When Is the Best Time to List Your Vacation Property?
You’ve got a second home. Maybe it’s by the beach, up in the mountains, or tucked into a charming small town.
And now, you’re thinking—should I list it as a vacation rental?
Great idea. But there’s one question you might be asking first:
When is the right time to start?
Let’s walk through what you need to know—because timing can make a big difference in your rental income.
Many Homeowners Wait Too Long
A lot of people wait to list their vacation rental until peak season hits.
They think, “I’ll get it ready in the spring,” or “I’ll wait until summer’s here to post it.”
But here’s the catch: by the time peak season starts, many travelers have already booked their stay.
Waiting too long means you could miss out on:
Early bookings
Higher rates during busy months
Returning guests who plan ahead
Momentum that boosts your listing in search results
Missing the Booking Window = Missed Income
Let’s say your beach house is in Carolina Beach. Peak season starts in May.
But travelers usually start looking and booking as early as January or February.
If your listing isn’t live yet, it’s invisible to them—and someone else gets those bookings.
It’s the same for mountain towns like Boone or Banner Elk. Fall foliage and ski weekends are popular—but guests plan ahead. If you’re not listed in time, you’re losing revenue.
And that’s not just one booking—it can add up to thousands of dollars lost each year.
You Don’t Need to Wait for Perfect Conditions
Some homeowners think,
“I’ll wait until I upgrade the furniture,” or
“I’m not ready for photos yet,” or
“I’ll try managing it myself first, then list it later.”
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need everything to be perfect—you just need a good plan, a solid setup, and a team to help you get started.
With professional staging, photography, and management, your home can be guest-ready faster than you think—and start earning sooner.
List Early, Earn More
The best time to list your property?
Right before the season starts—not during it.
Here’s a quick guide:
📅 List in January–February
To catch spring break, early summer, and event-driven travel.
📅 List in May–June
To capture peak summer stays (especially if you’re near the coast or lake).
📅 List in August–September
For fall foliage, festivals, and early ski season prep.
📅 List in October–November
To lock in holiday bookings and snowbird stays.
📅 List anytime
If your property is near a university, hospital, or major city—you’ll benefit from steady year-round demand.
At Allure, we help homeowners list smart—not just fast. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from staging to pricing to guest bookings, so you can start strong and grow faster.
What You Should Do Next
Thinking about listing your home?
Let’s talk.
We’ll walk you through a timeline, help you prepare, and give you a free income estimate—so you know exactly what to expect.
✅ List at the right time
✅ Get noticed by early bookers
✅ Maximize your income without the stress
Your second home has earning potential. Let’s make sure it doesn’t sit empty when it could be booked.
