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 rental property instead.
How To Prepare Your Vacation Home Rental for Guests
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.
How Do I Prepare My Home For Vacation Rental
If you're venturing into short-term 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.
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 vacation rental house rules the guests need to know, now is the time to let them know.
A digital vacation rental welcome book is a great way to greet your guests, while also laying out all the important information about the rental. Be sure to include practical details like the wifi password, check-in/check-out times, and instructions on how to operate appliances. Don't forget to mention the location of safety items like the fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detectors, and aid kit in your vacation rental welcome book.
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 conditioning 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.
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.
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 include periodic upgrades of linens in your schedule. The frequency depends on your guest's stay 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. They can easily tell if towels are so worn out that their fibers are missing. Be sure to have basics like an ironing board available, too. All of these thoughtful basics feel like an extra special, personal touch to guests.
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 attention to detail and can leave a lasting impression. It’s a good idea to include something small but meaningful to make your guests feel welcome and your rental extra special.
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.
Make renting your home to guests a breeze!
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.
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