Top Mistakes Vacation Rental Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Owning a vacation rental can be an incredible investment when done properly, however, many owners unknowingly make small mistakes that cost them bookings, five-star reviews, and revenue. The good news? These missteps are avoidable. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes - even ones we made when we first started in 2019 - and how to sidestep them.

Focus on professional photography and detailed descriptions to properly showcase the property

1. Poor Listing Photos and Descriptions

Stop the scroll! That's the biggest goal of your photos. Guests aren’t just renting a place to sleep... they’re buying into an experience. If your ideal guest doesn't even click onto your listing then you immediately lose the booking. Dark, cluttered, or outdated images make even a beautiful property seem unappealing. Generic or incomplete descriptions leave potential guests guessing. When we first opened our rental in 2019, we started with iPhone photos. It worked for us back then - we still saw success - but the market is WAY more competitive today. You. Must. Have. Professional. Photos.

How to Avoid: Invest in professional photography and write detailed captions that highlight unique features and guest benefits.

2. Not Pricing Strategically

One flat rate all year long? That’s like only selling pumpkin spice lattes year-round (no hate on the PSL!). That price might work for a couple months out of the year but setting one flat nightly rate all year means missed opportunities during peak seasons or unnecessary discounts during slow months. Use a mixture of dynamic pricing tools and in-depth knowledge of market trends to set pricing. It's extremely important for you to do be the expert of your market. Your property is worth more when Taylor Swift is in town.

Coffee bars are a required amenity at this point! Add a coffee bar AND consider adding a an additional experience.

How to Avoid: Use dynamic pricing tools AND manually adjust rates based on demand, local events, and seasonality.

3. Neglecting Guest Experience

Hospitality is much more than clean sheets and working amenities. Guests remember the little touches: clear instructions, thoughtful extras, and prompt communication. Think about how a guest will feel in the space. We once stayed in

a rental that had an old fly swatter in the kitchen and it immediately made it feel cheaper and dirtier even though there wasn't a fly in sight. I'm not sure about you but fly swatters don't align with our brand.

How to Avoid: Create a streamlined guest experience, including welcome packets, quick responses, and a few memorable surprises.

4. Ignoring Maintenance and Upgrades

Small issues like a squeaky door or slow Wi-Fi quickly add up to poor reviews. Guests may tolerate two or three maintenance issues but if they add up to a long list then it can lead to a poor review. You need to think about small details such as your rotation and frequent checks of of lightbulbs and batteries. We recently learned the hard way that some hammocks mildew within months (3 months to be exact)! Thankfully our team is superb and caught it before a guest had a chance to notice. Don't add any amenities you can't keep up with properly.

How to Avoid: Conduct regular inspections and set a budget for routine updates to keep your property fresh and functional.

5. DIY Overload

You answer messages in the middle of the night, you try to figure out pricing and keep up with current events, you coordinate with the cleaners and the handyman, you troubleshoot guest issues and try to figure out if you need to compensate them for a 6 hour power outage, you call the electric company 5 times for updates, and you do the Costco runs… and then you wonder why you’re exhausted. Sometimes it's 2AM when a guest calls because they can't find the property or they don't realize their door code is in the message you JUST sent them (again) that morning. Why does this 2AM conversation always seem to be with the guest who demanded an early check-in because their toddler needs a 1PM nap? Many owners try to do everything themselves which leads to burnout and overlooked details.

How to Avoid: Invest in technology to automate routine tasks like sending check-in instructions. Constantly improve the guest experience to anticipate needs so guests don't need to reach out. Leverage your team (cleaners, handyman, trusted taskers) and local delivery services (Walmart, Amazon Prime, Doordash, etc.).

Build an online presence to stay connected with guests - and to tell them about the BEST local pizza!

6. Lack of Marketing Beyond the Platforms

Airbnb and VRBO are great, but relying solely on them is like fishing in the same pond as every other host. Owners who rely solely on these platforms miss out on repeat guests and direct bookings. We run Instagrams for a couple of our properties to share local tips and have a business Instagram where we share listings, tips, and updates - it helps keep us visible and connected to potential guests. Don’t just wait for bookings.... go out and get them!

How to Avoid: Build a strong online presence with social media, email newsletters, and a direct booking website.

7. Ignoring the Power of Reviews (an underrated one)

Some owners read reviews only to get defensive. But reviews are free market research (and yes, sometimes comedy). Reviews also bump your listing up in the algorithm. Don't wait for the reviews to roll in.... they won't. Chase them.

How to Avoid: If you have a negative review respond professionally, fix what you can, and thank guests for their feedback. Future travelers will notice how you handle criticism. Chase the reviews - ask guests to leave their feedback!

A smart strategy doesn’t just save time, it saves your sanity and your five-star rating. If you’re ready to take your vacation rental from “side hustle” to “thriving mini-empire,” consider teaming up with our professional management. We'll handle the texts at midnight, the clogged toilets, and the occasional “How do I turn on the TV?” "How do I turn on the shower?" or "Can you get me ketchup?" "Where are the tablecloths and plate chargers?" (all questions we've been asked) while you reap the rewards. Contact us today!