[Ep 6] The Story of Your Home

Superhost Unveiled

I've got a question for you, what story does your home tell your guests? Like all businesses your brand is essential for creating unforgettable customer experiences. Each of our homes has been designed to create a long-lasting impression on our guests so that they are itching to get back.

In Peter and Julia's second vacation rental that they personally own, they started with a blank slate. Julia took to the task to create a nordic style chalet for their mountain getaway. She wanted to embrace the mountain theme without being too predictable. This includes very muted grey and navy blue tones throughout the house. From the mattresses to the artwork on the wall every item in the home was chosen purposely.

If you are transforming a family home or a fully-furnished home into a vacation rental, here's what you should do. First, it is important to edit the home. You need to get rid of any clutter, family photos, old furniture, and linens. There is no need to completely remodel the house a simple fresh coat of paint can really transform the space. Make sure the existing furniture is clean and in good shape.

Purchasing cohesive artwork, linens, and decor will help create a story throughout the home. In order to make the home feel homey, you need to have artwork and decor on the walls. Allow your guests to dream a bit about owning your home. Make it feel like their home away from home.

Using your home's story will help you stand apart from the other homes listed in your area. Every location has a "theme". Lake homes are all beechy and have lake decor. Mountain homes have skies and lots of moose figurines. Decorating to the theme of the area is fine and your guests will likely never notice but decorating on-theme but in a different way is an easy way to make your home look different from the competition. It's important to stay within the theme of the area but being unique and simplistic.

What Should Each Room Include?

Bedroom

The bedroom obviously needs a nice bed. It is so important that the mattress is comfortable and up to date. You want the guests to feel comfortable, clean, and safe while sleeping. Do not use old linens from your home, purchase a new, stylish, clean comforter and sheet set. The bed is crucial for setting yourself up for being a professional host. We'd argue that a headboard for each bed is not important. If you are deciding between buying a new mattress or a headboard, always go with the mattress.

It's important to have something that the guests can put their clothes in. It can be a closet or a dresser, but you need to have something for the guests to unpack if they wish to. We also recommend including a luggage stand for each bedroom.

Each bedroom also needs night-stands with lamps. It may not seem important but many people enjoy reading before going to bed so they need a source of light that will not disturb the other people in the room. In addition, everyone has a cell-phone and everyone needs to charge them, so having somewhere they can place their phone to charge at night is important.

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