The allure of Maine’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture makes short-term rental properties lucrative revenue-driving assets. To maximize the benefits of Coastal Maine rentals, property owners must exercise some due diligence and preparation.
At City + Harbor Real Estate, we are intimately familiar with the area’s real estate potential, local ambiance and regulations. We hope these Maine vacation home tips help maximize bookings, improve guest experience and ensure the smooth operation of your rental property.
1. Preparing Your Rental for Summer Guests
First impressions last, and they also turn into online reviews that other potential renters will read and consider. That’s why it’s essential to work with a local company to perform a deep cleaning before the summer crowd arrives. By scheduling seasonal maintenance and cleanings before guests check in, a guest experience enhancement could become a 5-star rating. These are other summer guest preparations to consider:
- Power wash decks and clean the windows.
- Spruce up outdoor furniture.
- Have HVAC units serviced.
- Provide beach and outdoor essentials.
- Include local maps and a list of favorite destinations.
- Have a safety inspection performed.
- Offer extras like a cooler, beach chairs or kayaks for guest use.
- Review any changes to Maine short-term rental regulations.
2. Maximize Your Summer Bookings
Optimizing Airbnb listings and other short-term rental options requires investing a little time and energy. Fortunately, social media and other online platforms allow investment property owners to avoid unnecessary costs. These are ways to get top dollar for Coastal Maine rentals this summer:
- Post quality images of the rental property online.
- Include photos of ocean views, sunsets and natural beauty.
- Craft a compelling narrative that captures its peace and serenity.
- Consider competitive rates and long-term discounts.
- Ask for emails to follow up with guests next season.
- Encourage visitors to post positive reviews online.
3. Wow Your Guests! How To Enhance Guest Experience
Extras such as coffee and snacks have actually become a standard practice in optimizing Airbnb listings across the country. The best amenities for summer rentals along the Maine Coast are typically those that provide a personal touch. If you want to maximize short-term Coastal Maine rentals, consider pivoting away from impersonal items and focus on creating a hyper-local welcome package that includes products such as the following:
- Wild blueberry jam
- Locally made whoopie pies
- Craft beer from Maine microbreweries
- Guides to local trails, parks and beaches
- A list of favorite seafood restaurants
- Places to purchase antiques, artwork and handmade crafts
- Amenities including BBQ grills, cornhole and hammocks to enjoy local food, fresh air and scenery
4. Handling Peak-Season Challenges
Mid-Coast Maine experiences significant peak-season arrivals that present some challenges. For instance, access to bicycle rentals, paddle boards and adventure tours can be limited. Consider posting information about these and other items, as well as ways to secure them in advance. Along with making check-in easy, these are tips for managing rental turnovers during the peak season:
- Work with a reliable cleaning service.
- Have welcome packages and standard items restocked.
- Have a backup plan for HVAC and Wi-Fi outages.
- Enlist the support of a pest control professional.
- Have a local repair and maintenance person on speed dial.
- Establish rental property rules that respect neighbors, and set quiet times.
5: List and Market Your Coastal Maine Rentals
Putting your best foot forward and exceeding the expectations of Coastal Maine visitors helps maximize the return on your investment property. The little extras — such as locally sourced goods, amenities and information about the best places to visit, shop and dine — greatly enhance the getaway experience.
From a business perspective, understanding state and local regulations is crucial in terms of compliance. Having dedicated local professional services in place can make a substantial difference when something needs to be repaired or updated quickly.
At City + Harbor Real Estate, we help buyers find the right short-term rental property. We are lifelong Mainers with deep connections to the community. Call and ask for Fletcher (207.542.0412) or Michael (207.450.4514), or fill out our online form. Let’s get the process started!