Tips for turning your home into a lucrative vacation rental
Many homeowners have found success renting out their homes to vacationers. Some do it to offset the costs of their own vacations, while others just want to make some money off their second home.
If you own a house in Phoenix, you’ll have no problem attracting guests to your rental. Turnkey describes Phoenix as a prime spot for tourists who enjoy outdoor activities. Nicknamed “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix has over 200 golf courses and a variety of challenging hiking trails for avid adventurers. Plus, the city hosts an impressive art scene. It’s no wonder vacation rentals here are in high demand.
Wherever you set up your vacation rental, consider making some attractive upgrades to make your guests feel more at home. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Bump up your curb appeal
When guests arrive on your property, the first impression they form will shape how they view the rest of your home. Ensure the exterior of your home is clean and inviting. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to improve your curb appeal. Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and declutter your entranceway. If your home is looking a little drab, a fresh coat of paint can freshen things up—just painting the front door alone can help boost your curb appeal. To go the extra mile, invest in some walkway lighting for a welcoming vibe.
Depersonalize your living areas
Inside your home, try to remove personal items you have lying around. Your guests may find it difficult to relax if they’re surrounded by pictures of you and your family. Plus, removing clutter is a great way to make your space more appealing to strangers who may not share the same taste in décor as you. If your home is on the smaller side, removing clutter can make it look bigger.
Most people who rent out their homes on a short-term basis retain a locked closet for their own things. In here, you can stash a couple bins of your personal items along with cleaning supplies or valuables you don’t want to leave out when guests are around. Of course, feel free to leave a few of your favorite pieces of décor—a little personality is a great way to give your rental character. If you’re redecorating or painting the home, opt for neutral colors with a few statement pieces, or pick up some local art for the walls.
Design the bedroom for rejuvenating sleep
Although your guests will spend most of their waking hours in the living room, the bedroom is the most important place in your home. If your guests can’t sleep well, they’re unlikely to recommend your rental to others or come back for a return visit in the future. Just like living rooms, bedrooms benefit from decluttering. Also, invest in a quality mattress and comfortable linens—you can follow this guide from Living Spaces for help choosing a new mattress for your guests.
When it comes to decorating your room, keep it minimal. GABBY recommends adding a small sitting area in the room where guests can read or a bench where guests can place their luggage. It’s also important that the room has plenty of storage space for clothing. To ensure your guests sleep soundly, consider installing blackout curtains in the windows to block light and sound from outside.
Provide relaxation and entertainment features
Your guests want to relax while they’re staying in your vacation home. Make sure you provide wi-fi, cable, and reading materials. Don’t forget basic items your guests will expect while staying in your home. Many hosts provide kitchen cooking tools, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. To really make your guests feel welcome, set up a little beverage corner in the kitchen with a variety of teas, coffee, and sweeteners. Provide extra sheets and pillows in an obvious location.
The best vacation rental hosts go above and beyond. At the very least, it’s essential that you provide guests with everything they need for a trouble-free, relaxing stay. Remember, people stay in vacation rentals for the personal and flexible travel experience they can’t get from hotels. Think about what you can do to help them enjoy their stay even more!
By Natalie Jones, Photo credit: Pexels
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