Stay Here Host Genevieve Gorder's Pointers For Maximizing The Return On Your Rental Property
Genevieve Gorder is known foremost for her roles as a TV host and designer, yet she's also shown an aptitude for flipping rental properties on the Netflix series "Stay Here". Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer teamed up to revitalize eight short-term rentals across the country in as many episodes, per People, and the show is continuing next August (via Whenetflix).
Yet, it wasn't solely a success on TV; Gorder had such amazing feedback from the series' homeowners that she decided to establish her own vacation rental business alongside her husband (then fiancé), Christian Dunbar. "I've gotten calls from every single homeowner telling me they've been so booked up that they had raised their rates," she said in People. "Some are even making so much money that they have purchased three or four other properties."
According to Avalara, the complexities of flipping properties and being a short-term rental host are vast, some of which are only skimmed on the program. However, the focus is on aggressive marketing and guests' overall experience. Regarding design, Gorder explained in The Detroit News, "Owners tend to decorate for themselves and how they live instead of for their guests. Home is in many ways a reflection of our most intimate selves. When you turn a property or a room in your home into a short-term rental, it's time to shift your thinking." Gorder shared a few additional tips with Pure Wow, and they're detailed below.
Offer guests a clean slate
Gorder is adamant about this overriding recommendation: "Everything needs to read clean," she told Pure Wow. "When you open the door, it needs to smell, taste, look, [and] feel clean. Otherwise, the first thing I'm gonna do when I get there is...clean!" In The Detroit News, Gorder explained the importance of removing obstacles to a pristine first impression, like time constraints or tolerances for mess. "That means having a professional service handle your rental before and after each guest checks out. Your reviews will skyrocket and that's worth its weight in gold." Co-host Peter Lorimer added, "Look at this as an investment in your business; if a restaurant is dirty, you'll never go back, and it's the same with [a] short-term rental."
Gorder says white walls and upholstery will also craft a meticulous appearance. And if you're concerned about the resilience of white fabrics, she advises furnishing the space with slipcovered pieces, which allow laundering of stained and dingy upholstery. "Bleach is a great thing. It makes white forgiving where other colors are not. I'm a huge fan of tightly tailored, washable slipcovers," she shared via Pure Wow.
Just as Gorder emphasizes cleanliness throughout the rental, she stresses it's crucial to have bright and fresh bedding. Further, quality linens are equated with luxury and comfort — two takeaways you'll want your guests to leave with. Per The Detroit News, fine bedding is frequently noted in online reviews, so don't sleep on this point.
Pamper guests with small details
Gorder's background as an interior designer means she has a penchant for noticing all the fine details, and whether your guests realize it or not, they will too. "Small things make a big impact, and it doesn't have to be expensive," she told Pure Wow. "Maybe it's a bottle of wine or something to eat that's local and authentic. Usually, after traveling, you're hungry and you're tired. So, if someone thought of [those] two things and set out a sweet, or a guidebook, a little flower, or some water, then everyone is happy, and it's as if you spent $2,000!" The Detroit News lists nice toiletries, a stocked beach tote, chilled beverages, and outdoor Bluetooth speakers as additional thoughtful items. In other words, tie in some offered amenities.
Lorimer, the "Stay Here" co-host, believes you can add value to guests' vacations by providing information on sites of interest and a calendar of local events. "It may be your guests' first time in your city or town," he explained. "You may not physically be there, so anything you put in your rental is acting as guide and host. Anticipate what they'll need before they know they need it. That's the key to a happy guest." According to Avalara, a consistent effort to maintain this level of hospitality and function is key. However, consider employing someone to do it for you; then maybe you'll be able to take a vacation, too.