Summer is coming hot on the heels of Savannah's ranking as the fourth-best city to visit in America. We're expecting a bustling peak season with plenty of out-of-towners looking for a place to stay.
Now is a great time to open up your Savannah property to short-term renters. However, running a successful vacation rental isn't as simple as making a listing.
We're here to share our top home sharing tips that will turn your side hustle into a consistent source of income. Read on to learn the first steps to take to get your vacation rental off the ground.
Check Local Laws
Before you commit to your vacation rental in Savannah, make sure your property aligns with local zoning ordinances. New short-term rentals are only allowed in certain districts.
If you're planning on renting out your owner-occupied home, you may have an easier time getting started. Owner-occupied rentals aren't subject to the same limits as dedicated vacation rentals.
You'll also need to factor in local and state taxes when assessing your finances. A good percentage of your short term rental profits will need to cover operation costs, including taxes.
Create an Appealing Listing
Once you know your property is legally qualified to become a short-term rental, it's time to decide on the third-party platforms you want to use. Airbnb and VRBO are popular choices. If you partner with vacation rental management, they may also list your property on their own site.
No matter which platform you use, it's important to create an appealing listing. Your listing should include:
- High-quality listing photos
- Descriptions that utilize SEO keywords
- A list of basic amenities (e.g., number of beds and baths, in-unit appliances, etc.)
- Your unique selling point
Paint your property in the best light possible, but don't stretch the truth. If your listing doesn't align with reality, you're bound to get mixed reviews.
Make a Maintenance Plan
The best way to avoid common short-term rental mistakes is to come up with a cohesive plan before launching your listing. You should know:
- What security system you want to install
- What home cleaning company you'll use between guests
- Which local contractors you'll call for maintenance
- How you'll handle guest emergencies (e.g., lockouts, clogs, or burst pipes)
- How to cover these expenses without overburdening your guests
To ditch the stress and skip the learning curve, consider hiring an experienced vacation rental management company. That way, you can enjoy the net profit without having to take on the work of maintaining the property.
Get More Than Home Sharing Tips From PMI Coastal GA
As we gear up for a busy summer season, now is a great time to get into the vacation rental business. If you want to start off on the right foot, get more than home sharing tips for vacation rental experts.
At PMI Coastal GA, we apply the dedication of rental management to the high turnover rate of short-term rental properties. Whether you're starting from scratch and looking for investment properties or renting out your owner-occupied home, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
