Property Management

As the weather warms and lake season approaches, spring is one of the most valuable times of the year for vacation rental owners at the Lake of the Ozarks. Guests are already planning their summer getaways, and ensuring your property is in top condition not only protects your investment—it directly impacts your bookings, guest satisfaction, and long-term revenue. At Your Lake Vacation, we treat every home like our own, and that includes taking preventative maintenance seriously long before the first guest of the season checks in.

Why Spring Maintenance Matters

Winter at the lake can be hard on homes, especially waterfront and lake-view properties. Cold temperatures, snow, moisture, and inactivity can lead to issues that only become noticeable once guests arrive. Spring preventative maintenance gives you the opportunity to catch problems early—before calendars fill, before turnover windows shrink, and before repair delays become costly.

For vacation rentals, even a small problem during peak season can lead to interrupted stays, refunds, or negative reviews. Tackling preventative items in the spring helps ensure your home is ready for the back-to-back bookings that summer brings.

Key Areas You Should Focus on Each Spring

Spring is the best time for vacation rental owners to complete a full-property walkthrough and address any issues before the busy summer season begins. A thorough check now can prevent unexpected repairs, protect your investment, and ensure a smooth guest experience. Here are the key areas you should be inspecting each spring:

1. Whole-Home Functionality Checks

Walk through every room and make sure essential fixtures and systems are working properly. This includes:

• Testing ceiling fans, light fixtures, lamps, light switches, and electrical outlets
• Ensuring windows, doors, and locks open, close, and latch as they should
• Confirming smoke detectors and GFI outlets are functioning and updating batteries
• Checking that wall hangings, decorative items, and baseboards are secure
• Making sure fireplaces and electronics are operating correctly
• Reviewing vertical or mini blinds for broken slats and proper operation
• Changing HVAC air filters and water filters
• Inspecting the water heater for any signs of leaks or performance issues

These general checks help identify concerns early and make sure the home is comfortable for guests.

2. Laundry & Ventilation Systems

Laundry equipment works hard during the vacation season. Each spring you should:

• Clean the dryer hose to improve efficiency and reduce fire risk
• Clean washer filters (if your unit has one)

Simple preventative steps like these can extend appliance life and help avoid guest issues.

3. Kitchen Appliance & Cabinet Checks

Your kitchen is one of the most heavily used areas in any rental. Spring is a good time to confirm that:

• All cabinet and drawer fronts are securely attached
• Drawers and doors glide and close properly
• The oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, ice maker, vent hood, and garbage disposal are all working as they should
• The kitchen faucet is functioning and free from lime or mineral buildup

A fully functional kitchen leads to happier guests and fewer mid-stay repair calls.

4. Bedroom Furniture & Hardware Inspections

It’s easy to overlook wear and tear in bedrooms, so spring is the ideal time to:

• Check that closet doors open and close smoothly
• Tighten door knobs and ensure they’re secure
• Inspect bedroom furniture for damage or instability
• Test drawers in dressers and nightstands to make sure they operate properly

These small checks help keep your bedrooms comfortable, and guest-ready.

5. Bathroom Fixtures & Plumbing

Bathrooms require attention due to frequent use. You should:

• Check toilet flappers and replace if worn
• Inspect toilet tanks and water lines for leaks
• Check toilet seats for cracks and replace if needed
• Inspect faucets and shower heads, soaking them to remove lime buildup if necessary
• Verify drains flow properly and clear any hair buildup
• Tighten towel racks and replace if loose
• Ensure cabinet and drawer fronts are secure

Consistent maintenance here helps prevent plumbing issues during the busy season.

6. Deck, Patio, Dock & Exterior Checks

Spring is a great time to ensure outdoor spaces are in good condition. Be sure to:

• Inspect decks, patios, and walkways for loose boards or nails
• Ensure grills and propane tanks (if provided) are functioning properly
• Check window and door screens for damage
• Look for any exterior areas that may need attention
• Check dock boards, nails, screws, or blocks for stability
• Inspect ladders, grounding wires, and the shore power shutoff
• Review the overall condition of the dock and note any areas that need work

Since decks and docks are a major amenity at the Lake of the Ozarks, keeping them in good condition is important for guest enjoyment and long-term upkeep.

How Preventative Maintenance Impacts Your Revenue

Vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks thrive on great reviews and seamless guest experiences. Preventative maintenance:

• Reduces emergency repair costs
• Minimizes the risk of interrupted guest stays
• Maintains the long-term value of your property
• Boosts guest satisfaction and repeat bookings

Your property is an investment—and regular upkeep preserves that investment for years to come.

