Tips to Prepare Your Vacation House for Rent

Owning the keys to a little piece of heaven is something we all strive to have. A vacation house is an excellent way to get away from the busy lives we live, but it’s also a great way for some additional income.

Renting property has always been a great way to make a little extra on the side and the same goes for a weekend house. It’s empty and used in those periods of the year when you and your family aren’t there, so why not take the opportunity?

With that said, it’s important to prepare it first before you list it, and today’s guide will give you a few pointers on how to do it.

Clean the house thoroughly

If you were paying to stay somewhere, you’d want the place to be clean. With that in mind, you’d want to offer the same experience to your guests. Regardless of how clean you keep the house, make sure you clean it thoroughly before you list it.

Depending on how much time or money you want to spend, you can either do it yourself or pay a cleaning service. Ideally, you’d want to go with the second option because professionals will do a better job than us. You can clean it yourself, but unless you have all the necessary equipment and cleaning products, you won’t do a “perfect job”.

Check the appliances

Vacation houses are used periodically, meaning that if an appliance breaks, you won’t be there to see it. When it comes to renting, you want to have everything working, which is why it’s important to check.

Do a complete check on everything to ensure that your potential guests get the best possible experience. After all, how else are you going to build that impeccable rental resume?

Invest in interior redecoration

It all depends on the condition of your vacation house, but some small redecoration may help you out in the long run. As the owner, you’ve gotten used to the house, and feel nice and cozy. It doesn’t necessarily mean your guests will feel the same way.

It’s often helpful to make small updates or upgrades to give your home that welcoming vibe. Naturally, this applies to homes that are already in excellent shape, so you’re just adding a pinch of warmth here and there. It helps a lot if they feel luxurious, which will be appealing to your guests. On the other hand, for older homes, you’ll need to invest more to make it stand out from the crowd.

Remove personal belongings

You’ll hear some people talking positively about personal belongings, giving a personal touch to any home and that’s true. The problem here is despite that, you’d still want to keep your personal items aside.

It doesn’t matter if you have them locked away in a separate part of the house or take them with you. The important thing is for the guests to be greeted with a blank slate. Yes, photos add warmth to a home, but so do flowers, which are the better option here.

Don’t forget the yard

Since we’re talking about a house, there’s probably a yard on the property, something you shouldn’t disregard. Make sure to tidy it up, now the grass, trim the bushes, and make sure everything is as pristine as possible. No one would want to have their morning coffee in a dirty jungle, and you can be sure the same goes for your potential guests.

Like with the interior, it could be a good idea to make some changes and upgrades to further improve the experience of your guests. Investing in a vinyl gazebo is always a good idea. Not only does it make the space look more gorgeous, but it also offers a place where guests can relax.

Make sure the property is safe

Safety is one of the most crucial aspects that’s often overlooked. When you’re having guests in your vacation house, you’d want them to feel safe and want to be the owner who offers that.

Go around the house and property and check every door, window, and lock. Anything that’s damaged or doesn’t work should be replaced before you list the property. If you want to throw an extra set of caution into the mix, you can install an alarm system.

Photograph the entire property

The last step is to double-check everything and start taking photos. As good as smartphones are these days, calling the professionals is always a better option. Real estate photographers have the equipment and knowledge to get the most out of any space.

Hiring them for this isn’t the cheapest thing in the world, but it’s worth it. You’ll get professional photos, and your listing should stand out and help you get more guests.

Conclusion

Preparing your vacation house for rent is a rewarding process that can lead to a steady stream of additional income. By taking the time to clean thoroughly, check appliances, invest in interior updates, and ensure the safety of the property, you set the stage for a positive guest experience. Removing personal items and making the yard inviting can further enhance the appeal of your home. Finally, capturing the beauty of your property with professional photographs will make your listing stand out, attracting more potential renters. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to transforming your vacation house into a successful rental property.