Nightly Rate
Avg rate you expect to charge/night
Nights Booked
Avg # of nights you expect to book/month
Mortgage
Monthly mortgage payment
Utilities
Monthly costs for heat/hot water, electricity/AC, WiFi & cable
When you’re first starting out as a vacation rental owner, there’s one big question: how much money can I expect to make?
Short-term rental properties can give owners solid revenue returns, and are often more profitable than long-term rentals. But that additional income doesn’t come without costs. From taxes and insurance to cleaning and management fees, it’s important to factor a number of expenses into your income calculations to help paint an accurate picture of your home’s profit potential.
That’s where our vacation rental income calculator comes in. Simply plug in your monthly revenue and expenses below, then sit back as our tool automatically churns out an annual income estimate — all factors considered.
Not sure where to pull those numbers? Take a peek below our tool to understand your income and expense variables in more detail, and check out our bonus resources that can help you make confident estimates.
The first step toward accurately estimating rental income? Defining each term properly. Here’s a quick-reference glossary of what each variable used in our calculator means.
Nightly Rate
Avg rate you expect to charge/night
Nights Booked
Avg # of nights you expect to book/month
Mortgage
Monthly mortgage payment
Utilities
Monthly costs for heat/hot water, electricity/AC, WiFi & cable
Insurance & Property Taxes
Monthly costs for homeowners insurance, liability insurance, property protection plan + your state’s property tax rate
Other Expenses
Monthly sum of HOA & maintenance costs + avg stocking/upgrading costs
Management Costs
Monthly % of income set aside for management/marketing fees (dependent on how you run your business)
Let’s be real: estimating an accurate income for your investment property can be confusing. Certain elements — like mortgage and utility payments — have fairly standard numbers you can enter into the calculator without much math. But others require more contextual consideration. So, let’s walk through each step of the process in more detail.
To accurately estimate nightly rate and expected nights booked, it’s important to understand the current market in your area.
The good news: we’ve analyzed tens of thousands of listings across North America to compile the most impactful performance metrics for you. From nightly rate and nights booked to average lengths of stay and prime booking windows throughout the year, all of the results can be found in our vacation rental market analyses library. Each provides a data-backed gauge of how direct competition performs — and, in turn, how much you might be able to to charge and book.
Once you pull the nightly rate and nights booked averages from those market analyses, plug them into the vacation rental income calculator above to start laying a solid foundation for estimating monthly income (and overall revenue).
Owners who work with Evolve get access to our team of revenue experts and exclusive revenue optimization strategies that are proven to outperform the market.
From taxes to marketing fees, your expense estimate relies heavily on custom quotes and individual choices.
First, add up the monthly costs of your different types of insurance — like homeowners insurance, liability insurance, and a property protection plan.
Evolve owners are automatically covered for accidental damages via our risk protection programs.
Then comes property taxes. How they’re applied varies by state, so be aware of your particular municipal requirements. If you’re not sure, you can plug your rental property’s address into this complimentary tool to receive the right rate.
Once you have an estimate for both, combine the numbers and enter the sum into our short term rental calculator.
Next, input your monthly mortgage payment and utilities.
To incorporate other expenses, first combine monthly HOA and maintenance costs, cleaning fees, and the average expense of keeping your short-term rental inventoried and well-stocked for guests.
If you need to make furniture or decor upgrades, put a price to those overarching updates and divide by 12 before adding to your total monthly view of those additional expenses.
Finally, there are management costs to consider. These fees and how they work look different depending on how you choose to run your vacation rental business.
If you run a vacation rental without any help:
If you use a property manager:
If you work with Evolve (who lists your home on all the best vacation rental sites at no extra cost):
Between the steep fees of traditional property managers and the overwhelming responsibility of a DIY approach, it’s hard to strike a cost-benefit balance that guarantees your success. At least, it was until Evolve came into the picture.
For an industry-low management fee (that’s backed by our Risk-Free Guarantee), we’ll apply a proven-to-work marketing and booking strategy to your vacation rental, boosting your revenue potential while keeping costs (and stress levels) down.
Hop down to the form below to see if you qualify for our services and kickstart a conversation with one of our vacation rental pros.
Real estate is known for being a solid investment, and recent travel trends like eco-friendly staycations, solo travel, and luxurious amenities all highlight the strong demand for accommodations that are unique to vacation rentals. As the market continues to grow, investing in short-term rental today can be a great play for long-term income.
Here are eight major benefits of owning vacation rental property to underscore exactly why it’s a good investment.
In This Article:
Increased Income Potential
Varied Market Opportunity
Offsetting Owner Costs
Even More Revenue Opportunity
A Built-In Vacation
Regular Maintenance & Upkeep
Tenant Flexibility
Home Appreciation
Not only is the vacation rental industry showing plenty of income potential, it’s also creating opportunity for what our real estate experts consider a “high-reward profile.”
Most investors look at cap rate — the ratio between a property’s net income and its market value — as a key measure of success, because it indicates return on investment. Our experts say long-term rental cap rates can hover around an average 4-5% in metro markets (where investors are typically drawn), but short-term rental cap rates can frequently come in at 10% or higher. That’s because long-term rentals lock in rates for longer periods of time, while short-term rentals have more room to dynamically change rates based on demand, seasonality, and other market conditions.
This means your ceiling for profitability is significantly higher when investing in short term rentals vs. long term rentals — and that’s more money that could land in your pocket.
While finding success in long-term rental generally requires a purchase near a major metro area, buyers can find vacation rental properties with profit potential in a wide variety of markets.
And since travelers’ favorite locations are scattered from coast to coast, you’re spoiled with choices for vacation rental investment properties –– whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, lakeside rental, mountainous ski house, or cozy cabin.
Ready to explore your options? Our team helps investors find success in vacation rental investment markets all across the country.
Creating solid revenue streams and growing your income property portfolio are the main investment goals for many second home owners. But there’s also massive value, particularly when it comes to investing for beginners, in offsetting owner expenses from the start.
From mortgage payments and utilities to insurance fees and maintenance costs, vacation rental income can cover monthly expenses and help your home pay for itself in a shorter time frame. Vacation rental owners are also eligible for certain tax deductions, which could help close the gap between income and expenses.
Bonus benefit: using a vacation rental management company with especially low fees (like Evolve) can help owners break even and start earning profit faster.
The best part about investing in vacation rental properties is that great guest feedback makes your home more lucrative over time.
When rental properties hit new listing sites, they have to compete with established competitors for visibility and bookings. But the more five-star experiences you deliver (along with smart responses to any poor reviews), the more sites like Airbnb and Vrbo will show your property to browsing travelers — making it more likely to earn bookings.
Best-in-class hospitality also makes it easier to raise daily rates (when the market allows for it), increasing your profit margins on any given stay as you establish the value of your vacation rental property.
Unlike long-term rental properties, a vacation rental investment is also a place where you can get away. It provides the luxury of carving out time to spend with family and friends, or to switch up your work-from-home space — without necessarily needing to spend money on accommodations each time you travel.
In other words, you earn rental income and boost revenue when you’re not there, but also save money when you’d like a change of scenery yourself.
When you frequently host new guests, you’ll be able to keep close tabs on your property during cleanings and maintenance. This regular upkeep can prevent long-term issues and maintain your property’s condition better than long-term rentals, which may suffer from a neglectful tenant.
With frequent access to your property, you can inspect for damages or wear, prep for seasonal changes, and quickly address any issues while they’re still manageable.
While some owners prefer the stability of a long-term tenant, short-term rental investments can help mitigate the impact of ending up with a problematic person leasing for a year or more, or having to weather lengthy vacancies between renters.
Payment is also more streamlined with vacation rentals. Since stays are typically paid for upfront, it can reduce the risk of rent arrears or non-payment issues that are more common with long-term tenants.
As with all smart real estate investments, you can expect your vacation rental’s market value to appreciate over time. So, if and when you become ready to sell, you’d likely earn more than the previous owners did when you bought it.
Your home will also have a track record as a vacation rental to appeal to the next investors, so you can use its earning potential to your advantage. If you work with Evolve, we’ll provide you with historical performance metrics, as well as feature your property on our website and connect you with vetted realtors that specialize in short-term rentals.
