Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area

How to Maximize Your Rental Income in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Even in the Off-Season

The Brainerd Lakes Area is a favorite getaway spot for a reason. Gorgeous lakes, plenty of outdoor fun, and small-town charm… what’s not to love?

If you’ve got a rental up here in the Northwoods, you know summer’s the busy season, with bookings rolling in nonstop. But when fall hits, things can tend to quiet down. However, your rental income doesn’t have to take a hit just because summer ends. With the right strategies, you can maintain a steady stream of bookings year-round!

At Book the B.L.A., we help maximize your property’s potential while taking away the time and stress of managing a rental on your own. Check out these Short term rental property management tips for the best off-season strategies to keep your rental income flowing in.

Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area with gorgeous lakeside views

Know your property’s full potential

First order of business? Find out what your rental property is truly worth. If you’re working with a property management company, they probably did a value check when you signed up. But hey, it’s a good idea to get a routine inspection every few years or after any big updates.

On-site evaluations are crucial because they take into account all of the unique features and amenities of your specific property. This can include things like:

  • Lake views
  • Proximity to popular attractions
  • Small details like updated appliances or furnishings
  • Unique selling points like a private dock or game room
  • Amenities galore! The more true amenities that you can provide the guests, especially ones that are fun to use year-round, the better off you’ll be. Hot tubs, barrel saunas and plunge pools are all simple ideas that will certainly keep guests happy, no matter the temperature. 

By getting an accurate understanding of your property’s potential value, you can set realistic rental rates and make informed decisions about pricing adjustments and upgrades.

Book the B.L.A. provides a detailed Annual Gross Revenue Estimate along with a robust dynamic pricing strategy to help you boost your property’s occupancy and revenue. Our team looks at everything, from your cabin’s features and location to its market demand. We’ll even suggest rental rates and point out any maintenance or upgrades you might need.

We’ll be honest, there are a lot of property management companies out there that cut corners. But up here, we do things right. We offer full-service solutions to keep your property looking great and bringing in more guests!

Set smart seasonal pricing

Your rental’s rate shouldn’t stay the same year-round. Dynamic pricing is an essential strategy for maximizing your rental’s profitability. By adjusting rates based on seasonality, holidays, and local events, you can attract more guests during peak times while still keeping your rental competitive. Here are some examples…

When to raise rates:

  • Summer (June-August) for Gull Lake activities.
  • Events like the Ice Fishing Extravaganza in January.
  • Fall weekends during leaf-peeping season.
  • Major holidays like 4th of July or Labor Day.

When to lower rates:

  • Midweek off-season stays (late fall/early spring).
  • Post-holidays (early January, after Labor Day).
  • Non-peak winter dates without major events.
  • Late August/early September as school starts.

This can be a lot to manage by yourself, leaving you constantly guessing the best rates. That’s why our team at Book the B.L.A. handles all pricing updates for you in real-time. This way, you’ll never have to worry about manually adjusting rates or missing out on potential bookings due to inaccurate pricing. Leave the hard work to us!

Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Make your cabin a year-round magnet

If you want your rental to be a year-round destination, a little charm goes a long way in every season. Think about what makes a cabin irresistible after the summer sun fades: a steamy hot tub, a cozy fireplace, a game room for family fun, or easy access to snowmobile trails. These small upgrades are what turn a single summer booking into a full calendar.

And with us, you don’t have to manage any of it. We’ll coordinate repairs, staging, professional photography, and whatever else it takes to make your property shine. On top of that, our concierge services give guests curated experiences all year long for a totally hands-off hosting experience.

Want to see how we do things up here at Book the B.L.A.? Explore our current properties for a bit of inspiration.

Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area with stunning winter and fall views

Market beyond summer vacations

Marketing is a whole different beast that property owners may not want to deal with. But just like everything else, we’ve got you! We handle all listings, ads, and guest communication so you don’t need to worry about a single thing. At months end, we’ll send out the net proceeds from another successful month of owning a successful income producing property.

Another benefit of listing your property with Book the B.L.A. is our Area Guide, which was designed to attract guests by highlighting local activities and attractions throughout every season. Over the years, we’ve found that the most underrated booking windows in the Brainerd Lakes Area include:

  • Fall color tours
  • Winter ice fishing
  • Spring golf trips

While summer vacations are a big draw, it’s important to market beyond the summer season to highlight everything the area offers throughout the year. That’s why we make sure these activities are showcased in our marketing materials, so folks know there’s always a reason to visit!

Streamline operations (so you don’t have to)

Every property manager knows the struggle: 3 AM guest calls, endless cleaning schedules, and chasing down vendor payments can feel like a full-time circus act. Streamlining your operations frees up time and energy, allowing you to focus on growing your business and getting those great reviews from your guests.

With Book the B.L.A.’s full-service approach, we take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you. We’ll book reservations, coordinate with cleaners, line up maintenance, and even send out month-end statements. It’s all about saving you time and keeping things running smoothly for you and your guests. Win-win!

Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Let your property work while you play

So, what’s the secret to a rental that earns its keep? It really comes down to a few simple things: pricing it right, making it inviting all year, and having a good team to handle the day-to-day. It’s about making your cabin a sought-after destination in every season, whether there’s snow on the ground or sun on the lake.

That’s what Book the B.L.A. is here for! We take care of the stuff that can feel like a chore so you can just enjoy being a cabin owner in the place you love. We handle the work; you get the peace of mind and the income.

If you’ve been thinking about making your property work a little harder for you, here’s what partnering with us looks like:

  • Spot-on pricing tailored to the market
  • Local, hands-off management you can trust
  • VIP treatment for your guests with our concierge and Area Guide
  • A team with years of Brainerd Lakes Area know-how

Reach out to learn more!

Brainerd property management tips for rentals in the Brainerd Lakes Area
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