Owning a vacation rental is an exciting business endeavor. Knowing you’re helping travelers make lifelong memories is priceless! When you’re looking to make your property even more bookable in a competitive marketplace, you don’t have to overhaul everything to stand out. The following are five small touches you can implement that can make a huge impact when it comes to your occupancy year-round and your overall profit in the long run.
Keep It Light and Bright
One of the most important aspects of marketing any rental to guests is to make sure you have the property looking as light, inviting, and bright as possible. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest and quickest upgrades to vest in as well. While ideally, your vacation rental home would be packed with floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight a great view for guests and promote the best light flow too, it’s not necessary to invest in brand new window options if this isn’t the case. Instead, get strategic with your interior lighting fixtures and add large and well-placed lamps throughout the home. Taking time to consider how to brighten up each space is a sure way to make marketing photos of your place pop while offering guests access to a more welcoming experience. As a benefit, choosing decorative floor lamps doubles as its own unique furnishing item in addition to enhancing the room’s brightness.
Emphasize Quality Linens and Comforters
Even those guests who book your vacation rental with every intention of spending as much time as possible out exploring the area will eventually return and need to rest up. That’s where investing in quality linens, a great mattress, and eye-catching comforters can make all the difference. Resting well is important any time you travel, but for guests in your vacation home, their restful experiences could make or break their feelings about their stay and the review they leave for others as well. You don’t have to overhaul the entire master suite to make an impact. Investing in a name-brand mattress is simple and something you can emphasize in your marketing push as well. The same goes for bathroom essentials and sheets. Instead of redoing the entire space, make it a priority to use resort-style towels so you can let guests know that the best is waiting for them on arrival. Using sheets similar to what they would find in a five-star hotel sets your home apart without breaking the bank.
Take Time to Consider Curb Appeal
It’s fair to say that guests are often drawn to vacation rentals with outdoor features like pools, hot tubs, fire pits, sprawling yards and more. However, there are small things you can do to improve curb appeal and make your home more bookable without having to go to such large measures. One of them is a fresh coat of paint. Making sure your house is on point when it comes to an inviting exterior hue can make all the difference. To make your home stand out, consider adding a front door in a bright and bold color that really stands out from the rest of the home. It’s a small change that can make a big, aesthetic impact and catch a prospective guest’s eye.
Upgrade Important Appliances
In any home, the kitchen tends to be the heartbeat where delicious food is cooked, and family and friends gather to dine and socialize. The same typically goes in a vacation home which makes keeping the culinary spaces in your rental at their best. If you can’t invest in making sure all of the appliances are state-of-the-art, start with the essentials to grab guest attention. It could be something as simple as swapping out the old oven for a stainless steel version or adding a more efficient dishwasher that better accommodates guests and keeps them coming back for more.
Consider Allowing Guests to Stay with Pets
This can feel like a big deal if you’re worried about potential damages, but these days, allowing guests to stay in your vacation rental with their pet can increase your occupancy numbers significantly. More than ever, travelers are hitting the road and skies with pets and service animals alike. Opening up your home as a place where pet-friendly stays are welcomed can provide you with new business opportunities. If you do, consider including some pet treats or a pet toy in your welcome package and the animal lover who books with you is sure to be thrilled.
Reach Out Today
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a vacation rental in Houston or Galveston, or you’re looking for a top-notch property management team to help you take your rental to the next level of success, Porter is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options available in Texas as well as our many service options.