Your Lake Vacation Can Handle It All for You

One of the benefits of partnering with Your Lake Vacation is that you don’t have to worry about these seasonal checklists. Our team oversees maintenance, coordinates trusted vendors, documents issues, and ensures your home is ready for every guest. From small tune-ups to major repairs, we help protect your Lake of the Ozarks property and your peace of mind.

1. Start with a Deep Clean of High-Traffic Areas

Focus on the areas guests use most, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. In the kitchen, clean appliances inside and out, including the oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Don’t forget to sanitize countertops, cabinet handles, and small appliances like coffee makers. In the bathrooms, scrub tile grout, descale showerheads, and wash shower curtains or replace liners. For living rooms, vacuum under furniture, dust ceiling fans, and wash throw pillows and blankets. These efforts go a long way in making a space feel fresh and hygienic.

2. Refresh Linens and Upholstery

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to launder or replace linens and upholstered items. Wash all bedding, including mattress pads and pillow protectors. If possible, steam-clean carpets and area rugs to eliminate allergens and odors. Don’t overlook drapes and blinds, which can accumulate dust and pollen. Fresh linens and clean, soft furnishings enhance guest comfort and signal that your rental is well cared for.

3. Inspect, Repair, and Restock

While cleaning, take time to inspect appliances, HVAC systems, and safety devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Replace batteries, check for wear and tear, and schedule professional maintenance if needed. Restock essentials like paper goods, cleaning supplies, and kitchen basics. A well-stocked and fully functional rental not only improves guest satisfaction but also reduces the need for last-minute fixes and inconveniences.

Spring cleaning may feel like a daunting task, but with a systematic approach, you can transform your Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental into a pristine, guest-ready retreat. By focusing on high-traffic areas, refreshing fabrics, and performing routine maintenance, you’ll create a welcoming atmosphere that guests will appreciate and remember long after their stay.

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

Before you purchase a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, or at least before you start renting your property to strangers, you should ask yourself a few questions. Think about how this decision will affect you and your property, and whatever your goals are with your property. Below are 6 questions to ask yourself before you start renting your property as a vacation rental:.

1. Why do you want to rent your property out?

This is the obvious place to start and will help you make decisions along the way.  Do you just want to share your home with others?  Do you want to help defray the costs of owning a second home?  Or do you need the income to make the purchase of your second home affordable?  Realistically, you can expect to defray some of the costs of owning a second home by putting it on a vacation rental program.  Most properties do not realize a profit. 

Heading into a vacation rental agreement with the proper expectations will make a big difference in how you determine your success and overall happiness with the experience.  Also keep in mind that “strangers” are renting your property.  There could be some damage and more wear and tear than if just you and your family used the property.  You should also try to treat the experience as a business and not become too emotionally attached to the property.

2. Would I want to rent this property if I were a vacationing guest?

Why would you or anyone else want to rent your condo or home at the Lake of the Ozarks?  This is a serious question that needs to be answered.  What qualities make this property desirable when compared with other homes on the vacation rental market. 

Are the beds comfortable?  Are there adequate bathrooms for the number it sleeps?  What is the view like?  Does the deck furniture provide enough seating for all the guests?  Is the water heater big enough to supply hot water for all the showers that will need to be taken?  Do you have ample parking?  Is the dock in good repair?  Does the home show well?  (Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words and a bad picture is worth a thousand bad ones).  The furnishings, linens and dishes must be of decent quality, not too cheap and not too expensive, but made to last and able to take some use and abuse.

3. How does my vacation rental property compare to the competition?

This applies not only to other homes on your company’s program, but also with other homes in the vacation rental market.  You need to look at what other homes are offering, where they are located and if they have any special features.  A gentle slope to the water is more desirable than a hundred steps down the side of a cliff.  A 12 x 36 boat slip is better than a 10 x 20 slip, especially as the boats seem to be getting bigger, not smaller.  Bedrooms, bathrooms, furnishings, decks, the view and extras like a garage, foosball table, pool table or a home theater all affect the price and desirability of your rental home.

4. What do guests look for in a vacation rental property?

Here are the things that vacationers ask about when trying to find the perfect home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks.  These are the criteria that most affect rental decisions.  Location, bedrooms, size (square footage and how many it sleeps), number of bathrooms, view, access to water (steepness), parking, boat slip & dock size, cable or satellite, wifi, number & size of televisions, fireplace, laundry facilities, plenty of dishes & cookware and then extras can help seal the deal like two king beds instead of one, an extra air mattress, a foosball table, pool table, darts, surround sound, home theater, etc.

