Are Vacation Rentals Still A Lucrative Investment After COVID-19? We Say Yes.

COVID-19 has impacted, literally, almost every area of our lives here in the US and around the world. The tragedy of lost lives and lost livelihoods isn't lost on us, and our thoughts are with everyone touched by this pandemic. As the world begins to stretch and come back out into the sun though, questions about what life will look like in our "new normal" are starting to come up, and the conversation about travel, vacations, and rental properties are definitely included in those discussions. For a long time, investment properties were a huge money-maker for people of all walks, and companies like AirBNB and HomeAway offered an easy way for people who owned extra space to rent it out and make cash, while offering affordable getaways for people wanting to travel. Following the recent health crisis and shutdowns though, most properties were closed and those companies ceased to operate. They are beginning to come forward though and help their hosts figure out the next steps to opening once again (you can read more about that here https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/t/coronavirus-updates-34) and as they do, we feel that it's a good time to share some information about rental properties and what it could mean for you. 

When you choose to rent out a space, whether it's an apartment, or a full house, some preparation needs to be made if you want to actually make money off of the investment. People are attracted to homes that actually feel like a vacation, and that could require some upgrades and changes on your part before listing your property. With everyone home right now, and few people traveling, it's the perfect time to make those changes so you won't be losing out on potential income by doing it when vacationing begins once more. Our tips below can help you make sure you're ready for opening day. 

First, you need to focus on your bathroom space. Few things will make a space feel luxurious like a renovated bathroom. By re-doing a bathroom to accommodate renters and/or vacationers, you can up the value of your rental space by a significant amount. Aim for plenty of natural light and clean, crisp colors to make the space feel contemporary and fresh. Have matching linens (towels, washcloths, floor mats, etc.) to make things feel posh, and consider additional options like upscale toiletry items left out for guests, or bathrobes that can be used and then laundered with the other bathroom linens. Small touches can have a huge impact! In the circumstance that the bathroom will be shared by residents in the home and renters (as you would have when renting out a single bedroom in your home), the same rules apply, but you can leave the linens and toiletry items in a nice basket or container in the bedroom space for your renters to find when they arrive. 

You also need to keep guests in mind when it comes to the sleeping space. Have plenty of storage for them, and again use clean colors that will open up the space and make things feel bright. Use natural light when you can, but have plenty of additional light sources like overhead lights (and fans!) and attractive lamps placed strategically. If possible have both a sleeping and sitting area in the bedroom, especially if you are only renting out that single, small zone. This will let your guest have some privacy for using their computer, reading, talking on the phone, etc. without sitting in bed the entire time. Additionally, consider having a paper left out for your renter on the bed with important information (like key channels on the television, the WI-Fi password, etc.) so they don't feel awkward having to hunt down this info at an inopportune time. 

If you are renovating a large area (like an over-garage apartment for example) to rent out for vacationers, you will also need to keep them in mind for kitchen and dining areas, and even for outdoor patios and porches. If you are on vacation, you want everything to feel like a luxury, not a chore, so kitchens should have as many convenience options as you can afford. At the very least, opt for good-quality appliances (including a dishwasher!) and try to stock your cabinets with the basics in cooking equipment (like a good set of pots and pans, several place settings for dining, etc.). This will go a long way in getting good reviews from renters and will help you make more money! For your outdoor areas, think about the overall experience of being in and around your home. If you have a good view, maximize it with a sitting area and perhaps a fire pit. Have a pool? Add some tropical plants in corners or around the perimeter to offer some shade/privacy, have plenty of outdoor seating nearby, and have pool towels ready to go in an attractive storage solution. These touches are a huge hit with guests! 

Dickens Plumbing Inc. is here to help you with any and all plumbing upgrades you want to make, whether it's for a rental property or for your very own home. We can handle any project, no matter the size, from installing a new dishwasher in your kitchen to installing new fixtures throughout all bathroom spaces. We are proud to serve the greater Polk County area so give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Time to Sell: 3 Tips to Get Your House Market Ready

With the current real estate market booming, people are quickly realizing that now is the perfect time to get top dollar for their home. While it is a seller's market, if you truly want to get maximum value for your house, making sure it's at its best is key. Hopeful home buyers will be looking for specific points when doing walk-throughs of potential options, and if your house isn't up to the standard, you'll end up getting passed by over and over again. Thus is the downside of a booming market!

However, there are things you can do to make your home the most appealing choice on the block. Here are three simple upgrades you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers and get your house under contract ASAP!

1. Improve your curb appeal. Potential buyers are big on first impressions, and if they drive up to a home covered in overgrown shrubs and trees, an unkept lawn, and peeling paint, they might not even come inside. Upping your curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive! A power wash of the driveway and walkways, a fresh coat of exterior paint, and keeping all shrubs and grasses trimmed and neat go a long way in making the house look care for. If you want to take it another step, adding some well placed flowers and foliage, and maybe even adding a fun pop of color to the front door give the home some personality from the street and draw people in.

2. Staging matters. Home staging is a big deal in today's market, and it really does go a long way in making your house appealing to potential buyers. Can't afford a professional stager? You can do it yourself! Clear all clutter from surfaces, make rooms look inviting by adding a folded throw over a chair, trendy couch pillows, generic artwork (instead of personalized family photos) and a warm-scented candle (vanilla is a favorite). In kitchens, consider adding fresh flowers or a nice piece of tabletop decor, have kitchen towels folded neatly, make sure all surfaces are clean and clear, etc. For bathrooms, again, clear all clutter from the countertops. Try to match shower curtains, hanging towels, and any accessories so the room looks put together and cohesive. These small touches make the home look warm and inviting, but keep it generic so the buyer can see themselves living there instead of seeing you and your family everywhere.

3. Don't underestimate function. While visual appeal is important in a home, a fresh coat of paint and some pillows can't cover up malfunctioning pipes, electrical hookups, or appliances. If you know your home has issues with leaking faucets, faulty outlets, or a dying fridge, taking care of these items makes your home not only appealing, but also a solid purchase, and means you're more likely to quickly and easily pass inspection and sell your home. Taking care of the functional portions of your home is the first step in making your move happen.

When you're ready to sell, Dickens Plumbing offers all of your plumbing services in one place! From repairing and replacing pipes and appliances, to giving you a new all new fixtures, we can make your home its very best before you list it and prepare to sell. We serve in and around the Polk County area, and Central Florida trusts us to provide the very best in quality work and customer service. Give us a call for your quote!