Vacation rentals often have a bad rap with the neighbors. Granted, there are vacation rentals that are not well cared for, allow loud parties, and basically disrupt the neighborhood ‘vibe’. I have mentioned before that HOAs frequently limit or ban neighborhood properties from being used as vacation rentals. We have had only one unfortunate interaction with any of our properties and we are extremely grateful for the Lord’s protection. But interestingly enough, in that same neighborhood, we recently received the best compliment we could ever hear. A neighbor came by while we were outside enjoying the front porch and said, “Your porch and yard are so beautiful that now my wife wants to redo our yard!”
The outlook we maintain concerning our properties, whether for vacation rentals, long-term rentals or fix and flips, is to do everything with excellence. Decisions are based on design, market, purpose, value and budget, but the foundation is excellence. So whether we are talking about putting in a swimming pool, or creating window boxes on the front porch, we strive to do everything with excellence. The results are high online ratings, returning guests and a good relationship with our neighbors.
Speaking of window boxes, we had one of those “how do we make this work here” moments. Dave and I were in Germany and the UK last year and I was delighted by the gorgeous window boxes outside homes and small businesses. I wanted those at our properties, but I had some very real climate issues to address. In Florida, there is more wind (sea winds and hurricanes), less rain, LOTS more sun and heat. We had a little bit of trial and error, but we landed on a great option. I painted some terracotta pots, then filled them with rocks and artificial flowers, placed them in plastic planters that we bolted to the shelves and voilà! they are perfect. They don’t need regular watering (impossible at a vacation rental), they won’t fall off and break in the wind and they don’t look like fake flowers.
Add some rocking chairs from Costco, a porch swing, some sweet tea and family time with our new granddaughter. Does life get any better than this?
Loving life,
KCM
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