To help you target the right people when your home goes on the market, Evolve’s real estate experts can help you sell directly to buyers who are looking to invest in vacation rentals.
Investing in vacation rentals might feel like a big undertaking, but Evolve is here to guide you at every stage of the journey — whether you’re just starting out or consider yourself an industry pro. Our experts can help you:
And if you’re hoping to lock in a short term vacation rental investment with proof of performance, our listings for sale page features homes that already have a successful track record.
No matter where you are or plan to buy, we’re here to help you reach your vacation rental goals.
Digital nomads, rejoice: Work and play no longer have to be separate. While you’re still remote, get some fresh air without using all of your vacation days. Switching up your routine a little can inspire new thinking and deepen your focus — all while you enjoy all the luxuries of vacation on your off-time.
Ready to get out of the house? Pick one of these places based on how you like to feel at work and change up the scenery.
Make your co-workers jealous by joining the company meeting poolside. Lounge in the sun while you knock projects off your list, then enjoy a crisp plunge in the water. Bonus: all of our homes are vetted in person, which means these pools are as good as they look.
Soak in the desert sun from this Goodyear home with a resort-style hot tub and pool combo. Work on your tan while you work from the sprawling patio, complete with a fully shaded outdoor area. The interior’s open layout and farmhouse furnishings are so beautiful that you’ll want to stay in and make meals at home — but when you’re ready to get out, grab ice cream at The Frozen Monkey and take a stroll around South Lake Park.
If you’re feeling fancy, this Florida short-term rental is like stepping into a palace you can call your own. Here, 6,500 square feet of space is yours — meaning you can find a new place to work remotely every day. Sit al fresco in the expansive outdoor cabana or lounge by the palm tree-lined pool worthy of a magazine shoot. On weekends, day trip to the Florida Keys or take it easy with a bottle of local wine from Schnebly Winery.
The moment you set your bag down, the cerulean waters of this backyard pool will invite you to take a dip. Catch up with your group beneath the pergola, then swim laps in this sophisticated marvel as the sun goes down. Enormous windows let the light in here and make it feel like you’re by the pool, even when you’re hard at work inside. When you need to get out, experience the big city feeling by taking a walk through downtown Austin.
Honorable Mentions: Enjoy views of your own private lake and private pool at this luxurious vacation rental in Norman, OK, visit this meticulously decorated home with its own mini golf putting green and awe-inspiring pool in the Coachella Valley, or swim by day, stream movies in the home theater by night from this Pigeon Forge vacation rental.
Exercise helps mental health and increases productivity — and companies are encouraging their teams to work out more than ever. These vacation rentals are perfect for a getaway that blends work-life balance, with a home gym to break up your day.
Redwoods and red wine are waiting for you in Sonoma County. This charming cabin is the place to go glamping in the woods while still keeping a wi-fi signal. Nature is your gym here in a home that’s surrounded by trails and a few minutes from the beach, but if you want a more traditional place to exercise, hit the cabin’s small home gym. After a long work week, hop in the car, soak in ocean views, and savor wines from famous vineyards.
Turn your workday into a fairytale at this welcoming Acworth mansion, complete with a pool and its own movie theater. Take your lunch break in the home gym, catch up on emails from the gazebo, and toast to the day by the outdoor fire pit once five o’clock hits. There are so many ways to clear your head — whether it’s playing billiards, or cooking a meal for your group and enjoying it in the sprawling dining areas.
Honorable Mentions: This budget-friendly vacation home in Glendale, AZ offers all the perks of a private resort, including a pool and a putting green. Or, go big and work remotely from this enormous vacation home sitting over the lake in Kaiser, MO. You can also sit out by your own private creek and access some of Colorado’s most pristine trails from this home amid the treetops in Evergreen, CO.
Evolve only rents homes with private entrances, which means that every place on our site is perfect for finding focus. But if you’re looking for a getaway where you can separate your 9-5 from your night of relaxation, these picks come with a home office and the bliss of complete quiet.
Enormous Retreat In Erie, CO
This vacation rental is made for remote work retreats with multiple offices, plenty of separate seating areas, and a boardroom-style table. Travel with friends and tackle the workday separately from your own private spaces, then reconnect over a game night in the living room. Wind down while strolling downtown Boulder (just a short drive away) with the Flatiron mountains as your backdrop.
Enjoy a life of luxury from this scenic cabin equipped with its own lofted office for working remotely. Catch up about the day around the outdoor fire pit or sip wine on the sprawling wood patio immersed in the forest. If you feel like getting outside, explore the easy Show Low Bluff Trail on foot or spend a leisurely day fishing at Fool Hollow Lake.
Honorable Mention: Work remotely from this vacation rental in Fairplay, CO, and enjoy a cozy, log cabin exterior with a clean, modern interior.
Good books are meant to be enjoyed next to a crackling fireplace. After a long day at the (virtual) office, sink into the couch at one of these places and find your cozy. All you need to bring is hot cider and groceries — each of our homes comes fully equipped with all the amenities you need to stay in for the night.
Hit the road and head to Idyllwild, which sits in California’s San Jacinto mountains. Pets are welcome at this airy dome house that’s a theater to thousands of night stars. Once you’ve closed up your laptop for the day, hit the trails at Mount San Jacinto State Park, then bring home a mountain pie to share from Idyllwild Pizza.
Rise to the sound of trees rustling out this bright property filled with natural light. Kick your feet up in the loft to get some focus, then spend happy hour in the hot tub before cooking up a feast in the gorgeous, modern kitchen. When you’re ready for fresh air, take an evening bike ride along Lake Tahoe, or just sit out and enjoy the lake.
Breckenridge is an outdoor paradise — and this enormous cabin that sleeps 14 is just the place to enjoy it. Take your calls from the quiet porch, indulge in a midday break to shoot some hoops in the in-home basketball court, and wind down by the fire after an evening of exploring the area’s sites. Window shop along Main Street and grab takeout, or find a hike like Hoosier Pass you can do as the sun goes down over the mountain.
Honorable Mentions: Sip a nightcap on a porch overlooking the creek at this vacation home in Frisco, CO, or soak your bones in the hot tub surrounded by trees in this Alto, New Mexico cabin.
Get some new perspective on what you’re working on from one of these places with a view. Find yourself thinking in new ways as you walk along the beach or sit out on the lake, free to let your mind wander. Just be sure to bring a notepad with you as you roam these houses for the moment a great idea strikes.
If you’ve ever had the dream of looking out to the shoreline from a hot tub, this is just the place for you. This hilltop home in the Pacific Northwest is a destination for remote work, with several cozy seating areas, an unbelievable porch view looking over the coast, and a hot tub where you can dip and drink it all in. After work, take a scenic, slow drive along the Tillamook Bay and end the evening with scoops at the iconic Tillamook Creamery.
A lake with a private dock is yours at this calming escape in Albion, MI. This home is filled with windows so you never miss the view, even when you’re inside. There are so many places to work at this home on the golf course — whenever you need some fresh thinking, just pick a new room. The spacious kitchen opens right up into the living room, so you can share stories as you prepare the dinner to share. Days off can be spent on the course, dipping in the lake, or curling up next to a roaring fire while keeping the view.
Beachfront Home In Topsail Beach, NC
Creativity is often sparked by a long walk, and here, you can take that walk out on the beach. Sit out on one of the two decks facing the waves, then step out onto the sand when you need a break. Sunsets here look like a postcard, and you can enjoy them from a bright, cheerful house that is decorated to feel like vacation in every room. Spend the weekend grilling up porch on the outdoor barbecue and catching up your beach read in the pristine sand.
Honorable Mentions: Get out into the mountains at this Jefferson, CO cabin with a verdant view of the mountains and its own game room and treehouse. Or, book this cheerful beachfront home in New Smyrna Beach, FL with ocean access and take your morning coffee in the sand.
Enjoy the freedom to work remotely from a vacation rental anywhere, with all the comforts of home. Find your perfect place to get some fresh air and rest easy knowing that it’ll be professionally cleaned and ready for your arrival.
“Aren’t you just like Airbnb and Vrbo?”
