Over the last 10 years, my team and I have helped thousands of homeowners throughout Mexico furnish their places with comfortable, long-lasting furniture. Many of those clients rent out their home when they are not here.
Last week, I offered some tips on how to furnish a rental unit. Here are some more.
Just because it’s a rental does not mean you should buy cheap furniture.
Hotels do not buy cheap furniture. They buy commercial grade because it last longer, so it makes better business sense. If you are renting your unit, buy like a hotel owner, not a homeowner.
Buy some suitcase stands. Hotel owners know how to keep their places looking new longer. Suitcase stands are inexpensive and ensure less damage to the room because guests will be less likely to toss their luggage onto your coffee tables or beds.
With the shift in how we are watching TV, it is no longer mandatory to offer satellite TV, a VCR or a DVD player. Instead, it is very important to ensure the flat-panel TV in your rental home has a port for an external TV service such as Roku. If you are renting a two-bedroom, having a flat-panel TV in the second bedroom is a plus. A second TV can be used by the kids on rainy days and will be a lifesaver for their parents who can simultaneously enjoy some quiet time in the living area.
Invest in commercial-grade rather than residential outdoor furniture. Although there is a higher upfront cost, it will save you from having to replace the residential-grade furniture three or four times over during that same period. Hotels invest in commercial-grade furnishings to get the best return. You should too.
Speaking of good outdoor furniture, everyone loves a great barbecue. We recommend to our clients who rent out their homes in Mexico that they invest in a mid-to-high-end barbecue. A nice grill is a huge plus when renters are looking for a temporary vacation home. An upgraded outdoor kitchen or barbecue is a selling feature that will get your vacation rental booked quickly.
If possible, purchase a furniture package put together specifically for a rental home. Furniture packages for rentals usually focus on fewer large items, which last longer. They may cost more, but you will get more for your money.
Invest in professional photos of your rental home. Not only will they appeal to potential renters, but it is also a great memento of your beautiful vacation home awaiting your next visit.
In most cases, rental property furniture lasts three to five years, but with these tips, you should easily be able to keep them longer.
Get a complete rental-home checklist by emailing me at sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com.
Sheryl Novak is an expat Canadian who has owned a home in Mexico for over 10 years. She is the owner of SOLutions Mexico — the online furniture store for your home in Mexico. She is considered the expert on sourcing all styles of furniture, for all sizes of budgets, in Mexico. Email the author at sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com for a free newsletter on how to get good value on furniture in Mexico.
