When you think of popular destinations in Texas, it's easy to overlook El Paso. However, El Paso is a hot spot for eco and historical tourism thanks to our unique terrain and diverse past.
That means El Paso property investors have options when it comes to finding renters. The vacation rental model is a viable choice and one that some owners find preferable.
Once you commit to the vacation rental model, you have a few more choices to make, starting with the property listing websites you want to use. Read on as we compare vacation rental platforms.
The Pros and Cons of Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular vacation rental sites with both hosts and renters. When you list your property on Airbnb, you're accessing a huge market of potential renters. However, you're also facing steep competition.
Airbnb is a great choice if you can offer competitive prices and unique amenities in a desirable location. Airbnb makes it simple for hosts to set and adjust prices. Plus, it doesn't prohibit units in multi-family properties or owner-occupied housing.
The Pros and Cons of VRBO
VRBO tends to market itself as a more family-friendly rental listing platform. This is in part because it only allows hosts to list whole homes. In other words, you can't list apartments or a portion of your own home.
If your vacation rental fits this criteria, VRBO is a decent choice. You'll face less competition from other hosts, although you may not get quite as many search hits as you would on Airbnb. Ultimately, Airbnb tends to win out as the best platform for renters, even families.
Other Property Listing Websites to Consider
Airbnb and VRBO are the two biggest names in modern short-term renting, but they aren't the only choice. Alternative choices include:
- Booking.com
- TripAdvisor
- Expedia
With the right approach to vacation rental management, you can list your property across multiple platforms to maximize your bookings.
How to Boost Your Listing on Vacation Rental Platforms
No matter which website you use, you're going to need to craft a stand-out listing to boost rental bookings. Your listing should create intrigue while remaining true to the property. Remember, over-promising and under-delivering can cost you in reviews.
For example, always use high-quality photography to capture each room. Call attention to any unique amenities you offer, like backyard hot tubs or smart appliances. Use a dynamic pricing strategy to maximize your profits all year round.
Get More Short-Term Rental Support from PMI El Paso
El Paso makes the perfect vacation spot for nature lovers and history buffs. It's up to you to use vacation rental platforms to capture the attention of our visitors and give them great accommodations during their stay. PMI El Paso can help.
At PMI El Paso, we offer more than just short-term rental tips. Our real estate experts take our short-term rental properties just as seriously as our residential properties and strive to ensure the satisfaction of every guest. Contact us to discover more about our short-term rental property management services.
