This week's article is brought to you by Erin Reynolds of diymama.net
Please go to her site or contact her at erin@diymama.net for more great do-it-yourself tips!
How to Turn Your Home Into a Top-Notch Vacation Rental
Renting out your second home to vacationers can prove to be a lucrative business. However, there’s much more to it than simply deciding to rent out your home and handing over the keys. You must keep in mind that most (if not all) of your guests will be expecting their experience to be at least as comfortable and enjoyable as that of a hotel. With that said, getting your home ready for vacationers doesn’t have to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Here are some practical tips for preparing your home to be a top-notch vacation rental.
Highlight the Location
When it comes to vacationing, the destination is the biggest factor. People will typically tell you about the location they’re visiting before they give the details of the house or condo they’re renting. Wherever your vacation home is, your website description should showcase all the strengths, whether it’s beautiful scenery, access to great family activities, world-class restaurants, or anything else the locale has to offer.
If your rental is in Seattle, you have a lot going for you regarding the location. Turnkey refers to Seattle as a city of neighborhoods. That is, each neighborhood has a unique character and easy access to all the activities the city has to offer (Shoreline, for example, is nestled away from the city in the forest, while Queen Anne is closer to downtown). No matter if you have a new or older property, vacation rentals in Seattle are in high demand.
Make Sure the Home Is Safe
One of the first things you want to do to prepare your actual property for guests is to ensure it’s safe. Any hazards in plain sight should be taken care of, whether it’s loose wiring from a light, a broken front doorstep, or an improperly mounted TV. Fixing issues that could cause injury will not only keep your guests safe, but it will also protect you from being held liable.
Deep Clean
Along with safety, cleanliness is an essential aspect of any successful vacation rental. No guest wants to stay in a place that is dirty; they will expect a spick-and-span space in which they can relax. You don't want your guests to wish they had booked a hotel, and a dirty home will probably earn harmful reviews. Many landlords hire a professional cleaning company to do most of the deep cleaning. But if you have the time, you can save money by doing it yourself.
Make Upgrades
Upgrades are another important factor. Making minor improvements to your rental property can attract more visitors and bring a significant return on your investment. Here are some of the projects that carry the highest ROI potential:
Installing a keyless entry
Installing smart technology (e.g., thermostat, lights, speakers, etc.)
Repainting the exterior and interior
Refinishing hardwood floors (or installing new ones)
Replacing old fixtures with modern ones
Putting new handles and knobs on cabinets and appliances
Shaping up the landscaping and other projects that boost curb appeal (e.g., painting the front door, switching out house numbers, putting in a new mailbox, etc.)
However, it’s important to note that any improvements you make to the kitchen and bathroom will add the most value to your home.
Provide the Essentials
Finally, provide your guests with everything they need to feel welcome and enjoy their stay. Here are some of the essentials:
Comfortable linens, bedding, and towels
Kitchenware and cooking utensils
Microwave
Coffee maker and tea kettle
First-aid kit
Iron and ironing board
Basic toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Entertainment (e.g., TV with a subscription service, board games, etc.)
A lot goes into making a great vacation rental, but it can be a rewarding investment if you make the right preparations. Be sure to showcase the location to prospective guests, and take care of any hazards on the property. Keep the home thoroughly cleaned, invest in valuable home improvements, and have any essential items waiting for them when they arrive. Maintaining an exceptional vacation rental will increase your chances of turning your investment into profit.
Photo Credit: Pexels
