As summer approaches, more and more people are eyeing up vacation rentals as a way to kick back and relax. Increasingly, vacationers are opting for “staycation” experiences in which they rent a cabin or a house instead of hotel hopping or flying abroad. There are many reasons for this, but by and large, people are craving a more intimate getaway instead of the hustle and bustle posed by traditional travel.
In fact, statistics show that the vacation rental market has increased by over 20% in the last few years. If you own a vacation rental property or an Airbnb, you can take advantage of this growing trend. Better yet, you can use technology to double or possibly even triple your vacation rental bookings. If this sounds like an idea you can get behind, then read further about these tech improvements that will help skyrocket your vacation rental bookings and earnings.
Get Smart Contractors
Picture this. It’s a sweltering 100-degree day when the family you rented your Florida AirBNB notifies you that the air conditioning has bit the dust. You need immediate repairs on that unit to keep your tenant happy and your satisfaction rating in good standing. This is not the time to wait 10 minutes on the phone or have the family wait for hours to have a repairman dispatched. This is why you should only do business with contractors who use smart technology.
For instance, software for HVAC companies allow technicians to instantly receive distress calls on their mobile devices so they can provide you with immediate service. Whether it’s your air conditioning, plumbing, or electricity, you’ve got to have contractors who possess cutting-edge communications and technology at their disposal. Otherwise, you might suffer bad reviews, which could seriously damage the bottom line for your vacation rental property business.
Get Smart Locks
Here’s another scenario. The couple you’ve rented your vacation cabin in the woods has gotten stuck in inclement weather and can’t get to your rental until three o’clock in the morning. In this example, access control technology can be a lifesaver for both you and your prospective tenants. Therefore, you should consider getting “smart locks'' on your vacation rentals. This is a keyless entry system that allows you or your renters to unlock the premises with a special code from a smartphone.
This feature is more secure and safe as well as tremendously more convenient than, say, having a neighbor letting renters in, or you having to give access at some ungodly hour of the day or night. Additionally, renters who can access a vacation home at their leisure find this to be a highly appealing amenity that will likely win you more bookings.
Get a Smart Security System
Increasingly, savvy renters want to have all the creature comforts they are accustomed to at home while they are away on vacation. This includes feeling safe in a vacation rental. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in a home security system for your Airbnb. Many smart security systems can be operated remotely and some can even tie into your smart lock keyless access feature mentioned earlier. What’s more, a remote security system can alert you, the homeowner, of any possible emergencies such as forced entry or a house fire. A security and home monitoring system might not boost your vacation rental bookings. However, it will give you and your tenants peace of mind with an extra level of protection.
Use Tech to Make Your Rental More Appealing
According to Lodgify, 50% of renters rely on virtual tours online to book their next vacation rental. Therefore, consider taking hi-def videos of your rental property and upload them on your rental website or on a booking platform such as Airbnb or Vrbo.
In addition to using tech to showcase your rental with virtual tours, you should also equip your home with hi-tech capability. To explain, most vacationers expect to have wireless WiFi (News - Alert) so they can surf the internet and stay in touch on their devices.
Furthermore, think about installing hi-speed cable along with a high resolution, HD television. It’s tempting to assume your renters want to escape hi-tech services or devices while on vacation. However, in most instances, that simply isn’t the case. Today’s vacationers expect and demand the same technological advantages in a vacation rental as they have in their own homes.
In conclusion, these tech solutions are surefire ways to boost your vacation rental bookings. Moreover, employing tech for your Airbnb will ensure that your renters have the services, safety and conveniences available so they can give you that all-important 5-star review.
