When it comes to vacation rentals, success hinges on more than just location. Even the best properties can underperform if they aren’t marketed well, maintained properly, or optimized for guest appeal. That was exactly the case with 1317 South Pacific Street, a stunning oceanfront triplex in Oceanside, California that wasn’t reaching its full potential—until Haustay stepped in.
In this case study, we’ll walk you through how Haustay transformed this underperforming listing, revamped the guest experience, and helped the property owners dramatically increase bookings and revenue.
The Background: A Prime Location Falling Short
1317 South Pacific has all the ingredients of a high-performing vacation rental:
- Unbeatable oceanfront location
- Private patios with panoramic coastal views
- Walking distance to the beach and Oceanside attractions
Yet, despite its advantages, the property was underperforming under the management of a nationwide property management company. At the time, only two of the three units were being rented, and marketing efforts were lackluster at best. The listing lacked visual appeal, had outdated descriptions, and failed to fully capture the value of the property.
As a result, the property wasn’t attracting the level of bookings or nightly rates it deserved.
The Haustay Approach: Strategic, Hands-On, and Hyper-Local
In early 2023, the property owners made the decision to switch to Haustay, a local team specializing in vacation rentals throughout North County San Diego.
Our first step was a full property audit to identify opportunities for improvement. What we found was clear: the property had untapped potential.
Step 1: Repainting & Refreshing the Property
First impressions matter. We coordinated a full repaint of all three units, choosing a modern coastal color palette to brighten the interiors and elevate the overall guest experience. We also did light staging to make each space more inviting and photogenic.
Step 2: Opening the Third Unit
Perhaps the biggest missed opportunity was the unused third unit. While the previous managers were only renting two of the three spaces, we recognized the potential of marketing all three—individually and as a bundled group.
By opening the third unit, we:
- Increased total occupancy capacity
- Added flexibility for larger groups or multi-family stays
- Created a new income stream for the owners
Guests could now choose to book a single unit or rent the entire triplex for family reunions, retreats, or group getaways.
Step 3: Revamping the Marketing
Next, we tackled one of the most crucial pieces: the marketing. The old listing didn’t do justice to the location, views, or vibe of 1317 South Pacific. We implemented a full visual rebrand:
Drone Photography
We hired a professional drone photographer to capture aerial shots of the building and surrounding coastline. These images showcased the unbeatable proximity to the ocean and set the listing apart in a competitive market.
Sunset Photography
Because the units face west, we timed a professional photo shoot during golden hour to highlight the epic sunsets that guests would enjoy right from their patios.
Matterport Virtual Tours
We also invested in Matterport 3D virtual tours so guests could walk through the units online. This dramatically boosted confidence and conversions, especially for high-end bookings.
Copywriting and Listing Optimization
We rewrote the listings to focus on:
- Oceanfront access
- Updated interiors and amenities
- Flexibility of renting one, two, or all three units
- Walkability to local hotspots
We also implemented dynamic pricing and distributed the listings across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and our direct booking website.
The Results: Increased Bookings, Higher Revenue, and 5-Star Reviews
The transformation was dramatic.
Occupancy & Revenue Growth
Within the first 3 months of taking over:
- Occupancy increased by 45% compared to the previous year
- Revenue grew by over 60%, thanks to better marketing and utilization of all three units
- Average nightly rates increased due to high-quality visuals and improved guest experience
Improved Guest Experience
Guests immediately noticed the difference. Positive reviews highlighted:
- Cleanliness and fresh feel of the repainted interiors
- Incredible views and proximity to the beach
- Easy booking and communication
- Option to rent the entire property for family gatherings
The property quickly became one of Haustay’s top-performing listings in Oceanside.
Why Haustay?
Our success with 1317 South Pacific comes down to our local expertise, hands-on management, and commitment to quality. Unlike large, nationwide firms, we treat each property like our own—because we live, work, and vacation here too.
With Haustay, property owners benefit from:
- Personalized service and attention to detail
- Proactive property optimization
- Best-in-class marketing and pricing tools
- Local teams who respond quickly and professionally
Final Thoughts
The case of 1317 South Pacific proves that even a great property can underperform without the right strategy, care, and marketing. By partnering with Haustay, the owners unlocked the true value of their investment and turned their vacation rental into a thriving, high-earning asset.
Have a property that isn’t reaching its potential? Let us help you make the transformation. Contact us today for a free property assessment and see how Haustay can elevate your rental’s performance.
