HOA fines, overflowing bins, and uncollected waste can quickly turn into a major hassle—especially for vacation rental owners, senior homeowners, and busy property managers juggling multiple properties.
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🏫 Airbnb partnering with Tejano Center for first-ever Entrepreneurship Academy in Houston
Airbnb has partnered with the Tejano Center to launch its first-ever Entrepreneurship Academy in Houston, aimed at empowering local communities by providing education and resources for starting and growing small businesses.
🛩️ Expensify Launches Travel to All Customers
Expensify Travel is a comprehensive travel management tool that streamlines booking, policy enforcement, and collaboration, offering smart approvals, automated reporting, and real-time communication to improve compliance and reduce costs for businesses.
📋 TravelPerk Adds Managed Access to Airbnb Inventory
TravelPerk has partnered with Airbnb to offer access to over 8 million listings on its platform, providing enhanced support and a wider range of accommodation options for business travelers, including long-term stays and unique homestay options.
💸Mortgage Rate Watch – March 10, 2025
Current Mortgage Rates (as of March 10, 2025):
30-Year Fixed: 6.99% (-0.08%)
15-Year Fixed: 6.44% (-0.06%)
30-Year Jumbo: 7.03% (+0.07%)
30-Year FHA: 6.70% (-0.04%)
30-Year VA: 6.72% (-0.02%)
7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.35% (-0.04%)
Source: Mortgage News Daily
Market Overview:
Mortgage rates have experienced slight declines across most loan types, influenced by movements in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and Treasury yields. This trend reflects investor confidence in slowing inflation and anticipations of potential Federal Reserve rate cuts later in the year. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has fluctuated between 6.11% and 7.52% over the past year, with recent trends offering some relief to homebuyers after months of elevated borrowing costs.
Rate Trends & Forecast:
Short-Term: Mortgage rates are expected to remain within a narrow range, experiencing minor fluctuations based on incoming economic data and signals from the Federal Reserve.
Long-Term: The Federal Reserve's policies on interest rates will significantly influence future mortgage rate movements. If inflation continues to ease, there may be gradual declines in rates throughout 2025.
For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.
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Subscriber Perks:
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