By Ana María Rubio, Founder of RealNestX
After 11 years selling vacation homes directly for builders, one truth keeps surfacing in conversations with the top property managers:
Not all vacation homes perform the same—even within the same community.
So, what makes one property earn significantly more than another?
What patterns do on-the-ground managers notice while handling bookings, guest reviews, and maintenance day in and day out?
Here’s what the experts are saying:
- Location Within the Community
There’s a big difference between being near the entrance of a resort versus facing the lake, a nature preserve, or sitting right next to the clubhouse.
Homes with water views, conservation views, cul-de-sac locations, or immediate access to the water park tend to rent first—and at higher nightly rates.
Location within the resort can dramatically influence performance, even between similar homes.
- Number of Bedrooms (and Owner Intent)
According to multiple property managers interviewed, 15-bedroom homes are the top performers in the market.
These properties are designed for investors whose primary goal is to generate strong and consistent short-term rental income.
In contrast, 6, 8, and 9-bedroom homes tend to be favored by owners who plan to use the property personally for several weeks per year, and rent it out the rest of the time mainly to offset expenses—not as their core investment strategy.
10- and 12-bedroom homes are often seen as ideal hybrids, where incredible design and décor can tip the scales.
Many guests would rather stay together in one 10-bedroom home than split into two 5-bedrooms, or in one 12-bedroom instead of two 6-bedrooms, making them highly sought after.
Top-performing formats, based on property managers’ feedback:
1: 15-bedroom homes
2: 12- and 10-bedroom homes
3: 6-bedroom homes (more popular than 8- and 9-bedrooms)
- Key Themed Bedrooms
It’s not about covering every wall with murals.
What truly drives clicks and bookings are 2 or 3 well-designed themed rooms, especially for children—like an extension of the parks at home.
Top-performing homes tell a visual story from the very first listing photo.
This is one of the biggest factors influencing rental performance, and that’s why at RealNestX we’re preparing a dedicated blog for decorators, where we’ll share expert tips, trends, and the secrets behind the most booked bedrooms.
- Private Pool with Spa and a Thoughtfully Designed Outdoor Area
A well-furnished lanai that feels inviting, a pool with LED lights and games, and an outdoor kitchen with modern finishes can completely transform the guest experience.
Guests are not just renting beds—they’re renting a complete experience.
The home should connect with everyone’s imagination: with children, who want fun and fantasy, and with adults, who seek to recreate their own version of rest and joy.
When designed with intention, the outdoor space often becomes the most photographed and enjoyed part of the stay.
- Professional Photography & Ongoing Marketing
A home may be beautiful, but if the photos don’t reflect it… it won’t rent.
Property managers agree: Homes with professional photography and fresh, engaging marketing content tend to generate 20% to 35% more revenue annually.
- Dynamic Pricing & Fast Response Time
Homes managed by teams who use dynamic pricing tools (like Pricelabs or Beyond Pricing) and who respond to guest inquiries in under an hour enjoy higher occupancy rates—without having to lower their nightly rates.
BONUS: Homes with Short Term Residential Zoning
Having the right permit isn’t a minor detail—it’s the difference between a powerful investment or just a pretty headache.
And beyond zoning, a fully developed community is a huge plus for both guests and investors.
It avoids negative reviews caused by construction noise, debris, or incomplete amenities, which are common in developments that still need 2–3 years to be completed.
Mature vacation home communities are like fine wine: the older, the better.
These homes already have booking history, digital presence, and guest reviews—turning consistency into predictable returns.
Conclusion
Buying a vacation home isn’t just about square footage or décor.
It’s about creating a product that works for today’s guest—and today’s algorithms.
At RealNestX, we continue listening to experts, tracking real numbers, and sharing what truly works.
For now, you can explore inventory, local regulations, market trends, and case studies at:
realnestx.com