How to Make Your House More Airbnb-able

First and foremost, you want to be on the right side of the law when it comes to short-term rentals. Always make sure to check any local ordinances or regulations regarding temporary rentals. Several big city markets saw a huge surge of apartment sharing when AirBnB first launched. However, New York, for example, has really strict hotel laws making it illegal to rent an entire home in a multi-dwelling building for less than 30 days. So do your due diligence to ensure you’re in the clear.

Beautiful photography may very well be the make-or-break for your home rental. Some rental services offer professional photography in certain markets. If it’s offered in your market, take advantage! If that’s not an option for you, there are some things you can do to make your photos drool-worthy. Start by using a good camera. Some smartphone cameras may not cut it if the resolution isn’t high enough. You’ll want to snap horizontal pics from or toward a corner of each room for the best viewing. Light your space well, taking photos ideally on a bright day. The more pictures, the better. Be sure to highlight any unique features like a jacuzzi bath, a cozy fireplace or a killer backyard.

Clean each room like you’ve got an open house scheduled or your mother is coming over. Your guests will notice anything short of a hotel-style cleaning. So all dust should be banished, floors swept or vacuumed, your linens and towels should be spotless. The areas you want to especially focus on are the kitchen, bathroom and beds. The cleaning can be the most arduous part of renting, so many hosts use a cleaning service to make sure the job is professionally done. You can either build the cost of the cleaning into the rental price, or have a separate charge for cleaning fees.

Before you take your pictures you want to think like a real estate agent. They know that a well-staged home will always sell faster. Reduce any clutter that may be in the space. Sometimes it’s hard to see your own clutter, so once you’ve given it your all, take a test picture. You’ll be able to spot things you might’ve overlooked in person. Arrange your furniture so it’s not pressed up against the walls, if possible, to showcase the space available in the room. Art, decorative pillows and throws, a fire in the fireplace, some magazines on the coffee table and fresh flowers can make your place look inviting and polished.