According to the Business Observer, Sarasota County welcomed 2,894,100 visitors during the fiscal year 2024. The publication also noted signs indicating a stable outlook for the county's tourism sector in 2025.
If you want a slice of that pie, consider setting up your home as a short-term rental for travelers in Sarasota, FL. Doing so can generate extra income and contribute to the area's economy.
Read on as our team at PMI Southwest Florida created this guide exploring home-sharing tips for Sarasota property owners.
1. Optimize Listings for Maximum Visibility
One of the most crucial hosting tips for Sarasota homeowners is to create listings on multiple vacation rental platforms. The more platforms you advertise and market your property on, the more people you can expose it to.
To ensure your listings stand out, include high-quality 'experience' photos that go beyond simply documenting a scene. They should evoke a feeling or tell a story. You want people to envision themselves there. Add a captivating property description focusing on its unique features. The goal is to get people to 'take action' and book. You want tp Highlight the points that make your home attractive, such as:
- Proximity to main attractions like Sarasota Bay, Siesta Key Beach, St Armand's Circle, Lido Key and Downtown Sarasota
- Amenities such as a heated pool or outdoor grill and other beach/pool supplies you have for use
- Recent renovations or unique decor styles
You should also use appropriate geographical keywords. Adding the location (e.g., "Sarasota, Florida," "Sarasota, FL," or "Sarasota") can enhance visibility on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
2. Create a Seamless Guest Experience
Other critical hosting advice for Sarasota hosts is to provide a seamless experience for guests by:
- Offering keyless entry systems for easier check-ins
- Providing a welcome kit with local maps, restaurant recommendations, and activity guides
- Maintaining open lines of communication by responding promptly to inquiries
- Ensuring high-speed wifi & workspaces and fully equipped kitches; not everyone wants to eat out all the time
If you follow these tips to improve guest experience and satisfaction, you can increase your chances of:
- Getting positive reviews - you want that 5-star review!
- Encouraging guests to return
- Enjoying referrals
3. Use Dynamic Pricing Strategies
To maximize rental income, implement dynamic pricing that factors in demand fluctuations. Refining your prices can attract more guests, especially during peak seasons in Sarasota.
Incorporate local events into your pricing strategy. For example, higher prices are justifiable during some of the area's highly anticipated festivals, such as the annual Sarasota Agricultural Fair. According to Saffire.com, the event boasts a yearly attendance of 140,000+!
Conversely, offer deals during off-peak seasons. It could help maintain your occupancy rates.
4. Partner With Professional Management Services
One of the best short-term rental tricks for Sarasota hosts is to partner with a full-service property management firm. As real estate and management experts, they can handle:
- Day-to-day operations
- Guest communications
- Vacation rental bookings and reservations
- Property maintenance
So, with a dedicated manager, you can profit from your property without dealing with overwhelming management chores. You can then focus on building additional income or simply enjoying your profits.
Follow These Practical Hosting Tips
From optimizing listings to creating seamless guest experiences and using dynamic pricing, all these home-sharing tips can help you turn your property into a profit-making tool. However, if you want the most straightforward way to generate income from your Sarasota home, consider collaborating with PMI Southwest Florida.
Our full-service, short-term rental property management firm comprises professionals with decades of experience in real estate and property management. We combine our skills, local knowledge, and expertise with state-of-the-art technology and the backing of PMI. PMI is a fast-growing national franchise that has improved the property management market over the past twenty years.
Call us today to learn more about our services and request your free rental analysis!
