Crystal Coast Rentals

Keeping your Crystal Coast rental by owner occupied is a monumental task.How do you get the word out about your property? What will make guests come back next time their looking for a vacation rental? Two very important questions for you, the rental by owner property manager to consider.

If people cannot find your property…it DOES NOT get rented. So you need to become a marketing expert in your spare time to ensure the word gets out.

1. By far the best resource for a rental by owner is vrbo.com. It is expensive, but is very effective at getting a lot of attention from your target audience.
2. Craigslist.org is another invaluable outlet. It is free and can get you a couple bookings, without a doubt. In your post link to the vrbo page. 
3. This site is free at the time of this writing and gets more and more visitors every week. So list your rental here (There”s a red link in the top right). When you list here link to your vrbo page.
4. Think about a newspaper ad in the Raleigh area. Not free, but quite effective for the price.

Keep your rental property in good repair, and attractive condition.

1. Make sure all the lights work. This is not only a safety issue, but demonstrates that someone cares about your property.
2. Check your sliding doors to be sure they operate smoothly. If they”re sticky and hard to open/close guests are likely to leave them open and invite the salty, humid beach air into your home. This can wreak havoc on paint, electronics, and other things.
3. Keep the yard well maintained. It”s the first thing guests will see when they arrive for their vacation and may help to keep them from littering in the yard, trampling flowers, and other undesirable acts.

Think about making yours a pet-friendly rental. People like to bring their dogs to the beach. I know I do.

Offer some different packages including things to do while on the Crystal Coast. You could have several packages that simply tack on the additional expenses. Below are some examples I”ve come up with. But definitely think of your own. 

1. Basic package – includes only rental property.
2. Care-free package – includes linens so all the guests need to do is show up. They don”t have to worry about sheets etc.
3. Golf Package – Throw in a round of golf at one of the many area golf courses. Most of them will likely work with you by selling you a voucher in advance (likely at a discount, if you”re a good negotiator).
4. Bicycle Lovers Package – Includes a pair of beach cruisers to get around with.
5. Sportsman”s Package – Includes a full or half day on a local fishing charter.

Do you want your guests to remember you and return year after year? Try these tips:

1. Leave them a nice bottle of wine and a classy welcome note.
2. If you aren”t comfortable with #1 get them some gourmet coffee and leave the bag with a note for them.
3. Send them a Christmas card the following winter. 
4. Mainly just do something that sets you apart from other rental owners/managers so they don”t forget you or your property.

I hope these tips help all of you rental owners. If you have other suggestions let me know, I”d love to hear them.