Hands Free but not "Turnkey"

This week, I attended a Madison-area real estate investors meetup. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with other investors and exchange ideas. After the meeting, someone reached out to me via email with a question: “What do you think about this property as a vacation rental?”

It was a great question, but my response wasn’t just about the property itself—it was about the bigger picture. And my main takeaway is something every vacation rental investor needs to hear: you need a plan.

The Vacation Rental Market Has Changed

During the height of the pandemic, it felt like anyone with a second home and an Airbnb listing could turn a profit. Properties with bad photos, poor descriptions, or even less-than-ideal locations still managed to book up. The demand was that high.

But the landscape has shifted. Today, only the top-performing 20% of vacation rentals are making consistent profits. Many investors who bought during the COVID boom are now struggling because they didn’t adapt to the new, more competitive market.

What Does a Winning Plan Look Like?

To succeed in today’s market, you can’t just buy a property and hope for the best. A profitable vacation rental requires:

Intentional Design: Guests choose with their eyes first. Properties with a thoughtful, cohesive design stand out in a crowded marketplace.

High-Value Amenities: Hot tubs, game rooms, and outdoor spaces can take your listing from "meh" to "must-book."

Top-Notch Photos: A picture is worth a thousand words—or in this case, a thousand dollars. Professional photos are non-negotiable.

Compelling Copy: Your listing description should tell a story that makes guests picture themselves there.

Strategic Pricing: Properly positioned pricing (and frequent adjustments) ensures you stay competitive year-round.

A Guest-Centric Experience: The best properties offer more than just a place to stay—they provide an experience.

Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Manager

Another key part of the plan is deciding how you’ll manage the property. Self-management can work if you’re detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and passionate about hospitality. If you’re not excited by the idea of optimizing bookings and creating memorable guest stays, a professional manager might be a better fit... Insert shameless plug here.

No Such Thing as Turnkey—But Hands-Free Is an Option

The truth is, there’s no such thing as a “turnkey” vacation rental. Success requires time, effort, and a clear strategy. But what if you love the idea of owning a vacation rental but don’t have the bandwidth to manage all the moving parts?

That’s where Good Vibes Vacay comes in. We specialize in helping vacation rental owners maximize their property’s potential while delivering incredible guest experiences. From design upgrades to amenity recommendations, strategic pricing, professional photography, and guest management, we handle it all.

With Good Vibes Vacay, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a high-performing vacation rental without the stress. We believe in creating good vibes and great returns for both you and your guests.

If you’re curious about how we can help, let’s chat! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your rental to the next level, I’d love to share how we can make your vacation rental dreams a reality.