For the past several years, my wife and I have been renting cabins in the North Georgia mountain area before deciding to invest in a property ourselves, move here and start a property management company with PMI (Property Management Inc.) Our passion for the area, understanding of what makes a cabin inviting and our backgrounds created a wonderful opportunity for us to share the knowledge and beauty of the area and help others enter the short-term rental market.
Covid has changed the game when it comes to short-term rentals. Families and individuals are looking for areas to go that offer an escape from the turmoil and restrictions. More importantly, people have just reassessed what is important.
Investing in properties that offer unique cabin getaways in the beautiful and rich North Georgia Mountains, is an excellent way to diversify your income and offer an exceptional experience opportunity to your guests. Demand is high, there is an abundance of things to do, and the people are extremely friendly and welcoming.
It is important to do your research of the area that is best for you and find a realtor that knows the area, and has the connections that will help you with furnishing, decorating, and maintenance to get your cabin ready to put on the rental market. Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, McCaysville and surrounding communities are all within a short driving distance and each area is unique in its offerings.
Another key decision is who will manage this property? If you live in the area, self-management is a great option. If you are an absentee owner, using a property management company could be the best option. Either way, things do happen, and you will need to have a good established network to operate a smooth rental property; maintenance, AC, electrical, cleaning and marketing experts are essential in maximizing occupancy and profitability.
There are essentials that you will want to make sure your cabin offers including: maximizing the number of heads on pillows, offering amenities (fire pit, game room, hot tub) and creating an ideal place for people to get away. Things to not overlook are; comfortable beds and furniture, tasteful decorations and more importantly…. GREAT PICTURES!
When we would look for a cabin to stay in, it was very frustrating when the pictures did not provide a good overview of the property and communicate to the potential guest what the property offered. Professional pictures and proper descriptions of the property are essential. Details such as additional sleeping areas, fencing for dogs, if allowed, work space, and cable access to sports channels should be communicated in the listing. Yes, believe it or not, this can be very important to that football, baseball or basketball fanatic! Just a little plug from me when I couldn’t watch the big game at the cabin we rented.
Short-term rentals can be an excellent investment. It is a very rewarding experience putting together your cabin, creating the environment you want to share and giving others the ability to enjoy what you offer.
