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Rules & Regulations

Navigating Short-Term Rental Regulations

A property owner researches local regulations regarding her short-term rental home.

Although legalities can sometimes feel like a burden, following the law is essential to owning a short-term rental property. Counties and municipalities are increasingly watching the vacation rental space; unfortunately, it can be hard to know the various regulations and rule changes. Still, there are many ways to stay up to date and protect your business from fines or losing permits. After all, it’s our responsibility as property owners to ensure our enterprises are legal. Thankfully, there are a few simple ways to better safeguard your investments without hiring a legal team.

Online Research

Legal review used to require a trip to the city administration office and a large cup of coffee, but now you can accomplish this from the comfort of your home or office. One straightforward way to do this is by searching the internet for “vacation rental laws” in your state or city. You can also try going directly to the city or county website. 

Take a Trip to City Hall

Although you can find a wealth of information online, websites aren’t updated in real-time. You’ll want to confirm your findings with a city official familiar with short-term rental properties’ regulations. It’s also not a bad idea to contact officials again via email to create a record of your information gathering so that you have a reference and a history of your interactions.

Stay in the Know

Besides researching and recordkeeping, you can protect your business by staying informed in real-time. Legislation is a dynamic aspect of short-term rental ownership so expect things to change, sometimes without notice. Review city council meetings and keep the zoning officer on speed dial. Some municipalities have email notifications regarding regulation updates, voting results, and agenda updates.

Colorado Vacation Rental Management Solutions

Keeping up with changing laws regarding short-term rentals can feel like a lot to wrap your head around. Thankfully, Effortless Rental Group has the services, resources, and support you need to maximize your investments in an ever-changing industry. To learn more about how we can make it effortless for you, take a look at our services and reach out today!

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What to Know About Staging Your Short-Term Rental Property

First impressions go a long way, and vacation rental properties are no exception. Having your property in top form is an effective avenue to success with a relatively low investment. Captivating online imagery is the primary way to catch the attention of would-be renters, but what seems like an easy endeavor can become a mind-boggling experience in home design. No matter how good your camera is, you may come away with lackluster results if you’re not putting a valiant effort into staging your home. We want all of our partners to get the most out of their properties, so here are a few practical things to consider as get you started!

How Do We Define “Staging?”

Much like a five-star restaurant or world-class theatrical performance, aesthetics play an integral role in creating an emotional response to your vacation rental listing. Still, you may wonder what staging is and how it can maximize your revenue. Simply put, staging is the physical presentation of your home that gives renters a sense of what it’s like to live there. And although your guests won’t be staying permanently, you want them to imagine their personal experiences. After all, the first part of booking is grabbing your audience’s attention, in this case, vacationers.

3 Staging Tips

Almost everyone in the vacation rental space understands the importance of staging, but that doesn’t mean we all know how to do it. There are many different things to consider when presenting your home, and, understandably, you may have some questions. Browsing popular listings is one way to get your creative juices flowing, but one of your goals should be to set your property or properties apart from the rest. Here are practical tips that will bring life to your listing.

Create Space

One of the first things travelers look for when choosing a place to stay is ample space. Thankfully, there are a few things to facilitate those desires without tearing down walls. Neutral colors with simple designs can make rooms appear much more prominent. Mirrors can also add the illusion of space by reflecting what’s already there. 

Shed Some Light on the Situation

Adequate lighting will maximize your interior design and make your property more appealing to discerning guests. Unfortunately, overhead lighting can only do so much and sometimes create unwanted shadows. Opt for warm lighting positioned in various spots around each room. Floor lamps, Edison bulbs, and hanging fixtures will help evenly distribute light without making your interior look like a doctor’s office.

Remove Unnecessary Decorations and Personal Items

It’s easy to go overboard with making your vacation rental feel like your home. While some guests may appreciate your 80s vintage toy collection or sports memorabilia, presenting a generalized theme is a better way to attract renters. A few knick-knacks related to the area won’t hurt, but too many decorations can become distracting, especially from an online perspective.

Short-Term Rental Management in Colorado

Finding the best ways to stage your short-term rental property doesn’t have to be an arduous process. And if it’s something you don’t want to take on yourself, many services specialize in maximizing your property’s online appeal. To find out how Effortless Rental Group can help you get a sizeable return on your investment and learn how much your property can earn, get started today by visiting us online.