Buying a vacation rental is exciting. Turning it into a successful business? That’s where the real work begins.
Every week we talk to people who are thinking about buying their first vacation rental—or they’ve just closed on one and are wondering… “Now what?”
If that’s you, congratulations! Owning a vacation rental can be one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make. Not only can it generate income, but it also gives you a place to create memories with family and friends for years to come.
But before you start imagining five-star reviews rolling in, it’s important to understand something: owning a successful vacation rental isn’t about listing it on Airbnb and hoping for the best. The homes that consistently perform well are the ones that are intentionally designed, professionally marketed, and actively managed.
If you’re just getting started, here are the things we wish every new owner knew.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is owners buying the home they would want to vacation in instead of the home guests are looking to book. Those aren’t always the same thing.
When evaluating a property, ask yourself: Is it easy to access year-round? How many people does it comfortably sleep? What makes it stand out from the competition? Is there room to add amenities later? Is the view something guests will remember?
A beautiful cabin is great. A memorable cabin is even better.
Ten years ago, simply having a cabin in the mountains was enough. Today, guests have choices—lots of them. If two homes are similarly priced, guests will almost always choose the one with more to do.
Some of the amenities that consistently perform well include:
The goal isn’t to have every amenity. It’s to have a few amenities that make someone stop scrolling and say, “That one looks fun.”
This is one area where we never recommend cutting corners. Guests book with their eyes first. Before they read your description, before they compare amenities, before they check availability—they’re looking at your photos.
Professional photography doesn’t just make your property look prettier—it helps guests understand the experience they’re booking. Can guests picture themselves drinking coffee on the deck? Watching the sunset from the hot tub? Gathering around the fire pit? Cooking together in the kitchen? That’s what sells vacations.
A lot of owners spend weeks creating their Airbnb listing and then never touch it again. But guest expectations change. New competitors enter the market. Amenities evolve. Photos become outdated.
Successful listings are always improving—updating photos, rewriting descriptions, highlighting new amenities, rearranging photo order, refreshing furnishings, and adding seasonal décor. Your listing should grow alongside your property.
One of the biggest surprises for new owners is how much pricing changes throughout the year. It’s not just summer versus winter anymore. Rates can change based on local events, holidays, school breaks, booking pace, competitor occupancy, day of the week, and lead time.
The goal isn’t to always charge the highest rate. It’s to find the sweet spot between occupancy and revenue. A cabin that’s fully booked at rates that are too low isn’t maximizing its potential.
Five-star reviews are built long before guests ever leave one. They’re earned through dozens of small details: quick communication, clear instructions, a spotless home, comfortable beds, well-stocked kitchens, fast problem solving, and little touches that make guests feel cared for.
When people feel taken care of, they’re much more likely to leave glowing reviews—and recommend your property to friends and family.
This one isn’t fun to hear, but it’s reality. Vacation rentals get a lot of use. More guests means more wear and tear. Appliances fail. Hot tubs need repairs. Furniture gets damaged. HVAC systems stop working.
None of this means you’ve done anything wrong. It simply means you own a business that requires ongoing maintenance. The key is addressing small issues before they become expensive ones.
Behind every successful vacation rental is a great team. That might include housekeepers, handymen, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, pest control, landscapers, hot tub professionals, and photographers.
The better your team, the smoother your operation. And when something unexpected happens—and eventually it will—you’ll be glad you already know who to call.
People aren’t booking a house. They’re booking a memory. A family reunion. A honeymoon. A birthday celebration. A girls’ weekend. A chance to unplug.
The more your property helps create those moments, the more successful it will be. Always ask yourself: “How do I want guests to feel when they stay here?” That answer should guide almost every decision you make.
One of the biggest misconceptions about professional property management is that it’s only for owners with dozens of properties. The truth is, many owners hire a manager with just one home—not because they can’t manage it, but because they’d rather spend their time enjoying ownership instead of constantly managing it.
At Halara, we work with owners at every stage—from first-time investors to experienced hosts looking to grow their portfolio. Because Ryan and I own vacation rentals ourselves, we understand both sides of the business. Our goal has never been to take ownership away from owners. It’s to give them the confidence that someone is treating their investment with the same care we give our own.
Buying a vacation rental is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the months and years that follow—when thoughtful improvements, smart pricing, exceptional hospitality, and consistent management turn a house into a destination guests can’t wait to return to.
If you’re considering purchasing your first vacation rental—or you’ve recently bought one and would like a second opinion—we’d love to help. Whether you choose to self-manage or partner with Halara, we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned as fellow vacation rental owners.
Serving guests across Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Arkansas with stays that feel like home — wherever your travels take you.
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