5. How should I price my vacation rental property?

How do you know how much to charge for renting your property?  A good rule of thumb is around $100 per bedroom per night. The more extras and desirable attributes your property has, the more you can increase that nightly rate. You don’t want to under price and you don’t want to over price.  You want to give great accommodations at a fair price so that your guests will want to return to your property. 

The price and condition of the property will also determine how well the guests will take care of your home.  If it is in disrepair and it appears that you do not care how people treat your home, you will probably get more damage.  If the home is kept up, in good repair and it appears that you care about your home, your renters will be more likely to take care of it, just as you would.

6. How much owner usage am I going to have?

The last thing to consider about renting your property is how often you will use the property and when and how often your friends and family will use the home; this will either negatively or positively affect your rentals.  Limiting your owner usage to mostly the off-season and during the week leaves more desirable dates available for potential guests.  If you and your family/friends take weekends during the summer and the holidays, it will definitely diminish your rental opportunities.

Renting Your Property at Lake of the Ozarks

Hopefully pondering on your personal answers to these questions will help you to make a decision on renting your property for all the right reasons. If you have any further questions about what to expect when you choose to make your property a vacation rental at the Lake of the Ozarks, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Be sure to visit our website to see what our other owner’s have done with their properties to make them top Lake of the Ozarks vacation rentals. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words!

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

One of the most searched for type of rental is the pet-friendly one. Today, more and more people consider their pets a part of their family and they want to bring them on vacation with them. There is a lack of pet-friendly vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks, so if you’ve been considering allowing guests to bring pets to your rental home, now’s the time to get your property ready! Below we have a few tips to consider for a more pet-friendly experience.

1. Remove Any Carpet and Possibly Rugs.

While carpet can sometimes be nice in the bedrooms, it harbors dust and dirt, and really isn’t the best option for a rental, especially a pet-friendly one. To make your home more pet-friendly, we’d encourage you to replace any carpet with vinyl plank flooring or something else that’s easier to keep clean. If you do want to keep some rugs in the home, be sure to choose darker colors that won’t show wear and tear as quickly as lighter colored ones. This tip honestly goes for any rental, not just those pet-friendly ones.

2. Ensure Your Kitchen Trash Can has a Lid.

Animals are curious and will often try to get into the trash. Having a kitchen trash can with a lid on it can help deter them from getting in there and dragging trash across the home. If you don’t have a can with a lid, consider storing your trash can in a cabinet or in a pantry with a door that closes.

3. Keep Some Cleaning Supplies on Hand.

It’s not uncommon for pets to make a mess, whether it’s going to the bathroom in the house or getting into food they’re not supposed to. Having a broom, mop and some basic cleaning supplies that are pet-friendly on hand will encourage your guests to clean up after their pets while they’re there. This will make things easier on the housekeeper and can cut down on wear and tear to keep your property looking nicer, longer.

Potential for Additional Income

Allowing your Lake of the Ozarks home rental to include pets could increase your income, not only will you be opening your home up to a wider range of occupants, those that want to bring pets, but you will be able to charge a pet fee. We also suggest charging an additional pet cleaning fee, to be paid to the housekeeper, because cleaning up pet hair is no small feat.

On our program, we also limited the number and type of pets to just two dogs per rental. Please also be aware that most condo complexes at the Lake do not allow for guests or renters to have pets. Therefore, only privately owned homes could be pet-friendly.

Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals Lake of the Ozarks

We would love to add some more pet-friendly vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks to our inventory for the 2025 season. If you’ve been thinking about adding your home to a rental program or if you’re already on our program and are considering allowing pets in your home, please reach out to us at 573-365-3367 to discuss.

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

Most of our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental management clients are second homeowners who are looking to off-set the costs associated with owning a vacation property. Even though this might not be an “investment” property, they would still like to keep their expenses to a minimum.

Ideas for Reducing Vacation Rental Expenses Overall

Here are a few ideas to help reduce the overall expenses of owning a vacation home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks:

1. Smart Thermostats

Having a “smart” thermostat that you can adjust/monitor from your primary residence can help save on heating and cooling costs, as well as give you peace of mind during the winter. While we recommend having a WiFi enabled thermostat, you’ll want to ensure that it’s easy for guests to use. Try to avoid Nest’s or similar thermostats that are not user friendly for your guests. You just need the basics: the ability to monitor the temperature and to adjust it if needed.

