First-time host experience
Easy onboarding
Simplified start: As a new member of our Lake.com family, you’ll be warmly welcomed by an intuitive interface on the Dashboard. Here, you’ll find easy-to-follow steps and the ‘Add a Listing’ feature that quickly ushers you into our community.
✅ This streamlined process makes starting your hosting journey effortless and enjoyable, setting you up for success right from the start.
Importing listings
Effortless migration: For hosts importing their listings from other sites, our Dashboard helps you to integrate your listings into Lake.com seamlessly.
✅ Streamlining this process allows you to quickly broaden your audience and share your space with more guests without hassle.
Dashboard features for all hosts
Real-time updates and alerts
Stay updated: Keep a pulse on your hosting activities with real-time updates on recent bookings, active listings, and upcoming payments—all through our dynamic Dashboard.
✅ These timely alerts empower you to manage guest arrivals and transactions effectively, ensuring a smooth experience for you and your guests.
Resource links
Promotional support: Access a treasure trove of resources to promote and optimize your listings directly from your Dashboard. This is especially valuable for properties just waiting to be discovered.
✅ Tap into practical advice and support that enhance your listing’s visibility and attract more guests, turning every stay into a memorable experience.
Detailed view of hosting activities
Bookings snapshot
Overview at a glance: Get a quick snapshot of your three most recent bookings, with options to explore all bookings in detail.
✅ This feature simplifies managing guest arrivals, ensuring you’re always prepared to welcome them into your retreat.
Financial overview
Earnings insights: Dive into detailed insights about your latest transactions and key payment dates right from your Dashboard.
✅ With clear visibility into your finances, you can plan and manage your earnings more effectively, ensuring peace of mind.
Managing your listings
Access and edit your properties
Direct management: Manage your properties effortlessly or add new gems to your portfolio directly through the Dashboard.
✅ This functionality not only eases management but also supports the growth and refinement of your rental offerings.
Help center and live training
Ongoing learning: Engage with our extensive glossary, participate in live training sessions, and explore a wealth of resources available through your Dashboard.
✅ These tools are designed to enrich your hosting knowledge and skills, maximizing your potential as a Lake.com host.
Toll-free support
24/7 assistance: Our toll-free support line is always just a phone call away to help with any s or challenges you might face.
✅ Dependable support ensures you have the help you need, whenever you need it, allowing you to host with confidence.
Ready to optimize your hosting? Log in to your Dashboard today and take full control of your listings and operations
The Lake.com Dashboard is equipped with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify your hosting operations and enhance your ability to manage listings efficiently. From real-time updates to robust support resources, every feature is intended to help you maximize your hosting potential.
Frequently asked questions about the dashboard
Getting started as a host on Lake.com is simple and rewarding. Begin by clicking the ‘Sign Up’ button in the top right corner of any page. You can register using your email address or your Google account for added convenience. During sign-up, you’ll indicate whether you’re joining as a host or a guest, though you can switch between these roles later.
Once registered, you’ll gain access to your Hosting Dashboard, the central hub for managing your hosting experience. From here, you can create and manage property listings, monitor bookings, and track your earnings. If you’re new to hosting, you’ll be guided through creating your first listing. For experienced hosts, tools like importing listings from other platforms and access to hosting resources make onboarding even easier.
Hosting on Lake.com offers the flexibility to set your availability, pricing, and house rules. You’ll also enjoy secure payments, global visibility for your property, and access to support from a dedicated team.
Listing your property on Lake.com is simple, with three convenient options to suit your needs:
- Manual Listing: Follow a step-by-step process where you’ll provide your property details, including a title, description, photos, and daily rate. This method allows you to customize your listing fully.
- Import from Airbnb: Save time with a one-time import of your Airbnb listings. This process pulls in all the essential details, which you can then review and edit to suit your preferences on Lake.com.
- Integrate with a Property Management System (PMS): If you use a PMS like Hostaway, Hospitable, or Hostfully, you can easily sync your listings and availability. Lake.com integrates seamlessly with industry-leading systems, and we’re continually adding more to expand compatibility.
