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Purchasing a home is all about your wants, needs, and dreams, but when you are buying a home to turn into a vacation rental, your mindset shifts. Instead of only thinking about what you want, you have to think about what guests will want too. If you are thinking about buying a home and turning it into a vacation getaway, keep reading for some helpful tips from Wagner Nursery.

Choose the Right Location

When you are trying to find the perfect spot for your vacation rental, one thing you might not think about is the weather. Opt for a location with several seasons of rental use. Check out the nearby amenities and attractions, and make sure it is convenient and accessible to selling features. Remember, the location you choose is permanent, so be picky so you can enjoy the benefits of owning a vacation home.

Vacation Rental Business Quick Start Guide

Are you ready to get started? It's easier than you might think. By creating an LLC in Iowa, you officially establish a business entity. The LLC Iowa creation process is relatively simple, and it’s made easier if you use an online formation service (which is much less expensive than working with an attorney). You’ll need this business entity in order for your bank to set up your official small business checking account, and your business checking account is what you need for all that cash flowing in from the vacation rental financing you secure. Last but not least - work with a great Realtor who can search high and low for your first investment property.

Make the Right Updates

When updating your home and getting it rental-ready, choose projects that will add value to your home, such as stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and an open floor plan. You might be tempted to put all your effort into the master bedroom, but the other bedrooms will house guests as well, so be sure the look and theme of your home is consistent throughout.

Don’t forget to spruce up your landscaping too. You can find gorgeous plants to boost your curb appeal and lure in potential renters at Wagner Nursery, and we can even redesign and install a gorgeous landscape to set your home apart from the competition. Finally, give the interior and exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint, including doors, shutters, house numbers, and mailbox.

Stay on Top of Upkeep

When something breaks or goes wrong, guests aren’t responsible for it, and they certainly aren’t going to stay on top of cleaning, yard work, and maintenance for you. If you live nearby and have a schedule that is flexible, you can handle property management yourself. However, it can be a lot of work, especially during the busier seasons, so you might consider hiring a cleaning/maintenance service or a vacation rental management company. If you choose to do basic upkeep on your own, be sure to visit often to refresh toiletries, linens, paper towels, etc. Add a special touch with a guest book that includes a list of your own local favorites, and don’t forget to include an evacuation plan if your rental is located in an area that is prone to experiencing bad weather.

Make Your Rental Stand Out

When guests are browsing potential rentals, they’ll come across your listing online, and you want yours to stand out. Grab a nice camera and take at least 2-3 photos of every room, and several more of the exterior and scenic views so viewers will be able to see the inside and outside of your home from every angle. Do some staging before you start photographing, including cleaning, lighting , and adding small touches such as fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or neatly-arranged dinnerware on the table. Be sure to turn off the flash so that the lighting isn’t too harsh, and consider taking photos on a cloudy day to avoid weird shadows.

You’ll need a description for your rental as well. In addition to the traditional information - such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities, and square footage - use descriptive words for the home itself, such as “modern,” “new,” or “vintage.” Tell guests what the area is like, whether it is private, secluded, friendly, or urban. Don’t forget to highlight any views, overlooks, or special amenities.

Purchasing a home to turn into a vacation rental is an exciting new adventure for you to take on. Work with a realtor to find the perfect house and location, and make upgrades to attract guests. Showcase your home with photos and a detailed description, and wait for the first guest to arrive.

For all of your lawn and garden needs, visit Wagner Nursery. We serve the entire Tri-State area, so if you can’t visit us in person, call 563-583-9261 to learn more about our services and how we can help beautify your home.