You know the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover,”? Well, that unfortunately does not apply to vacation rental homes. Your listing photographs can make or break your vacation property's popularity. Unsure of where to start when it comes to staging your vacation spot? We have all the tips and tricks on how to stage your vacation rental like a pro.
Curious how much your property is worth? Get a home appraisal to help value your home and put the perfect price on how much you should be charging as a vacation rental.
Start outside
A maybe not-so-obvious place to start when it comes to staging your vacation rental property like a pro is your curb appeal. Similar to when you are trying to sell a home, the outside is the first impression your guests will have when they arrive.
Be sure to shoot exterior photos of your vacation rental, and show off any features you may have outside (i.e. patio, hot tub, open green space). In order to spruce your outside space, manicure your landscaping and pressure wash any outdoor concrete or decking. Add a wreath on the front door for an inviting look upon arrival.
Remove yourself
Our next tip for staging your vacation rental home is to remove yourself from the equation. Get rid of any personal items that may make guests feel uncomfortable staying in a stranger’s home. Remove family photos, personal hygiene items, and collections of things that don’t offer universal appeal. Instead, replace these with artwork and home décor that will make anyone feel like they’re on a vacation getaway and not crashing someone else’s spot.
Get clean
Another great tip when renting out your home as a vacation rental is to actually splurge on hiring professional cleaners. A spotless home makes for great reviews and ensures guests will feel comfortable. It can be tempting to save some money and clean on your own, but odds are you can’t do as thorough of a job as a professional. Along this same vein, be sure to eliminate clutter. This will ensure photos look stunning and will make your guests feel more like they’re on a lavish weekend retreat. It is also important to be sure to check all bedding and soft home items for stains or tears in between each set of guests.
Illuminate the space
Be sure when staging your vacation rental like a pro that you focus on lighting. Let natural light pour in wherever possible. When it comes to artificial lights, be sure to opt for warm-tone bulbs rather than harsh fluorescent counterparts. Focus not only on overhead lighting but having cozy lamps throughout the space to allow guests to customize their lighting and give a softer look throughout. Proper lighting creates an inviting atmosphere that guests will adore in the evening hours and beyond.
Make a focal point
When you’re staging your vacation rental like a pro, pick a focal point for each room to make the space shine. Select your standout feature and highlight it with your staging and photographs. Aim furniture towards your focal point, and place décor appropriately so your standout floor-to-ceiling windows or gorgeous fireplace are the showstopping features.