We get that question a lot from people who haven’t worked with us yet. It’s easy to see why. We’re all in the same industry, short-term property rentals. You can find and book great properties on our website or on theirs. And the fact that every Evolve property appears on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other online marketplaces just adds a little more to the confusion.
So let’s clear things up and outline exactly how Evolve is NOT Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeAway, TripAdvisor, or any other online marketplace.
Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar websites are online “marketplaces” where guests find properties and homeowners find guests. Essentially, they act as a distribution channel for owners or property managers, attracting potential guests to their website but leaving the management of the properties and listings to the owners (or whoever is representing the property) themselves.
Evolve helps you start, manage, and grow a vacation rental business. That means we actively work on behalf of our owners, ensuring maximum bookings and eliminating the stress of the traditional vacation rental process.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Evolve is a BIG customer of the online marketplaces. We have tens of thousands of properties listed on their sites, and we constantly implement cutting-edge strategies to make sure our owners’ homes are positioned for maximum traffic and bookings.
Behind the scenes, we have teams of specialists working on the hardest parts of managing a vacation rental: marketing, booking, and customer service. Our teams do everything from creating search-topping property listings to revenue optimization to answering guest questions and asking for online reviews. We even hire professional photographers at no cost to owners to show each property in the best possible light.
As a result of our approach, Evolve properties outperform most others on the online marketplaces. So we don’t compete with Airbnb, Vrbo and the rest. We work with them–and everybody wins.
Unlike most marketplaces, we don’t offer home sharing, extended stays, campsites, trailers, or other mobile structures. Each Evolve property has its own entrance and kitchen (typically a house or condominium). A lot of Evolve guests appreciate having the comforts of home when they travel, and our properties reflect that.
We take even more guesswork out of vacation rental by making sure our properties meet our four core standards. We believe guests simply won’t have the experience they’re looking for unless the property they’ve booked is:
By focusing on properties ideally suited for vacationing and making sure each one lives up to our standards, we’re building a brand that guests can trust to have the time of their lives.
Since Airbnb, Vrbo, and the like don’t handle property management, homeowners have traditionally been forced to either hire a local company to do it or fend for themselves. Evolve is different.
We give homeowners performance-focused marketing and booking support, plus the flexibility to choose their own partner(s) to clean the property and greet guests. Evolve handles all guest inquiries, bookings, and pre-stay communications. We can also connect owners with hundreds of vetted partners nationwide that can handle cleaning and guests.
With Evolve’s help, every guest enjoys a booking experience that feels as professional as the world’s top hospitality brands. We handle all inquiries directly, resolve guest and owners questions, and communicate directly with cleaners to ensure the property is ready for every guest. Our unique approach makes vacation rental actually feel like vacation for owners and guests.
Once you work with Evolve, you quickly discover the difference between our service and all of the others. Soon you’ll book — and earn — more for an industry-low fee that’s backed by an unmatched Risk-Free Guarantee.
Owners should be able to relax, trusting that their property is living up to its potential. And guests should be able to relax with an experience that feels like a big hospitality brand. That’s the Evolve difference.
Learn more about how Evolve helps owners — from newcomers to industry veterans — maximize their listing exposure and passive income
If you’re new to the short-term rental world, you’re not alone. Hundreds of people enter the vacation rental industry every day looking to build equity, create passive income, and turn properties into high-performing investments.
But understanding how to make money with a vacation rental can feel overwhelming at first. We asked seasoned Evolve owners what they wish they had known when they were just starting out, then paired their insights with our expertise in managing thousands of vacation rentals nationwide.
Below is a simple, high-impact guide to help first-time owners set up their rental for long-term profitability.
In This Article:
Do Your Vacation Rental Homework
Don’t Cut Corners at the Start
New owners often underestimate how much foundational knowledge goes into running a successful short-term rental. You’ll need to understand:
“When I first started in the business in 2007, there wasn’t as much information about vacation rental readily available,” says Karen Hopkins, owner of eight short-term rentals in Branson, Missouri. “I would read everything I could get my hands on and study other rentals in my area.”
The takeaway: the more you study the market, the better your chances of avoiding first-timer mistakes — and the quicker you learn how to make money with a vacation rental.
Many first-time hosts try to save money upfront by:
But under-investing early usually leads to more work and fewer bookings.
Quality upgrades, trusted cleaning and property maintenance partners, and potentially a professional vacation rental management company can dramatically decrease your workload and maximize your investment. They’re often the difference between a rental that struggles and one that becomes a strong passive-income source.
Your design choices directly affect booking conversions. It’s best to create a comfortable and convenient space for any guest to enjoy.
To appeal to the widest audience:
“At first, we used the outdoor furniture we had instead of shelling out for new chairs, and our guests noticed,” says John Lisanick, the owner of this cozy cottage in White Stone, Virginia. “We corrected that right away and added ample deck chairs and cozy cushions.”
A well-designed, well-stocked home helps create the “understated luxury” travelers look for and can increase your positive reviews and repeat bookings.
The fastest way to maximize profits is to stop trying to do everything yourself. The most successful short-term rentals rely on professional support for:
“After I made the switch to partnering with Evolve, my revenue increased by far more than my fees,” Hopkins says. “Plus, it left me with more time to take care of all the other parts of the business so we could continue to grow.”
A trusted partner can give you an instant sense of professionalism, help you avoid common missteps, and unlock higher ROI with far less work.
Pricing mistakes are one of the biggest reasons DIY owners lose money.
To set the right nightly rate, new owners should consider:
A dynamic pricing strategy ensures your home stays competitive and profitable throughout the year. At Evolve, our exclusive algorithm analyzes billions of ever-changing data points to continuously optimize rates, helping owners earn more than traditional pricing methods allow.
Learning how to make money with a vacation rental is easier when you have the right resources and strategies.
Our free downloadable guide, The 6 Biggest Secrets to Making Thousands More with Your Vacation Rental, walks you through:
And if you ever want expert support, Evolve is here with the guidance and tools to help you earn more and stress less.
Choosing the right vacation rental management company can make a huge difference in the success of your property. Whether it’s your first time renting or you’re a seasoned owner, partnering with the right team can save you time, reduce stress, and maximize your income. Here’s a streamlined guide of questions you can ask managers to help you make an informed decision.
Want to know how Evolve would answer these questions? See if you qualify for our services today and we’ll put you in touch with one of our vacation rental experts ASAP.
In This Article:
What’s the Vacation Rental Market Like in My Area?
What Are Your Fees and Contract Terms?
What Services Are Included in Your Fees?
How Will You Market My Property?
When and What’s Your Booking and Customer Support Availability?
How Will You Maintain My Property’s Condition and Handle Damages?
Understanding the local market is crucial for maximizing your property’s performance. Ask the management company about:
Why It Matters: A company that knows the local market can tailor pricing, marketing, and booking strategies to optimize your revenue.
Be prepared: Get ready for the conversation with our vacation rental market analyses, which cover everything from income potential by property size to average daily rates by season.
Many companies charge management fees that typically range from 25-50% of your rental income. Before committing to anything, be sure to:
💡Look for a company with flexible terms and clear payment schedules. Evolve doesn’t require long-term contracts, there’s no cost to join, and our approach is backed by a Risk-Free Guarantee.
Different companies include different services. Clarify what’s covered in the management fee, such as:
Specifically ask what services aren’t included in their fees so you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. Comprehensive support and expert-level attention to detail shouldn’t depend on extra charges after you sign a management agreement.
A robust marketing strategy with a strong online presence is essential for high occupancy rates. Ask about:
Evolve Advantage: We promote listings across all major platforms, including those that owners can’t access on their own, ensuring maximum visibility.
Make sure the management company offers:
These benefits ensure you never miss a booking opportunity and that guests have a seamless experience.
To keep your vacation rental guest-ready, make sure the company:
Making sure you’re covered for any accidental damages or issues is the best way to protect your investment.
Evolve advantage: We support our owners throughrisk protection programs, so you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.
Before signing a contract, ask to:
Client feedback can provide valuable insight into how the company performs over time.
