Whether you’ve just purchased a rental property or have had one for many years, there’s never a bad time to give it a little sprucing up. After all, the photos renters see of a rental property play a crucial role in their decision to rent your property as opposed to someone else’s. Additionally, your rental’s furniture and decor also make a big impact on renters’ first impressions, and whether they are likely to give your property a good review or return to rent it year after year.
Regardless of your budget, these tips can help you furnish your rental property in style!
1. Figure out who your target customers are.
If your rental has several bedrooms, chances are it’s going to be favored by large families or groups. If that’s the case, you’ll want to focus on things like beds and couches a bit more, just to make sure there is enough room for everyone. If your rental is smaller and can only accommodate a few people, you can direct a little more of your budget to things like decor and personal touches that will make your rental feel homier.
2. Make a list.
It’s always a good idea to have a list on hand before you start purchasing anything. Sit down and write out what you need, starting with essentials like beds, couches, tables, and chairs, and then branch out to smaller items, like kitchen appliances, silverware, and bedclothes.
3. Choose a style.
With your list and target demographic in mind, it’s time to choose a style. Neutral beachy or woodsy themes are great for families and large groups, whereas if you have a smaller home that caters to a different demographic, you may be able to focus more on artsy or abstract furniture and decor.
4. Determine your budget.
Now that you’ve done your research, you can start thinking about how much you can realistically spend. This will depend on a lot of factors, like your personal finances, as well as how much you’re projecting to make in rental fees during any given year. No matter what your budget is, don’t hesitate to save money where you can. Shopping closeouts, clearances, and sales are a great way to find furniture at a reduced price!
5. Choose quality.
With so many people cycling in and out of vacation rentals, it’s no wonder your furniture is likely to take a bit of a beating. Constant use will wear furniture out quickly, so you must choose pieces that are built well and made to last or at least have a warranty should something break. It may feel like a big investment at first, but it’s much better than having to replace cheap furniture year after year.
6. Don’t forget the finishing touches.
While not quite as important as the furniture itself, the decor you choose can go a long way toward creating an intimate and inviting space. If you need a few things to help your rental property feel warm and cozy, try adding things like rugs, art, curtains, and books. If these things aren’t in your budget, floor and table lamps are a great, cost-efficient way to add warmth to any space.
7. Remove any personal items.
If you ever stay in your rental property, even if it’s just for a few days, be sure to take your personal items with you when you leave. It can be easy to forget, but leaving things like toiletries, jewelry, clothing, photos, or paperwork isn’t a good look when it comes to the first impressions of your renters.
Whether it’s time to get your home listed as a rental property, or you need some help getting it ready, our agents are here when you need us. Just give us a call at 910-395-4100 to get started!
