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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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