2. Water Sensors

Having a “water sensor” for your AC, water heater or utility room can also give you peace of mind. This device senses water and can alert you to a potentially costly leak. Some devices will actually shut down your AC if it is leaking water to prevent further damage to your property or in the case of a condo, someone else’s property.

3. Noise Detectors

This is one smart device that we DO NOT RECOMMEND. We have over 2,000 rentals each year and we get less than five “noise” related calls per year. The cost of the device, combined with the potential for false alarms, just isn’t worth it in our opinion. Now if we had hundreds of noise-related calls per year, then that might be worth it.

4. LED Lightbulbs

Changing your lightbulbs to LED will save you money in the long run. Since they do not generate heat like traditional bulbs, using 90% less electricity according to the Ameren website, the typical household can save around $225 per year on energy costs. We look for bulbs when they are on sale for extra savings!

Reducing Vacation Rental Expenses During Off-Season

There are some services that you do not need in the off-season. You can change your trash service to once per month or if you close your property down, suspend it all together until the following spring. If you have Spectrum and have a newer Samsung television or Roku enabled television, you do not even need to have a physical cable box anymore. While you will still have to pay for a single box to have service, you can download the Spectrum app on to those compatible televisions and eliminate those extra boxes. If you currently have 3 boxes, eliminating the cost for two of those boxes will save you between $400 and $500 per year!

Lake of the Ozark Vacation Rental Management

If you’re thinking about purchasing a vacation rental property or turning your second home at the Lake of the Ozarks into a vacation rental, be sure to reach out to us. We are happy to provide you with an estimate of rental income based on our 20+ years of statistics and experience. Your Lake Vacation is here to help with all your Lake of the Ozarks property management needs!

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

If you’ve been thinking about turning your second home at the Lake of the Ozarks into a vacation rental property, now’s the time to pull the trigger! The best time to “list” your home with a vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks is the fall season.

Take Advantage of Holiday Vacation Planning

Many people start talking about their summer vacation plans around the holidays, while they are gathered with family and friends. This is especially true for those larger groups that need a bigger vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. They want to make sure they get something booked early that can accommodate their large group all in one place. We have some guests that book a year in advance to make sure they can select the perfect property for their needs.

The Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Season

With this in mind, it’s important to understand that our season at the Lake of the Ozarks is quite short, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Therefore, if you list with a vacation rental company in the fall, you might not see much, if any, income until the following year. While you could see some fall and spring golf guests, you might not get any rentals until summer hits. However, this is NOT a reason to wait to list your vacation rental property. Even if people aren’t staying at your property during the fall and winter season, they are looking at it online. You want your property to be in that pool for consideration.

Don’t Wait to List Your Vacation Rental Property

At the very latest, you’ll want to list your vacation rental property in early spring. Maybe you need to take the fall and winter season to do some home remodeling or updates. That is okay, and in that case, waiting to list in the spring might be your best option. You want to ensure you’re listing an accurate description and photos of the property after the work has been completed. Those that didn’t book their vacations over the holidays will be looking for vacation rentals at this time.

If you wait until the summer season to contact a property manager, you’re missing out on all those potential guests that plan their vacations early. While some people do book last-minute trips, the earlier you can get your property listed, the higher the possibility for more bookings.

Busy Summer Season

You also need to take into consideration how busy your property manager is during the summer season. Waiting could mean that it takes longer to get your property listed with them than it would during their slower months. There are a limited number of summer weekends and the later you try to list your property, the less rental nights you’re going to get. Not because people don’t want to book them, but because they’re no longer available as the dates have passed.

Lake of the Ozarks Vacation Rental Management

Whether you already own a second home at the Lake that sits empty most of the season or you’re thinking about investing in real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, Your Lake Vacation is here to help with all your property management needs. Please reach out to us at 573-365-3367 with any questions you may have regarding vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

Guests renting a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks are definitely coming for the boat dock experience! In fact, about 80% of guests renting a private home at the Lake of the Ozarks are bringing or renting a boat. If your vacation home in Osage Beach or surrounding areas doesn’t have a boat dock available for guest use, you are likely missing out on a large pool of renters.

