Maintain your Vacation Rental for the Next Season
Maintaining and Updating your Vacation Rental during the Off Season
Recently we had a homeowner do a complete remodel of her unit. She chose her updates wisely and what a HUGE impact her choices made.
Consider new living room furniture and flooring
Sofas that look dingy, saggy and outdated are an instant turn-off to renters. Many times, your living room photo is the first thing that guests see from your web presentation and often immediately sends them clicking the next house. Replace worn, mismatched and dated pieces, and please don’t use plastic outdoor furniture indoors! Worn and dirty carpet holds moisture, odors, dirt and hair. We recommend replacing carpet in the main living areas with laminate or wood-look vinyl/tile for a low-maintenance, easy to clean surface that looks fresh and modern.
Before
After
9 Steps to Wonderful
During the off season be sure to take advantage of updating your property. Returning guests like to see that their well earned money is spent on where they vacation. When they see updates they are more likely to continue renting the same property. So, try to keep your usuals by doing some of the following:1 Paint. Try light and coastal colors like these
2 Change the cushions on your couch or invest in re-upholstery or a slipcover
3 Update throw pillows in living room
4 New comforters/quilts
5 Updated TVs (the flat screens go on sale during Thanksgiving)
6 Update to neutral or modern curtains including shower curtains and living room and bedrooms
7 Remove all items that may be fading or collecting dust like faux floral arrangements
8 New dining room table and chairs or just new chair cushions
9 Replace or remove artwork on the walls (dated/faded)
Inexpensive Solutions
Furniture Solutions
Re-upholster your couch instead of buying a new one
Replace throw pillows on couches and beds for a quick refresh
Slip Covers on couches
Make or Replace Dining Room Chair Cushions – Ikea
PAINT!!!
This makes the biggest impact in a room. A little fresh paint can change the entire mood of a room
Decor
New Artwork- Hobby Lobby, Ikea, Big Lots, Target
Throw Rug in Living Space if Floors are not updated
Visit our Pinterest DIY Page HERE for How To’s
Audio Visual How To
Take away from this short video–Try these simple changes to transform a small coastal room:
Stick with neutrals in smaller spaces
Bedskirt , Hand Stitched Shams and light coverlet
Light color and light weight Curtains
Sleek lighting
Throw for the end of the bed and pattern
Long Floating Shelf
Think Color, Pattern, Organization and Space
When to Replace bedding and household linens
Replace every year: Pillows, shower curtains, mattress pads. Check blankets and throw rugs for stains and wear.
Every 2-3 years: Comforters/quilts, throw pillows, area rugs. Check curtains for sun bleaching and wear.
Have you replaced your mattresses since 2009? Mattresses should be replaced after 7 years. Uncomfortable mattresses account for a large number of negative reviews and guest complaints and make a big impact on your guest’s choice to return for next year. Don’t forget to check sleeper sofa and trundle mattresses as well.
Please schedule all of your household linens to be washed. This service is offered on your addendum!
Inspiration Photos
For the 2017 Rental Season!
Need advice on prioritizing your updates to maximize income? Let us help.
propertymanagers@bluewaternc.com Homeowner Hotline: (866) 848-8080
Each season, we continue to see stronger rentals throughout the year as a result of home improvements. Guests are more likely to leave reviews and ratings for rentals where the owner is actively making updates and 65% more likely to return to that same rental for the next year. Repeat guests are an important part of both our success and yours. Here are some simple updates you should be doing this winter to maximize your bookings and secure more positive reviews and return guests.
New Accent Chairs
New Carpeting
Painted Walls
Artwork
Rearrange Furniture
Painted Walls
All New Furniture
New Flooring
Throw Rug
New Couch
New Flooring
Throw Pillows
Headboards
Comforters
New Flooring
Re-arrange furniture
