New STR Rental Property in Cape Coral

Lender · Chicago · Member since 2023 · 176 posts · 70 votes

My parents closed about 2 months ago on a beautiful condo in Cape Harbour. Updated 3 bed 2 bath, great view and amenities. I know the summer months is bad to get traction down there and the current overall market there. They signed up with a management company that covers everything. Wondering if there's any tips and tricks for them/management company to do to help get some people in the unit. I think one of the main things is there are no reviews on the unit yet.

Appreciate any insight!

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James Carlson

Real Estate Agent · Colorado | stan.store/JamesCarlson · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

No big trick here, but undercut your competition's prices for a month or two to force bookings. Old school, but it still works for new Airbnbs and STRs going live here in Colorado during shoulder season between skiing and hiking.

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Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y
Hey Jack
I own a PM company headquartered in Tampa, with some units south near Cape Coral. Summer, is actually pretty busy here. Kids are out of school and if you are adjacent to a beach you should be pretty busy. The PM company should be marketing on more than just Airbnb, and they should be discounting the unit to get people in and start raising the price to market as reviews roll in. Feel free to reach out to me Im happy to take a look at how I think they are doing. Good luck!

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- Jack Matthias
  OP
  Lender · Chicago · Member since 2023 · 176 posts · 70 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
  
  Hey Jack
  I own a PM company headquartered in Tampa, with some units south near Cape Coral. Summer, is actually pretty busy here. Kids are out of school and if you are adjacent to a beach you should be pretty busy. The PM company should be marketing on more than just Airbnb, and they should be discounting the unit to get people in and start raising the price to market as reviews roll in. Feel free to reach out to me Im happy to take a look at how I think they are doing. Good luck!
  
  Sent a DM
  0 Reply
John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
1y
The management company may at least have a bunch of returning customers. The PM needs to also be on VRBO and Airbnb.
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- Jack Matthias
  OP
  Lender · Chicago · Member since 2023 · 176 posts · 70 votes
  1y
  Quote from @John Underwood:
  
  The management company may at least have a bunch of returning customers. The PM needs to also be on VRBO and Airbnb.
  
  Hi John,
  The property is on VRBO and Airbnb and their website as well
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James Carlson
Real Estate Agent · Colorado | stan.store/JamesCarlson · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
No big trick here, but undercut your competition's prices for a month or two to force bookings. Old school, but it still works for new Airbnbs and STRs going live here in Colorado during shoulder season between skiing and hiking.
4 Reply
Patricia Andriolo-Bull
Member since 2022 · 527 posts · 413 votes
1y
Quote from @Jack Matthias:

My parents closed about 2 months ago on a beautiful condo in Cape Harbour. Updated 3 bed 2 bath, great view and amenities. I know the summer months is bad to get traction down there and the current overall market there. They signed up with a management company that covers everything. Wondering if there's any tips and tricks for them/management company to do to help get some people in the unit. I think one of the main things is there are no reviews on the unit yet.
Appreciate any insight!

Hi. I agree with @Andrew Steffens. I'm in Marco Island (just slightly South of Cape Coral), the summers are not slow unless you aren't priced right or if there are other things wrong with your listings (photos, etc.). The only slow times around here are generally September and early October then it picks up again. Happy to take a look at your listings if you want to share. Also, even though you are using a PM, I would still remain active if you aren't getting traction. Become familiar with the market and see if they are pricing correctly. I find some around me drastically undercut (more than they should) or over price.

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- Jack Matthias
  OP
  Lender · Chicago · Member since 2023 · 176 posts · 70 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Patricia Andriolo-Bull:
  
  Quote from @Jack Matthias:
  
  My parents closed about 2 months ago on a beautiful condo in Cape Harbour. Updated 3 bed 2 bath, great view and amenities. I know the summer months is bad to get traction down there and the current overall market there. They signed up with a management company that covers everything. Wondering if there's any tips and tricks for them/management company to do to help get some people in the unit. I think one of the main things is there are no reviews on the unit yet.
  Appreciate any insight!
  
  Hi. I agree with @Andrew Steffens. I'm in Marco Island (just slightly South of Cape Coral), the summers are not slow unless you aren't priced right or if there are other things wrong with your listings (photos, etc.). The only slow times around here are generally September and early October then it picks up again. Happy to take a look at your listings if you want to share. Also, even though you are using a PM, I would still remain active if you aren't getting traction. Become familiar with the market and see if they are pricing correctly. I find some around me drastically undercut (more than they should) or over price.
  
  Sending a DM
  0 Reply
Kate Sanchez
Member since 2025 · 248 posts · 101 votes
1y
@Jack Matthias
Congrats to your parents - Cape Harbour is a great spot! Early on, lack of reviews can be tough, but a few things might help:
- Intro pricing: Offer discounted stays to build up reviews quickly.
- Photo & listing check: Ensure the photos and title highlight key features (e.g., marina views, walkability).
- Cross-list: Is the unit on Airbnb and VRBO/Booking.com? More eyes can mean faster bookings.
- Local add-ons: Partnering with local businesses (boat tours, dining) adds guest value.
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Josh SedivyBusiness Member
St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
1y
Hi there! It’s great to hear your parents closed on a beautiful condo. What an exciting opportunity!

You’re absolutely right that summer can be a slower season in that area, and having no reviews yet can make it tough to gain traction. That said, there are definitely a few things your parents and their property manager (PM) can do to help jumpstart bookings:

-Make sure the condo is listed in multiple platforms and even local vacation rental sites. Each platform has its own audience, and being on more than one increases visibility.
-Consider offering special deals or introductory pricing to get those first few bookings. A small discount upfront can lead to valuable 5-star reviews that boost your long-term potential.
-Guests often like staying in newly listed properties, as they tend to be freshly updated and show less wear and tear. Emphasize that in the description "brand new to the market" or "be one of our first guests!
-If they haven’t already, invest in high-quality photos. Great images make a huge difference in standing out online, especially with no reviews yet.
-Ensure it’s Guest-Ready, First impressions matter. Stock the unit well, make check-in smooth, and go the extra mile with amenities.

With a few of these strategies, your parents should start seeing some positive traction. Early reviews are key, so anything that ensures a great first guest experience will pay off in the long run. I hope this helps!
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