If you’re the owner of a vacation rental property, you’re probably wondering what you can do with it to make it more attractive to potential renters. Hopefully, the first thing you did was choose a prime location (such as a popular vacation spot). The location of your vacation rental property alone will determine whether or not guests will want to stay on your property. The next thing you need to do is stand out from all of the other vacation rental properties in that area.
So what makes a vacation rental property attractive? Well, interior (and exterior) decor is definitely one thing that will make your vacation rental stand out. However, decor can also be the very thing that will make potential guests pass on your property and rent another one.
Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to decorating your vacation rental property.
Do: Choose a Simple Decor Style
Even though this is your vacation rental, your personal favorite decor style may not be as desirable to everyone else. An example would be the Boho (Bohemian) decor style: it features mixed patterns and textures, rich and bold colors, a combination of old and new, and a lot of comfort items (e.g., pillows and throw blankets). This is definitely an eclectic and expressive style, but it can also come off as cluttered and clashy to some people.
Because most people who purchase vacation rentals have the intention of earning a steady stream of income from them, a simpler style is a better option. Take some tips from the Minimalist decor style, which focuses on clean lines and an uncluttered space. It’s not a bad idea to add a pop of color here and there, but many of the most popular decor styles focus on a neutral color palette.
Don’t: Go Crazy With Renovations
It’s always tempting to purchase a fixer-upper and renovate it because fixer-uppers are much less expensive. However, some properties may end up needing more repairs than you previously expected, and can end up costing you more money than if you were to just buy a property in better condition. And while this isn’t always the case, it may also be harder to find financing for a fixer-upper than it would be to find financing for a ready-to-rent property.
Also, if you do choose to renovate some features of your vacation rental property, make sure that you choose to add changes that make a vacation rental more desirable to potential tenants. These changes include things like:
- A fully-renovated kitchen/bathroom
- Hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring
- A backyard patio or deck
- An inground pool or hot tub
These renovations also tend to increase the property value, so you can get more than what you spent on the vacation rental property, if you ever decide that you want to sell it. Also, renovations that increase property value allow you to charge your guests more money for staying in your property.
Do: Choose Universal Upgrades
Universal home upgrades are those that make a home safer and more convenient for people of all ages— specifically the elderly. An example would be to install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. The majority of senior falls occur in the bathroom, and your guests can attempt to sue you if they or a family member is injured while staying on your property.
Flooring is also another consideration for older adults staying in your vacation rental, just like it is for families with children and pets. For senior citizens, you’ll want to choose flooring that is slip-resistant, not too hard, and is easy to travel across for those that use walkers or wheelchairs. Some of the best universal flooring options include:
- Linoleum
- Vinyl
- Laminate
- Bamboo
Don’t: Forget the Outside
The last thing you don’t want to do is to forget the curb appeal of your vacation rental property. The first thing that your guests will see when they drive up to the vacation home is the front lawn and the house itself, so you’ll want to make sure that the outside of your property makes a great first impression. This is also important when you post pictures of the property on listing sites.
First and foremost, take care of the lawn (if there is one). The grass should be mowed on a consistent basis, and you can even plant plants and flowers in your front yard. You also want to make sure that the paint isn’t chipping or fading anywhere on the exterior of the home. Keep in mind that you’re also responsible for maintaining both the outside and inside of your vacation rental, so it may be helpful to hire a property manager to help you.
An attractive home makes people want to live in it— even if it’s just for a little while. However, attraction isn’t always enough. A home must also be safe and functional for those dwelling in it.