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With the cold winter months fast approaching, it's time to prepare your fall and winter vacation rental for the elements and your guests' expectations.
While sipping on a hot cup of cocoa beside a roaring fire might be on your guests' bucketlist, these ingredients can lead to disaster for the unprepared host.
What could be worse than frozen pipes, plumbing disasters, or snowed-in guests during a season when you need the income the most? Here's how to prepare your rental.
1. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
At this point, it should be a no-brainer that you need to stock up on seasonal supplies for your rental. But this task is even more important during the winter months.
Just some of these supplies include:
- Extra thick blankets and comforters
- Firewood (if you provide fireplaces or outdoor bonfires)
- Batteries and extra light bulbs
- Winter treats - think cocoa and smores
- Snow shovels, ice scrapers, heavy-duty brooms
Having the right winter supplies on hand will go a long way in keeping your guests happy and comfortable - and more likely to rebook a winter stay.
Make sure your guests also have access to these supplies in case they want to clean up after themselves, too.
2. Consider Discounting Your Rates
While this is one of those holiday rental tips that most hosts try to avoid, it's essential to adjust your nightly rates per the season.
The winter months are the best time to offer lower rates in order to attract guests. After all, it's better to make a smaller income, than no income at all.
This is one of the best ways to remain competitive in your market. However, don't sell yourself short. Make sure to capitalize on peak days wisely. i.e. make the most of your rates around Christmas and New Year.
3. Prioritize Seasonal Property Care
Before the winter months hit, there's nothing more important than tackling vacation rental maintenance before it's too late and you're struggling with frozen pipes.
Make it a top priority to thoroughly check all winter-based amenities. This includes:
- Checking fireplaces, inspecting ignition switches and couplers
- Stocking the right type of firewood
- Removing combustible materials and cleaning fireplaces well
- Cleaning out gutters
- Winterizing window and door frames where necessary
- Winterizing/insulating your plumbing
- Washing all thick blankets and comforters before guests arrive
It's also essential that you do a thorough check of all your heating systems. Make this a priority during your fall rental preparation.
Make sure all heating equipment is in good condition and you've provided clear, concise directions for all guests on how to use them.
Need Help Promoting Your Fall and Winter Vacation Rental?
There's no denying that the fall and winter months can be slow for vacation rental owners. But if you want to keep the income rolling in for your fall and winter vacation rental, a professional property management team can wonders for your turnover.
Whether you need assistance with strategically marketing your rental, coordinating bookings, or finding the best maintenance team during the winter, PMI Kissimmee has got you covered.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our expert marketing services before the winter hits.
