How Do You Make Your Home Rentable?
Whether you take a stab at renting a room or your entire home through Airbnb or VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) there are several things you can do to make it more appealing when you list it. Let’s take a look at the opportunity of renting out your home, why you might do it and how to make your home rentable.
What is Airbnb and VRBO?
Airbnb started out simply and out of necessity: In the depths of the recession, the co-founders of Airbnb started to invite tourists to stay in their living room (on an air mattress) and served them breakfast the next morning (BnB) to earn money to make rent. VRBO started when founders David and Lynn Clouse wanted a way to rent out their ski condo. Both ventures skyrocketed in popularity giving travelers an alternative to traditional hotel accommodations when away from home on business or pleasure travel.
Why are people opening their homes to strangers?
For most who get started with renting their home, it starts because they want to earn extra money and get more use out of their property. A corollary benefit, especially for those who rent a room and stay in their home when the guests are there, is the opportunity to meet a wide group of interesting people.
How can you make your home more rentable?
1. Customer service is your No. 1 priority
No matter how awesome your space, the experience of staying with you—good and bad—will stand out and become a review or travel by word-of-mouth to prospective renters. Consider providing a fabulous rental experience and:
- Create a welcome guide with helpful hints and FAQs about your space (instructions on how to operate your TV remote!)
- Leave local tourist guides on the coffee table
- Write directions to your home in your welcome email, not just the GPS coordinates
2. Clean, clean and clean again
Since your success on these sites is highly dependent on the reviews you get, don’t shortchange your cleaning when you prepare for each guest. This includes ensuring that your carpets are regularly shampooed. Also, consider replacing your plastic shower curtain liner every few months so that it stays free from soap scum.
3. Outfit your space with items guests would expect to have at a hotel
When you open your space to renters, you might be surprised by some of the requests you get for amenities, but plan to have the basics there including towels, hair dryer, more towels, ironing board, coffeemaker and towels. Did we mention towels?
How to Use This Information
When preparing your home to rent out through Airbnb or VRBO, be sure to review your home with a critical eye to determine how inviting it might look to potential guests. If you realize that it’s time to replace your carpet, please visit our weekend-only showroom, give us a call at 303-300-9555 or contact us online so we can answer any questions you have.
What recommendations do you have for those considering renting out their home or renting a room from someone?