Boosting Vacation Rental Income

How to Boost Your Vacation Rental's Prospects

Entering the rental business can be intimidating, so it’s always important to be prepared. It takes work and thorough planning, but the research is well worth the effort in the long run. If you don’t know where to begin or how to start the process, here are some things to consider that can help transform your property into a vacation rental.Color for MoodYour rental needs to draw guests in and feel welcoming from the moment they enter the front door. Color is a strong but subtle way of achieving this feat. For instance, warm hues, such as reds and oranges, can energize living areas and inspire guests to chat and enjoy their food. Similarly, yellow brightens spaces and brings joy while making rooms seem more open. However, these colors can keep people awake at night, which is not what any vacationer wants. With that in mind, use soft shades like lavender in the bedroom to reduce stress without overwhelming the senses. Your choices don’t end there, as greens promote peace, light blues can lower blood pressure, and soft grays keep moods calm without clashing with décor.Marketing TipsStart with the basics, and list your property on multiple websites that host private rentals, such as Airbnb or HomeAway. Of course, you don't want to appear inexperienced, so mirror established rentals and create a brand for your property. This is easier than you might think since it may only require a personalized website that details things to do locally. Yet, if you want to make bookings through your own site, you do need to know how to drive traffic through social media, email, and SEO practices. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a positive review, which means you need to keep all your interactions with clientele as upbeat as possible.Hire Help When NeededEven if you’re close to your rental, it may be difficult to clean between guests during a busy season. That’s why it’s best to have extra help when needed to handle a tight turnaround. If you choose to hire a property manager in Scottsdale that offers cleaning services, any mess can be transformed quickly. A management company can also oversee bookings and provide local support day and night. Yes, the costs may be higher than doing it yourself, but a property manager’s professionalism can shine through.Invest in AmenitiesWhile basics are a must, you need to expand your amenities to get good ROI. That means having detergent, Wi-Fi, and toiletries, but you should also stand out by offering more features. These attractions might include a workspace, games, a streaming service, luxurious sheets, and plush towels. It’s also a good idea to offer more in the kitchen by providing coffee, tea, a blender, or even a rice cooker. Finally, to truly set yourself apart, include a small gift, a bottle of wine, or a small treat that represents your area.The Importance of AppearanceIf the images and videos of your rental don’t immediately “wow” a potential guest, they will move on to a property that does. While you should ensure that no clutter is visible, you also want things to seem inviting. This can be easily achieved by setting dining areas and putting out plates, glasses, and silverware. To create a pleasing aesthetic, always have a centerpiece, whether it’s a bowl of fresh flowers or fruit. Equally, bedrooms should emphasize luxury, so plump pillows, press the comforters, and add matching décor. For added effect, hire a professional photographer, as their knowledge of angles and lighting could be a clincher.Don’t be overwhelmed or underprepared. Give your rooms the right paint job, think about your return on investment when investing in tech, and figure out the best way to market your property. By getting support, making upgrades, and transforming your space into a relaxing paradise, you give yourself a better chance at success.Image courtesy of Pexels