Turn Stays into Paydays: 9 Pro Tips to Boost Your Vacation Rental Income!
Investing in a vacation rental property along 30A is an exciting opportunity, but making the most of your investment requires strategic upgrades and thoughtful design choices. Here are Nine Tips to boost vacation rental income, attract more guests, and increase overall property value.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this post if you’re considering purchasing a 30A property, and forward to a friend who already has one but could use some help maximizing ROI.
1. Heat that Pool!
A private, heated pool is a game changer for vacation rentals. Guests love having the ability to have a warm pool, especially during the cooler “shoulder” months that include late October through March. Even in one year, a heated pool can mean many thousands in additional weeks rented. A pool heater allows you to extend your rental season, attract more bookings, and stand out from the competition. This simple upgrade can quickly pay for itself in added rental income and five-star reviews.
2. Memorable Accent Feature(s)
With most vacation rental searches happening online, your property needs to stand out from the crowd. Unique and eye-catching features such as a wood accent wall, an oversized chandelier, an arcade room, or a trendy color palette can make your listing memorable and increase bookings.
3. 4+ Bikes & A 6-8 Seater Golf Cart
Regardless of how close your property is to the beach, offering beach bikes or a street-legal 6-8 seater golf cart can make all the difference. Renters prioritize convenience, and providing these amenities adds value to their experience while making your property more appealing.
4. Think “Experience”
Beyond just providing a place to stay, successful rentals sell an entire experience. Think about what different groups of renters would love: arcade games for kids, a swinging bed on the porch, hammocks, cereal dispensers, a firepit, or outdoor games. Thoughtful additions like these create memorable stays and increase repeat bookings.
5. Make it Super Clear How to Get to the Beach and Beach Access
One of the first questions potential renters ask is, “How close is it to the beach?” Provide clear, high-quality photos and videos that showcase not only the property’s proximity to the beach but also the exact beach access points and pathways. This transparency builds trust and boosts bookings. Don’t worry if your property is a little ways from the beach — a golf cart, bikes and a heated pool can make up a ton of ground. Clarity on the front end is always a better approach. * If you need new photos, let us know and we can share local real estate photographers that we’ve vetted and love.
6. Show (not just tell) All the Nearby Things to Do
Vacationers want to know what they can do nearby. Highlight local attractions in your listing, including coffee shops, family-friendly restaurants, beach bars, shopping spots, and outdoor activities. Featuring these options in your description and using engaging visuals can make a huge difference in getting bookings or someone passing by to another in your neighborhood who “sold them” on what there is to do nearby.
7. Keep Your House in Great Shape
A well-maintained and clean home earns great reviews and repeat renters. A proactive maintenance plan ensures small issues don’t turn into big problems. Regularly check and update items such as light bulbs, shower grout, door locks, pool equipment, outdoor cushions, and landscaping. A well-kept home signals quality and care, increasing chances for repeat bookings and referring your home to their friends at the end of your stay.
8. Hire an Interior Designer
Properties that have the touch of a skilled interior designer can rent out more frequently, for higher rates… and when it’s time to sell, also sell quicker for higher values. A designer can elevate the aesthetic appeal with simple changes, purchases, optimize your use of space, and create a cohesive, high-end look that attracts renters willing to pay a premium. Sometimes, simply getting better linens, changing some curtains, exchanging some light fixtures, or changing out some countertop items can go a long way — remember, the small details are uber important too and interior designers will work with budgets of all sizes, being experts in their craft.
9. Renovate to Bring Out the Best in Your Property.
Sometimes, the best way to maximize your rental income and overall desirability is to invest in meaningful renovations that enhance your property’s natural charm and functionality. Whether it’s a simple cosmetic update with fresh paint, flooring, and wood accents or a full remodel -strategic renovations can improve your rental’s long-term value and profitability. Here’s our strongest recommendation: Working with an interior designer can ensure your updates hit the mark. As professionals in the 30A Real Estate sales space — we see homes that have been renovated alongside an interior designer stand head-and-shoulders above the crowd to sell for higher, faster, with better rents projected. *If you’re interested in renovation or future renovation with a future purchase, let us know and we can provide insight into the best renovations to make, as well as provide skilled local contractor recommendations who specialize in renovations you are looking for.
By implementing these 9 tips, you can position your vacation rental for long-term success, attract more 5-star guests, and give your property the best shot at increasing vacation rental income.