Keeping a property “guest-ready” in the off-season defines the good property management groups from the great. Whether it’s last-minute bookings from ecstatic potential guests or property check-ins to make sure homes are being well-maintained and getting proper maintenance during those chilly months, the right property management group will make sure the vacation homes they manage are in perfect working order at all times.
We’re bringing you behind the scenes of what Sweetgrass Properties does to keep our properties in tip-top shape all winter long. From property inspections to updating photos and listings, renovation recommendations to housekeeping updates, we keep our properties above standard so our owners can sit back and enjoy their investment, no matter the season.
Property Audits
When wrapping up the summer season, step one for getting a property in order for the cooler months is a property audit. Property managers head out to each home to take inventory of how the property has fared after serving hundreds of guests throughout the summer.
Making sure all the features in the home are working effectively is key to making sure guests that book is key to making sure that off-season guests have a positive stay and return year after year. Keeping the home well-kept with maintenance and repairs made during the off-season do not go unnoticed by peak summer travelers, as well. Checking on features like the HVAC system, pipes, refrigerators, and the overall structure to confirm all items are working to keep the house at a stable temperature with no leaks, breaks, or problems is key to happy guests and homeowners.
Working off a checklist, property managers are checking on household supplies, the general state of the property when it comes to scuff marks, needed renovations, house improvements, and more. This general inspection also gives marketing visibility into if the homes have relevant renovations or updates since the last time it was photographed.
Renovation Recommendations
Property managers serve a key role in identifying improvements at the managed property and work closely with local vendors and contractors to implement these changes, while being transparent with property owners about pricing. Property managers give owners visibility into why certain renovations impact booking rates and the return on investment for big property renovations.
Along with renovation recommendations, property managers should also be sharing a list of home updates that are required to be fixed to maintain company standards, including water damage across ceilings and floors, structural updates that could impact guest stays, such as fixing wood rot or insect issues, and sharing recommendations for furniture fixes if items are worn down and in need of replacement. Owners should be made aware of: what the property standards are, how maintenance is billed, what is covered by the property management group vs. themselves, and be given due notice when large expenses are coming.
Housekeeping Standards
Keeping homes clean at all times is absolutely essential throughout every season, especially as last-minute bookings become more and more frequent. The best companies have top-notch cleaning services coming in and doing full-service turn-overs, with linen laundering, property deep cleanings, and more!
Even when homes are left unoccupied, making sure properties are well maintained with fresh linens prior to check-ins, a pre-check-in inspection, and a room-by-room cleaning checklist to function off of guarantees homes are in top-notch shape for the next guest or owner stay.
Marketing Upkeep
As mentioned earlier in this blog, the off-season inspection timeline is perfect to get marketing ahead on updated property photos and videography. As owners prepare for renovations, repainting, and updates in the off-season, the marketing team works tirelessly to make sure all imagery associated with the property is up to date, along with the listing information, property descriptions, and videos associated with the home.
The more updated the marketing is for the home, the more aligned your guests are with what they can expect when staying at the property. If the photos have not been updated in four years or more, guests may come to find that the photos of the property they booked do not align with the actual state of the home. Avoid customer complaints, and refresh all materials when a property has undergone serious renovations.
Proactive Care
The best property management companies breed a culture of proactive care and professionalism with their owners. Guests can tell when a property has been well taken care of, and owners know when their home is being meticulously maintained. High-performing property management groups don’t put off getting major fixes repaired, hold vendors accountable, and maintain detailed logs and attention to the properties they manage.
Treating the home like a hospitality product and not just another rental defines the average companies from the ones that go above and beyond. Staying on top of home care, property recommendations, and guest and owner communication sets great companies a step above the rest.
Manage Your Listing with Sweetgrass Properties
Thinking of renting out your Charleston property, but looking for the right property management group to take care of your home? There are plenty of options around the Charleston region, but none as hands-on, accommodating, or supportive as Sweetgrass Properties. Voted Best Vacation Rental Company by the Post & Courier for 2025, we go out of our way to support our owners with impeccable service, remarkable care, and endless support.
Want to see what all the buzz is about? If you’re ready to take the next step and want reliable support in how to make your home a high-income investment property, Sweetgrass Properties is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!