If you live in Saint Augustine, Florida, you have access to some of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast. And that prime location can translate to a valuable source of income if you rent out your house.
But how do you get started with a vacation rental property? Read on to find out!
Set Up Your Home's Interior
As a vacation host, you want your home to be inviting and clean. Before listing your rental property online, do some tidying.
Remove clutter and introduce beachy and fun decor that reflects the Saint Augustine vibe. Stock up on towels and washcloths as well as essentials like shampoo. Your guests will feel welcome and they won't need to worry about bringing their own supplies.
Additionally, it's wise to remove family photos and store them when the property is booked. This helps those staying in your property feel like it truly is theirs.
You can designate a closet to store personal items. Just be sure to put a lock on it so renters can't access it.
Handle Logistical Needs
If you're going to turn your home into a rental property, you need to check to see that it's allowed in your area. You also need to be clear that you have liability insurance for your property.
That way, if someone sustains an injury in your home, you won't be liable for the medical costs. It's also wise to look into tenant insurance for those staying in your home. You want to be sure that they have coverage, as well, if there's an issue.
Determine the Rules
You'll want to establish clear rules when you're making your home into a short-term rental. After all, you don't want to deal with messy cleanup duties or repairs.
For instance, you may want renters to put all linens in the washing machine. And you may want them to do dishes, as well.
Also, be clear on access codes for the property and quiet hours. This is particularly important if you have an outdoor gathering space and neighbors nearby. You don't want guests getting too loud!
List Your Home Online
Finally, you'll need to market your vacation rental. You can start an Airbnb profile, for instance, or look into other similar platforms.
Write a compelling description of your property. Introduce yourself as the property host. And look at other rentals in the area to help determine a price.
Take high-quality photographs of your space to show off its highlights. Use good lighting and spotlight selling points, like picturesque views or a pool. And make sure you set up an online booking calendar with clear cancellation policies.
Rent Out Your House
When you rent out your house, you can earn extra income and make vacationers happy. Make your home inviting with the right decor and set ground rules for renters. List your home on a popular rental platform to start getting bookings.
At PMI Ancient City, we can make property management easier. With over 20 years of industry experience, we know how to market your property in a competitive Saint Augustine market. Contact us to learn more!
