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Lakeside, Montana, is a hidden gem in the Airbnb market, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure that attracts a diverse range of guests. Nestled on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Lakeside is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes. The town's close proximity to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Glacier National Park further enhances its appeal as a year-round destination. The local market is characterized by a mix of rustic cabins, lakefront homes, and mountain retreats, catering to both budget-conscious travelers and luxury seekers. Seasonal fluctuations are evident, with peak demand during the summer months and a notable increase in winter due to the ski season. However, the serene beauty of Lakeside in the off-peak seasons offers potential for hosts to attract guests seeking a peaceful getaway.
In Lakeside, Montana, the Airbnb market experiences significant seasonality, largely influenced by the area's natural attractions and outdoor activities. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, when guests flock to the area to enjoy the warm weather, Flathead Lake, and the nearby Glacier National Park. During this period, Airbnb hosts can expect higher occupancy rates and can potentially charge higher rates due to increased demand. Conversely, the winter months see a decrease in visitors, except for those attracted by winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. However, this off-peak season provides an opportunity for hosts to attract longer-term renters seeking a quiet retreat. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Lakeside optimize their pricing and marketing strategies to maximize their rental income.
In Lakeside, Montana, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. One of the most significant is the requirement to obtain a short-term rental license from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. This license must be renewed annually. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 7% accommodation tax from guests, which is used to fund local tourism promotion efforts. It's also important to note that Lakeside has specific zoning laws that may restrict the ability to host on certain properties, particularly in residential areas. Therefore, it's crucial to verify that the property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals. Lastly, hosts should be aware that Montana law requires them to ensure their properties meet certain safety standards, including having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Managing Airbnb properties in Lakeside, Montana presents unique challenges and opportunities. The seasonal nature of the market, with peaks during the summer and winter months, requires careful planning and dynamic pricing strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue. It's crucial to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and upkeep, as guests often have high expectations due to the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Quick response times to inquiries and issues are also key, as many guests are tourists who may need extra assistance. Additionally, fostering good relationships with local businesses can enhance guests' experiences and encourage repeat bookings.
In Lakeside, Montana, properties that offer outdoor amenities such as fire pits, BBQ grills, and patio seating are highly sought after by guests looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Proximity to Flathead Lake is a major draw, so properties with lake views or easy lake access are particularly desirable. Additionally, amenities that cater to the adventurous spirit of visitors, such as on-site kayak or paddleboard rentals, can set a property apart. Given the region's popularity for skiing and snowboarding, properties that offer storage for winter sports equipment can also be a significant advantage during the colder months.
Lakeside, Montana, is a hidden gem in the Airbnb market, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure that attracts a diverse range of guests. Nestled on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Lakeside is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes. The town's close proximity to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Glacier National Park further enhances its appeal as a year-round destination. The local market is characterized by a mix of rustic cabins, lakefront homes, and mountain retreats, catering to both budget-conscious travelers and luxury seekers. Seasonal fluctuations are evident, with peak demand during the summer months and a notable increase in winter due to the ski season. However, the serene beauty of Lakeside in the off-peak seasons offers potential for hosts to attract guests seeking a peaceful getaway.
In Lakeside, Montana, the Airbnb market experiences significant seasonality, largely influenced by the area's natural attractions and outdoor activities. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, when guests flock to the area to enjoy the warm weather, Flathead Lake, and the nearby Glacier National Park. During this period, Airbnb hosts can expect higher occupancy rates and can potentially charge higher rates due to increased demand. Conversely, the winter months see a decrease in visitors, except for those attracted by winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. However, this off-peak season provides an opportunity for hosts to attract longer-term renters seeking a quiet retreat. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Lakeside optimize their pricing and marketing strategies to maximize their rental income.
In Lakeside, Montana, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. One of the most significant is the requirement to obtain a short-term rental license from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office. This license must be renewed annually. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 7% accommodation tax from guests, which is used to fund local tourism promotion efforts. It's also important to note that Lakeside has specific zoning laws that may restrict the ability to host on certain properties, particularly in residential areas. Therefore, it's crucial to verify that the property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals. Lastly, hosts should be aware that Montana law requires them to ensure their properties meet certain safety standards, including having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Managing Airbnb properties in Lakeside, Montana presents unique challenges and opportunities. The seasonal nature of the market, with peaks during the summer and winter months, requires careful planning and dynamic pricing strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue. It's crucial to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and upkeep, as guests often have high expectations due to the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Quick response times to inquiries and issues are also key, as many guests are tourists who may need extra assistance. Additionally, fostering good relationships with local businesses can enhance guests' experiences and encourage repeat bookings.
In Lakeside, Montana, properties that offer outdoor amenities such as fire pits, BBQ grills, and patio seating are highly sought after by guests looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Proximity to Flathead Lake is a major draw, so properties with lake views or easy lake access are particularly desirable. Additionally, amenities that cater to the adventurous spirit of visitors, such as on-site kayak or paddleboard rentals, can set a property apart. Given the region's popularity for skiing and snowboarding, properties that offer storage for winter sports equipment can also be a significant advantage during the colder months.
How It Works
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Connect With Local Pros
Seamless Onboarding
Sit Back And Earn
With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.
They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.
Who We Trust
Personalized Support
Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.
Demonstrated Earnings
Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.
Tech-Forward Focus
The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.
Trusted Brand Reputation
We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.
Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?
You think your short-term rental can make more money
Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.
You want a partner where you are valued
Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.
You want hassle-free hosting
Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.
Get connected
FAQ
Answers to common questions
What is vacation rental property management?
Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.
What services does a vacation rental manager offer?
Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.
Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?
Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.
How long does the onboarding process take?
The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.
Will I get a smart lock?
Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.
Will they take updated photos of the property?
In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.
How do I know my property will be safe with guests?
Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.
