Keeping your rental clean and stylish, developing your pricing strategy, and handling guest requests smartly are just a few of the things you should keep a close eye on when managing your vacation rental.
Doesn't matter if your vacation rental's on the Gulf Coast or tucked away in the Smoky Mountains—there's always a never-ending to-do list in this biz. Whether you're new to the short-term rental game or just adding more listings to your portfolio, there's always something to tackle.
As long-term property managers in Navarre Beach, we manage several rental condos and beach homes, and we know how everything can get pretty hectic sometimes. That's why we always like to share our expertise with property owners to help them navigate the waters of vacation rentals.
In this blog, I'm sharing 10 insider tips every Navarre Beach rental owner should know to keep things running smoothly—and profitably.
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
At Navarre Beach Properties, we've spent years managing properties right here in Navarre Beach—and we know exactly what it takes to help them thrive. And we're not shy about sharing what we've learned along the way!
I suggest you check our blog which is packed with expert tips on professional property management—from smart strategies to make your rental stand out in a competitive market, to practical ways to boost your income and even a crash course on everything you need to know about managing a vacation home in Navarre Beach.
Let's dive right in!
1. Consider your costs.
One of the unavoidable aspects of starting a rental is dealing with costs—both startup expenses and recurring costs.
The difference between them? Here's the breakdown:
One-time costs
Some of your expenses will relate to setting up the rental, things such as repairs and the costs involved with acquiring furniture to create a welcoming décor, and adding those unique amenities guests love. Additionally, we highly recommend that you invest in top-notch photos to promote your beach rental effectively.
fixed costs
These are the regular costs you will have to deal with, things like paying for utility bills, internet, specific supplies, and more. They are similar to the ones you have to deal with in your own home but also include items like cleaning staff payroll, and so on. Some of these costs will vary with the number of guests you have; others will remain fixed.
heads up for beginners
When you're just starting this business, it's normal to have your first months with negative revenues. It takes some time to build momentum and get things on track. In other words, be patient and don't give up!
The living room of Dream Maker in Navarre Beach.
2. Keep your rental updated and stylish.
Take a quick look at the décor of Dream Maker. It follows a contemporary style but still bets on colors that work well in beach settings.
When people travel nowadays, they are mostly seeking unique experiences. With that in mind, when setting up a new rental, creating an ambiance with good décor and updated appliances is the way to go.
Pro tip
Why not let your surroundings inspire your décor? It's a great way to tell a story that feels local and really clicks with your guests. In Navarre Beach, people are looking for that breezy, beachy vibe, and giving it to them adds a little extra magic to their stay.
How to do it? Here are some tips:
- Color Palette: Use soft sandy neutrals, seafoam greens, and ocean blues to echo the beach and water.
- Natural Textures: Think driftwood furniture, seagrass rugs, rattan chairs, and woven baskets for a relaxed, coastal vibe.
- Local Art & Photography: Hang pieces by local artists or beach-themed photography of the Navarre Pier, dunes, or sunsets.
- Shell & Coral Accents: Decorate with shells, coral (faux or responsibly sourced), or even a jar of sand to bring the beach indoors. You can also add cushions with shell or marine life themes.
- Nautical Touches: Use subtle nods like rope mirrors, lantern lighting, or oar wall art—without going full pirate
Private pool of What-a-Beach in Navarre Beach
3. Offer the right amenities.
In today's competitive vacation rental market, the right amenities can make all the difference. Guests are no longer wowed by basics, they expect them. To boost your bookings and revenue in Navarre Beach, you'll need to go beyond the essentials and deliver thoughtful touches that create a memorable stay.
Pro tip: Must-have amenities
- Smart TVs: No longer a bonus, these are expected in modern vacation rentals.
- Streaming Services: Platforms like Roku offer user-friendly, customizable entertainment options.
- Modern, Fully Equipped Kitchen: Guests love cooking with friends and family, so make sure your kitchen includes all the necessary appliances.
- Hot Tubs: A big draw for guests looking for a luxurious, relaxing experience.
- Private Pools: Great for families and guests who want a more exclusive stay.
- Pet-Friendly Features: Rentals that welcome pets appeal to a growing number of travelers with furry companions.
4. KEEP YOUR RENTAL CLEAN.
As professional managers in Navarre Beach, we know well that maintaining your vacation rental spotlessly clean and in top-notch condition at all times is another major factor contributing to good reviews and financial success.
We make cleanliness a top priority. Our cleaning staff is sourced from the best firms in our area, and they work their magic after every checkout, addressing all the most important touchpoints such as replacing linens and towels and sanitizing hard surfaces, floors, showers, toilets, and hot tubs.
heads up!
It's not all about routine cleaning. You should also offer deep cleaning services. This involves moving heavy furniture and appliances to clean underneath, inspecting the walls and ceilings, and treating wood surfaces, among other heavier tasks.
5. Practice preventive maintenance.
Just like cleaning, keeping your rental in tip-top shape is key to racking up great reviews. And once again, your trusty cleaning crew comes to the rescue. They're usually the first to spot any damage or maintenance issues and give you the heads-up.
Because of the higher turnover of guests, a beach rental requires more maintenance and upkeeping than a regular home. For this reason, periodic inspection is a must! Regular checks include assessing supply inventory, replacing old or damaged items, and inspecting sinks, showers, and baths, among other important tasks.
heads up!