Choosing the best vacation rental management partner can feel overwhelming, but it’s nothing compared to doing it on your own. The right company makes ownership easier, more efficient, and far more profitable.
If you want a proven, low-stress path to better performance, work with Evolve. Our revenue-driving approach includes everything from helping you find your next investment to filling it with guests and boosting your income.
Ready to see if we’re the right fit? Use the form below to connect with one of our vacation rental experts and see how we can help you achieve your goals as an STR owner.
If you’re preparing your mountain vacation rental for ski season, the right amenities can make or break a guest’s experience — and your winter booking rate. To help you understand what travelers actually search for and ask about, we gathered info on the top winter amenities requested by travelers booking ski homes, cabins, and other mountain getaways.
Below are expert answers to questions about the most in-demand mountain rental amenities, based on insights we’ve gathered from everyday conversations with guests.
In This Article:
Do Ski Travelers Expect Snow Removal?
What Kitchen Essentials Should a Mountain Rental Have?
What Mountain Access Information Do Guests Need?
What Mountain Access Information Do Guests Need?
Should You Add Holiday Decorations?
Do Mountain Rentals Need WiFi and Cable?
Yes — snow removal is one of the top amenities winter guests ask about.
Travelers want to enjoy their vacation, not shovel their way to the front door. Offering professional snow removal for driveways and walkways:
💡If you’re in a high-snow region, highlight “snow removal included” clearly in your listing.
Ski season overlaps with major holidays, meaning families often cook large meals at your property. To meet expectations (and show up in “fully stocked kitchen for holiday cooking” searches), be sure to provide:
💡Call out these details in your listing. A well-equipped kitchen is a major booking driver for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and long winter weekends.
Your guests are likely unfamiliar with the area and may not know how to get to popular destinations, what transportation options are available, or how to access ski lifts and rent equipment.
Help them by providing:
Distances to ski resorts and town centers
Transportation options and shuttle info
Equipment rental locations
Ski school details
Driving/traffic tips
Best times to hit the slopes
💡Compile all these details in a pre-stay email and include them in a Welcome Book at your property so your guests feel like insiders.
Absolutely. Parking questions are among the most common traveler inquiries for any property.
Garage parking is especially valuable in snowy climates because it eliminates the need for brushing or scraping and protects travelers who may not be used to winter driving.
Guests want to know:
Is parking available on-site?
Is covered parking included?
💡If you don’t offer covered parking, give guests a list of nearby affordable options.
Surprisingly, yes — guests frequently ask about holiday lights and décor.
Keep it simple and universal:
These features add charm without alienating guests with specific holiday preferences.
Reliable WiFi is one of the top guest concerns in mountain markets. Since many mountain towns have spotty cell service, guests want reassurance before booking.
You should provide:
Going the extra mile to make sure guests know they won’t be forced off-grid during their vacation instantly reduces anxiety and boosts booking confidence.
Yes. “Cabin with fireplace” is a highly searched term in major mountain and ski markets, and some travelers refuse to book a cabin without the amenity.
If you have a fireplace, make it a star feature in your listing and showcase it in your lead photo.
💡If not, an outdoor fire pit is an easy upgrade that adds extra coziness and attracts guests looking for après-ski ambiance.
Small comforts go a long way. Popular bonus amenities include:
💡Simple touches can turn a stay into a memorable experience — and often into a repeat booking.
The owners who get the best reviews are the ones who anticipate what out-of-towners need most. As you get ready for peak season, think about the services, supplies, and small comfort upgrades that help guests feel at home in an unfamiliar environment.
You can even welcome travelers with a small gift. For ideas, explore our guest gifting guide to elevate their stay from the moment they arrive.
At Evolve, we help owners increase revenue while delivering the five-star experience guests expect. Fill out the form below to see if your property qualifies and learn how our team of experts can support your vacation rental goals during the winter season.
If you’ve got your vacation rental fully stocked, furnished, deep-cleaned, and guest-ready, the next big step is getting it in front of travelers.
That leads first-time STR owners to the next biggest question:
“What are the best sites to list my vacation rental on?”
To help you decide what’s best for your property, this guide breaks down the top vacation rental listing sites, how each one works for owners, who each site attracts, and what it costs.
Fast answer: If you don’t want to choose, Evolve lists your home on all major booking sites for you — Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals, Expedia, Hopper Homes, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy™, and more.
In This Article
Airbnb
Vrbo
Booking.com
Google Vacation Rentals
Expedia
Hopper
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy™
Best for: broad reach, younger and tech-savvy travelers
Audience size: estimated 275M+ global users
Airbnb is one of the most recognizable vacation rental platforms. You can list almost any type of accommodation, including private rooms, entire homes, and unique stays.
It’s a flexible, hands-on platform, but new hosts may feel the learning curve if they want step-by-step business guidance.
Best for: families, longer stays, older travelers, locals
Audience size: 48M+ monthly active users
Vrbo focuses exclusively on entire-home rentals (not shared spaces), making it ideal if you want to cater to families or groups.
Guests tend to book longer stays here, meaning fewer turnovers and potentially lower cleaning and maintenance costs.
Owners choose between:
Both options include a 3% payment processing fee on total payment and taxes.
Booking.com includes hotels, rentals, flights, and more, attracting high-intent travelers who are ready to book. It has the broadest audience of all the best short-term rental sites.
This platform behaves more like a travel marketplace than a community, which some owners appreciate for predictability.
Best for: maximum visibility on Google search results
Audience size: virtually anyone searching for stays on Google
Google’s vacation rental feature displays rental listings directly in search results. Combined with their near-monopoly on internet searches, it can dramatically increase your exposure.
You cannot list directly. Google Vacation Rentals isn’t DIY because it isn’t technically a marketplace. You must work with a property manager partnered with Google (like Evolve).
Since Google relies on search algorithms:
Expedia is one of the most well-known travel agencies globally; travelers often book rentals alongside flights and activities.
Owners can’t list directly. You must work through a property management company (like Evolve).
Working with an Expedia subsidiary (like Vrbo) gets you the opportunity to show up on Expedia’s site, but there are specific criteria to be featured.
With the right management partner, your listing may also appear on Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, Hotels.com, and other Expedia Group sites.
Best for: Millennials & Gen Z, mobile-first travelers, packaged-trip shoppers
Audience size: 120M+ app users
Hopper offers flights and rental cars in addition to stays. It markets aggressively on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and 70% of its users are Gen Z and Millennials.
Hopper has two separate fee structures for owners working with a property management company and those doing it themselves:
Best for: premium properties and loyalty-driven travelers
Audience size: 220M+ Marriott Bonvoy™ members
Homes & Villas’ vacation rental collection showcases high-end, hand-selected homes.
HVMB is only accessible through partnered property management companies.
Listing on just one platform limits your visibility. More sites mean more exposure, more bookings, and higher revenue.
But managing multiple listings yourself presents many challenges:
Evolve eliminates the need to choose. As part of our services, we:
All while only charging an industry-low management fee of 10% or 15%, depending on your chosen management plan.
If you want simplified, high-performing vacation rental marketing without managing it all yourself, fill out the short form below to see if your home qualifies.
Recent federal legislation restored a powerful short-term rental (STR) tax loophole, allowing owners to take advantage of 100% bonus depreciation. For owners who qualify, that means the chance to deduct a substantial portion of property-related costs from your ordinary income (i.e. primary income from W-2 wages or business income).
This creates a sizable new opportunity to grow your rental business, but it’s also not the only tax advantage STR owners have at their disposal. Whether you’re considering investing in a short-term rental, turning a second home into one, or looking to maximize the profitability of an existing STR, there are ways to reduce your tax burden and free up more cash to reinvest.
Evolve can be an ideal partner to help you leverage these benefits. Here’s what capitalizing on the STR tax loophole and other tax advantages entails — and how our management model can support your success.
Note: Evolve cannot provide tax advice. The information in this article is meant to help you understand general concepts that may apply to short-term rental ownership. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.
💡 Eager to buy? Get market recommendations, custom income projections, and access to financing and furnishing partners when we work together.
In This Article:
What is 100% bonus depreciation?
How do owners qualify for bonus depreciation?
What is material participation?
How can owners benefit from material participation?
