If you’re looking to turn your home into a vacation rental, there are a few things you should consider before posting your listing online. With the popularity of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, the vacation rental market can be a great way to make some extra money. However, it takes some work upfront to ensure that your guests have a comfortable and safe stay.
One of the most important things you can do is to create a neutral decor that appeals to a wide range of guests. This means removing personal items and clutter and opting for a simple and clean design. Additionally, installing a keyless entry system can make your guests’ check-in process more seamless and secure. In this article, we’ll cover some other tips for homeowners who are looking to prep their homes for vacation rental, including how to set up cleaning and maintenance schedules, how to provide clear instructions for guests, and more.
Whether you’re new to the vacation rental game or a seasoned pro like Realtors Brad and Karen Mattonen, these tips will help ensure that your guests have a great experience in your home.
Protect Yourself and Your Vacation Rental Business
If you’re thinking about turning your home into a vacation rental, it’s important to protect yourself from potential lawsuits and damages. One way to do this is by establishing a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC creates a separate legal entity for your rental, shielding personal assets from business liabilities. This means that if someone were to sue your vacation rental business, they could not go after your personal assets, such as your home or savings.
To form an LLC, you’ll need to file paperwork with your state and pay registration fees. While the process may seem daunting, it can provide peace of mind knowing that your personal assets are protected. Additionally, it’s highly recommended that you purchase liability insurance for your vacation rental. Liability insurance can cover damages or injuries that occur on your property as well as legal fees in the case of a lawsuit.
Opt for Neutral Decor
Creating neutral decor in your vacation rental can make it more appealing to a wider range of guests. By sticking with a color palette of whites, beiges, and grays, you can create a calming atmosphere that feels comfortable and welcoming. Incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone can also add warmth and texture to the space.
When designing your vacation rental, it’s important to remember that guests are looking for a comfortable and relaxing space that feels like a home away from home. Avoid loud patterns or bold artwork that could be polarizing or offensive. Instead, opt for simple, classic pieces that will stand the test of time. You can add interest to the space with textured throw pillows or bedding or by incorporating plants or fresh flowers.
Another benefit of neutral decor is that it can make your space feel larger and more open. This is especially important in vacation rentals, where guests may be spending more time indoors than in their own homes. By keeping the decor simple and uncluttered, you can create a sense of spaciousness that will feel refreshing and luxurious.
Overall, creating neutral decor in your vacation rental is a smart choice for both aesthetic and practical reasons. By appealing to a wider range of guests and creating a calming, relaxing space, you can ensure that your vacation rental is always in demand.
Invest in Comfortable Bedding
Investing in fresh, comfortable bedding is essential for any vacation rental. High-quality, neutral linens that are easy to wash and maintain are a must-have for creating a relaxing and inviting space for your guests. Be sure to provide enough bedding for the number of guests you’re hosting, including extra blankets and pillows for colder nights or guests who prefer more layers.
Consider providing different types of pillows, such as memory foam or down, to accommodate different sleeping preferences and ensure that your guests can get a good night’s sleep. And invest in a high quality mattress that will earn you high marks for comfort. When researching the best king size mattress, look for options that are supportive, but also soft and cozy. Most people are happy with something in between. And if your rental is in a warm area, opt for cooling materials like memory foam and gel foam to ensure a cool, relaxed night’s sleep for your guests.
While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, remember that high-quality bedding will last longer and require less frequent replacement than cheaper alternatives. It may be tempting to cut corners and choose lower-quality linens, but investing in good bedding is ultimately a smart financial decision that will pay off in the long run.
When selecting bedding for your vacation rental, be sure to choose linens that are neutral in color and design. Bold patterns or bright colors may be off-putting to some guests, whereas neutral linens will appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Additionally, neutral bedding will make the space feel fresh and clean, which is a top priority for vacation rental guests.
Stock Up on Towels and Toiletries
Make sure your vacation rental is stocked with towels and toiletries to ensure a comfortable stay for your guests. Provide at least two towels per guest and have extra towels available for longer stays. Stock up on basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and soap, as well as other amenities such as hair dryers and irons. Consider providing some extra amenities like beach towels or sunscreen for guests to use during their stay. These small touches can make a big difference in the guest experience and can help to set your vacation rental apart from others.
Build a Well-Equipped Kitchen
One of the main benefits of vacation rentals is having access to a fully equipped kitchen. As a vacation rental host, it’s important to ensure that your kitchen is well-stocked with the basics, such as pots and pans, utensils, dishes, and glassware. Providing appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave can also go a long way in making your guests feel at home. It’s also important to have energy saving appliances to keep your costs down. Plus, an efficient under counter range hood will keep your rental from smelling like the foods your tenets prepare.
Consider going one step further and providing some basic pantry items like salt, pepper, and cooking oil. This will save your guests from having to purchase these items themselves and will make meal preparation more convenient. You may also want to consider providing some cookbooks or menus from local restaurants to give guests some meal inspiration and help them explore the local cuisine.
Having a well-equipped kitchen is not only convenient for guests, but it can also save them money on dining out. Many travelers prefer to prepare some meals at home, especially if they’re staying for an extended period. By providing a fully stocked kitchen, you can attract these types of travelers and increase the value of your vacation rental. By providing the basics, such as pots and pans, utensils, dishes, and glassware, as well as some pantry items and appliances, you can make your guests feel at home and help them save money on dining out.
Offer Complimentary WiFi
Offering complimentary WiFi is a must for any vacation rental in today’s connected world. Make sure to provide clear instructions on how to connect and what the password is. Consider having a backup plan in case of an outage, such as a mobile hotspot or a local coffee shop with WiFi. Providing WiFi will ensure your guests can stay connected during their stay, stream movies, and access online content. Additionally, offering WiFi can encourage guests to leave positive reviews and recommend your vacation rental to others.
Add Smart Home Tech for Safety and Convenience
Installing a keyless entry system is a great way to make check-in and check-out hassle-free for both you and your guests. With a keyless entry system, guests can enter the property using a code or smartphone app, eliminating the need for physical keys. Not only does this save you time and money on key copies and lockouts, but it also adds an extra layer of security.
Be sure to change the access code between each guest to ensure that the property remains secure. A keyless entry system is a modern convenience that can enhance the guest experience and set your vacation rental apart from others.
You can also install your own security system using pairable cameras and a video doorbell. You no longer have to go through a high priced security company to keep an eye on your property and keep your tenets feeling safe. Plus, these systems are easy to troubleshoot yourself so you can address any issues right away.
Market Your New Vacation Rental
A great vacation rental is no use if people don’t know about it, so get the word out in many different ways. Social media is a great (and free) option. You can also list it on rental sites. But don’t underestimate the impact of print marketing for your property. The great news is that it’s easy to design visually appealing material and get it in front of people quickly by designing a brochure. Use a template and plug in information that will show potential tenets how amazing your property is. Then, ask if you can leave them in neighborhood shops and cafes to get more exposure.
Create a Vacation Home Everyone Will Want to Use
Turning your home into a vacation rental can be a lucrative way to make some extra cash, but it does require some upfront work to ensure your guests have a comfortable and safe stay. By following these tips on creating neutral decor, updating your bedding and towels, creating a well-equipped kitchen, offering complimentary WiFi, and installing a keyless entry system, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to protect yourself and your assets by establishing a formal business and consulting with a lawyer or accountant.
If you’re looking for a new home to convert into a vacation rental, contact Realtors Brad and Karen Mattonen to get started!
..
.
