How to Make Your Cape Cod Vacation Rental Stand Out in a Crowded Market - How ProHost® Manages Vacation Rentals for Success in the Current Market
- Chuck Luce
- May 17
- 4 min read
The Cape Cod vacation rental market has exploded in recent years both in supply and demand. However, the data suggests the supply has increased at a faster rate relative to the demand. With so many beautiful homes available, it’s no longer enough to simply list your property and wait for the bookings to roll in. Whether you're new to short-term rentals or a seasoned host, standing out on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now takes thoughtful strategy, compelling presentation, and a deep understanding of what guests are looking for.
At ProHost®, we’ve spent years testing what actually moves the needle — here are a few tried-and-true fundamentals every homeowner should know to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
Lead with the Experience, Not the Specs (Why Emotion-Driven Headlines and Storytelling Matter)
Highlighting standout features—like a pool, private beach access, or unique design—is important, but most guests already expect Cape Cod homes to offer basics like AC, linens, and beach gear. If you're missing those, you’re at a disadvantage. However, what truly sets a Cape Cod vacation rental home apart is the story. A short, thoughtfully written listing intro that shares something personal—about you, your family, or the home’s history—can draw guests in far more than a generic “cozy beach house” headline. Personalizing your listing, welcome guide, and communication not only helps attract bookings but also creates a more meaningful experience. Guests are more likely to treat your home with care (and leave great reviews) when they feel connected to it as someone’s special place—not just another rental.
Photos Sell the Stay (Use natural light, focus on summer appeal, and avoid common mistakes)
We all want off-season bookings—but let’s be realistic. On Cape Cod, off-season supply is high and the demand is not there. Summer (and shoulder months) is when you earn. The goal is to market your home in its best light for peak months. September and October often look like summer anyway, so lean into that. If you have a beautiful fall or winter shot, go ahead and include it—but don’t lead with snow-covered photos if you’re trying to book July stays in February.
Make sure your photos are bright, high-quality, and vibrant. Standard wide shots of each room and the exterior are essential, but consider mixing in a few close-ups of guest-loved amenities like stylish cookware, beach gear, or that inviting hammock—if they’re photo-worthy.
One major photo mistake is incredibly common among homeowners and especially the big management companies. We’re happy to share it—just not publicly, since it gives us a competitive edge. Reach out if you’re curious.
Don’t Overload Your Listing (Avoid “feature fatigue” and focus on what truly sets you apart)
It’s tempting to list every single perk your home offers—but too many details can overwhelm potential guests and cause them to lose interest. This is known as feature fatigue—when too much information makes it harder for someone to recognize what’s special.
Instead, focus your listing on the few features that truly differentiate your home. Do you have a designer kitchen? A waterfront deck with sunset views? A walk-to-everything location in Falmouth? Lead with that. Keep the rest clean, organized, and easy to scan—guests will dig deeper once their interest is piqued.
Highlighting a few standout qualities helps your home stay memorable in a sea of options—and makes your listing easier to find when guests search using those key features.
Don’t worry - we have a simple way to make sure those little perks are highlighted without making the browsing potential guest get overloaded.
Timing and Pricing Strategy Matter — A Lot (Avoid stepping over dollars for pennies)
When we launched our first short-term rental, we had no idea what we were doing. Erin even read Airbnb for Dummies, which included a line we still use today: “Don’t step over dollars to pick up pennies.”
This mindset shapes how we guide pricing and calendar strategy—especially in year one. Many homeowners make the mistake of listing at the wrong time, pricing too high or too low, or sticking to rigid rules that limit bookings and visibility. But early flexibility almost always leads to better long-term success.
The first year is about building momentum: collecting reviews, optimizing your listing, and learning what guests value. It’s okay to make a few concessions up front—because with the right approach, you’ll earn far more in the years ahead. This can be achieved while thoughtfully considering the risk to your home!
We talk about this philosophy (and the data behind it) with our homeowners often—and the results speak for themselves.
Respond Like a Pro (What responsiveness signals to algorithms and guests alike)
Speed matters—but so does tone. Whether you're replying to a first inquiry or sending check-in info, the way you respond tells both guests and booking platforms a lot about you. Fast, friendly communication boosts your visibility in search results and builds trust with potential guests.
But don’t just reply quickly—reply like someone who actually cares. Guests are far more likely to book (and leave a great review) when they feel like they’re communicating with a real person who’s helpful, warm, and genuinely interested in making their stay great. A short, thoughtful message often makes all the difference.
Professional doesn’t have to mean stiff or scripted. The best hosts strike a balance: responsive, kind, and clear—every step of the way.
Ready to Stand Out? Let’s Chat.
Great short-term rental success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of smart strategy, thoughtful presentation, and consistently excellent guest experiences. At ProHost®, we don’t just manage homes—we partner with homeowners to help their properties reach their full potential while protecting what matters most.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve performance, we bring the data, systems, and personal touch that today’s competitive market demands. Our approach blends professionalism with genuine care—because guests can feel the difference, and so can homeowners.
👉Curious if your home is a good fit for our approach?
Take 5 minutes or so to fill out this homeowner survey. It helps us learn about your home and understand your goals and see whether we’d be a strong match. There’s no pressure and no commitment—just a helpful first step if you’re exploring your options.
We’d love to hear your story.
Erin and Chuck 🙂
ProHost®, LLC