Taking bonus depreciation further with cost segregation
Hiring specialists
Strategy in action: How the numbers can play out
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
100% bonus depreciation lets STR owners deduct the entire cost of qualifying assets in the year they’re listed for rent from your ordinary income — instead of spreading them out over many years.
Under current legislation, the enhanced benefit will apply to assets placed in service between January 20, 2025 and December 31, 2029. Owners with properties placed in service prior to January 20, 2025 can also benefit from bonus depreciation. Percentages vary by year, but many STR owners are sitting on significant amounts of unrealized tax savings.
Maximum bonus depreciation percentages for qualifying years:
2025: 100%
2024: 60%
2023: 80%
2018-2022: 100%
To use bonus depreciation, your property must meet certain IRS requirements. The most critical are:
Material participation is what lets the IRS treat your short-term rental as an “active business” instead of just a passive investment. That’s important because it can open the door to bigger tax benefits.
To demonstrate material participation, you or your spouse must spend 100+ hours per year on the property, and more time than any other individual. There are other ways to satisfy the material participation requirement, but the “100-hour test” is most common among STR owners.
Preparing your property for guests, time spent coordinating repairs or improvements with contractors once it’s up-and-running, managing turnovers, or checking in with guests during their stays can all count.
Partnering with Evolve makes this simple. You can demonstrate active involvement in operations while we handle your booking management, pricing strategy, and guest support.
Plus, the team we put behind you includes a variety of experts, from revenue managers to customer support reps to trusted service partners. So no individual would ever contribute more than the 100 hours you do in a tax year.
This is the best of both worlds for leveraging material participation as a tax strategy — you get strategic management at scale without overshadowing your role as the owner, which you generally can’t achieve with full-service property managers.
💡 Keep a log of your hours, receipts, and emails to document your material participation.
As we’ve covered, material participation is a key requirement to qualify for bonus depreciation — but it can also unlock other valuable tax benefits unique to STRs.
Here’s why: the IRS usually considers rental properties generators of “passive” income, but demonstrating material participation in an STR creates a special exception that can move your property to an “active” classification.
As a result, you may be able to use STR-related deductions to offset W-2 or business wages, making STRs uniquely powerful in potentially reducing your taxable income more broadly whether or not you’re in your first year of operation.
This can really depend on your circumstance, though. Speak with a tax professional to understand the ins and outs.
While residential real estate generally depreciates on a standard 27.5-year schedule, many owners also use a cost segregation study in order to generate a deductible loss through depreciation on shorter timelines.
Through cost segregation, the physical components of your property as well as certain improvements associated with getting your short-term rental ready to use (like renovations or new appliances) can qualify for bonus depreciation in year one.
Turn to the services of specialists, such as a firm focused on cost segregation studies or a tax planning firm with proficiency in real estate asset protection. Evolve can connect you with trusted guidance in these areas:
CSA Partners focuses exclusively on cost segregation, with over 30,000 studies completed nationwide. Evolve referrals get a complimentary benefit analysis, and owners on our Plus management plan will receive $150 off a cost segregation study.
Learn more about CSA Partners →
The experts at Anderson Advisors look at your situation from the legal, tax, financial, and business planning perspectives to help you navigate the complexities of real estate and make informed decisions. Evolve referrals are eligible for a free asset protection strategy session, and if you’re an Evolve owner on our Plus management plan, you’ll receive up to $500 off select tax advice packages.
Learn more about Anderson Advisors →
Say you make $180,000 annually and purchase a $500,000 condo. You consult professional tax guidance and decide to partner with Evolve — making it easy to get set up as a short-term rental while materially participating in your rental operations.
This qualifies you for 100% bonus depreciation, which you opt to maximize through a cost segregation study. Major property components like appliances, flooring, and landscaping are reclassified into shorter depreciation schedules — which makes more of your upfront costs fully deductible in year one.
As a result, you’re ultimately able to deduct 30% of the property’s total value — $150,000 — reducing your taxable income from $180,000 to just $30,000 for the year. This creates massive upfront savings you can then reinvest in further upgrades and future growth of your vacation rental business.
Bonus depreciation can be a powerful tool short-term rental owners can use to boost cash flow and make a property investment work harder from day one. Pair it with a cost segregation study, and the benefits may be even greater. Layer on the potential to offset active income with your material participation demonstration, and you’ve built a dynamic STR tax strategy.
At Evolve, we can help you strike an ideal balance for leveraging these opportunities: you stay in control of your property operations while we simplify the management side, making it easier to qualify for bonus depreciation while focusing on your growth. Connect with us today if this sounds like the partnership you’re looking for.
And if you’re on the hunt for the right property, we can help there, too. We partner at any stage of your buying journey — whether you’re still defining your business goals or ready to chat with an agent.
To reap the benefits of the STR tax loophole, you can leverage 100% bonus depreciation and maximize its impact with a cost segregation study. Work with a CPA and a firm that specializes in cost segregation studies to make sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to qualify.
100% bonus depreciation lets STR owners deduct the entire cost of qualifying assets from ordinary income (primary income from W-2 wages or business income) in the first year their property is listed for rent.
You or your spouse spend 100+ hours per year — and more time than anyone else — actively involved in your property operations. Time spent coordinating repairs with contractors, managing turnovers, or checking in with guests can all count. This helps qualify you for 100% bonus depreciation, and may also open up additional opportunities for deducting losses.
As an Evolve referral, take advantage of Anderson Advisors’ free asset protection strategy session to talk through your situation and create an asset protection blueprint. And if you’re an Evolve owner on our Plus management plan, you’ll receive up to $500 off select tax advice packages.
A cost segregation study reclassifies parts of your total property cost so those components are deductible on shorter timelines — and depreciate faster than the building itself. It’s conducted by professionals — generally a firm that specializes specifically in these kinds of studies.
Get your complimentary benefit analysis from CSA Partners to see how much hidden cash flow you can unlock, and take $150 off a cost segregation study if you’re a Plus owner with Evolve.
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve how Evolve partners with our owners. Guided by our Owner Promise, our team uses owner feedback as the driving force for continuous service enhancements, feature releases, and process optimizations that better the owner experience.
Evolve CEO Brian Egan detailed our most recent updates in the 2025 Summer Release, including new tools to fine-tune the booking experience, upgrades to our Owner App, and improvements to guest communications and owner support.
In This Article:
Expanded pricing toolkit
Owner App upgrades
Better communication and support
Our performance settings give Evolve owners the flexibility and control to tailor a pricing strategy that meets their specific needs. These new tools are designed to help owners fill empty space in their calendars, secure their revenue, and attract the types of stays that best fit their property.
When an Evolve owner has one to three nights available between bookings, Gap Minimum Rates and Gap Minimum Stays let them override their baseline settings to fill empty calendar space. These tools enable owners to cut down on open nights through conditional discounts and lower minimum stay lengths without compromising on their default settings.
Last-Minute Minimum Rates help owners book hard-to-fill nights by automatically reducing their default minimums by up to 20% for bookings made within 30 days of check-in. Time-sensitive overrides like these empower short-term rental owners to effortlessly make quick adjustments that convert open nights into revenue.
Offering longer stays can provide vacation rental owners with steadier earnings than shorter stays alone. Weekly Discounts give guests lower rates for stays between seven and 27 nights. Combined with our existing Monthly Discounts, Evolve owners can incentivize longer bookings for a calendar that’s more consistently full.
Specifically for Airbnb bookings, Non-Refundable Discounts let travelers save 10% by agreeing to no refund if they cancel beyond the 24-hour grace period. Owners can use this setting to guarantee more security in their earnings and increase listing visibility on Airbnb through their special pricing features.
💡 10 ways to maximize your vacation rental income
Default Maximum Stays make it easier to account for HOA restrictions, rules in residential communities, and local legislation that entitles guests to tenants rights if they rent a home longer than a set duration.
Combined with default and custom minimum settings, Evolve owners can define both the lower and upper limits of their property’s length-of-stay to secure bookings that match what works best for them.
The Evolve Owner App is more intuitive and feature-packed than ever before. It now offers a consistent experience across web and mobile, making it easier to know where to go and what to do no matter what device an owner uses.
