Vacation rentals have become increasingly popular, not only in the Florida Keys, but across the country. Owners of second homes are turning to short term rentals to offset ownership costs, create a passive income, and to give their home more purpose when it’s not in use. Turning your home into a vacation rental is a big task, it’s a balancing act between keeping your home “home-y” and making sure it is guest-ready. Follow these tips to make sure your home is a check-in ready rental:
1. Don’t Take it Personally.
Just like a hotel, vacation rentals need to be blank slate for renters. Guests need to walk into your rental and feel like they are at their home away from home. Personal items like family pictures and sentimental knick-knacks, will only remind the guest that they are in someone else’s home. Giving renters a space where they can see themselves living will only make them more comfortable and increase the chances of them rebooking.
2. Make it a Double.
Our rule for most essential items in a rental is to always make sure you have an extra. When it comes to supplying your rental with the necessities it is important to have more than you need. With sheets, pillowcases, towels, sponges, utensils, pots and pans, etc. having a surplus will be beneficial in the long run. Coffee spills, cups break, and towels get unwanted stains on them; having enough clean, usable items on your inventory list is a must when you start renting your home.
3. Vacation Rentals Rule!
Setting house rules for your rental is very important. You must give your renters a clear understanding of what type of vacation your rental will entail. Will you allow pets? What are regulations on having friends stop by? Can you bring a boat or jet ski? Are there assigned parking spots? All of these are questions that guests need to know before booking. Setting clear house rules will help avoid conflicts or emergency calls during the guests stay.
4. Are You Available?
Creating an availability calendar for your rental is important when you start taking bookings. You want to make sure that you block off the dates you want to use your home; keep in mind birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. It is better to block off your dates just in case, and as time gets closer to open it, rather than have that oh no moment and realize that you rented your home for your kid’s spring break. On the other hand, if you are looking to maximize your rental income, it is best to block off your calendar as little as possible, and only use your home when it’s not rented.
5. Don’t Worry, We’re Professionals.
The biggest tip for turning your home into a profitable vacation rental is to hire a professional. When it comes to renting your home, a professional is better; whether its pictures for your listing by a hired photographer, a professional cleaner getting your home in tip top shape and ready for guests, or a licensed vacation rental manager handling it all, having it done by an expert is a great way to make the vacation rental process easier and more enjoyable for owners and for your guests.
Bonus Tips!
Less is more – when it comes to decorating. Home décor items are the perfect finishing touch to a rental and can set the tone for the entire home, but don’t overcrowd the walls or tabletops with decorations. This will only cause listing pictures to look too busy or even worse, more items to be accidentally broken.
Don’t go overboard – we typically say, “Whatever you need, the guest will need too.” A rice cooker sounds like a nice amenity in theory, but how many times do you really use it? And no, you don’t need 437 pool towels.
Turning a second home into a vacation rental is an exciting process, but it requires not only effort on your part, but time. Taking steps to transform your property from your home to someone’s rental is only the beginning in making it the ultimate Keys getaway. So, if you are thinking of making your home a vacation rental, we are your next call. We make the process easy on you and we truly love making your home a HAVEN!