As we gear up for another exciting year of vacation bookings and property management needs, we're looking forward to what's ahead. We love seeing the off-season questions, updates, and renovations property owners are prioritizing before those busy summer months here in the Lowcountry
Often throughout the winter months, we have homeowners reaching out to our property managers with plenty of questions regarding what they can do in the off-season to improve their bookings during the busy season. In a competitive market such as Charleston’s, there are a few key elements and renovations that can truly elevate a property’s visibility and bookings throughout the summer.
2204 Waterway Blvd, Isle of Palms
Exterior Renovations
Landscaping and Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything. Exterior photos of homes are some of the first pictures people see when searching for a vacation home. Curb appeal is huge when it comes to getting bookings for a rental home, so making sure the landscaping is not only top notch but well-maintained is key. Keeping the front lawn trimmed during the colder months, designing the landscaping with plants that can grow back year over year, and keeping the front lawn free of leaves and runaway Spanish Moss is key to listing the home with its best foot forward.
Consider adding elements such as:
- Planting new grass.
- Adding flowers around the entryway to the home.
- Painting the entire exterior.
- Trimming trees and shrubs, along with any overgrown plants.
- Installing new pavers or cement along the driveway and walkways.
Private Pool
In a particularly hot region like the Southeast, offering guests a private pool experience where they can cool off during those humid summer months sets many homes above the rest. Oftentimes, potential renters are specifically looking for homes with pools to enjoy alongside their beach vacation, especially for those who aren’t fond of the sand. Whether it’s a luxurious spa-like experience featuring a hot tub and lap pool or a small plunge pool perfect for relaxing after a long day, this big renovation provides huge results when it comes to summer bookings.
59 Surfsong, Kiawah Island
Expanding Your Outdoor Oasis
Hand-in-hand with providing a private pool for guests, offering the perfect outdoor oasis for guests can bring the bookings rolling in. Providing any type of outdoor area, be it a back patio or expansive porch, allows for renters to enjoy the beautiful Charleston weather at any time of year. Another big hit with Lowcountry homes? A screened-porch. Ideal for keeping the elements and mosquitos at bay despite the humidity, adding a screened-porch means your guests get to enjoy the great outdoors without having to fight back the bugs.
Consider adding elements such as:
- Outdoor lounge seating around a weather-proof television.
- Screened-in porch to protect from the elements.
- Adding outdoor dining furniture.
- Providing a grill, built-in or bought.
Updating Outdoor Furniture
Small but simple changes make the biggest difference. Outdoor furniture takes the biggest beating year over year. From fighting through hurricane season and the muggy weather to standing strong during the colder months, outdoor loungers, chairs, cushions, and grills take quite the hit. We highly recommend taking the off-season months to evaluate the state of your furniture. Is anything moldy or stained? Has any furniture begun wearing and tearing? Does your outdoor grill look like it may have faced one-too-many burger nights? Replacing anything that has been one with the elements too long before the start of the next busy season will be key to improved bookings and happy guests.
181 Marsh Hawk Lane, Kiawah Island
Interior Renovations
Kitchen Updates
In a study done by Airbnb, guests noted that the first thing they notice when booking a property is the kitchen. Known to be the heart of the home, giving guests a luxury kitchen experience is key to charging luxury experience prices. Although renters may not be the kind to cook on vacation, the kitchen is still the hub for snacking and can provide a great opportunity for bringing in a private chef. A stunning kitchen defines the home, and if a property looks like it hasn’t been updated in years, the bookings will reflect that.
Consider adding elements such as:
- Sanding and repainting cabinet doors.
- Replacing appliances that are out-of-date or not fully functional.
- Replacing tilework or counters that may be outdated.
- Offer top-notch kitchen additions like a Crock-Pot, air fryer, sharpened knives, and more!
3553 Seaview Drive, Seabrook Island
Modern Bathrooms
Everyone wants a luxurious stay when they’re on vacation, and a huge part of that is getting to enjoy top of the line, spa-like amenities in-house. Whether you’re doing a full-scale remodel or only updating some core elements of the space, every little detail counts.
Consider adding elements such as:
- Updating the shower head.
- Replacing all outdated hardware for sinks.
- Replacing the toilet seat or entire toilet.
- Converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower.
- Adding a pocket or barn door to elevate the space aesthetically.
Kid-Friendly Areas
Kid-friendly stays call for kid-friendly play areas! Whether you’re adding a TV room separate from the main living space, creating a game room in the garage or offering a bunk room with an abundance of video games built in, the potential is endless for family-friendly additions that will make the kids ecstatic to spend the week at the beach.
Consider adding elements such as:
- TV / Game Room separate from the main living area.
- Garage play room with table tennis, pool tables, foosball and more.
- Mini putt-putt in the yard.
- Providing board games and video games in bunk rooms.
2807 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms
Replace and Repaint
A huge part of improving your rental experience is simply replacing outdated items and improving the home as wear and tear occurs. Keeping a home up-to-date regarding paint colors, furniture, and interior design elements will make a guest feel like the cost of their stay is worth it. If your property hasn’t gotten a proper facelift since the early 2000’s, it’s important to update the home to serve a more modern audience that prioritizes a more modern feel for their stays. Keep your home and all that comes with it is up to date, and see those bookings (and good reviews) roll in!
Choose Sweetgrass Properties to Manage Your Charleston Coast Home
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!