Create a successful listing for your holiday home or vacation property

At Stugknuten, there is always something happening! This is where property owners and guests come together in a vibrant and inspiring marketplace, ensuring that the right accommodation meets the right visitor. Together, we create the conditions for memorable stays all year round.

To help you reach more guests, we share our best tips on how to create an attractive and engaging listing that helps your holiday cottage or vacation home stand out.

How to create a listing that attracts guests:

Images that make an impression

Photos are often the first thing that catches a potential guest’s attention. Here’s how to present your property in the best possible way:

• High quality:
  Use original images with good resolution, preferably large and in landscape format.

• Cover the entire property:
  Show all rooms, the exterior of the cottage, and the surrounding area. Detail shots that convey atmosphere are also appreciated.

• Think about lighting: Take photos in daylight and use natural light whenever possible. Prepare the property by cleaning, opening blinds, and turning on lights.

• Highlight the surroundings: Nearby beaches, forest trails, or local attractions can be decisive for a booking – feel free to showcase them.

• Descriptive captions: A short caption under each image helps guests better understand what they are seeing.

• Avoid: Dark, blurry, or misleading images, as well as photos featuring people or animals.

Text that engages

A clear and well-written description helps guests quickly get a feel for the property.

• Start with a summary: Describe the location, the atmosphere, and what makes the property special.

• Describe the property in detail: Number of rooms, sleeping arrangements, facilities, and amenities – give a clear picture of what to expect.

• Highlight the area: Tell guests about activities, excursions, and local opportunities such as boat, bike, or kayak rentals.

• Create structure: Use paragraphs and avoid long blocks of text. It’s a good idea to have someone else proofread the text.

• End with a welcoming note: A personal greeting can make a big difference.

Translation for international guests

• Want to reach even more people? Translate your listing into English or German – either yourself when logged in, or via our add-on translation service.

Clear pricing and terms

• Transparent pricing builds trust and confidence.

• Up-to-date prices: State current prices and clearly indicate high and low seasons.

• Any additional fees: Security deposits, cleaning fees, or other costs should be clearly stated in the listing.

• Detailed pricing:
  If certain weeks have different rates, make sure this is clearly explained.

Handle reviews professionally

Reviews are an important part of your listing. Positive reviews build trust, while less positive ones provide an opportunity to demonstrate good customer service. Respond to reviews in a polite and professional manner – this is appreciated by both past and future guests.

Put your holiday home in the spotlight

By following these tips, you can create a listing that attracts attention, feels welcoming, and leads to more bookings. A well-crafted listing is one of the most important tools for successful holiday rentals – good luck!

When it comes to cleaning and inspection for holiday cottage rentals, there are several ways to handle it depending on what works best for you as a host. Below are some common arrangements:

1. The guest is responsible for cleaning
   You can agree that the guest is responsible for leaving the cottage in the same condition as upon arrival.
   To make this easier, you can provide cleaning supplies and a checklist outlining what needs to be done.
   It can also be a good idea to carry out an inspection when the guest departs, so that any issues can be addressed immediately.

2. Cleaning is included in the rental
   If you want to offer a smoother and more convenient experience for your guests, you can take care of the cleaning yourself or hire a professional cleaning service.
   This can either be included in the rental price or charged as a separate cleaning fee.

3. Security deposit for cleaning
   Another option is to collect a security deposit from the guest, which is refunded if the cleaning is approved after inspection. This option is only recommended if the host is present on site.

This serves as an additional safeguard and encourages the guest to clean thoroughly.

Tips for inspections:

Create a clear inventory list and a checklist to easily verify that everything is in order.
Schedule the inspection together with the guest at departure to avoid misunderstandings.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to clearly communicate your cleaning and inspection rules in the rental agreement.

If you need a rental agreement template or more tips, we are happy to help!

Guest Relations

Renting out your holiday home via Stugknuten can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to establish clear rules and routines to ensure a smooth rental process. Below are some recommendations:

What rules and house regulations should apply to guests (e.g. smoking, pets, number of guests)?

Setting and clearly communicating rules for your guests is essential to maintain order and safety.

Consider the following:

• Smoking: If smoking is prohibited indoors or only allowed in specific areas, this should be clearly stated in the rental agreement and guest information. If smoking is permitted outdoors, it can be helpful to provide ashtrays in suitable locations.

• Pets: Decide whether pets are allowed and under what conditions. If pets are not permitted, this should be clearly communicated to avoid misunderstandings.

• Number of guests: Specify the maximum number of guests allowed. This helps prevent overcrowding and ensures comfort and safety. If additional guests incur an extra fee or are not allowed, this should be included in the rental terms.

