Have you been thinking about renting out your property in the Catskills, NY, as a vacation rental (short-term rentals/seasonal rentals)? Whether you choose to market it through Airbnb, an established real estate firm, or by owner, there’s one amenity that will help you get yourself noticed above the others — a good, quality hot tub.
Perhaps you may be thinking that you really don’t need to concern yourself with getting people to rent your fabulous place. After all, during peak season, available properties are at a premium and vacationers line up to find a spot.
Maybe so. But what about off season? According to experts, a hot tub is one way to stand out.
“Being more attractive to a broader base of audience by adding a hot tub will help differentiate your property over others,” says Christine Karpinski, author of “How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner” and “Profit From Your Vacation Home Dream.”
Indeed, when Best Hot Tubs spoke to Karpinski this week, she said that adding a hot tub provides “gravy income,” where property owners can make extra money.
“If someone is coming during the off season when there are other rentals available with similar amenities, they will most likely choose yours because of the hot tub,” she says.
Karpinski shared with us an example of when she had cabins in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.
“I made a lot more money than those without a hot tub because a spa is a main attraction for renters that can be used during four seasons. In the Catskills, it can be chilly at night even during summer, but when it’s hot, it’s not necessary to heat the water — and the spa becomes a cool plunge tub.”
After reading a newspaper article about Karpinski’s views on the value of hot tubs, a local real estate expert in Windham (Catskills), NY, confirmed the author’s experience.
“I am in total agreement with what she says regarding hot tubs,” says Lisa Jaeger, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Village Green. “Hot tubs give homes the sizzle that sells — for sure.”
A hot tub is also a great marketing tool, adds Karpinski. “You don’t have to raise your rate because you have a spa. If you price yours the same as others, you won’t get more money, but you will get the booking.”
The author is often asked if a hot tub presents any liability issues and if renters worry that a hot tub will be clean?
“Regarding liability, I always recommend the property owners contact their insurance person and add the hot tub to their insurance policy. And as for how clean will the hot tub be? This is a very common question you get from renters. And it’s an easy one to answer. We always explain that we empty, sanitize and refill the hot tub after each guest.”
However, making sure your hot tub is kept up to the highest standards could be a challenge when property owners live at a distance or are busy with other employment. There are many people who live in Long Island, NY, for example, who have vacation properties in the Catskills that they would like to rent out.
Best Hot Tubs Offers Maintenance Programs
“No problem: you can leave it up to the professionals,” says Anita Martin, Service Manager at our Best Hot Tubs, Windham, NY showroom. “We recommend having your hot tub on a regular maintenance plan so they can monitor it and keep the chemicals balanced.
“This also makes it easier should anything go wrong,” adds Martin. “Being a steady customer, the professionals are only a phone call away. Actually, regular care for the hot tub is similar to that of a car. Take good care of it and it will last and serve you well, even when it comes to sanitary concerns.”
Backyard Trails, CATSKILLS NY
So go ahead and list your property and all its amenities: fully stocked kitchen, crisp, clean linens, backyard trails, near outdoor activities, etc.,….and…of course….
A quality, and pristinely clean, hot tub ✔︎
Rental Properties by Owner:
A hot tub is a great marketing tool for vacation properties, says Christine Karpinski, author of “How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner” and “Profit From Your Vacation Home Dream. Here, a Bullfrog spa has been installed on the ground, close to the deck where people gather. (Photo: Bullfrog Spas)
Vacation Rental Properties in Contemporary Style:
Best Hot Tubs specializes in Bullfrog Spas which happens to have a model (the STIL) designed in a sleek, contemporary style that’s been recognized by Architectural Digest’s Home Show two years in a row. This is a definite option for those owners renting their properties that have a more modern design. (Photo: Bullfrog Spas)
Bullfrog Spas JetPaks:
Imagine if you not only can tell renters that you have a hot tub, but that you have a Bullfrog spa with its patented JetPaks therapy system. This means the renters can personalize their spa experience because each JetPak is designed to give a unique massage with unique wellness benefits. (Photo: Bullfrog Spas)
Vacation Rental Properties:
Perhaps your rental is of modest size and your hot tub doesn’t need to hold too many people at once. Bullfrog Spas also makes smaller models that fit any property’s needs and budget. (Photo: Bullfrog Spas)
