As temperatures start to drop and the weather grows unforgiving, more and more people flee their homes to vacation elsewhere this winter. Known for its sunshine, Florida is one of the states that sees the most visitors during this time of the year. If you are a rental property owner, take advantage of this opportunity and rent out your vacation home this Christmas in Florida.
How to Rent Out Your Property This Christmas in Florida
Owning a vacation home in Florida is a good investment. The Sunshine State attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a prime spot for short-term or vacation rentals.
While the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on tourism everywhere, including Florida, things are looking bright as we approach the end of this year. In fact, despite a surge in infection rates, Florida is welcoming almost as many tourists as it did prior to the pandemic.
As travel restrictions start to ease up, travelers are once again looking for the perfect destination this holiday season. While Florida is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when it comes to Christmastime, it remains a popular choice among many travelers, local and international. Property owners can make the most out of this by renting out their second homes for short-term stays.
But, how exactly can you rent out your property this Christmas in Florida?
1. Research the Laws in Your Area
The first thing you need to do is research the laws in your area. In Florida, short-term rentals are commonplace. They are also perfectly legal. But, there are still some restrictions on short-term rentals that you must know. These restrictions can vary from locale to locale, so it is best to check those in yours.
At the state level, though, you will need a Florida business license to operate short-term rentals. A license is necessary if you are renting out a property or unit for periods below 30 days more than three times in a calendar year. You will also need one if you advertise your short-term rental.
2. Check Out the Market
There are many people looking for a place to stay during their Christmas vacation in Florida. As such, it is also likely that you will have a lot of competition. To make your property a viable option for visitors, you have to set a competitive rate.
You can do this by doing some market research in your area. Look at similar properties for rent and compare their rates with yours. Rates typically vary depending on the day (weekdays or weekends), so you will want to look at both types as well.
It also helps to look at the reviews of similar properties in your area. This way, you can pick out the best qualities and apply them to your listing while staying away from the bad qualities people don’t like. This will help you stand out from the competition.
3. Invest in Appearance
Christmas in Florida is always beautiful, so you should make sure your rental property matches in appearance, too. Remember that the visual appeal of a property is something that most vacationers prioritize.
Make sure your vacation home or unit is sparkling clean, both in photos and in person. A dirty property will only scare away potential tenants. You should also consider making a few upgrades here and there. Perhaps you can replace kitchen appliances with newer, smarter models. Even something as small as wall color can have a huge influence on a tenant’s decision-making process.
4. Offer Added Benefits
A good strategy to attract travelers on their Florida Christmas vacation is to offer perks. When offering perks, think about the pain points travelers usually have.
Typically, travelers hate having to pack more items than they need to, such as towels and toiletries. As a way to make your property more alluring, consider offering toiletries and towels inclusive of your rental rate. Other perks include free water, coffee packs, and snacks.
5. Talk Up the Vicinity
If one of your vacation home’s strongest suits is its location, then don’t miss the opportunity to hype it up. Highlight nearby restaurants or parks, hot spots, and tourist attractions. Let visitors know how they can get around, too. Is public transportation convenient from where you are? Don’t forget to point that out.
The great thing about this is that nearly every rental property will likely be close to somewhere interesting. Almost every city can be one of the best winter vacation locations in Florida. After all, the Sunshine State is full of fun and exciting places to visit.
You may also want to talk about the weather conditions in your area. A lot of people like spending Christmas in Florida weather because it is much warmer here than in other parts of the country during this time of the year.
6. Consult Professionals
It is a good idea to talk to professionals about your short-term rental plans, especially if this is your first time venturing into this industry. Consult a lawyer to ensure that you are not violating any laws. Seek advice from an accountant to see if your business plan is financially sound.
Additionally, you may also want to hire a professional property manager. A property manager or management company can take over most of your duties. This includes finding and screening tenants, handling licenses and taxes, and setting rental rates. With a property manager, you can significantly reduce your workload and stress.
7. List Your Rental Online
Once you get everything in order, it is finally time to list your property online. Vacation home rental companies such as Airbnb and VRBO are popular options as they get the most traffic. But, you can also try other apps and websites such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
Remember to highlight the good qualities of your short-term rental. Are you located in one of the best Christmas towns in Florida? Lead with that in your listing. You may also want to indicate any local hot spots nearby.
Your Rental Property Is the Best Place to Spend Christmas in Florida
Florida is overflowing with attractions, making it one of the top destinations for vacationers this Christmas season. This is good news to those who own second homes in the Sunshine State. If you want to start making money on the side, renting out your vacation home this Christmas in Florida is one of the best ways to do it.
Find a capable property management company in your area to help you with your listing. Start your search with the help of our comprehensive online directory!
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