Owning a dual-purpose vacation home can let you enjoy the property yourself while renting it to help cover the home’s costs and upkeep.

Vacation rentals are more flexible than time shares because owners can block off the weeks or months they want to use the home.

If you rent the property for more than 14 days each year, certain maintenance and repair expenses may be deductible.

Over time, the right property may increase in value and become a stronger long-term investment.

For some owners, a vacation rental can also become part of a future retirement plan.

Location is critical and can affect both guest demand and long-term earning potential.

There will be initial costs to convert a home into a vacation rental and prepare it for guests.

Depending on the home, getting it guest-ready can take a month or longer, though AVHR notes it can sometimes list homes much faster.

Owners should expect marketing, maintenance, taxes, insurance, and other unforeseen expenses along the way.

Managing the home can be demanding without local help, especially when guests need immediate support or repairs.

Demand can shift with seasons and travel trends, so occupancy may vary throughout the year.

Start by choosing a general location that fits your goals and expected guest demand.

Shop for homes with projected income in mind, since amenities and location can affect rental performance.

Review HOA covenants and state or local rules before moving forward with a purchase or conversion.

Consider hiring a manager or consultant early to guide the start-up process and help avoid costly mistakes.

Work with a local team that understands the market, the communities, and the setup process for vacation rentals.

Our “Owners Choice” program gets you involved early and includes you in all steps of the rental process.

We will provide you with a list of recommended items for all rooms in the house as well as a list of suggested improvements and amenities to increase the home’s appeal and rental fees.

We will either help you with marketing or market the home for you. This includes but is not limited to professional eye-catching photos, written descriptions and optimized listings on the larger vacation rental platforms such as Vrbo, Airbnb, Expedia and more.

We can manage your rentals from start to finish allowing you to be an absentee landlord by:

• Securing guests and replying to inquiries and questions.

• Handling collection of money including deposits, add on charges and refunds.

• Ensuring smooth check-ins, check-outs and pleasant stays.

• Providing  24/7 hour availability for emergencies and problems.

• Cleaning and restocking your home between each visit.

• Making minor repairs and overseeing maintenance.

• Requesting feedback and replying to guest reviews.