All performance settings are now directly accessible from the calendar. Evolve owners can see upcoming reservations for all of their vacation rental properties and quickly switch between settings for each property to customize their pricing strategy more easily and efficiently.
Calendar syncing enables Evolve owners to see important booking details in their preferred calendar app, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft Outlook. This integration is all about simplifying the owner experience, integrating the latest reservation info into services they already use in their daily lives.
Passwords are notoriously risky as security credentials, vulnerable to phishing attempts and malware like keyloggers. We’ve implemented passwordless login to enhance security and streamline account access.
Passwordless login reduces the number of attack vectors — ways for hackers to enter a network or system — by eliminating passwords entirely and authenticating logins through codes or links delivered by email addresses or mobile phone numbers linked to the user’s account. Put simply, the only way someone can access an Evolve account is if they also have access to the email address or SIM card linked to it.
Communication is key in the short-term rental business. That’s why we’re making it more efficient and effective for owners to speak with guests and get support from our team.
Engaging with positive reviews can make guests feel seen and inspire repeat bookings. Evolve owners can now respond directly to 5-star reviews in the Owner App, simplifying how they acknowledge great feedback, show they’re a caring and involved owner, and build on their property’s reputation.
💡 See tips for how to consistently get more 5-star reviews
Smarter, more efficient tools and AI utilization have bolstered our ability to give Evolve owners quick and effective solutions to issues and concerns. Since implementation, we’ve seen 50% improvement in resolving owner questions on the first interaction and 70% improvement in chat wait times.
Evolve already puts our owners’ listings in front of millions of travelers across the top booking sites. We’ve now begun testing a consolidated in-app inbox that combines guest messages across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. We hope to release this feature sometime in 2026.
We’ll never stop improving, and we want to help you do the same. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing vacation rental business, Evolve’s team of experts and in-house specialists can meet you where you are and help you maximize your potential.
Take a look at how Evolve makes vacation rental easy, or fill out the form below to see if you qualify for our services and start a conversation with one of our vacation rental pros.
Vacation rental maintenance issues are the most common guest complaint. In fact, our data from hundreds of thousands of rental reviews shows they were brought up in 47% of all negative reviews over the last year. And it makes sense: problems with comfort-boosting systems, clean surroundings, and home safety can throw off any vacation.
Staying up-to-date with your monthly, seasonal, and annual vacation rental maintenance keeps guests from running into these inconveniences during their stay. It also clears the way for them to enjoy every detail you’ve put into the property — from your key amenities to charming welcome gifts.
Altogether, this can lead to five-star experiences that set you up for good guest reviews and better performance. But figuring out what needs your attention — and when — can feel like a lot. That’s why we created a vacation home maintenance checklist designed to make upkeep easy.
Download our free vacation rental maintenance checklist
In This Article:
How to Maintain a Vacation Home
How to Find the Right Vacation Rental Maintenance Services
Build Your Vacation Rental Maintenance Toolbox with This Checklist
The best way to handle vacation rental maintenance is to check up on your appliances, amenities, and home systems before they let you (or your guests) know there’s a problem. This also helps avoid property damage, which could lead to higher costs for your business.
To keep up with preventive maintenance for your rental property, here’s a baseline for what to check inside and around your home — and how often to do so.
Certain parts of your home need more consistent attention to properly maintain and stay ahead of larger issues. That’s why we recommend doing these tasks on a monthly basis at least:
Whether you’re managing your rental on your own or working with a trusted team, it’s easier to keep up with monthly vacation rental maintenance during regularly scheduled home cleaning. Since you’re already refreshing your property between check-ins, we recommend spreading these upkeep tasks throughout the month to keep each turnover quick and efficient. Our free checklist can help you keep track of when each task was last done.
In addition to regular monthly maintenance, make time for seasonal upkeep — and always keep your property’s unique needs in mind. Remember: changing seasons can affect homes differently depending on their location (think salt building up on beach homes, and winterizing needs for mountain cabins). So, while you may have unique tasks on your list, in general be sure to:
Seasonal tasks don’t end inside your home, either. If you have outdoor space, vacation rental yard maintenance is just as important. So keep these items on your seasonal checklist, too:
Looking for ways to cut maintenance costs? Choosing eco-friendly features can help save you green and attract more guests.
While annual chores can sometimes take more time (and professionals) to complete, they can go a long way for your guests and revenue. Do these once a year for upkeep:
Professional maintenance services aren’t just for out-of-state or hands-off owners. The right teams help make sure all the items on your checklist are taken care of expertly and efficiently. Think of them as a support system for your home’s health, safety, and performance.
These days, apps like Frontdoor and Mavyn can help you track down local experts and walk you through some upkeep jobs yourself. This can be a huge benefit, as finding maintenance professionals where your home is located can be difficult if it’s in the mountains or another more rural or secluded spot.
If you do have multiple service options in your area, look through Google reviews to narrow down your top picks. Then, meet with two or three contractors to get bids before you dive in. This will also give you a better idea of each team’s cost and competency level.
You could also consider working with a management company like Evolve. After over a decade in the industry, we’ve built a network of vetted service providers that spans the country. No matter what your upkeep and business needs are, having an experienced coordinator in your corner can help you wrangle all the essentials.
To make upkeep simple and streamlined, get our vacation rental maintenance checklist. Inside, you’ll find:
Just like our inventory tracker and cleaning checklists, this downloadable guide makes it easy to keep your property in five-star shape. Pair those with our full suite of owner services, and you get all the support you need to reach vacation rental success — whether you’re just starting out, managing your rental, or growing your investments.
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to vacation rental interior design.
That’s because your property’s aesthetic is one of the first things travelers see when exploring their rental options, and 75% of online shoppers rely on photos to make buying decisions. So, how you furnish your vacation rental is key to converting lookers to bookers. Plus, the quality of your design choices helps drive unforgettable experiences once guests are through the door — experiences you need to generate more five-star reviews and build a highly-rated reputation that attracts future travelers (and repeat bookers).
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refresh existing spaces for maximum revenue potential, here are six expert tips for creating cohesive, income-driving vacation rental interior design.
Cut to the chase and get expert design and furnishing support from our partner, Showplace. They’ve helped owners increase nightly revenue by 22% on average.
In This Article:
Focus on Function and Durability
Balance Neutrality and Personality
Style Every Surface
Design Spaces for Special Moments
Be Thoughtful About Lighting
Remove Any Personal Clutter
Driving bookings and great reviews should start with the furnishing basics: you need quality pieces that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also practical and built to last.
Since most guests spend a decent amount of time in primary living spaces, prioritize high-use furniture like sofas, beds, dining tables, and chairs — making sure your seating and sleeping options accommodate your home’s max capacity.
You’ll want to focus on durability and comfort with each staple piece — so the design experts at Showplace recommend sourcing from premium brands like Article, West Elm, or Williams Sonoma. While this is more of an investment upfront, it’s worth it in the long run. When your furniture is made well, it can better withstand typical wear and tear from year-round guests — which creates consistency from one guest experience to the next and limits costs associated with maintenance or replacements.
While shopping for your must-have furniture, consider how each piece fits functionally into your rental. To help, think about how you make use of your own living spaces at home. Seating orientation in your living room should make it easy for everyone to gather around the TV, for instance, and there could always be a surface within arms reach to put down a refreshment. It’s these thoughtful elements of convenient, functional design that allow your guests to truly relax.
Maximizing your booking potential also means making sure your property appeals to as many guests as possible. To do this, you’ll want to balance simplicity and style in your vacation rental interior design.
For larger-scale furnishings like sofas and bedspreads, shop for neutral tones. Creams or grays create a sleek and modern base, while earthy browns create a warm, rustic feel. Whatever palette you choose, starting with a neutral foundation helps more people envision themselves in your space.
From there, you can layer on unique accents that set your home apart from competitors. Incorporate pops of color with throw blankets, decorative pillows, and area rugs. To make even more of a statement, consider adding wallpaper to amp up a space — or playing into a theme.
