Summer is just approaching, yet we are talking about winter rental prep already? Of course! In just a few short months, it will be the cold season again. While your beach rentals are booming with business this spring and summer months, eventually, the number of bookings will dwindle in the months to come. Especially now, with the COVID-19 pandemic still restricting travel, occupancy rates remain low among vacation destinations.

Nonetheless, some states have less stringent requirements as long as you have received full vaccination against the deadly virus.

With these things in mind, taking some effort to combat the slowdown and maintain your beach rental booked even during the off-season is worth a try. Whether it is a beach house or a condo unit you are renting out, you have no reason to allow your rental property to stay vacant all winter long. Keep those bookings coming with these tips.

1. Understand the Off-season

Although beach rental bookings usually slow down when school season starts, pretty sure your local area offers various events throughout the winter months. This somehow helps in lessening the blow of the off-season.

During hot summer months, it is typically families who rent these beach properties. However, during winter, they are often filled with “snowbirds.” The more politically correct term for them is “winter visitor.” These “winter visitors” or “snowbirds” are typically between 50 and 69 — or baby boomers. These seasonal travelers usually flee to warmer climates during cold winter months.

2. Tailor Your Listing According to Guests’ Needs

Given that “snowbirds” tend to be the biggest population of winter guests, it only fits to tailor your listing according to their needs. Admittedly, they are quite different from the summer vacationers you usually have.

These are some interesting facts about “winter visitors” or “snowbirds”:

• The majority of the snowbird population consider making the beach their permanent residence.
• According to a survey, 63 percent of snowbirds appraise themselves in good health.
• Some snowbirds enjoy volunteering or doing seasonal jobs while staying at the beach.
• Snowbirds love to share their adventures through social media.

Spotlight the features and amenities of your beach property to fit the needs of these guests. Talk about great local places for day tours, show off your 24.7 fitness center, or offer wood-burning fireplace features for the chilly nights. Surely, doing any of these will make your beach rental property attractive.

3. Hire a Property Maintenance Management

Handling all the management, maintenance, and promotion of your rental property means investing a lot of time and money. In some cases, property owners do not actually have any inkling of how to run the business. So, enlisting the help of experts in property rentals is an excellent way to maintain the occupancy rates of your rental property even during winter.

Here are few good reasons why you should do so:

• It is winter. That means there are holidays lined up. With a property management group, you can enjoy your holiday without any guests interrupting it.
• Snowbirds are creatures of habit, so they would often return to the same property management if they go on vacation again. With the help of this management group, you can enjoy the benefits of having these loyal customers.
• Having property maintenance management oversee your beach rental ensures you that it is well-taken care of. From routine cleaning and maintenance to fixing damages, you got it all covered.
• Property management groups have tons of resources when it comes to marketing and advertising. With their help, your property can easily be promoted and draw more customers.

4. Lower Rental Rates

Keep the price of your beach property updated during winter. Although premium rates during the summer months are justified as more vacationers are flocking in your area, the multitude of rental property options during the cooler months calls for you to tone down your pricing.

It does not necessarily mean, though, that you have to drop your price to a bargain status. Know the average pricing in the market by checking with comparable properties.

5. Be Flexible

The regular minimum stay requirement during summer bookings would not cut for winter rentals. Snowbirds do not want to be regulated as to the number of days they are staying at a place.

Consider reducing, else removing the minimum stay requirement to attract more winter guests to your beach rental property. Doing so makes you stand out among other beach rental property owners who are not flexible with such adjustments.

Do not let your beach rental stay vacant during winter. A few winter bookings still add up for your rental property’s revenue. Consider these tips and watch all the profit flowing.