There are vacation homes, and there are great vacation homes. The difference between the two is in the property itself and how you deal with your guests. From choosing a property manager to decor your renters will adore, there’s a lot to the process beyond just placing an ad and writing up a contract. Keep reading for some tips on how to turn your empty nest into a beach retreat that will shine like a beacon in a sea of competition. 

Tip 1: Your Myrtle Beach Retreat

Fourteen million. That’s the number of visitors TurnKey estimates make their way to Myrtle Beach each year. And it’s easy to see why. With miles of unsurpassed ocean views, world-class entertainment, and waterfront dining options galore, this city is a true East Coast paradise. If you own property here or if you plan to buy a vacation home soon, there are endless opportunities to earn an income on your home or condo, even if it’s not directly on the beach. 

Tip 2: The Three Cs: Clean, Current, and Comfortable

Once you have made the decision to rent your retreat, you’ll have to do some work to make it a welcoming accommodation for all. Start by contracting with a cleaning service to take care of the sand and sweat you leave behind. Cleanliness is one of the most important factors in a rental. You also want to ensure your furniture and decor is new or at least looks that way. A modern look with clean lines and beachy colors is ideal, and most people want to feel like they are truly experiencing the beach, even when they are inside. Comfortable pieces, such as a deep-seat sofa and pillow-top mattress (or even a pillow-top cover), will go a long way toward enhancing your guests’ experience. 

Tip 3: Home Away From Home

Even though vacationers won’t want to worry about cleaning, they’ll still feel more comfortable in a homey setting. Make sure to hang interesting art on the walls, and have extra pillows and throw blankets on the sofa. A few classic board games, books, and magazines will also lend to the home-but-not-home feeling. 

High-speed internet is another familiar feature that your renters will expect. There are many providers in the area. HighSpeedInternet.com notes that some cable and internet companies provide speeds of up to 115 Mbps; if you offer Netflix or other streaming services, a higher speed is best. Make sure that there are plenty of outlets available for charging your renters’ devices. When you can’t add outlets, lamps with built-in USB charging stations on the nightstands will be appreciated. 

Tip 4: Make the Most of It

If you keep it clean and provide amenities your guests want, you’ll have a much better time at attracting new renters. But you still have to address the issue of price. Usually, you can charge the same or more as a comparably equipped hotel suite. However, you also have to pay attention to your expenses, and may need to adjust rates from season to season. Pay attention to what other rentals are charging, and try to stick within that range. Even if your goal is just to break even, pricing too low will make people suspicious, and may inadvertently make your guests feel like your rental deserves less respect than a higher-priced home.  

Finally, keep in mind that customer service remains a vital component in your success or failure as a vacation rental entrepreneur. Hire a property management company or make your contact information available to your guests. Resolve any issues quickly, and never leave them with a reason to leave a bad review. 

You know what you want when you go on vacation. Keep those things in mind as you outfit your own home or condo. It may take a few bookings to get it just right, but with a little work, you’ll be booked solid, and will have a reliable side income that you can put into savings or use to fund your next rental property. 

-Erin Reynolds of diymama.net