When adding personality in these ways, it can be helpful to lean into your property’s location. If you’re in a beachy area, for instance, consider nautical accents like anchor hooks for jackets or seashell art. If you have a cabin in a mountain community, explore reclaimed materials like wood, stone, and leather for a nature-focused feel.
The basics of comfort, convenience, and style set the stage for top-notch design, but it’s consistency in applying decorative touches that really rounds things out. In addition to being cohesive, each space should feel full without feeling cluttered.
To strike the right balance, Showplace experts recommend selecting at least one to three decor items for every table and shelf. Play with various textures, materials, and colors to make each surface’s aesthetic more dynamic. Think: a potted plant to infuse life, coffee table books for color, decorative trays and ceramic vases for dimension.
These finishing touches are where your home’s personality can shine, but they’re also an opportunity to add function. Make one of your three coffee table items a stack of cute coasters, for instance, or pop a floral pitcher guests can actually use on a kitchen shelf. Your styling details can make good vacation rental interior design great — and be a key difference in creating a memorable at-home experience.
And good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune on decor accents, so this is where you can offset some of your high-use furniture costs. Our partners at Showplace recommend checking out wholesale websites like Wayfair for inexpensive options that still fit the bill.
While travelers turn to vacation rentals to find a home away from home, they’re also eager for unforgettable experiences. Make your home the star of their getaway by intentionally designing spaces for memory-making.
Turn a bare window into a cozy reading nook by adding a cushioned window seat and bookshelves. Or, make your den a cinema-lover’s paradise with a movie projector and plug-in popcorn machine. Showplace design experts say you can even consider creating an “Instagram Wall” for guests to capture photos together — adding funky wallpaper, picture-worthy signage, or an array of themed props.
By emphasizing the importance of special moments guests can create, you’ll paint an idyllic picture for potential bookers and give them unique experiences to reminisce about in those coveted five-star reviews.
Generic light sources (like pre-installed overhead fixtures) can make even the most beautifully furnished interiors feel harsh and unwelcoming. Add to your home’s overall ambiance by investing in softer lighting options.
In living and sleeping spaces, consider swapping standard fixtures for pendant lighting to create a warmer glow. Add table and standing lamps, too, so guests don’t even need to flick on the overhead. You can even upgrade the wash of existing lamps with Edison bulbs or new lamp shades — which, bonus points, can also play right into your decor aesthetic.
It’s not just about the kind of lighting you choose, though. Be mindful of location to guarantee convenience. Guests should never have to feel through a room in the dark, so make sure switches are easy to find — and there’s a source of light near every room’s entryway. Consider placing nightlights along hallways and staircases, too, so navigating your home at night is simple and safe.
Finally, don’t discount the impact of natural light. Large windows and south-facing rooms make for sunny, well-lit spaces travelers love. Just remember to add curtains or blinds so guests can soak up the sunshine as they please — then shut it out for movie time or sleeping.
Great vacation rental interior design feels homey and personal — but it shouldn’t look like someone else lives there. Even though you’re likely using your vacation rental from time to time, make sure family photos, articles of clothing, toiletries, or other personal items are out of sight for your guests.
That’s not to say you can’t share tidbits about your family or the history of your home in a place like your welcome book. But when it comes to what’s on the shelves and in closets, your vacation rental should have no trace of other people — so guests can truly make it their own.
Consider locking off the basement, attic, or a particular closet for owner use only. Your personal belongings will be safe and secured while guests are on property without impacting their experience — but still easy to grab when you pop in for a stay.
The bottom line: your vacation rental interior design matters, and how you choose to furnish and decorate can help you earn more in the many rental seasons to come.
Wherever you are in your ownership journey, hitting the right design notes can be a lot to take on without support. Our partners at Showplace specialize in furnishing vacation rentals, and can flex to your needs to help achieve your vision. Explore custom and predesigned packages, plus a number of optional add-ons like white-glove delivery and installation. Best of all, they can get your property fully furnished in just six weeks, making it that much easier to get a home designed to drive revenue open for bookings fast.
Of course, there’s one other thing you can do to help maximize vacation rental revenue while minimizing your to-do list — and that’s partnering with a management company like Evolve. When you team up with our professionals, you unlock expert tactics and proven strategies that level up your business. Our management plans meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
There’s no doubt about it: the vacation rental industry is super competitive these days, and owners everywhere need to be tuned into its shifting trends to win bookings.
As we move through the summer — a peak season for many — imbalanced supply and demand growth continues to put us in a traveler’s market. But owners still have the opportunity to maximize revenue when they adapt their strategies based on the current climate.
To do this, it’s important to know what factors are at play — and how they’re shaping the landscape. Here are the top three vacation rental industry trends we’re monitoring now through Labor Day, so you can make the most of your performance potential.
In This Article:
Demand Is Rising, But Still Outpaced By Supply
Travelers Are Booking Farther in Advance
Competitive Daily Rates Are Helping Drive More Occupancy
So far this summer, there have been a lot of positive signs around traveler interest in vacation rentals. In May, for example, demand growth hit a 2024 high at 11.4% — which also reflected a year-over-year increase. Occupancy for the July 4th holiday also surpassed 2023 numbers, and Labor Day bookings are coming in earlier than they did last year, pointing to strong momentum in the market.
Combining these with economic considerations, demand is likely to stay strong for the remainder of summer. While inflation rates continue to drop, vacation expenses like food and airfare can still stretch budgets, so experts predict rentals will continue to climb as a top accommodation choice due to the convenience and cost-savings they tend to offer.
At the same time, mortgage rates remain high and new vacation rental regulations are popping up in jurisdictions across the country — which can make investing in this space more difficult. As a result, supply growth is slowing (particularly in non-coastal markets like the Midwest, Rocky Mountain, and desert regions). But it hasn’t slowed enough to reach a tipping point, meaning available inventory still outweighs overall demand and owners should expect competition for bookings to stay tight this summer.
This year, our experts have seen traveler behavior begin to shift more firmly toward pre-pandemic trends. Families are planning around in-person schooling, and more workers are headed back to the office in hybrid or full-time capacities. Paired with the economic strain still felt by many, there’s a need to plan and budget.
That motivates many travelers to book dates for their main vacations ahead of schedule — locking in reservations more than 30 or 60 days before their trip begins. This June, for instance, bookings for future check-in dates were made 20% farther in advance year over year. And our experts are seeing the trend continue, with occupancy for August currently up 8% as compared to the same time last year.
With tight competition for summer bookings due to the continued imbalance between supply and demand — and longer booking windows — we’re seeing average daily rates stay fairly level.
At Evolve, keeping rates reasonable (and often just below similar properties in a market) is part of a proactive strategy designed to drive occupancy and increase overall revenue. As guests booked farther in advance at higher volumes this May and June, our experts offered competitive rates early to secure more summer reservations — as well as fill any last-minute calendar gaps in July. As we look forward, rates are expected to remain in the same range, and are only anticipated to drop at the tail-end of August when most areas close out their peak season.
As we move through the next couple of months — and beyond — performance expectations differ as industry trends change. When you continually re-evaluate what the industry baseline for success looks like at any given time, you can more effectively work toward realistic and tactical performance goals.
Close and careful market analysis is a cornerstone of our management services, and a key component of how we help tens of thousands of owners maximize their performance potential.
Vacations are often made memorable by the destination, but staying in a tiny house rental is an adventure all its own no matter where you are. These getaways usually offer a standout travel experience, giving you plenty of opportunity to get out and explore before getting cozy indoors.
Plus, data shows tiny houses are one of the most popular unique vacation rental types with growing demand, so you’re likely to find one near your favorite destination.
Book any of these charming tiny home rentals next time you’re searching for a compact cabin or a pint-sized paradise. No matter what kind of vacation you need, you’re sure to find a little something to explore.
Don’t forget: you can favorite your top tiny homes to save and reference when planning your next escape.
In This Article:
Tiny Hot Springs Treasure
Waterfront Hideaway
Charming Tiny Home with Private Hot Tub
Mini Tin Cabin
Tiny Ozarks Escape
Artsy Adobe Studio
Cozy Remote Cabin
Woodsy Tiny Home
Rustic Black Hills Abode
4-Season Gold Coast Cottage
Tiny Hawaiian Paradise
Loudonville Shipping Container Getaway
Idyllic Forest Studio
Quaint Hideaway on the Gulf
This tiny studio in Hot Springs, AR entertains national park enthusiasts from all over the world and provides all the amenities for a comfortable, budget-friendly adventure. The best part? It’s located just minutes from Hot Springs National Park.
