Getting started with your property listing
What kind of home are you sharing?
Is it a cozy cabin nestled by the lake, perfect for romantic getaways, or a spacious villa where entire families can gather and laugh under one roof? Maybe it’s a charming cottage that offers a quaint retreat from the hustle and bustle. Defining your property type helps tailor your listing to attract the right guests and set clear expectations.
Pinpoint your place
<span data-metadata="“><span data-buffer="“>Whether you’re sharing the exact coordinates or just the area, clarity on where your property sits helps guests plan their journey confidently, ensuring they find your special retreat without any hassle.
Crafting your listing
Showcase what makes your property unique
Does your hideaway offer breathtaking views of the dawn, or is it steps away from hidden trails and local secrets? Use these enchanting details to craft a title and description that invite potential guests into a story they’ll want to step into, increasing their eagerness to book.
Capture the heart of your property
Photos make the first impression. Capture the essence of your space with images that highlight the unique features of your property—whether it’s the sunlit patio or the cozy nook by the fireplace, let guests picture themselves in your home away from home.
Setting up pricing and availability
Set the right price
Utilize Lake.com’s tools to set competitive rates adjusted for different seasons and special offers. This strategy ensures your earnings are maximized while remaining attractive and fair to guests.
Stay organized
An up-to-date calendar is essential for managing bookings smoothly, avoiding double bookings, and ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.
Amenities and house rules
Attract guests with amenities
Let travellers know what you have to offer at your place, such as a BBQ, canoes, kayaks or even a hammock.
Establish expectations
Setting clear guidelines regarding pets, smoking, and gatherings helps ensure guests understand what is expected, fostering a harmonious experience for all.
Finalizing and publishing your listing
See It through your guest’s eyes
Preview your listing as potential guests will see it, allowing you to adjust any details before it goes live to ensure it’s both inviting and accurate.
Ensure quality and reliability
Submit your listing for a quick review to ensure all details adhere to Lake.com’s high standards, maintaining the integrity and appeal of our platform.
With Lake.com, every listing is an opportunity to open up your home and heart to guests seeking memorable escapes. Ready to start your hosting journey? Log in to Lake.com and set your story in motion, one guest at a time.
Frequently asked questions about listing your property
While your property title can be lengthy, only the first 60 characters will display prominently on your listing and when it appears on Google or Google Vacation Rentals. To maximize impact, keep your title concise and informative.
Include key details such as:
- The property name (e.g., “Chalet Noir”),
- The location (e.g., the nearest town or lake), and
- One or two standout features (e.g., “with Hot Tub” or “Sleeps 8”).
Alternatively, highlight specifics like the number of bedrooms or guest capacity to attract the right audience. A clear, descriptive title helps potential guests quickly understand what makes your property special.
Listings created using the step-by-step Listing Builder are typically reviewed within 24 hours. However, please note that reviews may take slightly longer on weekends or holidays.
For listings imported from Airbnb or synced with a property management system, no review is necessary. These listings are automatically approved and instantly displayed on Lake.com, making them immediately available for bookings in the search engine. This ensures a quick and seamless setup for hosts using these tools.
House rules are guidelines set by hosts for guests to follow during their stay. These rules help ensure the property is respected, guests remain safe, and the experience is enjoyable for everyone involved, including neighbors.
Common house rules include:
- Pets: Whether pets are allowed and any restrictions on type or size.
- Parties: Whether gatherings or events are permitted.
- Check-In and Check-Out Times: Specific times to ensure smooth transitions between guests.
- Quiet Hours: Guidelines to maintain peace in the area, especially during late hours.
- Parking: Instructions on where guests can park vehicles.
Additionally, house rules may cover specific property-related items, such as:
- Furniture: Whether moving furniture is permitted.
- Amenities: Rules for using items like kayaks, firepits, or grills, especially if prior permission is required.
These rules are designed to promote safety, preserve the condition of the property, and foster a positive experience for guests and neighbors alike.
You should include as many amenities as your property offers on your listing. That’s why Lake.com provides a “Check All” option for each section of amenities, making it quick and easy to select multiple options at once. The more details you provide, the better—it helps guests understand what’s included and highlights what sets your property apart from others nearby.
If you have a unique amenity not listed, be sure to mention it in your property description. For example, features like a private dock, wood-fired sauna, or outdoor movie setup can make your property stand out as a one-of-a-kind stay.
Remember, showcasing your amenities is key to attracting guests who are looking for a memorable and personalized experience. Providing comprehensive information also helps guests feel confident about their decision to book your property.
For the best results, use horizontal (landscape) photos, as they display optimally across the Lake.com platform. Save your images as .jpg or .png files to ensure compatibility.
While no editing is required to upload photos, it’s a good idea to ensure your images are well-lit and showcase the best features of your property. High-quality photos that highlight key spaces, unique amenities, and scenic views will help attract more guests and make your listing stand out.
Setting the right price for your home requires a balance of market research and strategic adjustments. Here are a few steps to help you determine a competitive rate:
- Research Similar Properties: Use tools like AirDNA, KeyData, or BeyondPricing to compare your property with others in your area. Look at properties with similar sizes, amenities, and locations to gauge the average price range.
- Consider Your Property’s Unique Features: Highlight standout amenities, lakefront views, or proximity to attractions when pricing your home. Properties with unique or premium features can command higher rates.
- Adjust for Seasonality: Plan for higher rates during peak seasons, weekends, and local events, while offering discounts for slower periods or long-term stays to attract more bookings.
- Start with a Competitive Base Rate: Set an initial price that reflects the value of your property, and monitor guest interest and bookings. You can adjust pricing based on demand and feedback.
- Use Pricing Tools: Dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs or BeyondPricing can help you stay competitive by automatically adjusting rates based on real-time market trends.
By combining research, your property’s unique offerings, and strategic adjustments, you can confidently set a price that maximizes both bookings and earnings.
Discounting your vacation rental during the off-season is a smart way to attract bookings when demand is lower. The exact amount will depend on your property, market, and competition, but here are some general guidelines:
- Analyze Your Market: Research similar properties in your area to see how much they discount during the off-season. A typical range is 10–30% off peak-season rates, but this can vary based on location and amenities.
- Factor in Fixed Costs: Ensure that your discounted rate still covers your expenses, such as utilities, maintenance, and cleaning fees. Avoid pricing too low to prevent losing money on bookings.
- Consider Longer Stays: Offer additional discounts for weekly or monthly stays to encourage longer bookings, which reduce turnover and ensure steady income during slower months.
- Adjust for Demand: If bookings remain low, consider increasing the discount slightly to stay competitive. On the other hand, if demand is higher than expected, you can reduce the discount or return to regular pricing.
- Use Dynamic Pricing Tools: Tools like PriceLabs or BeyondPricing can help you set optimal off-season rates based on real-time market trends and demand.
By experimenting with discounts and keeping an eye on the market, you can strike the right balance to attract off-season guests while maintaining profitability.s.