Owning a vacation rental in Memphis can be a rewarding investment — but what happens when your property isn’t delivering the returns you expected?
From inconsistent bookings to high maintenance costs, even a well-located home can underperform without the right strategy.
At REI America, we’ve helped countless investors turn struggling rentals into profitable, consistent income streams. Here are 5 effective solutions to help you boost your low-earning vacation rental and start seeing real results.

💡 1. Reevaluate Your Pricing Strategy
Pricing can make or break your rental performance.
If your rates are too high, potential guests will look elsewhere; too low, and you’re leaving money on the table.
✅ Solution: Use dynamic pricing tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs to adjust your rates based on demand, local events, and seasonality.
📊 Pro Tip: Analyze your competition — what do top-performing rentals in your area charge per night? Adjust accordingly to stay competitive.
🧳 2. Optimize Your Listing Presentation
Your online presence is your property’s first impression.
Low-quality photos, vague descriptions, or outdated information can instantly reduce your booking rate.
✅ Solution:
- Hire a professional photographer for high-quality images.
- Rewrite your listing with engaging, guest-focused descriptions.
- Highlight nearby attractions, amenities, and unique features.
💬 Pro Tip: Rentals with 20+ photos and keyword-rich descriptions receive up to 40% more bookings.
🧰 3. Reduce Maintenance Costs with Preventive Care
Frequent repairs and sudden expenses can eat into your profits. A proactive approach can save thousands annually.
✅ Solution:
- Schedule routine inspections for plumbing, HVAC, and roofing.
- Use smart home systems to monitor energy usage.
- Build a relationship with trusted local contractors for quick, affordable service.
📉 Pro Tip: Budget 10–15% of your rental income annually for preventive maintenance — not reactive fixes.
⭐ 4. Target the Right Guest Profile
Not all guests are created equal. Identifying and marketing to the right audience can drastically increase your occupancy rate.
✅ Solution:
- If your rental is near Graceland or Beale Street, focus on tourists.
- For suburban or larger homes, target families or business travelers.
- Partner with local relocation companies for long-term stays.
🎯 Pro Tip: Tailor your property’s amenities (e.g., workspace, family-friendly setup) to match your ideal guest type.
📈 5. Consider Professional Property Management
If your vacation rental is still underperforming, it may be time to bring in the pros.
✅ Solution:
A property management company like REI America can handle everything — from marketing and guest screening to pricing optimization and maintenance — ensuring consistent income and peace of mind.
💡 Pro Tip: Outsourcing management can increase your net revenue by 20–30%, even after fees, due to improved occupancy and efficiency.
🌎 Conclusion
A low-earning vacation rental doesn’t have to stay that way.
With the right strategy, professional support, and data-driven insights, you can transform your Memphis property into a high-performing investment that works for you — not against you.
At REI America, we specialize in helping property owners and investors maximize returns while minimizing stress.
📞 Call us today: 901-808-8448
🌐 Visit: www.reiamerica.com
📧 Email: sales@reiamerica.com
REI America — Real Estate. Real Returns. Real Legacy.