Selling a short-term rental (STR) or vacation home is very different from selling a primary residence. Buyers are not just looking at square footage, they are evaluating income potential, guest appeal, property condition, and how easily the rental can transition to new ownership.

The good news? You don’t need a full renovation. Strategic, high impact updates can significantly improve buyer interest and help you achieve a stronger final sale price.

Presentation and Decluttering Matter More Than You Think

STR buyers want a property that feels turnkey and easy to manage. Removing owner storage, personal items, and excess décor allows buyers to visualize the home as a clean, guest-ready rental. Clear closets and cupboards also signal functionality and operational efficiency, two things investors care deeply about.

Aim for a “hotel-ready” feel rather than a personal home aesthetic.

Furniture and Soft Furnishings: One of the Highest Returns

Outdated or worn furniture instantly lowers perceived value in a vacation rental. Replacing sagging sofas and updating tired cushions with neutral, modern fabrics can dramatically improve how a property photographs and feels.

Avoid bold or dated patterns that can distract buyers. Clean, contemporary furnishings help buyers mentally justify stronger nightly rates and higher occupancy.

Bedrooms and Bedding Set Expectations

Bedrooms play a major role in buyer perception. Worn duvets, outdated bedspreads, or flat pillows quietly undermine value, even if the rest of the home looks good.

Fresh, hotel-style neutral bedding with simple layered textures such as throws or cushions creates a polished look that appeals to both guests and investors.

Paint and Staging in High-Impact Areas Only

There’s no need to repaint the entire property. Focus on living areas, kitchens, and primary bedrooms. Neutral paint tones and light staging in these spaces help buyers focus on income potential rather than cosmetic work.

Less clutter and fewer personal touches create broader appeal and stronger emotional buy-in.

Lighting and Photography Go Hand in Hand

Most STR buyers decide whether to pursue a property online. Bright, well-lit homes photograph better and feel more inviting.

Upgrading outdated light fixtures, increasing brightness in key living spaces, and using warm, welcoming lighting can significantly improve online performance and buyer interest.

First Impressions Start at the Front Door

A refreshed front door sets expectations for the entire property. Simple updates such as new paint or stain, updated hardware, and a clean, well-lit entry immediately elevate curb appeal and signal a well-maintained rental.

Bathrooms: Clean, Updated, and Guest-Ready

Bathrooms don’t need full remodels to make an impact. Updated mirrors, improved lighting, fresh towels, and clean grout and caulking go a long way in presenting a move-in-ready STR that feels low risk to buyers.

Why This Matters to STR Buyers

Short-term rental buyers mentally calculate:

• Nightly rates

• Occupancy potential

• Guest experience

• Immediate usability

Outdated furniture, tired bedding, or poor lighting can instantly reduce perceived income even when the numbers on paper look strong.

Ready to Sell Your Vacation Rental for Top Dollar?

Every STR property is different. Some updates are absolutely worth doing, while others add little or no return.

At Vacay & Co Real Estate, we specialize in vacation homes and investment real estate. We help owners determine what to update, what to leave alone, how to price correctly for today’s buyers, and how to sell without disrupting existing bookings.

👉 Get a No-Pressure STR Property Review

If you’re thinking about selling, we’ll review your property, income history, and current market conditions and provide honest, strategic guidance, no fluff, no pressure.

Contact Vacay & Co Real Estate

Vacay & Co Real Estate
🌐 www.vacayreflorida.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 321-333-1338

Specialists in short-term rentals, vacation homes, and investment properties.