9 mistakes you shouldn't make in vacation rentals.

There are some common mistakes that are easy to make if you are just starting out on your hosting journey. These failures can result in all sorts of negative consequences from your property being poorly positioned in searches, to your frustration with the process, causing the end of your experience as a host.

To help you navigate the Vacation Rental waters, Meu Anfitrião has put together these 9 mistakes you should avoid to make your hosting experience simpler and more profitable.

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1. Being too impersonal... (or too personal)

This is a skill that comes naturally to some, and for others it takes time to develop. Most guests who opt for vacation rentals choose this type of accommodation because they want a more personal and authentic experience. But that doesn't mean they want you knocking on their door every hour with travel tips and maps. It's really a matter of experience, of observing guests' signals and, therefore, knowing the right time to interact with them.

2. Not Communicating Properly

Centralize your communication in just one channel, either through the chat application where the reservation was made, Whatsapp, email or even by phone. Return messages quickly and ensure all questions are answered. It may seem like a simple thing, but it's amazing how many hosts forget the importance of good communication.

Tip: If necessary, call the guest to confirm receipt of all important information.

3. Using low quality photos

Many hosts, eager to get their properties on the air, make the mistake of using amateur cell phone photos in their listings. Bad lighting, bad angles and unprofessional compositions can be extremely harmful. To stand out, hiring a professional photographer is essential. The investment will be worth it, as the number of consultations and reservations will be much higher!

4. Create exaggerated expectations

It can be tempting to write a description that exaggerates the features of your space. However, avoid this at all costs. Always choose honesty, that is, make a faithful description of the reality of your property.

Still, you can get creative and inspiring with the words to explain exactly what you're offering. Just make sure they're always true.

The worst experience will be receiving a guest who arrives at the property and ends up having their expectations frustrated, because what they see is not in accordance with what is read in the advertisement.

He will complain and misvalue his property. Don't want to go through this.

5. Freeze prices

It may even be easier to choose a fixed daily rate and leave it for the whole year. However, flexible pricing has huge potential to attract guests, even during low season.

Remember: in the summer the prices of a beach house must be higher than in the winter, this happens according to the law of supply and demand.

Dynamic pricing will increase not only your earnings but also the occupancy rate of your property per season.

6. Not prioritizing customer requests

One way to annoy your guest is not prioritizing a request, or taking too long to respond. Even if you can't serve them or don't have satisfactory answers at that time, you need to communicate with guests quickly, making it clear that you are taking action. If you realize that there is no way to resolve that issue, be honest and let him know as soon as possible.

Silence or delay in an answer will always bring the feeling that you are not prioritizing or don't care about your problem.

7. Let pride get the better of diplomacy

When a guest feels dissatisfied with something in your accommodation - no matter how strange the complaint may seem - do not argue. Just sympathize, be empathetic and polite.

Try to understand the problem and, through dialogue, find the best possible solution for all parties.

A review is nothing more than an opportunity to improve the guest experience.

8. Relax too much

If your property is highly rated and you have reservations six months in advance, you'll feel proud and think it's “okay” to relax a little. However, never do that! You always need to keep your eyes open on the local accommodation market.

Note any changes and trends that influence your property and take them into account in the final price of the reservation.

Perhaps your grades are high, as the price charged is below the market, that is, the perception of quality exceeds the price. This may indicate that it's time to charge more for your daily rate.

9. Be careful when theming your space

We've all seen pictures of some weird house or apartment on Airbnb. So, unless you are very confident in your decorating skills and have a purpose, we strongly recommend that you avoid creating a themed space, as this can turn off a lot of prospects. Example: a property that is close to the stadium of the football team Palmeiras, if it is themed with the team, will not attract guests who are in that region for another reason or who support other teams.

Neutral and cozy spaces tend to be more universal and to please a considerably larger number of people.

A lot of work and details to take into account, no?

Therefore, count on us to achieve your goals and manage to lease your home with quality, profitability and without stress!
We live in a time when it has become easy to seek help for any type of activity we intend to perform. And, good news, Meu Anfitrião specializes in managing vacation properties through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Alugue Temporada, Hoteis.com, and over 40 others!

Meu Anfitrião allows you to enjoy all the benefits of being a host, without the stress and hassle of being involved in the day-to-day management and operation of your vacation home.

Contact us to find out more about our work.

My Host, your home in good hands!