Hey there! We’re The Short Term Realty Pros, and we are absolutely obsessed with helping hosts and investors crush it in the vacation rental market. Whether you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you buy your next investment property or you need a top-tier short term rental manager to handle the day-to-day, we’ve seen exactly what makes a listing win.
Ever spent a night scrolling through Airbnb or VRBO? If you have, you’ve probably seen what we call the “Sea of Sameness.” It’s basically thousands of short term rental (STR) listings with the same perfectly made beds and sterile kitchen counters.
Sure, those pictures show people where they’ll be sleeping, but they totally miss the mark on the biggest question travelers have: “How is it actually going to feel to stay there?”
We’ve done our research on “lifestyle” photos, and honestly, they can be a total game-changer! Adding some lifestyle photos to your listing isn’t just about looks—it’s a smart move that helps guests imagine themselves right there in your home. Since they are booking their vacation without seeing your house in person, the pictures are your chance to help them envision themselves making memories at your property.
Let’s Talk Numbers (The Real ROI for your Vacation Rental)
When you show an experience rather than just a room, it turns lookers into bookers and increases the amount the guest is willing to pay. Here is what the industry leaders are actually reporting:
- 20% More Bookings & Earnings! According to Airbnb’s own data, listings that feature professional photography earn 20% more than other listings in their area and see a 20% increase in bookings. [1]
- The Power of Visualization! It’s not just about the “click”—it’s about the “dream.” The National Association of Realtors found that 81% of agents say staging a home makes it easier for a buyer (or guest!) to visualize themselves enjoying the property. [2]
- The “First Impression” Rule! In the digital world, you have seconds to win. Research shows that potential guests spend 60% of their time looking at your photos before they even bother reading your description or reviews. [3] Creating that great first impression is essential.
The Psychology: Why We Click
So, why does a photo of someone roasting marshmallows over a fire beat a photo of only the fire pit? Basically, when a guest sees a lifestyle photo, they aren’t just looking at furniture. They’re subconsciously putting themselves in the scene. It’s like a little “mental check-in” that makes your STR feel special before they even book it.
The Three-Step Funnel:
- The Scroll Stopper: That first vibrant photo makes someone go, “Whoa, let me see that!” and stop their endless scrolling on the search app.
- The Emotional Hook: As they click through, they start picturing themselves there. They aren’t just looking at a bed; they’re looking at their next vacation morning.
- The “Worth It” Factor: Once someone is emotionally hooked, they stop worrying so much about the price. They aren’t just buying a room anymore; they’re buying a memory.
Work with The Short Term Realty Pros!
Are you ready to stop selling “space” and start selling “stays”? If you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you hunt down and buy your next high-yield investment property, or if you need a short term rental manager to take your current listing to the next level, we’re here to help!
SPECIAL OFFER: For a limited time, we are offering our new clients FREE lifestyle photos for their listings! We’ll help you capture the “vibe” that drives bookings and boosts your bottom line.
Get in touch with us today:
- Email: contact@shorttermrealtypros.com
- Phone: 606-767-1476
Let’s make your property the most clicked-on listing on the map!
References& Verified Sources
[1] Airbnb Resource Center: “The Power of Professional Photography” (Official data on 20% increases).
https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/the-power-of-professional-photography-14
[2] National Association of Realtors: “2023 Profile of Home Staging” (Statistics on Visualization).
https://www.nar.realtor/reports/profile-of-home-staging
[3] CubiCasa Real Estate Data: “Why Real Estate Photography is the Secret to Selling Faster” (Data on the 60% viewer focus on photos).
https://www.cubi.casa/high-performing-agents-hire-photographers/
[4] AirDNA Blog: “10 Airbnb Photography Tips to Make Your Listing Stand Out”