Posted on Thursday, November 5th, 2015

How to Furnish Your Naples Florida Vacation Rental

Do you like nice things when you are on vacation? Chances are your renters feel the same way.

The common misconception in the past was that medium-priced vacation rentals should command equally-priced furniture, appliances and extras. Chances are if you are reading this blog you fall into the same category. Think of your furnishings as a marketing expense.

If a potential renter had a $200 nightly budget allotted to a vacation rental and was narrowing down their choices in the approximate price range, would they choose homes with high-end furnishings or middle-of-the-road furnishings? Assuming the views, amenities and location are the same, chances are they’re going with the one that has stainless steel appliances and a squishy couch for taking naps.

Guests prefer a luxurious look over a low- to medium-end look every time. It doesn’t matter the price range of the rental – guests always want high-end because they are on vacation and feel they deserve it.

No potential renter is ever going to say that their budget should not buy a luxurious vacation experience. Everybody wants a deal and to feel special and pampered.

Shop smarter not harder

Using a few choice outlets, you can furnish your vacation property for less while still looking high end.

1. CraigsList: Chances are I don’t need to go into too much detail about CraigsList. The bottom line is you can find some sweet deals at or below your budget.

2. Thrift Stores: The same can be said with thrift stores. They are full of great deals and steals, as long as check often. Usually you can find slightly older, and even vintage furniture at or below the cost of buying something brand new.

3. Outlets: In Southwest Florida we have a lot of them, which is great news! Outlets are a great place to find new, but affordable furniture and decor. If it’s off season, chances are you can get it for even less, especially if you combine it with a coupon.

4. Follow Design Bloggers: The best home decor bloggers offer free inspiration on a daily basis. Stay up-to-date on the current trends for free!

What your vacation rental needs

Below are a few household items every vacation property requires to look and feel high-end.

  • Furniture: This is an obvious one. Focus on pieces in communal living areas first and work your way to the bedrooms. Remember you don’t have to do it all at once.
  • Plumbing:Little touches to fixtures and faucets can make a big difference.
  • Lighting: This can have a big impact on the look and feel of a room. Don’t discount the power of great light fixtures.
  • Bedding: People love soft sheets and puffy pillows.
  • Rugs: A great rug can pull the room together and set the mood of the entire room.

Don’t forget the perks

The best way to keep your vacationers and renters happy is by having extras and amenities at their disposal. Things like fishing poles, bicycles, kayaks, wireless internet and modern appliances can keep them coming back year after year. Our family has rented the same condo on the beach for the last 15 years because of these added features. Having these available helps visitors and their family create strong bonds to your vacation home.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on maximizing your home’s rental income, schedule a consultation with us! We can help you navigate the waters of finding, researching, buying, and renting your new vacation home. We manage homes in some of the nicest neighborhoods in Naples.