Updated July 2024
Looking to extend your booking season beyond the high summer season? If priced appropriately and marketed well, your home can provide you with some additional revenue with very little added effort.
The word is out!
Most of us who own homes on the Cape and Islands are very aware of what an ideal time of year fall is to be here: the crowds and traffic have finally diminished, the water is still warm, and the air is cool and dry at night and often sunny and mild during the day.
But as attractive as the fall might be, families with school-age children can’t take advantage of the opportunity of a fall vacation, which results in an increase in inventory and a decrease in demand.
Tips to market your home for fall rentals
- Add information to your listing to promote the advantages of visiting in the fall (and spring). Modify your property description, temporarily change the title, and add some pictures of fall events, for example. (Just be sure to remember to restore them to summer-appropriate renting after the fall booking season ends). Read more about Marketing Your Home for Fall Rentals.
- If your minimum stay requirement is currently 7 nights, consider shortening it to 2 or 3 nights – but charge enough on a nightly basis to make the shorter stays worthwhile to you.
- Small homes rent more easily during the off season than large ones, so if you have a large home, shut off some of the bedrooms, or simply advertise it as a smaller home.
- Suggest a Fall Getaway, a Girls Weekend, or a Guys Fishing Trip – reminding vacationers of the warm, sunny days and cool nights, diminished crowds at beaches and restaurants, warm waters, and lower rates.
- Appeal to wedding guests. There are many spring and fall weddings on the Cape and Islands, so you might suggest your home as a more affordable alternative to hotels and inns. Offer flexible arrival and departure days to accommodate their schedule.
- Appeal to golfers. The Cape and Islands abound with public courses, especially in the off season. Offer a gift certificate to one near you for a round of golf. Include a picture of the nearest public golf course.
- Appeal to kayakers and bicycle enthusiasts. It’s such a great time of year for both. Are there launching spots for kayaks near you? Find out where your guests can rent kayaks and if they can be delivered. How far is the nearest bike path?
- Promote local activities and events. Check our Events Calendar to find fishing tournaments, flower shows, road races, harvest festivals, seafood fests, and craft shows near your home.
- Offer a gift certificate to a local restaurant or tickets to a whale watch.
Boosting your fall marketing efforts
A couple of features on our site will help your listing stand out from others and entice vacationers:
- Set up a free Owner Special promoting either a specific price reduction or an incentive of some kind (like a gift certificate or an extra night free).
- As soon as the available weeks are within the next month, boost your free Owner Special with a Last-minute Availability Alert.