View your property’s surrounding area through the eyes of a travel agent, and you’ll find all kinds of incentives for guests. Big-ticket attractions such as theme parks, outdoor activities, entertainment and zoos are some of the more obvious, but lower-profile amenities can boost your property’s pulling power too, says Parrella.
“Think about your guests’ different demographics and what they might like to do,” she says. “Restaurants and cafes appeal to most people, but also families might be looking for child-friendly amenities such as parks and playgrounds, or a local pool.”
Transport and accessibility, shops and markets, sports and recreation all add to a property’s appeal and can be an important part of your marketing story.
Present it perfectly
There’s a difference between your own holiday home and one that’s suitable for paying guests, says Parrella. “People used to refer to their holiday homes as their ‘shack,’ and you’d have a conglomeration of mismatched or secondhand furniture – but that won’t work for a commercial holiday rental.”
“People have a lot of choice out there in the market, and they’re looking for something nicely presented and comfortable,” she adds.
“While it doesn’t have to be magazine-perfect, you want to present the property in its best light – you don’t want to offload your daggy old lounge suite there. Choose attractive furniture and fittings that are also practical to look after with the added wear and tear of people coming in and out all the time.”
It could be worth investing in photography, too, she adds. “A professional photographer can come in and do a really fantastic job to help market your property well.”
Furnishings and friendly touches transform your home into an unbeatable holiday retreat.Credit:Getty
Add friendly touches
Thoughtful details will help your property stand out from the crowd, says Parrella. “Kit out your kitchen with good quality pots and pans and cooking utensils. I’ve seen people provide high chairs and cots to increase the appeal for young families; beach games, noodles and even boogie boards are great too, and then board games and books for the cooler days and nights.”
It’s also a good idea to have the user manual for major appliances in a folder for ease of use for guests. It helps your guests use your appliances correctly, potentially saving you the cost of repair or replacement if damage is caused through mis-use.
Your guests will appreciate local information too, she adds. “Let them know …….