Do you have a home that’s sitting empty or a room that’s vacant after your children have left? It’s time you put these empty spaces to use by turning them into a short-term rental.
Memphis, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic landmarks, is a city that attracts interested travelers from around the world. Lots of people would love to rent a well-curated space.
Are you wondering how to make your home a vacation rental? Start by maximizing curb appeal so you can attract potential guests.
A welcoming and aesthetically pleasing exterior not only entices travelers but also sets the stage for a memorable stay. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and creative ideas to enhance the curb appeal of your Memphis home and make it an irresistible vacation rental.
Embrace Southern Charm
Infuse a dose of Southern hospitality by painting your front door in a bold and inviting color. Shades like turquoise, mustard yellow, or classic red can add a pop of personality and make your home stand out.
It will also ensure that any short-term renters will be easily able to find your space, as they just have to look for the house with the bright door.
Want a add a touch of romanticism to your place? Consider installing a traditional porch swing. This timeless addition not only exudes Southern charm but also provides a cozy spot for guests to relax and soak in the ambiance.
Landscape with Local Flora
Landscape your front yard with native plants and flowers that thrive in the Memphis climate. Crepe myrtles, azaleas, and magnolias are not only beautiful but also low-maintenance choices.
You can also add other kinds of plants that appeal to you, like cacti or flowering bushes that aren’t native to Memphis. Create vibrant flower beds along walkways and around the porch. Incorporate a mix of seasonal flowers to ensure year-round color and appeal.
Everyone is starved for connection with Mother Earth, so anything you can do to boost your guest’s contact with nature will be appreciated by them.
Memphis-Inspired Décor
Pay homage to Memphis’s musical heritage with blues-inspired décor. Incorporate elements like musical note-themed wind chimes, wall art, or even a small outdoor speaker playing classic tunes.
You can also leave a guitar lying around that your guests can pick up and play if they want to get their musical genius out.
Add subtle Graceland touches to your exterior, such as Elvis-inspired décor or a guitar-shaped planter. These elements can spark curiosity and conversation among guests.
Create Inviting Outdoor Spaces
Arrange comfortable outdoor seating areas on the porch or in the yard. Adorn them with cushions and throws to create a cozy atmosphere for guests to enjoy Memphis evenings.
Make sure to add some kind of mosquito repellant or protection scheme, so that your guests can enjoy the outdoors without being inundated by those pesky little things. Your guests will appreciate you putting thought into the little things.
Install string lights or lanterns to illuminate outdoor spaces during the evening. This not only enhances safety but also contributes to a warm and inviting ambiance. You can also have lights installed directly into the walkway, so no matter what time they come back home at night, they will find their way to the door safe and sound.
Memphis-Style Signage
Craft a custom welcome sign with a Memphis twist. Incorporate musical notes, BBQ references, or iconic Memphis symbols to make your guests feel the city’s spirit from the moment they arrive.
Consider displaying a map of nearby attractions, ensuring your guests know about must-visit spots like Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Graceland. You can also add this to the welcome book, where you recommend all the hip and happening spots nearby that are a must-visit.
Maintain a Neat Exterior
Keep your lawn well-maintained with regular mowing, edging, and trimming. A neatly manicured lawn contributes significantly to overall curb appeal.
If you don’t have time to take care of this yourself, then hire a property management company that can do this for you. They will ensure your property looks spic and span without you lifting a finger.
Remove any clutter or unnecessary items from the exterior. Store tools, bikes, and other personal items neatly to create a clean and inviting outdoor space.
If possible, purchase an outdoor shed to hold all these items, so they aren’t cluttering up your outdoor space. It’s worth the investment.
There should be no garbage lying around, no matter if it’s yours or the neighbor’s.
Upgrade Your Front Porch
Install outdoor ceiling fans on the porch to provide relief during hot Memphis summers. Functional and stylish, they add both comfort and charm.
Define your porch space with a stylish outdoor rug. Opt for patterns and colors that complement your overall exterior design.
Look through Pinterest boards and other online platforms to get ideas for how to set up your front porch. It should be something that catches the eye but is easy to set up.
Photogenic Landscaping
Arrange plants strategically to create visually appealing focal points. Consider placing potted plants near the entrance or along the pathway to guide guests.
You can also add some plants to the house’s interior, so that the living area or bedroom is filled with natural vegetation, calming the guests and making them feel at home.
Add dimension to your exterior with hanging planters or baskets. They draw the eye upward and add a touch of greenery to your porch or entryway.
Now You Know How To Make Your Home a Vacation Rental
Yes, it will take a little bit of time, energy, and resources to set up your home into a short-term rental space. But all this effort will return a hundredfold in the future.
How to make your home a vacation rental without doing anything yourself? Hire a property management company like Reedy & Company. We specialize in taking care of properties for absentee owners, with over 3,500 properties under our care.
Contact our team to learn more about our services and to get started.
