How to Rank First on Furnished Finder
The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Listing and Dominating Search Results. Learn the algorithm secrets and proven strategies from Furnished Finder experts.
Based on official Furnished Finder documentation and insights from their marketing experts
Furnished Finder has become an indispensable platform for landlords in the mid-term rental market. With over 300,000 properties listed, standing out from the competition is more critical than ever. A higher ranking in Furnished Finder's search results directly translates to increased visibility, more tenant inquiries, and ultimately, higher occupancy rates. While the platform's exact algorithm remains a closely guarded secret, extensive research and direct guidance from Furnished Finder's own marketing experts reveal a clear path to the top.
This guide provides a comprehensive, data-driven approach to optimizing your Furnished Finder listing. By implementing these strategies, you can signal to the algorithm that you are an active, responsive, and high-quality landlord, dramatically improving your chances of securing a top search position.
Understanding the Furnished Finder Algorithm
At its core, the Furnished Finder algorithm is designed to connect travelers with the best possible housing options. It prioritizes listings from landlords who are engaged, responsive, and provide a high-quality tenant experience. As Furnished Finder's Marketing Director, Katie Lyon, states, "Improving your listing within the Furnished Finder algorithm...is quite simple and logical." The key is to consistently demonstrate that you are an active and attentive property owner.
The Pillars of Furnished Finder Ranking
Our research, combining findings with official Furnished Finder documentation, points to several critical pillars that form the foundation of a high-ranking listing. We've organized them by importance to help you prioritize your efforts.
| Rank | Pillar | Importance | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Listing Freshness & Activity | Daily 5-minute updates, small tweaks to description/amenities, weekly calendar refresh. | |
| 2 | Calendar Accuracy | Set 12-month availability, update weekly, block unavailable dates immediately. | |
| 3 | Response Speed & Quality | Respond within 1-2 hours, enable text alerts, use message templates. | |
| 4 | High-Quality Photos | Hire a professional photographer, upload 25+ high-resolution images, showcase all rooms and amenities. | |
| 5 | Listing & Profile Completion | Ensure both landlord profile and property listing are 100% complete. | |
| 6 | Descriptive Content | Write keyword-rich titles and descriptions, use bullet points, target specific tenant needs. | |
| 7 | Competitive Pricing | Research local comparables, justify premium pricing, offer extended stay discounts. |
1. Listing Freshness & Activity (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Most Critical Factor
This is the most critical factor. The algorithm heavily favors landlords who are actively engaged with the platform. Daily updates, even minor ones, signal that your listing is current and you are ready to receive tenants.
Actionable Strategy:
Commit to a daily 5-minute routine. Log in, make a small change to your description, add or modify an amenity, or adjust pricing for a specific date. This simple action has a significant impact on your ranking.
2. Calendar Accuracy (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Critical for User Experience
An accurate calendar is non-negotiable. Furnished Finder's support articles confirm that listings with accurate calendars are more likely to be shown to renters searching for specific move-in dates. An out-of-date calendar leads to a poor user experience and will negatively impact your listing's visibility.
Actionable Strategy:
Set your availability for the next 12 months. Update your calendar at least once a week, even if there are no changes. Immediately block out any dates that become unavailable. A good habit is to refresh your calendar every time you respond to a tenant lead.
3. Response Speed & Quality (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Key to Winning Bookings
Travelers on Furnished Finder are often on tight timelines. The platform's own data shows that the landlord who responds fastest often wins the booking. Aim to reply to all inquiries within 1-2 hours during business hours. Faster responses directly correlate with a higher search ranking.
Actionable Strategy:
Enable text alerts to receive immediate notifications of new inquiries. Prepare template responses for common questions to ensure you can reply quickly and professionally. Your initial message should confirm availability, share basic rules, reinforce why your property is a good fit, and propose a clear next step, such as a tenant screening.
4. High-Quality Photos (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Make Your Listing Stand Out
Your photos are the single most important factor in making your listing stand out. Professional-quality photos are a small investment (typically under $300) that can yield significant returns in the form of higher occupancy. Listings with more professional-looking images simply get more views.
Actionable Strategy:
Hire a professional real estate photographer. If that's not possible, use a high-quality smartphone and follow photography best practices: shoot in horizontal orientation, use natural light, and ensure your photos are bright and level. Upload at least 25 photos, including shots of every room, key amenities, the exterior, and the surrounding neighborhood.
5. Listing & Profile Completion (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Foundation for Success
Both your landlord profile and your property listing must be 100% complete. This is a foundational step that many landlords overlook. A complete profile builds trust with potential tenants and is a key signal to the Furnished Finder algorithm.
Actionable Strategy:
Methodically go through every field in both your landlord profile and property listing. Write a detailed "About Me" section, verify all your contact information, and clearly list all amenities, house rules, and lease terms.
6. Descriptive Content (⭐⭐⭐)
Improve Discoverability
Well-written, keyword-rich content helps potential tenants find your listing and understand what makes your property unique. Use specific terms that your target tenants are searching for.
Actionable Strategy:
Write keyword-rich titles and descriptions, use bullet points for easy scanning, and target specific tenant needs (e.g., "Travel Nurse Friendly", "Pet-Friendly", "Near Hospital").
7. Competitive Pricing (⭐⭐)
Stay Competitive
While pricing isn't the most important ranking factor, competitive pricing helps you attract more inquiries and bookings. Research what similar properties in your area are charging.
Actionable Strategy:
Research local comparables, justify premium pricing with clear value propositions, and consider offering extended stay discounts to attract longer-term tenants.
The 5-Minute Daily Optimization Routine
Consistency is the key to maintaining a high search ranking. Implement this simple 5-minute routine every day to stay at the top of the results.
- 1
Log In
Log in to your Furnished Finder dashboard.
- 2
Check Messages
Immediately respond to any new inquiries.
- 3
Update Calendar
Refresh your calendar, even if there are no changes.
- 4
Make One Small Tweak
Adjust one sentence in your description, add or remove an amenity, or slightly modify your pricing for a future date.
- 5
Monitor Performance
Briefly check your Listing Performance Panel to track views and inquiries.
By following this guide and committing to consistent, daily optimization, you will significantly improve your listing's performance on Furnished Finder, leading to more bookings and a successful mid-term rental business.
References
- Furnished Finder. (2024, July 19). Capture and Conquer: Boost Your Rental Success with Stunning Photos. https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/capture-and-conquer-boost-your-rental-success-with-stunning-photos
- Furnished Finder. (2023, September 15). Furnished Finder Marketing Tips: Improve Your Listing Placement & Make Your Property Stand Out. https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/furnished-finder-marketing-tips-improve-your-listing-placement-and-make-your-property-stand-out
- Furnished Finder. (2024, December 3). How to Create a High Quality Listing to Attract Tenants. https://support.furnishedfinder.com/hc/en-us/articles/35165428076059-How-to-Create-a-High-Quality-Listing-to-Attract-Tenants
- Furnished Finder. (2023, May 18). How to Increase Occupancy & Maximize Your Property's Potential with Photography. https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/how-to-increase-occupancy-and-maximize-your-propertys-potential-with-photography
- Furnished Finder. (2025, July 23). How to Get Potential Renters to Respond: Tips for Monthly Rental Landlords. https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/how-to-get-potential-renters-to-respond
- Furnished Finder. (2025, March 5). Frequently Asked Questions: Listing Performance Panel & Tenant Leads. https://www.furnishedfinder.com/blog/faqs-listing-performance-panel
Ready to Optimize Your Furnished Finder Listing?
Start implementing these strategies today and watch your listing climb to the top of search results.