5 Airbnb Updates that Increase Your Nightly Rate

Many vacation rental owners are eager to update their property in order to make it more profitable. But when it comes to knowing which updates are going to give them the best return on their investment, they don't feel terribly confident. We have been there! With years of experience as a home stager, and owning a vacation property myself, I can offer more than a few pointers in that regard.

1. Fresh Paint, Always

A fresh coat of paint is your first course of action. Nothing makes a home feel new and up to date than freshly painted walls. Color selection is a bit tricky, even - and especially, neutrals and whites. Surprised? They need to play well with the other permanent finishes in the home. A design professional can help simplify the process with a color consultation. That service is worth every penny to get the paint and color palette right the first time!

2. Updated Light Fixtures

Outdated light fixtures may pass muster at your grandparents' house. But in an otherwise nice vacation rental, they can stick out like a sore thumb. Bring your rental property up to date with lighting that is on-trend and beautifies both the home and the people in it.

3. Remove Decade-Defining Traits

Time does a number on all of us, including our properties! Every decade has certain home characteristics that define it. (Remember popcorn ceilings?) Updating those characteristics is almost always a good investment.

4. Only Renovate to Add Livable Space or Utility

Renovating a property isn't right for everyone, and the downtime can be painful when you are counting on bookings for income. But if you can add more liveable square footage, it will usually pay off. Finishing an attic space or basement would be a great example. Always get a professional opinion and vet contractors before moving forward.

5. Make It Look Professional

Renters almost always shop online before they book. Investing in professional photos that highlight the property's best features is a must in your marketing plan. Make your photographer's job easy by having the home arranged by a reputable stager first. A well-planted landscape will add curb appeal and polish to your marketing images.

Rather do the decorating yourself? Learn the process I use on every professional project to nail a successful design every time! Click here to find out more and sign up - it’s free!

Bonus Tip: Get an Expert's Opinion

There is no need to guess which updates are best for your vacation property. This is what we do every day as design professionals, and can quickly help you prioritize the scope of your project based on your budget and your goals.

For more smart tips about monetizing your property to the highest dollar, sign up for our free Furniture Budget Guide created exclusively for vacation rental owners

Warmly,