Also, it's very important to perform significant tasks like repainting walls, repairing flooring, and changing carpets. Neglecting those will only lead to bigger and more costly problems sooner or later.
A superb professional photo of Stella Maris with a beautiful Florida sunset.
6. INVEST IN GREAT PHOTOS.
Do you have good décor and top amenities in place? Great! Now it's time to promote your rental to the world. The best way to do this is by investing in great photos.
In our field, we keep meeting rental owners who insist on saving a few hundred dollars by taking their listing pictures themselves. They usually argue that they can use the cameras on their phones. While we agree that phones can take some high-quality photos, having a technical eye combined with the right lenses will make all the difference in presenting your rental to the world.
It's our general approach to hire the best professional photographer in the market to shoot all our properties. Our market is getting more competitive by the day, and this is a great way to stand out from the noise.
7. LIST YOUR BEACH RENTAL ON THE RIGHT ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES (OTAS)
Once you have your great pictures ready, you need to upload them somewhere. To us, the best listing websites for Navarre Beach vacation rentals are Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. However, Airbnb and Vrbo are the most popular ones and bring the largest portion of bookings
It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with each platform and select the optimal mix for your rental. Here are some things to look up:
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Does the platform provide subscription-based pricing or charge per booking?
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Does it offer insurance coverage?
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Is it well-received by your rental's target audience?
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What are the booking-related costs? Always review their policies carefully regarding host fees, guest fees, credit card fees, and any other potential costs to avoid surprises.
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Does the website offer customer support? Remember that technology can sometimes present challenges to owners.
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Does the platform support software integrations? Keep in mind that as your business grows, you may want to incorporate additional tools to streamline your operations.
8. Develop your pricing strategy.
Regarding Navarre Beach vacation rentals — or any vacation rental for that matter — pricing is as important as location, quality score, and pictures.
Can I Charge More After Improving My Property?
You might be thinking that once you've invested in decor, amenities, and photography, you should ask for a higher fee. And we agree, to a certain extent. Still, it's important to take a step back and evaluate your rental in a detached manner, as if you were a guest.
What to Consider When Setting My Price?
Most of the factors I touched upon above will influence your nightly fees. You should calculate your costs and add your expected profit margin on top of them to reach your baseline fees. Once sorted out, think of maximum and minimum prices and compare your rental and its offerings to similar options in the market to find your optimal nightly fee.
But remember: Pricing Isn't Static—It's Dynamic
Remember that pricing is never a static thing; it should respond to market demands, seasonality, special events in your area, and other external factors.
That's why, just like airlines and hotels, setting a dynamic pricing strategy for your vacation rental is key. In sum, this involves quickly adapting your rates based on your guest's willingness to pay on a continuous basis.
Let the Tools Do the Heavy Lifting
Luckily, there are software options available on the market, such as Wheelhouse, PriceLabs, and Beyond. These tools can reduce your workload by up to 70-80%, while potentially boosting profits by 20-30%.
9. Prepare to handle guests and their requests.
Once your price strategy is running well, you'll start getting those bookings. It feels wonderful, but fool yourself not. That's when the real work begins!
Much of a host's work entails relating to guests and establishing a good relationship with them. That's what hospitality is all about, anyway.
Here's a good strategy for guest management:
Step One: Set Clear Expectations
The key to happy guests? No surprises.
- Make sure photos and descriptions match reality.
- Guests should walk in and see exactly what they saw online.
- If expectations don't align, negative reviews are just around the corner.
Step Two: Communicate Proactively
Great communication is essential, but it can also be a huge time drain. To make it easier:
- Include detailed descriptions and high-quality photos.
- Provide a welcome guide or guestbook with FAQs.
- Answer common questions before they're even asked.
Step Three: Be Available (Yes, Even at Odd Hours)
Even with proactive info, guests will reach out—sometimes late at night or during holidays.
- Have a 24/7 customer service team.
- Respond quickly, even on weekends and holidays.
- Prioritize guests needs to keep those 5-star reviews coming.
10. Don't take things personally.
Dealing with guests will not always be a smooth experience. Sometimes, they will break your rules and leave your place in not-so-good conditions. You will even come across broken items and damaged amenities — it happens to all of us.
But here's a piece of wisdom
The way you deal with these issues will influence your success as a host. Above all, it's important not to take things personally when unpleasant surprises happen and try not to get consumed with the issues.
As a rental owner, it's natural that you'll feel attached to your beach rental after spending a lot of money, time, and effort building something great. But remember that you're running a business, after all. Having a somewhat detached mindset will help you see things differently and deal with unpleasant situations in the right way.
Valuable tips for Navarre Beach Property Management
Being a vacation rental host is a complex and demanding endeavor, but it's also very rewarding.
If you ever need help with your rental in Navarre Beach, you can always count on us. At Navarre Beach Properties we always engage in open and honest conversations to establish realistic expectations for new owners, and we also have our in-house brokerage to assist with your real estate needs.
Want more tips? Check our other Navarre property management blogs for valuable insights on vacation rental management.
Vacation Rental Management Made Simple
Managing a Navarre Beach vacation rental can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. At Navarre Beach Properties, we've been doing this for years, with proven systems to keep your property booked and profitable.
Get a free rental estimate on our website and see how partnering with a local pro can make all the difference.
