Staging a house before check in- Do you do it?

Question

Paul Sandhu · Answer

I leave porno movies on the BluRay player and maybe some beer in the fridge.  The beer would have come from another STR that people left behind.

My market is not the typical STR market.  Not by any means.  24 STRs with 84 beds.

Ethan Cooke · Answer

@Mark Futalan -

I manage a short-term rental business in the San Francisco Bay Area. The “staging” comes in the form of posting great professional photos online including decorative touches like modern vases, flowers, throw pillows and blankets, table runners, etc. I also leave a “welcome basket” containing about $20 worth of goodies including dark chocolate, good ground coffee, a bag of popcorn and 2 bottles of water. I do long-term rentals (30+ days) so it’s very inexpensive to do this for each guest.

I don’t think that it’s cost-effective to do additional staging.

I hope that helps!

Paul Sandhu · Answer

@Shane H.  Ding Ding Ding.  You hit it right on the head.  Petrochemical oil refinery contractors is who I rent to.

I meet people that come to the refinery for their pre-employment drug screen.  They get a calendar with scantily clad women.  If they want to see nude women, I tell them to rent a place from me.  That's what is in the bedroom.

24 STRs, 84 beds.  It's a full time job.

Shane H. · Answer

That's hilarious Paul - sounds like you understand your market - If I recall, guys working on wind turbines (maybe) oil refinery workers?

Fits right in with that demographic - probably painting with a broad brush but it takes a special breed to do those jobs.

Karen Margrave · Answer

@Mark Futalan I think it's a great idea. As they say, you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression. When guests are coming in from out of town, looking forward to a relaxing, fun vacation, I think it would kick it off right by having those things welcoming them. Great idea I'd say.

John Underwood · Answer

We put treats and a card in the fridge. We installed a motion activated light on porch for late checkins. We don't set the table or stage the house. We have kayaks and paddle boat neatly stored on the dock for use. We have over 73 5 star reviews on Homeaway so people are happy with a clean house and it doesn't need to be staged.

Glen R. · Answer

I have a motion activated camera focused on the driveway so I know if anyone is coming or going. If the guests haven't arrived by sunset I will use my phone to remotely control my z-wave lights so I can turn them on prior to their arrival. I have a cabin in the mountains so there isn't much else that would need to be staged. I would think a warm, welcoming environment with a welcome basket is more than enough to send the message to your guests that you care.

Travis Rasmussen · Answer

@Mark Futalan

@Ethan Cooke hit it on the head. I only have 1 light on inside and the porch light on for check in date, including as Ethan wrote above, welcome basket, etc.

Staging a house before check in- Do you do it?

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