6 Steps to Set Up Your Home as a Vacation Rental

by Laurie Abner, guest author

If you have an unused property and you’re interested in making a passive income from it, renting it as a vacation home is an ideal solution. Before you list it, though, Gate City Design has a few tips you should consider in order to attract the best renters and maximize your profits. 

Where to List Your Property

There are two main places to consider listing your property: Airbnb and Vrbo. Both allow you to list your property with relative ease, but there are pros and cons to each. For instance, Vrbo only allows you to list complete homes — meaning you cannot list shared spaces. Vrbo also has fewer users and listings than Airbnb. Many prominent blogs endorse Airbnb over Vrbo, which could limit how many people notice your listing.

How to Price Your Property

Start by reviewing the house rental prices in your area. Be sure to compare size, location, and nearby amenities. Plus, if yours will be fully furnished, that should be a factor, too. 

It’s important that your property is priced similarly to other homes in your area; however, your pricing may change if you choose to list it as a short-stay vacation home versus a longer-term rental.  

How to Attract Visitors

Visitors look for a few qualities when deciding on a property, so you’ll want to make sure you anticipate those wants. Here are a few things to attract visitors to your home.

• Take good pictures of your home. Ensure your property looks clean and welcoming. Try to get pictures during what’s called “the golden hour,” when the sunset makes everything look like it’s glowing.
• Include amenities. Highlight features that vacationers like, such as pools or hot tubs, outdoor dining, or access to washers and dryers.
• Cultivate a list of nearby dining and activities. Potential renters want a sense of home, which is why they’re looking to rent space at a house rather than a hotel. Personalize their experience with recommendations for nearby businesses and activities.

Both Vrbo and Airbnb have their own tips for attracting visitors, so make sure you check those out, as well.

Make Your Property Comfortable With Ceiling Fans and More

Your property can offer so much more than a hotel, so capitalize on that by making it comfortable. Decorate it in neutral, welcoming colors and make sure furnishings are comfortable. If you’re looking for help with staging or design, contact Gate City Design. You want to make your property as comfortable and inviting as possible.

Heating and cooling are important to your guests’ comfort. One easy way to cool your property is with ceiling fans. Ceiling fans provide a refreshing breeze, circulate air so rooms feel fresher, and often use less energy than other cooling methods.

The cost of ceiling fans varies based on a few factors. Look both for style and the necessary type of fan for your property’s wiring needs. Always look for Energy Star-certified fans to save you energy and money in the long run.

How to Maintain Your Property

Once you have guests, you’ll need to maintain your property. While you can clean and keep up your property on your own, consider using services instead. Many people who lease use both a cleaning and a landscaping service.

Protect Yourself and Your Property

You love your property, but not everyone will treat it with respect. Protect yourself legally in the event of injury, property damage, or litigation. One easy way is to form a limited liability company (LLC) for your rental properties. Once that’s in place, be sure to obtain insurance for your property so you’re fully covered.

Set Yourself up for Success

Renting out an unused property is a fantastic way to build another source of income. Be sure to take steps to maximize your success by starting your own LLC, and make your home comfortable with ceiling fans and other amenities. Taking steps to your investments will help ensure that they remain lucrative for years to come! 

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