Tips from Stugknuten:

These rules should always be clearly stated in both the listing and the rental agreement to minimize the risk of conflicts. Clear rules increase understanding and make it easier to handle any deviations.

Ensuring that your guests are trustworthy reduces the risk of problems during the rental period. Here is our recommended approach:

• Communication: Engage in a dialogue with potential guests to get a sense of their seriousness and intentions.

Examples of questions you can ask:

• Who will be staying in the holiday home?
• Are you planning any larger gatherings?
• Have you rented through Stugknuten before?

Tips from Stugknuten:

Do not hesitate to ask for references if the guest is new to the platform. This provides extra reassurance before confirming the rental.

Contact Stugknuten for more information about bookings and our procedures for secure rentals.

Having a plan in place for handling complaints or issues can help preserve the relationship with your guest and minimize damage to the property.

Stugknuten recommends the following:

• Clear contact details: Make sure guests have your contact information and know how to reach you if needed, or provide contact details for a local representative who can be reached in case of problems or questions.

• Quick response: Respond promptly to complaints or issues to show that you take the guest’s experience seriously.

• Resolve the issue when possible: If the problem is something you can fix immediately (such as broken lights or missing equipment), address it as soon as possible to ensure guest comfort.

• Documentation: Keep a written record of all complaints and actions taken to maintain a clear history in case of any future disputes.

Support from Stugknuten:

In the event of more serious issues, you can receive support from Stugknuten to help resolve disputes, especially if the booking was handled through their S-certified system.

By being proactive and accessible, you can effectively manage issues and maintain a good relationship with your guests.

Establishing clear rules, carefully evaluating potential guests, and having a plan for handling any issues are key to a successful and trouble-free rental experience via Stugknuten.

Renting out your holiday home requires careful planning of logistics and communication to ensure a smooth and positive experience for both you and your guests.

1. Who should be the contact person for guests if needed (myself or a property manager)?

It is essential that guests have access to a reliable and available contact person during their stay. You can choose between the following options:

• Being the contact person yourself: If you live nearby and are able to be available during the rental period, you can act as the contact person yourself. This adds a personal touch and can strengthen the relationship with your guests.

• Hiring a property manager or local representative: If you are unable to be present or available, it is wise to appoint a local property manager or representative who can handle questions or issues that may arise. This ensures guests receive prompt assistance when needed.

Regardless of which option you choose, make sure guests receive clear contact details and know who to reach out to in case of questions or problems.

2. How should check-in and check-out be handled in practice (keys, inspection)?

A smooth check-in and check-out process contributes greatly to a positive guest experience. Here are some recommendations:

Key management:

• Personal handover: Meet guests in person to hand over the keys and provide a brief introduction to the property. This allows you to answer any questions directly.

• Key safe: Install a secure key box with a code at the property. Share the code with guests shortly before arrival to offer flexible check-in.

• Digital locks: Consider installing electronic locks that can be opened using a code or smartphone app, simplifying key management.

Inspection:

• At check-in: Walk through the property together with the guest upon arrival to note any existing damage and explain how equipment works.

• At check-out: Carry out an inspection after the guest’s departure to ensure everything is in order and to identify any damage or need for additional cleaning.

Clear instructions and communication regarding check-in and check-out reduce the risk of misunderstandings and issues.

Providing guests with relevant information improves their experience and reduces the number of questions during their stay. Consider including the following:

Instructions for equipment:

• Household appliances: Provide simple instructions for using appliances such as the dishwasher, washing machine, stove, and TV.

• Heating and ventilation: Explain how the heating system and any air conditioning or ventilation work.

• Internet and Wi-Fi: Provide details on how guests can connect to Wi-Fi, including the network name and password.

Safety information:

• Emergency exits and fire safety: Inform guests about evacuation routes and the location of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.

• Local emergency numbers: List important phone numbers such as ambulance, police, and fire services.

• Local tips and information:

• Restaurants and shops: Recommend local restaurants, cafés, and nearby grocery stores.

• Attractions and activities: Provide tips on local attractions, hiking trails, beaches, or cultural events.

Transport:

Inform guests about public transport, taxi services, and parking options in the area.

House rules:

• Check-in/check-out times: Clearly specify arrival and departure times.

• Smoking and pets: Clarify policies regarding smoking and any pets.

• Waste management: Explain how waste and recycling should be sorted and where it should be disposed of.

Compiling this information in a welcome folder or a digital guide that guests receive before arrival or at check-in is often highly appreciated and contributes to a smooth stay.

By carefully planning and communicating these details, you create a professional and guest-friendly environment that encourages positive experiences and repeat bookings via Stugknuten.