Wednesday, November 27, 2013

How to Rent Your House to Vacationers

guestdoor.com


Renting out your vacation home is a great way to earn some extra money, and in some cases, earn enough to pay off your mortgage completely. In order for you to successfully rent your house, there are a few things you need to do, namely prepare your home for guests, set your rental rates and create an engaging property description.

Prepare Your Home for Guests

It’s very important that you get your home ready, inside and out, to receive a multitude of guests.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is important both in selling and renting properties. Vacationers looking for a rental house will definitely expect to see photos of the main entrance, so it needs to be as inviting as possible. This means doing a bit of yard work, perhaps planting some flowers and making sure to get rid of anything unsightly, like a plethora of kid’s toys or bicycles lying around haphazardly.
You may also, depending on your budget, want to consider putting in new outside lights, adding some fun wicker furniture and even putting a fresh coat of paint on the front porch. Remember the old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression?” Well, neither does your house.

Think Big Groups

One of the main selling points of renting a vacation home as opposed to booking hotel rooms is that large groups of people, such as family and friends, can vacation together comfortably in the space. So, when getting your home ready for guests, make your space as comfortable as you can for larger groups who may be traveling together. Provide an open floor plan if you can, even if this means putting some of the furniture in storage or up in the attic. Make sure to have a dining table with removable leafs and de-clutter all of your surfaces so your guests have somewhere to put their belongings.

Maximize Sleeping Space

Again, many people who rent vacation homes will be traveling in a large group, so be sure to try and accommodate them with enough beds. Instead of having a bedroom with just a king-sized bed, consider putting in two double beds. In some rooms it's a great idea to install bunk beds for younger travelers. The idea is to make the most of the space you have.

Be Sure to Stock Your Kitchen

Guests who rent vacation houses as opposed to hotel rooms do so in part because they will have access to a full kitchen. Although you don’t have to have every single cooking utensil ever created by man, you should provide the basics so that your guests can cook meals. Have the essentials like pots and pans, silverware and a good, sturdy set of dishware.

Help Your Guests Help You

Most guests that rent your house will want to leave your property as clean and organized as they found it. For this reason it’s a good idea to label shelves, cupboards and drawers with the items that belong there. For example, in the kitchen, label where the utensils and baking items go. In the living room, label the shelves where the board games and movies go. Make it easy for your guests to keep things nice and tidy.

Lock Your Personal Items Away

Chances are you will be using your rental property at various times throughout the year and will want some of your own personal belongings there for you to use. This does not mean, however, that you must offer these items to your guests. Have a dedicated closet in your home that you can keep certain fragile items or items of significance locked away for your own personal use.

Create a Rental Bible

Creating an inventory and reference binder will greatly help you and your guests. Make sure to write down a thorough list of your home’s entire inventory as well as provide instructions for your guests. These can include information on garbage pickup, how to work the stereo, maps of the area and emergency phone numbers. Make sure to spell out all of your wishes as well. If guests are not allowed to use your bicycles, make that clear. If they are allowed to use pantry items, make that clear as well. The more detailed your rental bible, the less headaches you and your guests will be subjected to.

Provide Clean Linens

Your guests shouldn’t have to travel with their own towels and sheets, so make sure to provide these. And don’t be stingy; invest some of your budget in getting new sheets and towels from time to time. Would you want to use torn towels or stained bedspreads when you go on vacation?

Determine Which Amenities You Will Offer

Obviously the more amenities you offer the more attractive your rental property will be and the more bookings you’re likely to get. Having said this, it is your choice in the end what you wish to provide so decide up front. Take into consideration free Wi-Fi and cable TV. These are two of the most in-demand amenities so you may want to offer them. Also, will your guests have access to a BBQ, boogie boards, skis? Again, you don’t have to offer these but they sure will be attractive to many vacationers looking to book a vacation home.

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