Why Short-Term Rentals Are a Smart Investment (and How to Make Yours Stand Out)
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a cozy cabin, stylish condo, or lakeside retreat into a passive income stream, you’re not alone. The short-term rental market—through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo—has exploded in popularity, and for good reason.
Today we’re diving into one of the biggest benefits of owning a short-term rental property: flexibility and income potential. Whether you're a full-time investor or a homeowner testing the waters, STRs offer powerful perks—especially when they're professionally presented.
Higher Income Potential (When Done Right)
One of the top reasons people choose short-term rentals over long-term tenants? Earning potential.
Unlike traditional leases with fixed monthly rent, STRs allow you to adjust pricing based on demand, season, and local events. That weekend foliage season in Vermont? You can charge premium rates. Got a ski chalet near Bolton or Sugarbush? Winter weekends are gold.
When optimized, a short-term rental can earn double or even triple what you'd make with a long-term tenant—and you still keep control of your space.
Flexibility and Personal Use
With an STR, you get to decide when it’s booked—and when it’s your turn to enjoy it!
Many of my Vermont-based clients use their homes part-time and rent them out the rest of the year. Or they plan on fully retiring here. That means your investment property can also be your vacation home, your weekend escape, or your guest overflow during the holidays!
That flexibility is huge, especially if you’re not ready to give up your home entirely or want the option to change your strategy later. It's like your very own time-share that you share with others.
First Impressions Matter (Yes, Photos Can Make or Break Bookings)
Here’s where I come in: none of those benefits matter if no one clicks on your listing.
Photos are the very first impression potential guests see. In a saturated market, beautifully lit, thoughtfully styled, professionally captured images are what stop the scroll and make people say: “I want to stay there!" And hit the "Book Now" button before anyone else can!
Don't believe me? Try scrolling through short term rental listings in Airbnb or VRBO now! Which ones stand out to YOU?!
Your short-term rental should look like it belongs in a magazine—and more importantly, like it’s worth the nightly rate. That means:
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Wide-angle shots that show the layout
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Cozy, inviting details that tell a story
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Twilight or drone photos that show off location
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A clean, consistent visual style across your gallery
Pro Tip: Treat It Like a Brand
The most successful STR owners don’t just rent a home—they market an entire experience.
From the photos to the listing title, every detail should speak to the ideal guest. I've found that many of the most successful listings also have a theme throughout the home (chalet, retro sigs, cozy cabin! Whats your hook?!)
Is your space a chic getaway for couples?
A dog-friendly retreat for families?
A remote work haven?
Professional photography helps you visually communicate all that in seconds. It builds trust, boosts clicks, and converts viewers into bookings.
Want More Bookings? It Starts With Better Visuals
If you’re ready to upgrade your listing and start earning what your property is truly worth, let’s talk. I cannot tell you how much I love doing these shoots- my passion in palapable if you just look at the photos. You need someone with enthusiasm and a deal love of what they do to make these spaces come to life and that someone is ME!
My short-term rental photography packages are designed to help you:
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Get booked faster
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Attract the right guests
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Stand out in search results
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Raise your nightly rates
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I even offer styling support and add-ons like drone photo and video, and even seasonal updates to keep your listing fresh all year round (extra important to Vermont's seasons!)
Let’s turn your space into someone’s dream stay.
[Click here to learn more about my STR photography services.]
Let's turn your space into a story worth booking.