These steps may not get you new VRBO guest but they will surely get your repeat VRBO guest. I would rather have a repeat guest than a new guest any week of the year.
10. Up to date interiors that do not look cheap. Your couch and rugs from from 1970 may be antiques in name only. A classic is only great when it is not, not great. If you don’t want to spend money on new interiors consider some high quality covers for the couches and chairs. Good pillow top covers for mattresses that fit really well. If it fits like a wet sack your are kind of defeating the purpose. Replace some of the less expensive things like tables. Make housekeeping happy and avoid black and glass all together.
9. Pillows, yes bed pillows. Replace your pillows every year. I like a flat pillow to sleep with but I do not think I am the norm on this one. Also things get spilled on them, makeup marks and the list goes on. Replacing pillows every year or two is a an inexpensive way to class it up a level.
8. Multiple contact number help people feel more at ease renting from a VRBO individual. Give a least two contact numbers for you, one for the cleaning service and one for maintenance.
7. Free something. It does not matter what it is, everyone likes to get something for free. You can probably get free drink coupons from the bar around the corner if you tell them you are going to be using them to give to your guest. The local coupon book does not count.
6. A clean unit. Does this even have to be explained. If someone checks into a unit that has poo on the toilet; well you get the point.
5. Electric BBQ is a great way to set your unit apart from your neighbors. For around $150 you can get a full size electric BBQ pit. Check with your association first unless you are of the mind set it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Most associations at best discourage gas and charcoal BBQ pits and at worst just do not allow them. Most associations are fine with electric BBQ pits and if they are not you have to ask why and then vote the board members off so you can change the rules.
4. Beach Towels, now you can’t get much less expensive than this. Expect them to walk away. People forget these things at the beach. Provide one beach towel for each guest your unit sleeps comfortably.
3. TV instructions that are clear and concise. With DirecTV, Dish Network, Digital TV, DVD Players, VCRs, Surround Sound and god only knows what else it can be impossible to figure out how to use all of this equipment. TV instruction are not the only instructions that should be left. Anything that could be misinterpreted or lead to aggravation should have clear instructions. Sources of aggravation ideas, Gate Codes, Door Codes, Elevators, Walk Overs, Building East or West, Trash chute location and directions to the unit especially if it shows up wrong on Google Maps.
2. Radio with 2.5mm audio in cable. Huh? With the advent of the MP3 player, smartphones and internet radio many of us carry our music with us. If you have a radio with a 2.5 mm audio in jack and of course a cable your guest can plug there device directly into your radio. Subtle but it shows that you are thinking about your guest and the next time they make a reservation they are going to remember it.
1. Free WiFi in your unit. No one wants to go to the lobby to check there email. You do not have to get the fastest internet on the market. In Panama City Beach AT&T offers DSL for $20 per month. The speed is reasonable enough at around 600k down and 200k up. If you do not offer free WiFi you are loosing potential guest. I can say this because I would not rent your unit unless you had free WiFi. Even when I am on vacation I am working and I do not think I am alone in this boat.
This list is not exactly comprehensive but it should be a good spring board for more ideas.