The digital economy has transformed every facet of our lives, including the way we live. More and more people are turning their homes into a valuable income source. Websites such as Airbnb have led to an explosion of vacation and short-term rentals, many of which often provide more value to consumers than your average hotel. You can rent out a room in your home or a spare house to tourists looking for a slice of life in your area. However, it is also a cutthroat business, so you need to be prepared to become a successful host.
Whether you own property along the beach or in the middle of town, making your rental property stand out among dozens or even hundreds of other listings in the area can be a daunting challenge. And with utilities and mortgage to pay, the pressure is on to keep occupancy rates high. Otherwise, you’re not going to make money on your investment.
With the best mortgage loan, you can start your own real estate business. Here are a few tips to help you create the best guest experience for your short-term rental properties.
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Build around your target audience
Just as hotels focus on a niche such as business travelers, tourists, or families, you need to design around your target guest if you want to build a successful short-term rental business. The needs of a family on vacation are different from those looking for a quick escape. The better you understand your target audience, the easier it will be to make the right design choices for your property.
For instance, if you want to target business travelers, you need to have fast internet connectivity, a dedicated office or business center, and a well-stocked fridge. Meanwhile, families value large spaces, ample entertainment options, and laundry facilities. Make sure to choose the right furniture pieces for your market as well.
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Keep the design simple but interesting
People prefer short-term rentals over hotels because of the unique experiences they offer. Hotels are reliable, but they’re not exactly the most exciting or special places. Once you’ve been to one hotel, you’ve been to them all. Meanwhile, a properly designed rental property offers guests a thoughtful and more personalized experience.
The more unique your niche, the better you can market your property. If you want to attract couples on a romantic getaway, you need to go beyond the decor and design. You also need to create a special experience for them. Make your listing stand out by offering something you can’t get in a typical hotel.
You can also drive the point home by choosing unique pieces of art and furniture for your property. Don’t just go to your typical furniture outlets. Sometimes, you can find fun and exciting pieces in consignment stores or warehouses. You can order custom-made furniture if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
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Keep it light
Nobody wants to stay in a dark and dank place. While you want to give your guests the option of thick curtains if they want to keep light out, you need to make sure that your rental properties feel bright and fresh.
For instance, choosing light colors for the walls and ceilings can instantly make any room feel airy. And even if you prefer dark wood pieces, you can make any style feel light with clever design and arrangement. Another design trick is to place lots of mirrors throughout the place to help distribute light.
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Minimize accessories
You want your short-term rental property to feel homey and lived-in, but you also don’t want to burden your guests with an overabundance of clutter. If there’s one design tip you can steal from hotels, it’s to keep fixtures to the essentials. Do not add anything that doesn’t add to your guests’ comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. That includes art and accessories.
You might also need to tailor-fit the furniture pieces to your guests. For instance, if you have a family with a baby booked for the week, you might want to add a crib for their convenience. You might want to rent a storage unit to keep those extra furniture pieces. After all, you don’t want to give a newly-wed couple the wrong impression by keeping a crib next to their bed.
Always remember: you’re not just offering room, you’re providing a unique experience. Keep that in mind, and you’ll make better decisions regarding the look and feel of your short-term rental property.