The snuggly hideout is also close to popular thrills found at Magic Springs Theme Park, and sits less than one mile from downtown. There you can roll the dice at Oaklawn Casino, or take a stroll through Garvan Woodland Garden. Wherever your daytime adventures take you, relax peacefully as the evening unfolds in the comfort of your private backyard.
Possibly one of the Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets, this eclectic tiny home sits in the heart of Bay St. Louis, where southern charm meets total relaxation. With walkable access to Main Street (hello, shopping and mouthwatering eats) and nearby white sand beaches, it’s easy to enjoy a little bit of everything for a perfect tiny trip.
Just like this colorful home, Bay St. Louis beaches are pet-friendly, so you and your best pal can soak up the sunshine and salty air together. You can also head out for a stroll around the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (though your furry friend will have to stay home for that) before returning to your enclosed backyard for privacy and rejuvenation.
Don’t want to travel without your four-legged friend? Check out the top destinations for pet-friendly trips, and book a home that sets you up for a paw-some adventure.
A farm stay reimagined, this retro tiny house rental hosts desirable amenities and all your favorite creature comforts in a smaller space. Bring your loved one on a journey out to the country and spend your nights dining under the stars, soaking in the private hot tub, and snuggling up fireside for an outdoor movie marathon.
In between memorable moments at home, venture out with your partner (or pet!) to explore local attractions in Plant City or visit must-see sights in nearby Tampa. Here, you’ll be close to some of the best-kept Floridian secrets, like lush nature preserves and natural swimming pools.
Never judge a tiny house rental by its exterior, especially when it’s this unique granary-turned-cabin. Found in the Utah wilderness, it looks like a large tin silo from the outside, but inside it has everything you need for a few restful days off the beaten track.
When you’re not enjoying the mountain range views or taking advantage of the nearby hunting, hiking, and mountain biking, retire to this rustic-yet-modern rental to cook up a meal in the farmhouse kitchen or take a soak in the classic clawfoot tub.
Take a break and head to Missouri for a serene stay in this classic cabin near the Ozark Mountains. It’s a charming tiny home with wooden details and furnishings throughout, matching the surrounding forest vibes. Not to mention the porch patio is a perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of morning coffee while soaking in the wooded wilderness.
This tiny house rental also makes it easy to enjoy peace and privacy without sacrificing proximity, since Branson and its many activities are just a short drive away. A can’t-miss option: the mystical underground Talking Rocks Cavern!
Escape and unwind in this artsy adobe cottage that’s covered in larger-than-life murals. Just a short day trip from Tucson, it’s an Arizona escape that offers a balance of indoor comfort and opportunity for outdoor adventure. From the easy access to parks and trails to the charming decor and quaint breakfast nook, it really is a tiny house rental that can quickly feel like home.
In your downtime, don’t forget to soak up the sun and quiet in the patio hammock. If extra company is more your style, you’re likely to find it at the community space and shared hot tub.
You’ll feel extra tiny when staying among the towering mountains that surround this off-the-grid home in Augusta, MT. It’ll give you the chance to appreciate the true spirit of the wild west, with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and wildlife roaming just outside your door.
You can also take a day trip to Glacier National Park for bucket-list hikes and drives, then come back to relax by the fire pit or snuggle up in the loft.
It’s not every day that a tiny house rental comes with tons of space. This modern farm-style home in Winnsboro, TX sits on its own private pasture, complete with pond access for fishing and paddle boats, a gazebo and game room, and plenty of friendly farm animals to visit.
The wooded forests here are perfect for anyone in need of a luxury vacation at a leisurely pace, and the town’s lively Main Street is just a quick drive away when you’re ready for a little more hustle and bustle. You can even bring your four-legged companion to this pet-friendly tiny home, since vacations are best when they’re with your furry friends.
Craving a tiny home rental with a big city vibe? This chic, modern house is right near the heart of Austin — and there’s a pool and hot tub included!
Enjoy the Black Hills countryside when you stay at this cozy and tiny studio in Hermosa, SD. With a whopping four queen beds, all the essentials for comfort, and a prime location for sightseeing, this South Dakota treasure is perfect for families and friend groups seeking an epic outdoor adventure.
Spend a day at Mount Rushmore (just 17 miles away!), Custer State Park, or riding horses through the evergreens. When you return to your rustic retreat, fire up the grill for some grub and enjoy uninterrupted views of the starry night sky from the shared hot tub.
Kick back, relax, and enjoy “the little things” — pun intended — at this 2-bed, 1-bath tiny house cottage. Designed to ignite the senses, this charming lakeside gem boasts sweeping views, fresh breezes, and the soothing soundtrack of lapping waves. Admire panoramic vistas from the private sun deck, or head indoors to make yourself at home in the cozy open floor plan.
With the sweeping shores of Lake Michigan as your backyard, adventures are inevitable (and guaranteed year-round). Relish long walks on your own personal stretch of private beach, or head into downtown Muskegon to check out local museums, craft breweries, and a variety of all-season sports.
Lush rainforests, beautiful views, volcanoes nearby — you can’t ask for much more when it comes to tiny travel in Hawaii. This convenient, cozy home in Kailua-Kona is ideal if you want to spend your days exploring natural wonders, with prime spots like Volcanoes National Park, Onekahakaha Beach, and Kaumana Caves just a short drive away.
Once back home, you’ll feel re-energized by bright, updated interior spaces. Soak up the natural light through this tiny home’s many windows, or get out and see the foliage firsthand.
Lace up your hiking boots and journey off the beaten path to this idyllic shipping container home, located only 3 miles from Mohican State Park. Here, you’ll find all the trappings for a quintessential cabin retreat, including a private hot tub, a wood-burning fire pit, and a peaceful, private wooded setting.
There’s even room to bring your pup along for all kinds of pet-friendly fun. Leash up your favorite fur pal to chase waterfalls, hike along jawbridges, or leaf peep at scenic viewpoints. Back home, the picture-perfect moments are bound to continue, whether you’re stretched out under star-filled skies or curled up in the cozy confines of this unique repurposed Airbnb.
Head to enchanting Edgecomb, ME for a New England escape in this wood-crafted studio. The home has a furnished balcony with scenic views of dense forest trees, plus large windows for plenty of natural light. The house is modest, but the fully-stocked kitchenette has all you need for a pleasant stay.
With easy access to nearby attractions like the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and Pemaquid Lighthouse, coastal exploration is at the top of the to-do list during this tiny house getaway. You can hike, bike, or fish, then chow down on a classic seafood dinner before heading back to the comforts of your home away from home.
Located just steps from the Gulf of Mexico, this tropical Palm Harbor studio is perfect for couples and solo travelers seeking salty air and seaside bliss. While simple on the outside, this tiny home is newly renovated and equipped with central A/C, WiFi, and a full-sized refrigerator in the kitchenette — everything you need for a beachy vacation.
With ocean access at Honeymoon Island State Park and water sports along the Dunedin Causeway, you can enjoy sunny and sandy days outdoors before venturing back to your oasis. Once home, grill out on the shared deck or unwind with your favorite show from the comfort of your queen bed.
There are more oceanside escapes just waiting to be booked: these beach vacation rentals are perfect for your next trip requiring surf, sand, and sun.
Tiny homes are small, but never forgotten. Wherever your next adventure takes you, trust Evolve to help you find the perfect place to stay. We’re proud to offer a wide variety of vacation home sizes and types in hundreds of locations, and our Rest Easy Promise guarantees your space will always be clean and ready for a great stay.
Tiny travel isn’t the only way to make your getaway dreams come true, either. If your mind is wandering to less petite places, you might be into one of our best places to stay. And no matter what type of trip you’re planning, we’ve got plenty of ideas for vacation inspiration –– from the best wine regions, national parks, and charming small towns to visit to the coolest road trip stops in between.