How to Leverage Vacation Rental Platforms for Your Second Home

13 July 2025

Do you own a second home that’s just sitting there collecting dust—and not the kind of dust that comes with dollar signs? You know the one. That darling little cabin in the woods, the beachfront condo you barely visit, the mountain chalet that only gets love during ski season. Well, imagine if your weekend hideaway could start pulling its weight and paying the bills (plus some).

Welcome to the marvelous world of vacation rental platforms—a magical place where your second home can become a money-making machine without you having to don a tool belt or learn complicated business jargon. Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into how to turn your second home into the Beyoncé of Airbnb.

What Are Vacation Rental Platforms, Anyway?

So, first things first. Let’s clarify what we’re even talking about. Vacation rental platforms are websites where people can list, find, and book short-term lodging. Think Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com—basically, the Tinder for homes, but with fewer awkward texts afterward.

These platforms offer homeowners a chance to rent out their properties to travelers looking for a place to crash that’s comfier than a generic hotel and more exciting than Aunt Linda’s guest room.

Why Even Bother Renting Out Your Second Home?

Great question, and one I’d answer with another: Why not? 🤷‍♀️

Here are a few juicy reasons:

- Extra Income: Cha-ching! Renting out your second home can bring in some serious side cash.
- Property Maintenance: An occupied house is a happy house. Getting people in and out keeps wear-and-tear predictable and prevents it from turning into a haunted mansion.
- Tax Advantages: You may be able to write off expenses. (Talk to your CPA; I’m hilarious, but not licensed for tax advice.)
- Meet Cool People (Kind Of): You won’t exactly be sipping margaritas with your guests, but reading their glowing 5-star reviews is kind of the same.

Step 1: Pick the Right Platform (It’s Like Online Dating but for Houses)

There are several big players in the vacation rental world. Which one should you go with? Well, it depends on your home’s vibe and your personal tolerance for managing bookings.

Airbnb

Perfect for quirky homes and unique experiences. Does your house have a treehouse? Mid-century modern décor? A weird-but-charming outhouse? Airbnb will love you.

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)

Great for families or larger groups. Vrbo tends to attract guests looking for a classic vacation home feel. Think lake houses, ski cabins, and beach homes.

Booking.com

Hotel meets home. If you want high occupancy and don’t mind playing hotel manager, Booking.com might be your jam.

Others (TripAdvisor, Hipcamp, Plum Guide)

Each has its niche. Want to rent your yurt in the woods? Hipcamp. Got a luxury villa with a butler? Plum Guide.

Pro Tip: Test several platforms to see which one brings in the best guests (and least drama).

Step 2: Get Your Home Rental-Ready

You can’t just toss your old furniture in the guest room and expect five stars. Let’s prep this baby!

Declutter Like a Minimalist on Caffeine

Renters aren’t paying to swim through your collection of Beanie Babies or expired spices from the Clinton administration. Keep it fresh, clean, and neutral.

Safety First

Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and… common sense. Don’t leave out anything you wouldn’t want your toddler, dog, or tipsy uncle to mess with.

Wi-Fi, Baby!

Let’s be honest—your guests WILL judge your property on your internet speed. Want positive reviews? Hook up some solid Wi-Fi and write the password on something cute.

Create a Vibe

You don’t need to drop thousands of dollars, but you do need a theme. Beachy? Rustic? Boho-chic? Shabby chic? Heck, even "Grandma's 70s Time Capsule" can work if you lean into it. Just make it intentional.

Step 3: Price It Right (A Delicate Dance)

Pricing your rental is kind of like setting your online dating age preference. Too low and you’ll get the weirdos. Too high and you’ll get crickets.

Start by scoping out similar listings in your area. What’s the competition charging? Is your property nicer? Closer to the beach? Got a hot tub? Price accordingly.

And for the love of all that is algorithmic, use dynamic pricing tools. These automated systems (like Wheelhouse or PriceLabs) adjust your nightly rate based on demand, seasons, and local events—because charging $300 a night on a Tuesday in January is a quick way to kill your listing.

Step 4: Create an Irresistible Listing

You need to make your second home more alluring than a chocolate fountain at a wedding.

Headline That Pops

“Charming Cabin with Hot Tub & Lake Views!” is better than “2BR Cabin Near Lake.” Be specific, be punchy, and maybe even a little cheeky.

Photos That Slay

People eat with their eyes—and rent with them, too. Hire a professional photographer. Or at least learn how to use portrait mode and natural light. Pro tip: Make the bed like a hotel, toss in some throw pillows, and stage it like Martha Stewart’s summer home.

Details Matter

Include everything. Is there free parking? A grill? Giant Jenga? A ghost? (Okay, maybe not that last one.) List every amenity possible, and be clear about house rules, check-in/out times, and whether pets are allowed.

Step 5: Manage Like a Boss

Your second home isn't just a rental now—it's a side hustle. Treat it like one.

Automate When Possible

Use smart locks for easy check-ins. Automate messages for booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and review requests. The more on autopilot your rental is, the more time you’ll have for literally anything else.

Hire Local Help

Unless you live next door (and even then, maybe not), you’re going to need someone on the ground. Housekeepers, handymen, and maybe even a local co-host help keep that 5-star rating from going south when something goes bump in the night.

Communicate Like a Human (Not a Robot)

Standard messages are fine, but a little personality goes a long way. If your guests feel like they’re dealing with a cool, helpful human, they’ll be more likely to treat your place with respect—and leave a glowing review.

Step 6: Reviews Are Gold — Mine Them

Ever look at a listing with one star and think, “Yes, that’s exactly where I want to take my family vacation”? Nope. Neither does anyone else.

Encourage your guests to leave reviews by giving them a great experience and politely asking afterward. A little “thanks so much for staying—feel free to leave a review!” can go a long way.

Bad review? Don’t panic. Respond with grace, thank them for the feedback, and show future guests that you’re a responsible host. (No all-caps shouting matches, please.)

Advanced Tips for Leveling Up

Alright, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s crank it up a notch.

Offer Unique Experiences

Are you near a vineyard? Partner with a winery for guest tours. Got a kayak? Offer it as a freebie. Have a talent for mixology? Leave a cocktail recipe and some mini bottles. It’s the little touches that add up.

List on Multiple Platforms

More platforms = more eyeballs. Use a channel manager to sync calendars so you don’t double-book and end up in the middle of an angry guest sandwich.

Collect Emails (Legally)

Prompt guests to sign your guestbook with their email (with permission, of course). Someday you can market directly to past guests, offer repeat discounts, or even set up your own independent booking site.

Seasonal Prep

Remember to prep for different seasons. A cozy blanket in winter or a beach cooler in summer can make guests feel like you actually thought about their stay—and didn’t just dash out the backdoor as they arrived.

The Money Question: How Much Can You Really Make?

Drumroll please... it depends. (Boooo, I know.)

You can pull in anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand bucks per month depending on your home, location, seasonality, and how booked you are. Many hosts cover their mortgages, some make solid side income, and a few—yes, really—go full-time and retire early.

The key? Treat it like a real business—not just a side thing you occasionally check between episodes of your favorite show.

The Final Word: Is It Worth It?

If you’re willing to put in a bit of upfront effort, learning curve time, and maybe swallow some pride while dealing with occasional picky guests (“The sunrise comes in the east and woke me up TOO early!”), then yes—renting your second home via vacation rental platforms can be totally worth it.

It’s like adopting a side hustle that lives in a beautiful location. With good systems and a little creativity, you can turn your second home into a five-star vacation rental that practically runs itself—and maybe even funds your next one.