Here are a few things to consider when looking at vacation homes:
Know all the rules: Not all homes can be used as rental property here in Southern Utah. Homeowner or condo associations may set rules for rentals, as do most cities. Some resorts may require you to use their programs, which set standards for interior furnishings and amenities, but the property handles the logistics for a percentage of the rent. If you plan to rent out your property, it is especially important to research all these rules before you buy. Lance Clifford & Associates can help you make an informed decision.
Calculate ALL of your costs: The actual purchase price is only part of what you will need to spend. You will also have to pay utilities, HOA or condo fees, property taxes, insurance and the cost of furnishing a new home down to the spoons and forks. Don't forget taxes on your rental income as well!
Be realistic: Renting out a vacation home comes with expenses. You will need to pay for cleaning between tenants, advertising and perhaps property management. If you're part of a resort rental program, it will take a percentage.
Have a rental business plan: Will you go into a rental program, hire a management company or do it yourself via services such as Airbnb or VRBO? If you are handling your own advertising, you will need great photos. You also need to be able to take payments from tenants (services like PayPal can work well) and have a way for them to get in (such as a keyless entry system with programable codes). A reliable cleaning service is essential, especially when you may only have a few hours between tenants.
Have a plan for emergencies: If you don't visit the house often, make sure someone does. For example, a water leak can be devastating. If you're renting, repairs need to be made quickly, so get to know a good handyman or property manager.
Calculate your ROI: If you think owning a vacation home should be part of your overall investment strategy, make sure it's a good move. Estimate returns and weigh them against other uses of the same money.
Expect to pay taxes: Rental income is taxable on state and federal returns, though most vacation homeowners won't earn enough after expenses to face a significant tax liability. If you are doing short-term rentals, the state of Utah, Washington county and local municipalities consider you an innkeeper and expect you to collect the same lodging taxes that hotels collect and pay. If you're renting a home, an apartment, a room, you're basically running a mini-hotel. In St. George, for example, a tax of 5.25 percent is due, 4.25 percent to Washington County and 1 percent to the city.
While there is a lot to consider when buying a vacation rental here in Southern Utah, we still feel that it is a great way to enjoy a second home here and help cover some of the costs of ownership. If you would like more information on vacation rentals, give us a call at 435-200-5508 or contact us via email.
Here is a list of several of the areas zoned for vacation rentals. This list is always changing, so please be sure to contact us to verify that a particular property is in a vacation rental approved area.
Below is a list of many of the vacation rentals currently on the market. Please note that there are parts of some subdivisions that do not allow vacation rentals, so please verify with us that the home is vacation rental approved.
Get ready for the ultimate getaway experience at Desert Color! This vacation rental-approved property is a true gem with its own 2.5-acre lagoon, pool, and spa - your tic...
Come and experience the ultimate getaway at Desert Color! This vacation rental-approved property boasts a 2.5-acre lagoon, pool, and spa, perfect for relaxation and fun u...
$12,000 in gross bookings from now until end of year and more to come! Continue management through red sands or have option to do it on your own. Great amenities includ...
Nightly rental approved in a premier vacation destination. Fully Furnished townhome located in the Vue at Green Valley. Luxury townhome, built in 2021 with exceptional fl...
Here's your chance to own a nightly or long term rental townhouse very close to National Parks in the St George area! Next to Coral Canyon Golf Course and easy access to ...
Exceptional Dual Master Retreats, Versatile Bonus Room, and Sun-Drenched End Unit with Abundant Natural Light. The upstairs loft offers the potential for a 4th bedroom tr...
Newly remodeled and zoned for nightly rentals. This wonderful ground-floor condo offers great potential for both personal use and rental income. The fact that it's well ...
This amazing, turnkey, vacation rental opportunity is now available! This property is perfectly furnished and ready for your next investment or retreat. Great room provid...
Sand Hollow Haven is the ultimate retreat for large gatherings. This newly constructed home boasts 19 beds accommodating up to 34 guests and features a private 26 ft pool...
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Enjoy this awesome 6 bed 6 bath Nightly Rental home that backs up to the Lazy River and other sweet amenities! Two huge living areas, granit...
In the nightly rental world, more bedrooms = more revenue and this home has SIX bedrooms under $700K. No where in Washington County will you find a deal like this! This 1...
TURN KEY LUXURIOUS VACATION NIGHTLY RENTAL! Amazing investment! This home is meticulously designed to attract large groups looking for the ultimate vacation experience. 4...
Dive into a brilliant investment opportunity with this affordable and well-maintained one-bedroom, one-bath unit nestled in the heart of the sought-after Sports Village c...
Vacation/Nightly Rental Property-Fully Furnished-Sleeps 34! That's right, with 5 master suites and a giant bunk room with 12 built-in queen beds, this spectacular nightly...
Vacation Rental located in the popular Sports Village development! This 750 sqft, one bedroom one bathroom unit is being sold fully furnished and ready to enjoy! With fan...
Look no further! This is the one you are looking for. Fully furnished and ready to move in or have nightly rentals! This is 100% Turn Key. This home is clearly beautiful!...
La Verkin's moratorium on Vacation Rentals makes this licensed beauty even more valuable! Completely remodeled and professionally decorated, this picturesque vacation ren...
Welcome to your opportunity of a lifetime! This vacation rental is the perfect chance to invest in your future and maximize your earnings. Featuring all the necessary ame...
Why buy one house when you can buy two! Bonus cabin built on the same property! Airbnb? Kids getting too rowdy? Overbearing mother in-law coming over to visit? Just send ...
**Seller will consider seller financing** This ultimate Southern Utah getaway is located in the heart of an active lifestyle community and is steps away from Desert Color...