Starting a vacation rental business is a wild ride—exciting, nerve-wracking, expensive, and at times, downright comical. If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, owning a rental property sounds like a great idea!” then buckle up, because I’m about to share the real story—complete with lessons learned, mistakes made, and things I wish someone had told me beforehand.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Property (aka My First Panic Attack)
Finding the perfect vacation rental property isn’t just about scrolling Zillow while sipping coffee. It’s about intense soul-searching, financial acrobatics, and questioning all your life decisions at 2 a.m. I knew I wanted a house on the water, because, let’s be honest, fishing from your own backyard is peak vacation luxury. At least that’s the case for my family.
Other things I considered:
- Location: Close to attractions, restaurants, and civilization (because some guests panic if they’re too far from people).
- Amenities: Pool? Absolutely. Keurig? Non-negotiable. A solid WiFi connection? Vital (because no one really “disconnects”).
- Size & Layout: Big enough for families but not so massive that cleaning it would ruin my will to live.
Helpful Tip: Talk to other people that have done this before. I had some really nice people tell me their tips and tricks. If you don’t have anyone, I have found following Kylee & Steven – Short Term Rental Experts on YouTube has been really helpful. They are kind and genuine with the recommendations. And while every example doesn’t fit exactly, they have still been very insightful as I’ve taken this next step.
Step 2: Remodeling & Upgrades (aka Why My Bank Account Wept)
Once I had the house, the real fun (and financial horror) began. I thought, “A little paint and new furniture will do the trick.” Ha. HA.
Here’s what really happened:
- Paint Updates: I figured I’d have to hire out some of the painting with the really tall ceilings, but I ended up deciding to paint the entire interior of the house. While I could’ve done some of the smaller areas on my own, once I decided to bring in the professionals I decided to just go all in. Sticker shock is real when you have painted anything in years! But it looks so amazing that I’m so glad I did it.
- Bathroom Revamps: New countertops? Check. Towels so fluffy guests consider “accidentally” taking them? Also check. New walk-in shower? Check. New Hardware? Check. New mirrors? Check. New lighting? also check. Cha-ching! Cha-ching!
- Outdoor Oasis: Fire pit? Yes. String lights? Of course. A dock where I may or may not have lost a sandal forever? You bet.
Some of my purchases:
- Kitchen Essentials – Amazon
- Luxury Towels and Bedding – I spent a LOT of money during the month of November, taking advantage of all the black Friday deals.
- Pillows
- Sonoma Towels
- Quilt Comforters
- Bathroom Hardware Set
- Outdoor Fire Pit – Lewis Drug
- First Extinguishers
- Luggage Racks
Step 3: Decorating with a Mix of Style & Panic Buying
My goal: cozy, beachy, and Instagram-worthy. My reality: buying throw pillows in bulk during clearance sales!
What I learned:
- People love a coastal theme. Soft blues, neutral tones, and seashell décor? Instant hit.
- Functional furniture is key. Sleeper sofas, bunk beds, and dining tables that can handle pancake syrup disasters.
- Tech matters. Keyless entry for hassle-free check-ins, Smart TVs for Netflix binging, and at least one charging station per room because guests travel with more devices than NASA.
Smart Lock for Keyless Entry – Amazon
Coastal-Themed Décor – I made some of this myself, Hobby Lobby was my best friend when they had their 90% off Spring Sale.
Step 4: Listing the Property (aka Writing an Ad That Doesn’t Sound Boring)
Creating an enticing rental listing was an art form. I had to make it stand out while keeping it realistic (aka not pretending it’s a private island).
What worked:
- A Fun Yet Informative Description: Instead of “4-bed, 2.5-bath house with pool,” I wrote, “Sip your morning coffee on the dock, fish in the backyard, and end the day in the pool under twinkling lights.” See? WAY better.
- Competitive Pricing: Researched similar rentals to make sure I wasn’t overcharging (or undercharging like a clueless newbie). Yes, this was me. My first day launching I hadn’t checked prices for months. The second day my prices went up dramatically. Now we wait and see where the reality comes in.
Where I listed:
- Airbnb Coming Soon
- VRBO Coming Soon
- Direct Booking Website www.StayatLakePoinsett.com
Step 5: Managing Guests & Avoiding Meltdowns
Once bookings started rolling in, I had to figure out how to keep guests happy without losing my sanity. Here’s what saved me:
- Automated Messages: Guests get check-in instructions without me manually typing them at midnight.
- Welcome Guide: Printed and digital versions with house rules, WiFi password, and a reminder that no, the pool is not heated in July (someone always asks).
- Cleaning Crew: I hired a reliable team because scrubbing toilets between guests is not my dream job.
Guest Welcome Book Template – Canva
High-Quality Cleaning Supplies – Amazon and Walmart
Step 6: Marketing Beyond Listing Sites
Relying only on Airbnb and VRBO? Rookie mistake. I built a website, promoted my rental on Instagram, and even partnered with local businesses.
- Social Media: Posting dreamy sunset views, guest reviews, and occasional behind-the-scenes bloopers.
- Email Marketing: I’m hoping to get here one day and offer special discounts for repeat guests. For now they get a discount code with a simple Thank You email.
- Local Partnerships: Connecting with fishing charters and restaurants for cross-promotion.
Final Thoughts (aka What I Wish I Knew Sooner)
- Expect surprises. (People leave things behind and weeks later reach out for you to send them to them.)
- Plan for expenses. (Because “Oh, just a small update” always turns into “Might as well redo the entire house.”)
- Enjoy the wins. (Like reading a glowing guest review and thinking, Okay, this was worth it.)
Starting a vacation rental business was a rollercoaster, but honestly? I’d do it all over again. If you’re thinking about diving into the world of vacation rentals, go for it! Just bring your patience, your sense of humor, and maybe an extra set of towels.
Stay tuned for more real-talk blogs, including:
- Top Products for Vacation Rental
- Pricing Strategies That Actually Work
- The Amenities That Guests Really Want
Have questions or just want to swap hilarious vacation rental stories? Drop them in the comments below!