High Value Amenities

To make your property stand out against the competition, it is worthwhile to invest in as many high value amenities as you can afford. High value does not necessarily mean high cost, so for a relatively small amount you can increase the rental value of your home by hundreds of dollars and attract bookings which might otherwise have gone to other homes in the area. Many travelers are willing to spend a little extra for the convenience of a washer and dryer or access to local golf courses.

Some amenities will depend on the location of the home. For example, air conditioning may not be as important to vacationers in Ireland as in the Bahamas, and a ski chalet tenant has little use for an outdoor patio. However, waterfront property owners may want to invest in a canoe, rowboat, or kayak for their guests' use. Such a watercraft could be bought used for a few hundred dollars and could add enormous value to your property. Clients will love the convenience and value of not having to rent boats from local companies.

Include outdoor equipment like sleds and toboggans, croquet and horseshoes sets, beach chairs and umbrellas, or bicycles. Decks and patios can be furnished with chaise lounges, picnic tables, hammocks, and outdoor grills for cookouts and sunbathing.

Other amenities are appropriate for all homes regardless of region or type. Having a few classic board games, jigsaw or tavern puzzles, and one or two decks of cards on hand can alleviate boredom and frustration in case of bad weather, or just provide a relaxing evening activity. A phone with free local calls, television with cable or satellite service, DVD player or VCR, and CD player make the property seem like home. Provide a small library of local music, video documentaries, and books for your guests to enjoy -- they will love to learn about the history of the region and the local culture. Choose a variety of fiction, history, wildlife guides, and local guidebooks to appeal to the diverse interests of your renters.

Start your own video library by recording classic films shown on television, filling blank VHS tapes with two films per tape. Label the tapes well and store them near the television. Don't forget to make sure you have a VCR for tenants to use! They're very inexpensive nowadays, and you can even get one used for $5 or $10 at garage sales and thrift stores.

Disabled tenants will appreciate the simple extras you can install for them: grab bars in the bathroom, low thresholds and widened doors to allow for wheelchair entry, short removable ramps where space and design allow, and handheld shower extensions can make all the difference.

Outfit your property's kitchen with appliances like a microwave, toaster, blender, dishwasher, mixer, coffee maker, and garbage disposal. Stock cabinets and drawers with utensils, pots, pans, dishes, glassware, mixing bowls, and other cookware, as well as disposable items such as napkins, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and paper towels. It's also a good idea to have basic cooking ingredients like salt, pepper, flour, sugar, cooking oil, and other herbs and spices on hand. And since occasional spills and splatters are inevitable, make sure your home is well stocked with cleaning supplies.

There are some amenities which are rarely thought of by homeowners but which can really set your property apart from the rest. Installing a hotel safe, which allows the guest to set his or her own four-digit combination in addition to the master combination with which you can open it, may be a draw for travelers who leave valuable items like jewelry and laptop computers at the house while they take in the sights and sounds of the area. The added security of a safe will put their minds at ease while they vacation.

If you cater to families, you may consider having travel cots and high chairs available to guests. However, because babies and children are susceptible to infection, make sure these items are sterilized between each tenant. Some countries regulate the use of these items in travel accommodations, so be aware of the legislation in your area.

A computer with modem or high-speed Internet access, fax/copy machine, and second phone line could appeal to tenants who can't leave their jobs behind, as well as more tech-savvy vacationers. Wireless Internet can be particularly enticing since it allows the user to sit comfortably in any area of the home, or even outside, and leisurely surf the web.