Extend Your Booking Season Beyond Summer
Looking to earn more from your vacation rental after the peak summer season? With smart pricing and thoughtful marketing, your home can generate additional revenue in the fall (and spring, too), often with minimal added effort.
Why Fall Is a Hidden Gem
The word is out: Fall on the Cape and Islands is one of the best-kept secrets. Those of us who live or own homes here know how ideal this time of year is:
- The crowds and traffic have thinned.
- The ocean is still warm.
- The days are sunny and mild, and the nights are cool and dry.
However, with schools back in session, families with children are less likely to travel—creating more availability and reduced demand. To fill those fall weeks, a targeted approach is essential.
Tips to Market Your Home for Fall Rentals
1. Update Your Listing
- Highlight the benefits of visiting in the fall—warm days, cool nights, fewer crowds, and lower rates.
- Temporarily change your listing title and update the description and photos to feature fall events and local scenery. (Don’t forget to switch it back for summer!) Read more about Marketing Your Home for Fall Rentals.
2. Adjust Your Minimum Stay
- If your current minimum stay is 7 nights, consider reducing it to 2–3 nights for more flexibility.
- Make sure to adjust your nightly rate so shorter stays are still profitable for you.
3. Tailor to Smaller Groups
- Smaller homes are more popular in the off-season. If you have a large home, consider closing off unused bedrooms and marketing it as a cozy or quaint getaway.
Highlight the Perks of Fall Travel
- Fall Getaways: Promote your home as the perfect spot for a couple’s retreat, girls’ weekend, or guys’ fishing trip.
- Wedding Guests: Many weddings happen in the fall—offer a flexible, affordable alternative to hotels.
- Golfers: The Cape is home to many scenic public golf courses. Offer a gift certificate and include a photo of a nearby course.
- Kayakers & Cyclists: Fall is ideal for outdoor activities. Mention local kayak rentals, nearby bike paths, and delivery options if available.
- Local Events: Highlight upcoming fall festivals, road races, seafood fests, and more. Use our Events Calendar as a resource.
- Bonus Incentives: Offer perks like a restaurant gift card or whale watch tickets.
Boost Your Listing’s Visibility
Take advantage of the tools available on our site:
- Owner Special: Add a free listing promotion featuring a discount or incentive (like a gift certificate or free night).
- Last-Minute Availability Alert: When your available weeks are within 30 days, boost your free Owner Special with this paid feature. The Alert promotes your home on a Last-Minute Availability and Deals page.
By shifting your strategy to include the fall season, you’ll not only extend your booking potential but also tap into a growing group of travelers drawn to the Cape and Islands in the off-peak months.