The cold weather is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially for the snowbirds who seek solace in the warmth of the sun during those chilly days. Whether you’re contemplating diving into the vacation rental market or are already managing properties in sunny locales, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of renting to snowbirds. Beyond just understanding their migration patterns, catering to their specific needs could very well set your rental apart. So, let’s delve into what makes these winter migrators tick and how you can both benefit from and navigate the challenges they bring to the table.
What Are Snowbirds?
Imagine trading the frost-coated windows for sunbathed mornings every winter. That’s the snowbird lifestyle in a nutshell. Originating from the colder regions of Canada or the northern U.S., between 300,000 and 1.5 million snowbirds, often aged 55 or older, migrate to warmer climates to escape the bitter cold of their hometowns. Their migration starts typically between November and January—aiming to spend the heart of winter in places where they can enjoy outdoor living without the nuisance of snow.
Top Destinations for Snowbirds
When it comes to choosing their winter abode, snowbirds have a knack for picking locales that aren’t just about the warm weather but also offer a vibrant community life. Venice, Florida, stands out with its beckoning golf courses and excellent healthcare. Other favorites include Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Naples, Arizona, and California, all chosen for their perfect mix of sunshine, culture, and outdoor activities. You can see out Top 10 Destinations for Snowbirds here.
The Pros of Having Snowbird Rentals
Renting to snowbirds isn’t just about filling your property; it’s about opening your doors to a stream of benefits:
Excellent Tenants
- Snowbirds are often retirees with a steady income. This makes them reliable tenants who cherish and care for your property as their own. From our experience, the clientele looking to snowbird have already proved to be responsible enough to be in a position to snowbird in the first place right? They’re typically older, mature, and just looking to relax compared to many short term guests looking for a place to party.
Higher Investment Returns
- Seasonal renting allows for nightly rates. This has become a lucrative model compared to traditional monthly leases. Especially since many snowbirds are willing to pay a premium for comfortable lodgings.
Less Maintenance
- With shorter stays and respectful tenants, your property incurs less wear and tear, translating to lower maintenance costs. Renting to monthly travelers where the average stay is roughly 3 months, in my opinion. is the perfect blend of long term rentals vs short term rentals. Long and short term tenants can cause a lot of wear and tear on your property compared to mid term travels and I’ll explain why.
- Long term tenants typically rent units that are unfurnished. That means that they’re bringing in all of their own furniture, hanging artwork, dinging up the walls, holes in the walls etc. Also, consider that long term tenancies typically max out your units capacity vs mid term rentals usually see about 1-3 guests per unit regardles of bedroom count. That means more people living in one unit for a longer period of time. And during that 1 year or more lease, long term tenants rarely deep clean the unit. With mid term rentals, you’re able to deep clean and keep up with maintenance every 3 months or so. Long term sounds like a lot of extra work and more headaches for less money.
- On the other hand, short term tenants are in and out much more frequently also causing more damage to your property. A big reason for that is, short term tenants are typically there for a good time not a long time. They max out capacity and are there to unwind, enjoy themselves, celebrate etc.. With little consideration that this is someone else’s home. With that said, you’ll need to clean and do maintenance every single week vs every 3 months with mid term rentals.
More Rental Opportunities in Winter
- In prime locations like Florida, the snowbird season can significantly increase demand, allowing you to command higher rents and boost your income during the winter months.
The Cons of Having Snowbird Rentals
However, with the sunlit perks come a few shadows:
Effective and Possibly Expensive Marketing
- Attracting this niche market requires polished marketing efforts which can be both time-consuming and costly. Thankfully, sites like MiniStays.com make it easy to list your property and has been the fastest growing booking platform among Snowbirds and other monthly travelers.
Long Vacancies
- Post-snowbird season could leave your rental longing for occupants, particularly in competitive vacation rental markets.
Neighbor Complaints
- Short-term tenancies might ruffle the feathers of nearby residents, with issues like noise and trash becoming points of contention.
How to Attract Snowbird Renters
Attracting these winter visitors means tapping into their specific desires for a homely yet luxurious escape from the cold.
Make It Homey
Create an inviting space with quality amenities like fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and cozy, durable furnishings. Make your property feel like a home away from home.
Optimize Your Rental Listing
- Keep it short and sweet: Your listing should be concise. Highlight the best your rental offers, complemented by vivid photos and glowing reviews.
- Use Multiple Platforms: Extend your reach by listing your property across multiple platforms tailored to the snowbird demographic like MiniStays.
Promote the Lifestyle
Snowbirds aren’t just looking for a place to stay; they’re buying into a lifestyle. Highlight the local culture, outdoor activities, and accessibility to essentials like healthcare and dining to entice them further.
Invest in Paid Social Media Advertising
Strategically crafted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can pinpoint your ideal clientele. This includes those hailing from colder climes like Canada, or any northern US state.
Rent to Snowbirds Today
Navigating the world of snowbird rentals might have its twists and turns, but armed with the right strategies, the endeavor can prove immensely rewarding. As you cater to this unique cohort, remember, it’s about creating a warm, inviting home where memories can be made—and that’s something worth investing in.
