The real estate industry is generally a lucrative one. Among the many different facets of real estate investing, one of the most popular continues to be within the realm of vacation rentals. The reason behind this is the increasing demand for vacation home rentals, with many travelers opting out of hotels and choosing the more homey experience they have with apartments or vacation homes instead.
That being said, this isn't to say that owning and managing
vacation rental homes is an easy feat. A lot goes into this, especially as you
prepare your property in between each guest. The demand may be high, but so is
competition, so if you want a steady flow of passive income coming in, you have
to get this right. Your vacation home rental should stand out among others.
If you're venturing into rental real estate, here are tips
to ready your property and ensure your guests have a delightful home away from
home.
1.
Tap
Into The Services Of A Commercial Cleaning Company
Cleaning your vacation home rental is something you can
easily do yourself, but nothing beats letting professionals from commercial cleaning Dallas companies, among others, do their
thing. This entails paying for their services, but you can factor that expense
into the property rental price.
It's your business here that's at stake. This means you have
to be sure that in between every tenant, the home stays spotless. Every nook
and cranny is taken care of, windows and ceilings
are dusted, the sheets are freshly laundered, and the floor is clean, among
other things.
If you live in a different location from your vacation home
rental, you can benefit from outsourcing this task to a cleaning company
instead. And, even if you live nearby, it takes a massive chunk off your
schedule when the cleaning part is covered. All you have left to do now is
check, make final touches, and prepare the key for welcoming guests.
Remember, no matter how beautiful, grand, or luxurious your
vacation home rental property is, there's no way you'll attract guests if it's unclean
and unsanitary.
2.
Prepare
A 'Master List' For Your Guests
Wherever your guests may be coming from, remember that your
home and its surroundings are still foreign to them. It helps them settle down
better when you've laid out certain particulars like the property's specific
location, restaurants nearby, when the garbage collectors come, and even things
like a list of emergency contacts like the police, hospitals, and fire station
in your local area.
This is one of the most overlooked parts of preparing a
vacation home rental for guests, but it certainly makes an impact. If there are
any house rules the guests need to observe, now is the time to let them know.
3.
Stay
On Top Of Routine Appliance Maintenance
Imagine the horror of having guests calling you in the
middle of the night complaining that the air conditioner doesn't work. That's a
big problem you have to fix, especially if this
mishap significantly impacts their comfort. While there are instances when no
one has control over when appliances suddenly break down, there's one thing
that can substantially reduce the likelihood of this
from happening: preventive maintenance.
That being said, stay on top of the routine maintenance schedule for every appliance you
have. Should there be any interruption of services (like cable and Wi-Fi) due
to the provider's fault while the guests are around, at least give them
advanced notice. That way, your guests know what to expect, and there won't be
any unpleasant surprises.
As for the appliances, if any appear to be outdated or
showing signs of imminent failure, it's wise to be proactive and replace them.
If you know it's served way beyond the usual lifespan of that particular
appliance, take it as a sign for a replacement.
4.
Fix
Any Hazards
Even if it means closing your property for at least a few
days to tenants, it is essential to take on all the necessary repairs to fix
any hazards. After a guest checks out, inspect the whole property to ensure
everything is in order. If any leak, exposed wires, or loose tiles need fixing,
take advantage of that time before a new guest is slated to fix it ASAP.
Safety matters on top of design and aesthetics. You'll be
racking up complaints and poor ratings if your home consistently has exposed
hazards to guests that you didn't even consider addressing.
5.
Replace
Worn Pillows And Sheets
It's a given requirement to launder used pillows and sheets
after each guest leaves in preparation for a new set to come. But, like those
you also use in your home, pillows, and linen aren't meant to last forever. In
time, they'll give in to wear and tear, where pillows are no longer as fluffy
and sheets are itchy or have holes, for instance.
Just as you would replace old appliances, it's also a good
idea to replace worn-out pillows and sheets. The frequency depends on your
guest turnover. A timeframe of once every one to two years should be enough.
However, if your vacation home rental always has guests, you may have to
purchase new pillows and sheets at least once every six months.
This same tip applies to towels. Guests love fluffy and
fresh towels. Guests can easily tell if towels are so worn out that their
fibers are missing.
6.
Consider
Welcome Baskets
Providing welcome baskets is a heartwarming gesture that can
significantly enhance your guests' experience. These baskets don't have to be
extravagant but should contain thoughtful items that your guests might find
useful or enjoyable. Including local snacks or souvenirs can give them a taste
of the area, while practical items like travel-sized toiletries or a map can
come in handy.
Tailoring the basket to the profile of your guests, such as
including toys for families with children or a selection of teas for a wellness
enthusiast, shows extra care and can leave a lasting impression.
There are many ways to go about this, so let your creativity
shine! First impressions are lasting, and that basket can help you make an
unforgettable mark in your guests' hearts.
Final Thoughts
In the bustling world of real estate and vacation rentals, the extra
mile you go in preparing your property can be the difference between an
ordinary and an extraordinary experience for your guests. As guests find solace
in your well-maintained and thoughtfully prepared haven, positive reviews and
word-of-mouth recommendations will naturally follow. In a market where
competition is fierce, these invaluable endorsements can be the key to building
a thriving vacation rental business.
