Improving where your VRBO/Homeaway property is displayed in a guest search result directly impacts the number of rental inquiries you receive and your rental revenues. Selecting the correct subscription level is the first step in managing your sort ranking. Once you have selected a subscription level, there are 7 factors that determine where your property is displayed within the selected subscription level.
1. Photos
A maximum of 24 photos are permitted on your listing. To receive maximum credit for the photo criteria, you will need to upload a minimum of 16 photos. Professional photos are recommended, but the quality of photos is not currently used to rank properties.
2. Maps
Activating the online map and using the map marker is the next factor used to determine your properties sort order. If you are concerned about security, your actual address is not displayed on your listing.
3. Rental Rates
Displaying your rental rates is also considered by VRBO/Homeaway in determining your sort order. It is recommended that rates be kept current, but the most important factor is that rates are posted.
4. Reviews
There are two criteria used to determine your property’s ranking for this category. First, is the number of reviews on your listing and second is the average star rating of those reviews. A good target is a minimum of 5 reviews and an average star rating of 4.2 or higher.
5. Updated Calendar
Maintain your calendar is an important consideration. Even if you do not have updates to your calendar, it is recommended that you log into your listing and click the button indicating that your calendar is current. It is recommended that you update your calendar weekly.
6. Tenure with VRBO/Homeaway
The length of time your property has been listed with VRBO/Homeaway is also a factor that determines your sort position. While it is not explicitly stated, it is believed that enrollment in automatic renewal is also included in this category.
7. Using Reservation Manager
Reservation Manager is an optional service offered by VRBO/Homeaway that allows guests to book and pay online. Enrollment in this optional service is factored into your property’s online sort order.
At VRS we recognize that managing a VRBO/Homeaway listing is not a passive process, which is why we have incorporated procedures that address the factors outlined above into our Rental Management plan. We continually monitor clients’ listings to ensure each maintains the best possible sort order on VRBO/Homeaway.
