So you’ve purchased a vacation rental and have chosen a reputable and trustworthy company to manage the property. However, long before you can start advertising or taking professional photos of your property, you will need to furnish the vacation rental.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and have no idea where to begin, don’t worry. Our guide will walk you through the key steps for furnishing your vacation rental property in Panama City Beach to make it stand out and attract bookings!
Start with an Inventory Checklist
The first thing you should do, unless you’re starting completely from scratch, is to make a list of all the furnishings you already own and plan to use for the vacation rental. As soon as you have this list, you can create a basic checklist for furnishing a rental property. Write down the furniture which you definitely still need to purchase to adequately equip your accommodation for future guests. Ask us for our Standard Inventory for all the tips and tricks to know everything from how many cups do you need to how many pillows per bed!
Know Your Guest
Defining who your target guest is from the start will help you decide the type of furniture you’ll need. Is your vacation rental a suitable destination for families and young children visiting Panama City Beach for summer break? Is your target audience couples or honeymooners looking for a romantic beach retreat? Keep this in mind so you don’t shell out a fortune on a 10-seater dining table for a rental that only sleeps 4. Ask us for our recommendations due to our experience with your particular property type.
Establish a Budget
While you can find a lot of affordably priced, good condition items from second-hand stores or private sellers, there is no guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re after. So, plan your budget consistently to retail prices and you may be surprised to find a bargain elsewhere.
Choose a Style
The style of your vacation rental goes hand in hand with your own taste, the property location, and the budget you have set. While choosing a specific style is a good idea, such as a coastal cottage or sea-inspired, remember you will want your space to appeal to a wide variety of guests. This means keeping a neutral color palette while including decor that matches. A good tip is to look online, such as Pinterest, for inspiration and creative ideas on how to decorate the interior.
Invest in Durable Furniture
Furniture in a vacation rental will most wear out faster than in regular homes with a consistent stream of visitors. For large pieces of furniture such as sofas, dining tables, etc., invest in durable staples that are more stain, scratch, or break-resistant. This will help save you money in the long run. Lucky for us in the business, weathered and distressed furnishings are in! This look helps hid any bumps and bruises due to wear and tear.
Expect a “lifespan” of the following:
Draperies 3-6 years
Bedspreads 1-2 years
Mattresses 3-5 years
Upholstered Furniture 3-5 years
You want to find that balance between quality and value. Ask us for our recommendations of tried and true options!
Ask us about our damage insurance at no cost to you!
Furnishing a vacation rental is one of the most creative parts of being a property owner. It can be really rewarding to see your hard work come together to make your home appealing to your incoming guests.
Whether you’re looking to turn your home into a vacation rental or annual rental, we have you covered. It is our job to provide property owners the highest possible profit and return on their investment. Our property owners can have confidence knowing that their investment is in the care of able professionals. Our owners are free from the day-to-day stresses of having to deal directly with guests or with the property itself.
To get started, our team will start collecting your information, inspecting your home, photographing your property, and crafting your property listing. Normal activation includes shooting new photos, creating a detailed listing, setting pricing, activating advertising on the main internet channels, and beginning to take reservations for vacation rentals or screening tenant applicants for annual leases – all within days of your returned Management Agreement!
Call us anytime at 850-234-2151! You may also email rentals@sandseekerrealty.com
