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.
Welcome to the Wild West! This 4 bed/ 4 bth condo comes fully furnished on the 3rd floor w/ uninterrupted mtn views, large balcony, & spacious floorplan. Elevator is avai...
This Brand New Vacation Rental Zoned for Nightly Rentals is listed $20,000 below appraisal! This Unique build and style referred to as 'The Valencia'' has incorporated 3 ...
Beautiful vacation rental unit! Brand new furniture and decor just tops it off to make this turn key property yours. Rented on a regular basis makes it a great investment...
Hard to find Vacation Rental in Entrada! Luxury Home in Gated Lava Falls. Lava Falls has it's own separate pool & spa. Open Floor Plan w/ 2 Bed, 2 Bath. Completely turn...
This fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath condo is Vacation Rental Approved and Move-In Ready! With a great location, third level roof top deck and beautiful architecture ...
Super cute and cozy ''Vacation Rental'' with great relaxing vibe. Make this your get-away retreat while off setting the payment with rental options. This unit is locate...
There are too many upgrades to mention in this beautiful, ''VACATION RENTAL'' zoned townhouse. It comfortably sleeps 12. However, if vacation rental isn't your thing it c...
Experience The Tuscany at The Aerie Resort, with a touch of Europe-style in your very own Desert Oasis. The Residence features esthetic details that bring the outside in...
Amazing home with open floor plan. Kitchen is perfect for family living or entertaining (wonderful pantry). Casita is rented through Airbnb with private entrance and park...
Amazing condo. Close to pools and clubhouse. 2 bed. Fully Furnished. Zoned for short-term rentals. ''The listing broker's offer of compensation is made only to partici...
Rarely available Sports Village unit, approved to be used as a nightly rental! With incredible, unobstructed views, it's hard to find a better 2bed/2bath vacation rental ...
Amazing contemporary style single family home with full Casita built by Artisan Homes! High end finishes, room for a pool with breathtaking views! Enjoy the PECAN VALLEY ...
Vacation Rental Opportunity in Casita at Sienna Hills. Bring your own Property Manger to help generate revenue or use for personal use. This home is equipped with RV & tr...
Great top level condo with views of all the amenities the complex has to offer. The condo comes fully furnished and turn key. condo is Zoned for short term vacation rent...
Welcome to the 5th T-box - 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths & great views of the Coral Canyon Golf Course. Relax and enjoy the Coral Ridge Subdivision that boasts 2 hot tubs and 2 p...
Turnkey ready, main level condo in Coral Springs w/ granite counters, travertine floors, 2 fireplaces, jetted tub & more! Just off I-15 with all the views & none of the n...
This spotlessly clean 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo has 1404 sqft. and comes in turn-key condition. It also has a 1 car detached garage. The property is on the top level and ...
Zoned to be used as a nightly rental with furnishings included! This home spared no detail in design or finishes to stand out among the rest. Great opportunity to own an ...
Vacation Rental approved. 5 Bed, 5 bath, 2 great rooms, 2nd floor deck & 2 car garage. Several included features included in current price. Home is to be built, photos ar...
New Turnkey vacation rental property in the Retreat at Sand Hollow. Zoned for nightly rentals. Open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, including a large bunk room, 4 bathrooms a...