Since the Cape Cod house is in such high demand, more and more homeowners are choosing to rent out their properties during the summer season. By preparing your house for renters, you can ensure a smooth transition and make sure that your property is in the best condition for vacationers. Here are a few tips to get started!
Identify areas that need repair or updating
I recommend getting a clipboard or a legal pad and doing a complete review of the house to identify major issues that must be addressed before welcoming renters. The most common rooms that require urgent attention are the bathrooms, where the shower stall, curtains, and even the toilets must be replaced to meet expectations. In the kitchen, all appliances must be in good working order. Airbnb recommends a percolator or drip coffee maker instead of a Keurig, but I disagree. The latter works well and guests love them.
Make any necessary repairs and updates
After you’ve made your list, prioritize your upgrades. Bathrooms and kitchens are most important. If there are areas with mold and decay, consult with us and we’ll help you come up with a solution. Major fixes that cannot be done before July 4 should be put off until the winter. You don’t want to miss out on valuable rental times for issues that can be fixed later!
Clean thoroughly – top to bottom, inside and out
This is where we come in. Liberty Siqueira has a service we call a ‘Deep Clean’, which is an in-depth scrubbing of all surfaces. We focus on bathrooms and kitchens. In your kitchen, with your permisison, we clean inside cabinets, the stove, the microwave, and the refrigerator. The object is to make your home appear as though it is a bed-and-breakfast, ready to welcome your guests. We even go inside closets where cobwebs and dust like to accumulate. On the outside of your property, we’ll make sure that the patio, barbecue, and outdoor shower are clear of clutter and are ready to welcome guests.
Buy some new furniture and decorate your house in the modern Cape Cod
Cape Cod style has changed over time. In fact, there is a type of home called the ‘Cape’, which comprises a significant proportion of the housing. Inside, wooden furniture and flooring predominates, although tile and stone is beginning to replace the older floors. Most of the short-term rentals that we clean decorate with dried flowers and plants that are native to the Cape. Wooden sailboat and shorebird figures are also a nice touch.
For furniture, modern Cape Cod style is tending toward white wicker and rattan as opposed to solid wood-finish furniture. For upholstery, please consider stain-resistent fabrics, particularly if you will be renting to families with animals or small children.
Price your property competitively and market it well
This part is tricky, but there are tools available to help you price your home. Airbnb, Vrbo, and We Need a Vacation list rental prices. These resources will allow you to position your property correctly. There’s no reason to aim low. In our experience, rental properties do very well on Cape Cod, particularly coming out of the pandemic.
Vet potential tenants carefully
I cannot emphasize this last point enough. The overwhelming majority of renters will respect your home more than they respect their own. That is to say that a small minority will not. Consider families with children (but we prefer no pets—they make messes and destroy furniture). Older couples are terrific clients. Avoid young unmarried groups. Finally, if you list on Airbnb or Vrbo, read your renters’ reviews. If they have none, spend some extra time on the phone with them to ensure that they are a good fit.
Now that your house is in good condition, it’s time to put it on the market. We can help you get your house prepared for renters. Our team of experts knows how to attract quality tenants who will take care of your property. Call Rob at 339-221-4702 or rob@libertysiqueira.com and we’ll get your home ready for renters so that you don’t have to.