Golden Homes Guide: Tips & Best Practices for Short-Term Rental Owners
Investing in a short-term rental property can be one of the most rewarding (and profitable) moves you make—but success depends on strategy, care, and systems. Whether you’re launching your first Airbnb or adding another Vrbo to your portfolio, this guide offers practical insights from seasoned hosts who’ve seen it all.
These are not just tips—they’re lessons from real-life hosting experience in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and other coastal vacation markets.
Guest Experience & Communication
1. Provide Outstanding Customer Service
Always prioritize the guest experience. If something goes wrong (like a storm, missed expectation, or inconvenience), focus on resolution—not reaction.
Offer refunds or credits when necessary (especially for acts of nature like hurricanes or power outages).
Be responsive, calm, and kind. Difficult guests exist, but escalating conflict rarely helps and can lead to poor reviews.
Make your welcome/check-in instructions incredibly detailed. A well-prepared guest has fewer questions—and fewer complaints.
2. Build a Review Base Strategically
Aim for at least 10 reviews early on—this creates trust with potential guests.
Encourage great guests to leave a review, and make it personal (e.g., “It would help our small business if you left us a kind review!”).
Avoid asking for a review from guests who had a negative experience or where issues remained unresolved.
3. Focus on Attention to Detail
Avoid cutting corners. Thoughtful touches elevate your home and your reviews.
Include extras that create a "home away from home" vibe:
Quality coffee maker
Games and books
Soap dispensers
Crib or pack-n-play
Welcome guide with labeled items
Smart TVs, oven mats, umbrella stands, etc.
Keep guests busy and comfortable—it minimizes nitpicking and excessive messages.
Operations & Support
4. Reliable Cleaning & Maintenance
A great cleaner is non-negotiable. Find someone who treats the property as their own.
Have a dependable handyman on call. It's not just about fixing things—it’s about how quickly and professionally you respond.
Communication is key: update your guest about resolutions immediately.
5. Stock Your Home Generously
Go beyond the basics. Provide everything you’d want and need on vacation.
Think through full kitchen setups, beach gear, extra linens, toiletries, and local recommendations.
6. Stand Out from the Crowd
Add memorable features like:
Arcade machine (Pac-Man, for example)
Tasteful interior design and décor
Multiple smart TVs with streaming apps
Branded touches
You don’t need luxury prices for luxury feel—shop smart (Amazon, HomeGoods, Facebook Marketplace).
Marketing, Platforms, and Automation
7. Invest in Professional Marketing
Photography is critical. Your first photo is your first impression—make it pop.
Hire a professional to shoot wide, bright, and clean images.
Create inviting, descriptive listing titles (e.g., “NEW Coastal Retreat – Walk to Beach + Pet-Friendly”).
8. Use Both Airbnb & Vrbo
Listing on both platforms doubles your exposure.
Use a channel manager or calendar syncing tool to avoid double-bookings.
Both platforms now handle tax remittance in most states.
9. Automate Where Possible
Set up auto-messages for:
Booking confirmation
Pre-check-in
Check-out reminders
Use tools like Hospitable or Hostaway to streamline operations and guest communication.
Financial Strategy & Operations
10. Treat It Like a Business
Open a separate business bank account for all rental income and expenses.
Track:
Net Operating Income (NOI)
Cash Flow
Return on Investment (ROI)
Overhead and break-even points
Consider software for expense tracking and revenue forecasting.
11. Pricing & Booking Strategy
Use platforms like AirDNA, PriceLabs, or Beyond Pricing for real-time data.
Start with discounted pricing if you have few reviews and explain it in your listing.
Raise prices during holidays, events, and weekends.
Avoid lowering your rate too much—cheaper rates often attract less respectful guests.
If struggling with occupancy, post in local Facebook rental groups or consider a local promotion.
Compliance, Regulations & Management
12. Know Local Short-Term Rental Regulations
Research your town or HOA's requirements:
Business licenses
Tax collection
Zoning and occupancy rules
Permit renewals
Stay compliant to avoid fines or shutdowns.
13. Weigh Property Management Carefully
Hiring a property manager? Expect to pay 15%–30% of your gross revenue.
Self-managing can save money, but it’s time-intensive. Find a model that fits your lifestyle.
Design, Attributes & Reinvestment
14. Understand Your Property’s Strengths
Highlight what makes your rental special:
Mountain cabin? Hiking sticks, trail guides, firewood.
Beach house? Chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, local tide chart.
These thoughtful touches enhance experience and help justify premium pricing.
15. Reinvest in Your Property
If a guest complains about the dishwasher three times, it’s time to replace it.
Reinvesting even small amounts back into quality upgrades protects your long-term success and helps avoid negative reviews.
Mindset & Sustainability
16. Stay Calm & Professional
Hosting isn’t always smooth—but stay composed and professional, even with difficult guests.
Respond with empathy and clarity. Bite your tongue when needed.
The goal isn’t to be “right”—it’s to maintain a 5-star guest experience and protect your reputation.
17. Think Long-Term
The first year is often the hardest as you build systems, reviews, and routines.
Remember why you started. Stay focused and don’t overreact to setbacks.
Track everything. Adjust. Improve. Grow.
Pro Tips & Operational Notes
Complete every field on your listing platform for better SEO and visibility.
Consider enabling 1-night stays (based on your calendar strategy).
Avoid using valuable or sentimental items in the property.
Be cautious with direct bookings—only accept them from trusted sources.
Add “NEW LISTING” to your title if reviews are still low.
Always respond to inquiries—but you don’t need to accept every booking.
Never cancel from your end. Guide guests to cancel themselves via support if needed.
Airbnb’s Superhost status requires a 4.8+ rating—make this your target.
Install a lockbox with backup key at the front door for emergencies.
Consider demographic-specific needs (e.g., no elevator = fewer snowbird bookings).
Remember: Beach markets are seasonal. Plan and price accordingly.
Tax Benefits & Write-Offs
Work with an accountant to take advantage of:
Depreciation
Maintenance write-offs
Travel and operating expenses
If you qualify as a “real estate professional,” the tax advantages can be even greater.
Bonus Tip: Pet-Friendly Perks
If your HOA or regime allows pets, offering pet-friendly accommodations can boost bookings and increase average nightly rates.
Final Thoughts
Running a successful short-term rental is equal parts hospitality, strategy, and discipline. With the right mindset, tools, and attention to detail, you can absolutely do this—and Golden Homes is here to help you every step of the way.
If you ever need guidance, local vendor recommendations, or help buying or selling your next investment property, we're just a call away.
📧 goldenhomeshhi@gmail.com
📞 803-200-4196
🌐 www.teamhiltonhead.com
Disclaimer:
These are just my opinions and in no way have a direct impact or expectation for your future performance. Things can change - Please do your own research and DD
