Vacation Rentals For You or For Profit?

When it comes to furnishing vacation rentals you need to ask yourself a few qualifying questions before you start furnishing or updating your furnishings.

1. Will this home be primarily my vacation getaway and will I only rent to family?

2. Am I looking to maximize rental income and what furnishings attract visitors?

If this vacation rental will be your private getaway and rental income is not of concern, then you should furnish the vacation home to your “personal tastes” and comfort. The furnishings will most likely be higher quality as you will be personally caring for and enjoying them.

On the other hand, if you can only afford to operate your vacation rental if you receive rental income from travelers and vacationers, then you may want to take a different approach to furnishings. Many owners who want to maximize rental income will rent weekly and steer clear of high end furnishings. Weekly revenue adds up quicker than revenue developed from monthly visitors. You should be looking for durable furnishings with good construction and fabric patterns that can withstand wear better. In other words - no white linen couches!

If you are in a super “hot” destination and you are consistently booked with visitors, you may be able to get away with low grade furnishings. Often these furnishings include furniture that you assemble yourself, are pressed wood construction and your main tool will be the “Allen wrench”. These furnishings are completely acceptable but durability becomes an issue. Pay me now or pay me later. The ”smart” money spends on what visitors value the most. Visitors love quality mattresses, well stocked kitchens, and modern electronics.

As visitors are viewing listings a big turn-off can be “out dated” furnishings. Visitors are now asking when was the home built, has it been remodeled and if your pictures show bland and dated furnishings they will move on to the next listing. Of course every vacation rental has it’s price point. Again, if your location is fantastic you may be able to get away with dated furnishings. Location, location, location. But if your competition has modern, clean and attractive furnishings at nearly the same price most visitors will opt for the slightly higher price.

Can your furnishings be too nice? YES! If you are renting for revenue then you want to have quality lasting furnishings like metal base tables and chairs vs. wood, wrought iron patio furniture with solid steel supports and not vinyl straps that can sag, and tiled or solid wood table tops and minimal glass tops. You can find very tasteful and nice art to decorate your vacation rental at very affordable prices. It is advisable not to have many breakable figurines, antiques or original art in the home. A good rule of thumb is “If this art or item goes missing or is damaged, can it be easily replaced and would you be heart broken?”

Specific furnishings that will boost reservations and rental income -

Sofa Sleepers - A sofa sleeper is slightly more expensive than a standard couch and will accommodate smaller children or the occasional over night visitor. More grandparents are traveling with grandchildren and sofa sleepers are great for children. If you are in an area that caters to vacationing families this can put your rental ahead of the competition.

Flat screen TV’s and Video Games- prices have come down substantially on flat screen and plasma tvs. You can mount them on the wall and people really do notice them when looking at vacation rental images. It is not very expensive to have an Xbox or Playstation with a few games.

Pool Table, Foos Ball or Air Hockey - not all us have room for these items, however, if you can make it work these are huge draws for families. Vacation rentals with these fun furnishings typically receive more inquiries.

Outdoor, Patio Furniture or Gas Barbeque - most visitors want to kick back and relax outside on your deck or patio and offering patio furniture with ample seating is a big draw. If your homeowners association allows for BBQ grills it is a very nice feature to offer your visitors. Vacationers like to grill at home and save money over dining out.

If you will be furnishing a vacation rental home remember who you are furnishing it for? Are the furnishings for you or are they to attract visitors and maximize rental income?

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