Lake of the Ozarks House Rentals with Dock

Keeping this in mind, here are some things you can do to your boat dock to make it more attractive to renters, especially when they are browsing Lake of the Ozarks vacation homes online. The first thing a renter will be looking for is the boat slip size. For this reason, the larger the slip, the better; you can always put a smaller boat in a larger slip, but cannot put a large boat into a small slip. While changing the size of your slip might not be possible, there are other amenities that you can add to make your dock more appealing. However, if you’re in the market to purchase real estate at the Lake of the Ozarks, keep the boat slip size in mind when browsing homes for sale at Lake of the Ozarks.

The Boat Dock Experience

Even if a guest is not bringing a boat, they could still enjoy sitting out on the dock, soaking up some sun or taking a dip in the lake. Having a good, easy to use swim ladder on your dock is a great amenity. Investing in some Wet Steps is the best option, as they are easy to use, durable and lightweight.

Having plenty of seating available on your boat dock is another positive. It is nice to have a space for those who do not want to get into the water to sit and talk while other are swimming. Having a few loungers for guests to sunbathe in is also a great option. Various guests will have different ways of enjoying their lake time, and having a variety of options for them will make your property more appealing.

Boat Dock Accessories

Other considerations for your house rental in Lake of the Ozarks might be to have a canoe, kayaks or paddleboards available for guest use. This way guests that do not have a boat are still able to get out on the Lake and enjoy the water. Having some water toys such as a beach ball, pool noodles or floats, etc. are bonuses that could set your property apart from others, keeping guests coming back year after year, because everything they could want and need for their vacation is already there!

For those guests bringing a boat, you will want to make sure that your boat slip does not have a lift in it. Guests often do not know how to use them and they also do not fit every type of boat. In addition, make sure that your bumpers/pads are in good shape so guests do not damage their boat or your dock. And finally, make sure your boat dock has proper and adequate lighting for use at night.

Property Management at Lake of the Ozarks

When people are searching where to stay at Lake of the Ozarks, you want your property to stand out! Your Lake Vacation has years of experience in the vacation rental industry and we’re here to help you either upgrade your existing property or find the perfect investment property at the Lake of the Ozarks to attract rentals. Feel free to give us a call with any further questions about vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

Experience the Difference

YourLakeVacation.com

4571 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-365-3367

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Instagram

Leave Us a Review on Google

A favorite past time for vacationers at the Lake of the Ozarks is enjoying the rental property’s deck overlooking the water. If you own a vacation property at the Lake of the Ozarks, you want to make sure your deck is appealing and functioning for your renters. When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than being able to grill out on the deck.

BBQ Grill

A BBQ grill is one amenity that guests have come to expect when renting a lake property. Unfortunately, due to local regulations, condos in Osage Beach (with some exceptions) are no longer allowed to have propane grills on their decks. Luckily, there’s a solution! We recommend investing in an electric Blackstone or other griddle style BBQ grill. These griddle styles are easier to clean and maintain, with less wear and tear because the grease isn’t dripping down through the grates.

If you own a private home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can keep your propane grill, but we still recommend upgrading to a griddle style one when the time comes because they will last longer. When considering a grill for your property, you also want to make sure the size of the grill is proportional to the amount of people that your property accommodates. If your rental property sleeps 12 people, a 22-inch grill is not going to cut it.

Deck Seating

Another big consideration for your deck is the type and amount of seating. We recommend having both dining and conversational seating options available when space allows. The most important thing is to make sure you have enough seating for everyone to enjoy the deck together. If your rental property sleeps 8 people, then you need deck seating for 8 people, if space allows. This could be a combination of a 6-top table and 2 loungers or an outdoor couch and loveseat with a 4-top table.

When space is tight or you have a home that sleeps a lot of people, stacked chairs are acceptable for extra seating to accommodate everyone. Make sure that you choose seating that allows for a great view of the water, this might include high-top tables and chairs so that you can see over the deck railing. You want to make sure not to obstruct your water view with any furniture, decor, etc.

When possible, guests enjoy having a covered deck, or a screened deck, so they can still sit outside if it’s raining or so they can enjoy the outdoors without the bugs. A ceiling fan on the deck is also a great amenity, as it can create air flow for comfortability on those hot summer days. These are all considerations to keep in mind if you’re buying a new Lake of the Ozarks rental property or upgrading your current one.

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

We make it simple. Paperless. Keyless. Stress-less. 

One of the biggest draws to renting a Lake of the Ozarks home or condo over just staying in a hotel room is the fact that you get a fully equipped kitchen. Let’s face it, eating out for every meal can get expensive, especially if you’re on a weeklong vacation. The ability to prepare some meals “at home” is a great way for those budget travelers to save some money while on vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks.

