It’s that time of year – time to start prepping your Galveston vacation rental for the busy seasons of spring and summer on the island.  Similar to the homes in which we live, vacation rentals are a work-in-progress that need periodic attention – but on the flip side, these homes are highly trafficked and need to perform at their best during high season. The key is to take inventory and prioritize the “must haves” versus the “nice to haves” year after year to keep your home not only maintained, but evolving with the competitive Galveston rental market.

The Galveston rental managers at Soar offer these big four must-dos to ready your rental:

Deep Cleaning

A deep clean of your Galveston vacation property is recommended once or twice a year, and especially just prior to busy season. When it comes to spring cleaning, look up, look behind, and look inside. That means the ceiling fans, the high shelves, all the nooks and crannies, and the cabinets.

Exterior Enhancements

On the outside of your home are the obvious basics like paint and deck maintenance, cleaning exterior windows, repairing or replacing worn outdoor furniture, and landscaping. But there are small measures you can take year by year to enhance your curb appeal. Are there a few new plants you can add this spring? Would your patio benefit from a new addition or a good spray wash? Could your door be improved with a splash of color, a new lighting sconce, or a welcoming wreath? These small improvements add up.

Efficiency & Technology Upgrades

Look at replacing older televisions with flat-screens, if you can. If you haven’t already started down the path toward a smart technology home, now’s a good time to consider it. And if you’re in the market for a new hot water heater, consider a tankless version, which adds efficiency by heating water on demand. If you don’t already have ceiling fans installed, consider adding them.

Interior Additions

The great thing about coastal décor is that it can be eclectic and you can build as you go. With that said, be sure to check out our recent blog post on decorating ideas. Among our best ideas for easily sprucing up your rental:

  • Decorative pillows as an easy and affordable change
  • Luxurious white towels and linens
  • Area rugs – be sure to replace the old and update, as needed, and consider using indoor/outdoor rugs that can be easily sprayed down, especially if your vacation rental is pet friendly
  • Lamps and lampshades – another easy upgrade
  • Adding a wall hanging or painting here or there

Looking to prepare your rental for market or want to update it to create more interest and get more bookings? Find more inspiration here, and view the lovely coastal homes in our inventory.

At Soar Vacation Rental Services, we are gearing up for deep cleanings, complete home evaluations, maintenance, inventory checks, and home updating. Contact us today for your complimentary home assessment.

We welcome your questions and are here to help!