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Owning a rental property in Walloon Lake, Michigan, can be an excellent source of income. With its picturesque lake views, scenic hiking trails, and year-round outdoor activities, Walloon Lake is a popular tourist destination. But to attract guests and maximize your rental income, you must ensure your property is ready for the vacation season.
In this article, we’ll discuss preparing your Walloon Lake rental property to make it more appealing to guests. From updating your decor to providing essential amenities, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your property stand out. (Click here to see all Walloon Lake, Michigan Homes for Sale)
Assessing your property’s condition is the first step in preparing your Walloon Lake rental property for the vacation season. Before making any repairs or upgrades, it’s essential to look over the current state of your property to find out if any potential issues may deter guests or impact their experience.
Here are some key areas to assess when evaluating your property’s condition:
Check for any damages: Walk through your property and check for any damages, such as chipped paint, broken tiles, or cracks in the walls or ceilings. Note down any areas that require repairs.
Check the plumbing and electrical systems: Test all the plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, showers, and toilets, to ensure they’re in good working condition. Check the electrical systems, including outlets and switches, to ensure they function correctly.
Inspect the HVAC system: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial for guest comfort. Have your system inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in good condition and ready for use.
Evaluate the exterior of your property: The body of your property is the first thing guests will see. Walk around the outside of your property and assess its condition. Check the state of the roof, gutters, and siding. Ensure the landscaping is well-maintained and tidy.
By looking at your property’s condition, you can identify any issues that need to be taken care of before the start of the vacation season.
Making necessary repairs and upgrades is the next step in preparing your Walloon Lake rental property for the vacation season. Once you’ve assessed your property’s condition, you can identify any repairs or upgrades needed to enhance your guests’ experience and make your property stand out.
Here are some repairs and upgrades to consider:
Repair any damages: Repair any damages you identified during the assessment, such as chipped paint, broken tiles, or cracks in the walls or ceilings. Fix any plumbing or electrical issues that need attention.
Upgrade your appliances and fixtures: Consider upgrading your devices, such as your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher, to modern, energy-efficient models. Replace outdated fixtures, such as faucets or lighting, with new, stylish models.
Consider adding new features: Adding new features to your property can make it more appealing to guests. For example, adding a hot tub, a grill, or a fire pit can enhance your guests’ experience and increase the value of your rental.
Add a fresh coat of paint: A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making your rental property look fresh and clean. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a broad range of guests.
Making necessary repairs and upgrades can enhance your guests’ experience and make your rental property more appealing. These improvements can help attract more guests, increase occupancy, and maximize rental income.
Deep cleaning of your property is an essential step in preparing your Walloon Lake rental property for the vacation season. A clean and tidy property is crucial for guest comfort and satisfaction, and it can significantly impact their decision to book with you in the future.
Here are some tips for deep cleaning your rental property:
You should hire a professional cleaning service: You should consider hiring a professional cleaning service to clean your property deeply. Professional cleaners have the tools and expertise to clean your property thoroughly, ensuring that every surface is spotless.
Deep clean all surfaces: Start by cleaning all surfaces in your property, including floors, walls, and countertops. Use a high-quality cleaner and pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and crevices.
Clean the carpets and upholstery: Carpets and upholstery can trap dust, dirt, and allergens, so it’s essential to deep clean them before the start of vacation season. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service to clean your carpets thoroughly.
Remember outdoor areas: Outdoor areas, such as decks and patios, are just as important as the inside of your property. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep the deck or patio, and pressure washes any surfaces that need it.
By deep cleaning your property, you can ensure it’s in top condition for the start of vacation season. A clean and tidy property can help you attract more guests, increase your occupancy rate, and maximize your rental income.
Updating your decor and furnishings is crucial in preparing your Walloon Lake rental property for the vacation season. A well-decorated and well-furnished property can enhance guests’ experience and make your property stand out.
Here are some tips for updating your decor and furnishings:
Choose a cohesive design theme: Choose a design theme that suits your property’s style and location. Consider using colors and patterns that reflect the surrounding natural beauty of Walloon Lake.
Replace outdated furniture: Replace any obsolete or worn-out furniture with new, modern pieces. Consider investing in high-quality furniture that will last for years to come.
Add tasteful decor accents: Add elegant decor accents that complement your design themes, such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. These accents can add personality and style to your rental property.
Optimize your space for maximum comfort: Ensure your area is optimized for maximum comfort and functionality. Consider the layout of your property and make any necessary changes to maximize space and comfort.
Updating your decor and furnishings can create a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests to enjoy. A well-decorated and well-furnished property can help you attract more guests, increase your occupancy rate, and maximize your rental income.
Providing essential amenities is another crucial step in preparing your Walloon Lake rental property for the vacation season. Basic amenities can enhance guests’ experience and make your property more appealing to potential renters.
Here are some essential amenities to consider providing:
Basic kitchen supplies: Provide basic kitchen supplies, such as plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Also, could you provide pots and pans for cooking and baking?
Bathroom essentials: Stock up on bathroom essentials, such as toilet paper, soap, and shampoo. Please ensure your guests have everything they need to feel comfortable during their stay.
High-quality linens and towels: Provide high-quality linens and towels that are clean and fresh. You should consider investing in high-thread-count sheets and plush towels to enhance your guests’ comfort.