No matter which method you choose, Lake.com makes it easy to start showcasing your property to a global audience of travelers!
Making your listing stand out is all about presenting your property in the best possible light and giving guests a sense of what makes it unique. Here’s how:
- Craft an Eye-Catching Title and Description: Use descriptive, engaging language that highlights your property’s best features, such as lakefront views, cozy interiors, or family-friendly amenities.
- Add High-Quality Photos: Upload plenty of clear, well-lit photos of both the interior and exterior. Include shots of key spaces like bedrooms, living areas, outdoor spaces, and any special features, such as a fire pit or private dock.
- Showcase Amenities: Select amenities from the provided list to highlight what your property offers. Checking off features like Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, or pet-friendly accommodations makes it easy for guests to see what’s included.
- Highlight Local Attractions: Complete the “What’s in the Area” section to give guests an idea of nearby activities and points of interest. Share your recommendations for the best coffee shop, local restaurants, hiking trails, or farmers’ markets to position yourself as a local expert.
By focusing on these elements, your listing will not only attract attention but also help potential guests imagine themselves staying at your property, increasing the likelihood of bookings.
Pricing your property competitively is key to attracting guests while maximizing your income. Here are some strategies to help you set the right rates:
Highlight Amenities in Your Pricing: If your property offers premium features like a hot tub, lake access, or high-end appliances, reflect this in your pricing to show added value.
Research the Market: Analyze similar properties in your area using tools like AirDNA, BeyondPricing, or KeyData. Compare features, locations, and amenities to establish a competitive baseline for your pricing.
Set a Flexible Base Price: Use a base rate that reflects your property’s value while leaving room for adjustments during high-demand or low-season periods.
Leverage Dynamic Pricing: Consider using dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs or BeyondPricing. These tools automatically adjust your rates based on factors like demand, seasonality, and local events, ensuring you’re always competitive.
Adjust for Peak Seasons and Events: Increase rates during holidays, weekends, and local events when demand is high. Offer discounts during low seasons to attract more bookings.
Encourage Longer Stays: Provide discounts for weekly or monthly stays to increase occupancy and reduce turnover costs.
Managing your booking calendar effectively ensures smooth operations and maximizes your income. Here are some key tips:
- Sync Your Calendar: Use iCal to synchronize your Lake.com calendar with your personal or professional calendar apps like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. If you’ve integrated Lake.com with a property management system (PMS), double-check that availability and blocked dates are accurately reflected across all platforms.
- Maintain Accurate Availability: Regularly update your calendar to reflect bookings, personal use, or maintenance schedules. This helps prevent double bookings and ensures a seamless guest experience.
- Adjust Prices Strategically: Use seasonal pricing to maximize revenue. Offer discounts for early bookings to fill your calendar in advance, increase rates during peak seasons, and use last-minute discounts to fill gaps in availability.
By keeping your calendar accurate, synced, and strategically priced, you can streamline your hosting experience while optimizing your property’s potential.
As a host, it’s important to understand and comply with your legal responsibilities to ensure a smooth and lawful hosting experience. Here are the key areas to consider:
- Local Laws and Regulations: Check your city, state, or country’s rules regarding short-term rentals. This may include obtaining permits or licenses, adhering to zoning restrictions, and following occupancy limits.
- Tax Obligations: Familiarize yourself with any local, state, or national taxes that apply to your rental income, such as occupancy taxes or income taxes. Some platforms may collect and remit these taxes on your behalf, but it’s important to verify your obligations.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate insurance to protect against property damage, liability, and unforeseen events. Regular homeowners insurance may not cover vacation rentals, so consider short-term rental insurance policies.
- Safety Standards: Provide a safe environment for your guests by following safety regulations, such as installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Clearly outline house rules and emergency procedures in your listing.
- Fair Housing Compliance: Avoid discriminatory practices when accepting bookings, as most jurisdictions have laws protecting guests against discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, gender, or disability.
- Contractual Agreements: If you use a property management system or work with third parties, review and adhere to their terms and conditions to avoid legal complications.
By staying informed and compliant with these responsibilities, you can confidently manage your property while building trust with guests and maintaining a positive hosting experience.