Vacation and short-term renting has seen exponential growth in the last several years – however, the market is becoming more saturated and competitive. You probably have an amazing home – but what sets it apart from the rest? What are the unique attributes that will make a guest choose your home over the next? Quality of your home, updated interior, well-kept landscaping (if applicable), and stylish furnishings are the key to successful and consistent reservations.
Whether you have a minimal or maximum amount of funds to put towards your rental – here are some easy tips to updating and making your vacation home as appealing as possible for potential renters:
- Curb Appeal. What does your exterior say about your house? If you have a porch, make sure it’s always clean and free of dirt and outdoor items. Do you have furniture on your porch or patio? If you don’t, you should. Guests always want to enjoy every aspect, such as sunsets or sunrises and having the proper furniture allows for a better experience. Make sure it’s functional, outdoor friendly, and stylish. Landscaping also needs to be consistent and should be a top priority if applicable.
- Make Your Living Space Friendly and Comfortable. Guests are at your home to relax, but also spend time with their family or friends. Think about the maximum number of people your house sleeps. Could they all sit down at the same time? Can they all eat at your dining table together with enough chairs? Your home should allow for both. Couches should be comfortable and accentuated with a throw blanket and pillows. Keep decorative items to a minimum – but even adding fresh flowers (or fake for more permanence) can give your guests a great sensation of actually being “home.” Make sure your house is set up for living and not just for sleeping.
- Update Your Essentials. Vacation rentals experience wear-and-tear, as guests utilize items such as shower curtains, towels, bedding/linens, cookware and dishes. Periodically check these items and replace when worn out or missing. Make sure your kitchen is stocked full and can accommodate those who choose to cook and dine in your home. Same ideal applies to number of guests – can everyone eat and drink at the same time? Purchase new linens and towels! There is no bigger turn-off than dingy, spotted sheets when renting a vacation home. Go with bleach friendly white and you’ll be sure to always have sheets that are fresh and clean!
- Update your lighting fixtures. Guests expect warm illumination, not flickering, dated, or fly-infested old light fixtures. Try replacing ancient fixtures with new lampshades that distribute light in a complementary way.
- Inexpensive artwork. This is a great way to add a touch of flair to your home for anywhere from $10 to $150 per piece. Try hanging canvas prints, which look great without frames, or take old photographs and scatter them throughout the house for a touch of nostalgia. Regardless of what you hang, your guests will appreciate the eye candy.
- Be a good host, even though you are not there. It is a nice gesture to provide guests with a few fun perks to give them a more personalized visit. Items to consider: board games, puzzles, extra beach towels, bikes/beach cruisers, baby gear and sports equipment.
These few tips will help you boost your reservations and your guest’s overall experience at your home! Yes – seeing a return on your investment is the goal. However, staying competitive in the market means making the necessary improvements to your rental, to ensure its continued success.
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Through hundreds of hosts and thousands of nights, MyVRHost has become a preferred partner for vacation and short-term rental management. How do we do it? We maximize your income by hosting great guests, remove the headaches associated with renting out your home, and combine high-touch customer service with the most advanced technology and pricing algorithms. Simply put, enjoy your life and let guests enjoy your home.