Entertainment options: Provide entertainment options, such as a television, DVD player, or board games. This will help keep your guests entertained during their downtime.
You can create a comfortable ambiance for your guests by providing convenient essential amenities. These amenities can also help you attract more guests, increase your occupancy rate, and maximize your rental income.
Setting the right price for your Walloon Lake rental property is crucial to attracting guests, increasing occupancy, and maximizing your rental income. Pricing your property too high can deter potential renters while pricing it too low can lead to missed income opportunities.
Here are some tips for setting the right price for your rental property:
Research local rental prices: Research the prices of similar properties in the Walloon Lake area. This will give you an idea of the area’s market rate for vacation rentals.
Consider seasonal pricing: Consider adjusting your pricing based on the season. For example, you may want to charge more during peak vacation season and less during the off-season.
Offer discounts for extended stays: Offering discounts for extended stays can encourage guests to book longer stays, which can help increase your occupancy rate.
Be flexible with your booking policies: Consider offering flexible booking policies, such as a no-cancellation fee or a flexible check-in/check-out policy. This can make your property more appealing to potential renters.
Setting the right price for your rental property can attract more guests and maximize your rental income. Remember that pricing is not a one-time decision; you may need to adjust your prices based on market demand and competition. Regularly reviewing and revising your pricing strategy can help you stay competitive and profitable in the vacation rental market.
Marketing your Walloon Lake rental property effectively is essential to attract potential guests and increasing your occupancy rate. Effective marketing can help you stand out in a competitive vacation rental market and reach a broader audience of potential renters.
Here are some tips for marketing your rental property effectively:
Create a professional-looking listing: Your property listing should be well-written, visually appealing, and highlight the unique features of your property. Make sure to include high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property.
Use high-quality photos: High-quality photos can make a significant difference in attracting potential renters. Ensure your images are well-lit, show your property’s best features, and accurately represent the space.
Highlight your property’s unique features: What sets your property apart from other vacation rentals in the area? Highlight your property’s special features, such as lake views, outdoor amenities, or stylish decor.
Leverage social media to reach more guests: Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to promote your rental property. Share high-quality photos and updates about your property to keep potential renters engaged.
Consider working with a property management company: Property management companies can help you market your property effectively and handle the day-to-day management tasks, such as cleaning and maintenance.
You can attract more guests and increase your rental income by marketing your property effectively. Please review and adjust your marketing strategy regularly to stay competitive in the vacation rental market.
When you call Northern Michigan Escapes for a rental appraisal, our property management team will provide recommendations to help you get the best rental rate possible. In addition, we will also make recommendations if there are any health or safety concerns, ensuring that you are not legally exposed. In addition, we will prepare your Walloon Lake rental property for maximum performance.
Some of the recommendations are as follows:
Do some of your detectors abide by current laws? If so, are they in good functioning order and adequately positioned? If the device is battery-operated, we recommend replacing the batteries before the residential lease term begins.
If your rental home in Northern Michigan contains a pool, we recommend including a professional pool maintenance fee in the weekly rent. However, most tenants are responsible for providing pool chemicals and cleaning the pool.
A fresh coat of paint may dramatically improve the appearance of your home. Painting is the single most effective technique to enhance the appearance and value of your home.
Have you had a pest inspection recently? We recommend an annual pest control treatment. A flea treatment’s recommended if you leave a property where a dog or cat has been kept.
Northern Michigan Escapes recommends pruning any overhanging trees/vines, weeding garden beds, mowing and edging lawns, and removing garbage. Driveways and paving sections should also be pressure cleaned.
Ascertain if the property is secure enough for tenants to obtain contents insurance for their belongings. Please ensure all locks are safe and all keys work correctly.
Please ensure all windows and doors (including cupboard doors) are easy to open and close. All locks and keys must work to ensure the premises are entirely safe.
Please ensure your Property Manager has at least three sets of keys, security swipe cards, and remote controls (if applicable), including keys for window locks, garages, garden sheds, and the letterbox.
It is a legal obligation that any appliances left at the property for the tenant’s use must be kept in working order by the landlord. The landlord should keep the original warranty and appliance manuals; a copy should be provided to the renters for reference.
Before a renter moves in, we recommend that professional carpet cleaning is consistently performed. The tenant is responsible for ensuring that the carpet is in as good a condition as when they moved in at the end of their tenure (fair wear and tear excepted). Getting the carpets professionally cleaned before the tenant moves in is a good idea.
The property must be clean before the leasing term begins. We can ensure that the tenants restore the property to the same level of cleanliness at the end of the tenancy if we hand over the property clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to hire a professional cleaning service?
A: While it’s unnecessary, hiring a professional cleaning service can save you time and ensure it is spotless for guests.
Q: Should I offer discounts for extended stays?
A: Offering discounts for extended stays can encourage guests to book longer, which can help increase your occupancy rate.
Q: How can I market my property effectively?
A: Creating a professional-looking listing, using high-quality photos, and leveraging social media are all effective ways to reach more potential guests.
Preparing your Walloon Lake rental property is essential to attract guests, increasing occupancy, and maximizing your rental income by assessing your property’s condition and making necessary repairs.
Please reach out to us today to get started.