A Fully Equipped Kitchen

That means they expect your kitchen to be equipped with everything needed to prepare some easy meals. Think spaghetti, frozen pizza, pancakes and eggs. We’ve had a lot of experience with what people want and need in a vacation rental kitchen, so we’ve got a list of must-haves that we like to share with our new owners coming on board.

Small Appliances

A standard coffee pot is a necessity. Even if you have a Keurig, some people don’t like to wait on single-serve cups if they have a large group that drinks coffee. Guests love to have both options available so they can use what’s convenient for their group. Other small appliances that are necessary include a 4-slot toaster and a blender. Optional items that guests could enjoy include an air fryer, crock pot and countertop ice maker.

Cookware and Cooking Utensils

Think about what types of cookware and utensils you have available. You’ll want to have a large pot for spaghetti and a spaghetti spoon. A nice set of frying pans, as well as turners and spatulas, can be used to cook a variety of things for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure you have a pizza pan, or two, depending on the size of your property, and a cookie sheet. An ice cream scoop, can opener, corkscrew and bottle opener should all be on your list of needed kitchen items as well.

Dishware and Silverware

Lastly, you want to make sure you have enough dishware and eating utensils for the number of people that your property sleeps. If you sleep 8 people, and only have a set of 6 plates, bowls, cups, spoons, forks, etc., that’s not going to allow everyone to eat at the same time and they’ll be doing a lot of dishes during their stay.

Making sure your kitchen is fully equipped with everything a guest might need during their stay at your home or condo rental at the Lake of the Ozarks is one thing that could keep guests coming back time and time again. If they have to go out and buy a bunch of items during their stay just to be able to cook a meal or eat out every meal because there’s not what they need in your kitchen, they’re going to look for somewhere else next time.

If you’re looking for advice about your Lake of the Ozarks vacation property, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to speak with you about our vacation rental program and how we think you could improve your rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks. Call our office at 573-365-3367 and ask for Russell, Erin or Lisa!

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

We make it simple. Paperless. Keyless. Stress-less. 

When people are looking for vacation rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the first things they are going to look at is if the property has enough beds for their party. Depending on the type of group, some people can’t or don’t want to share a bed. On the other hand, couples don’t want to sleep in bunk beds either. Therefore, it’s important to consider your sleeping arrangements from a guest perspective and not just what works best for your family.

King Beds and Bunk Beds

As the owner, let’s say you have a family or four in a 2-bedroom condo, two adults and two children close in age. While it might make sense for you to have a king bed in the master and twin bunk beds in the guest bedroom, that might not be the best option for vacation rentals. Couples are going to overlook your condo, as about 50% of guests coming to the Lake are couples without children. Instead of bunk beds, consider a queen bed, as your kids could share it. You could also consider two twin beds that could be pushed together with a king bed topper. Now you have different options to attract different types of groups and you’re not eliminating half the rental pool. We don’t recommend bunk beds unless you have a very large house with multiple bedrooms.

Extra Sleeping

Extra sleeping is another thing to consider in vacation rentals. You could easily put a second child or a single adult on a sleeper sofa or air mattress. However, if you don’t already have a sleeper sofa, we would highly recommend purchasing a nice, double high queen air mattress instead. They tend to be more comfortable than a sleeper sofa and more affordable. Most 2-bedroom condos will sleep 6 people, based on local fire codes. If you don’t have extra sleeping available, people may choose another property over yours, especially if your pricing is the same as other 2-bedroom condos that sleep 2 more people.

Homes are a little different, due to multiple exits, they don’t have the same fire code restrictions as condos, allowing you to place extra beds where appropriate. Make sure not to overcrowd your home rental with too many beds though; sleeping more people isn’t always the best option as it can increase wear and tear on your home or overload the septic system.

We book a lot of golf packages too, and typically golfers prefer separate beds. In addition, they don’t like sleeper sofas. If your space is large enough to fit two queens in one bedroom, that’s a great way to attract these other groups. Having four separate beds in your home or condo is a must to attract golf groups, and this setup can accommodate single guys, single girls, couples or children!

Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks

If you’ve been considering adding your home or condo to a Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental management program, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’d love the opportunity to assist you in maximizing your rental revenue to offset some of the expenses of owning a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Nightly Vacation Rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks: 

We make it simple. Paperless. Keyless. Stress-less.