Are you thinking of buying a vacation home to rent out on Hilton Head? If so, you couldn’t choose a better place to invest. Do Hilton Head rentals make money? Well, the island is a major tourist destination, and rentals are in high demand. While Lowcountry homes tend to attract a lot of interest from visitors, ensuring that your property stands out can help you book more rentals—and maximize your potential profits when buying a vacation rental property on Hilton Head.
Here are our top five tips for boosting your rental income on Hilton Head…
1) Appeal to guests year-round
Everyone wants to visit the island in the summer, so it makes sense to market your property during the warmer months. That said, Hilton Head is also a fantastic vacation spot in the winter and fall. To help ensure that you have a steady stream of guests, consider appealing to “snowbirds” (vacationers who leave their homes for warmer climates when it gets cold out). Your listing can be an important tool for attracting this type of renter. Try to use it to highlight appealing aspects of vacationing in Hilton Head—like temperate year-round weather and fun seasonal events.
2) Create an attractive online listing
Speaking of your property listing, be sure to make it as visually appealing as possible. We can tell you from experience: beautiful, high-quality photographs grab people’s attention. Having yours taken by a professional could pay off—big time. The pros know how to use light, perspective, and composition to ensure that your rental home looks its absolute best. If your property is on the waterfront, don’t forget to include at least one photo that showcases the view! We have a network of preferred photographers that we work with. If you’re looking for help finding a true professional, feel free to get in touch.
Check out some of our examples of property listings!
3) Collect positive reviews
Most of us have used online reviews to help us make a major purchase at some point. For renters, finding a vacation property is no different. That’s why one of our top five tips for boosting your rental income on Hilton Head is asking your guests for positive reviews. Follow up with visitors within a couple of days after they check out. A polite “thank you” email containing a request for a review usually works well. Don’t forget to include a link to the website where you’d like them to leave their write up (platforms like Airbnb, Homestay, and FlipKey make the process easy).
4) Keep existing guests happy
Are you looking to maximize the number of days that you rent your property out during the year? If so, you should invest some time into getting repeat visitors. Start with the basics. Ensure that your space is immaculately clean and easy to access. Personal touches can also go a long way. Fresh flowers or a bottle of wine can make guests feel truly welcome, as can a handwritten note (don’t forget to mention some of your favorite restaurants and attractions on Hilton Head).
5) Consider strategic home upgrades
If you’re serious about attracting renters, you might want to consider investing in upgrades for your property. Spa-inspired bathrooms and sleek, modern kitchens can be major draws when vacationers are looking at a listing. While installing a freestanding bathtub or state-of-the-art stove could make a big difference in how your property is perceived, less-expensive upgrades can also have a positive impact. For example, you might consider investing in a rainfall showerhead or updating your hardware (by replacing old door knobs, drawer pulls, or cabinet handles with more elegant options). A new coat of paint, fresh set of linens, or comforting piece of wall art can also help ensure that your property feels like home.
If you’re hoping to increase your rental income on Hilton Head, focus on attracting and retaining the right guests. By creating an appealing online listing and giving your property a bit of extra TLC, you can help ensure that visitors book your vacation home—and return in the future.
Looking for the perfect rental property or just want to up your own rental income on Hilton Head? Get in touch—we’d love to answer your questions and show you what’s available!
Hilton Head Area real estate activity has continued its upward trend in number of sales and median sales price. Although housing supply is low, there are signs of improvement for new listings. Sellers are beginning to come out of hibernation while new build projects are taking shape with more regularity. Many sellers and builders are in a good position for financial gains, as the economy continues to improve. Low inventory should continue to create a competitive situation for buyers, causing price increases over the next several months. In addition; buyers are encouraged to act now as they become more aware of increasing mortgage rates.
