Fully managed second homes
1. Stock up on essentials
Stocking your home with essential items can cut down on one-off guest requests. Think room by room and make a list of all the extras you’ll want to have available in the home: laundry soap, garbage bags, paper towels and extra linens are just a few of the many items. You’ll want to have your housekeepers stock the home with enough extras for each guest’s stay, and keep the surplus in a locked closet for restocking between guests.If you have a steady stream of renters, consider setting up an online subscription for products at a regular cadence so you’ll never run out.2. Document everything
Many of the calls and emails you’re likely to receive from a renter are related to how things work. Take the time to create a guest handbook that outlines essentials like where to park, how to connect to the Wi-Fi and how to light the barbecue. The more helpful the information you provide upfront, the fewer calls you’ll receive.As a value-add (and to encourage five-star reviews), include some local tips, such as your favorite restaurants, the best beaches or hikes and top family-friendly activities.3. Do a trial run
While you can probably anticipate most of the things renters will need, there’s nothing quite like a trial run from real guests. Invite a couple of friends or family members to stay in the property for a weekend. In exchange for the free stay, ask them to document every question they had, any areas of confusion, and items they needed that weren’t provided. Ask for their honest feedback on ways to improve the guest experience, even if that means lining up some local resources to help.4. Go high-tech
When it comes to managing a vacation property remotely, gadgets are your friend. There are plenty of smart home products that make it easier than ever to manage your home from afar. A keyless electronic lock is a must, as it lets guests check in and check out without you needing to be on the premises. Using an app, you can set a unique passcode for each guest and reset it after their stay has ended. Other smart home products worth considering are thermostats, lighting, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and noise monitoring.
5. Install a security system
Let a Wi-Fi enabled security system be your eyes and ears when you’re miles away. A security system is important both when your home is empty and when it is occupied. Vacation homes are often left unoccupied for long periods, making them a target for vandalism and theft. And when your home is occupied by renters, a security system (especially one with cameras) can provide peace of mind that your renters are using the property according to your rental policies. One note on security cameras: As a property owner, you must disclose to all renters if you have security cameras on the premises. Laws vary by jurisdiction but vacation rental platforms also have their own rules you’ll need to follow. For example, Airbnb prohibits recording devices in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.6. Assemble a local team
When you live far from your rental property, it’s crucial to have a team of professionals you can trust. Of course, you’ll need a housekeeping service to clean and prepare the home between renters, but you’ll also want a go-to list of plumbers, landscapers, pool and hot tub maintenance people and electricians. Consider hiring a repair professional to do a once-over on the property every few months (or more often, depending on the frequency of renters) who can do the regular maintenance that prevents repair emergencies down the road.7. Stay in contact
One of the best ways to provide a five-star experience for your guests is to be easily reachable. Make it clear how to get ahold of you and when, and provide specific instructions about the best way to get in touch. Even if the unexpected happens during their stay, you can smooth things over by being immediately reachable and providing a fix.8. Make the most of online booking tools
Since you’ll be managing your property yourself, you’ll want to rely on the reach and marketing of a wide range of online rental marketplaces. While you will pay a fee every time you secure a booking through a vacation rental website like Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com, it can be worth it because these services get your listing in front of so many potential renters.9. Consider a local property management company
Despite the best preparation, occasional guest issues and maintenance emergencies are simply realities of owning a vacation rental. That’s why many homeowners decide it’s worth the extra cost to have a local property manager take care of all the details. Full-service property management companies can take between 25 and 30% of your nightly rental rate — but it can be invaluable to have a professional on the ground in your second home destination, ready to address guest needs and keep your home in tip-top condition.
