VACATION RENTALS

An owner of rental properties offers a debut that blends memoir and business advice.

In this book, VanDergrift shares her own story of becoming a real estate investor and provides tips for readers who are interested in doing the same. The first half describes how she found, acquired, and renovated properties in multiple states. Each chapter ends with a list of relevant lessons, but the section focuses mainly on the author’s frustration with unresponsive contractors, her satisfaction at transforming neglected houses into coveted destinations, and her apprehension while navigating changes in zoning rules. In the book’s second half, VanDergrift moves into a more solutions-oriented approach, listing reasons why purchasing, maintaining, and marketing properties for short-term rentals is a solid moneymaking idea and explaining the mechanics of how to do so. Overall, VanDergrift is an engaging writer whose enthusiasm for her chosen field is evident throughout this work. Some of her reasons why readers should get into the business seem like a bit of a stretch (“You will literally get a hit of dopamine every time that you see a new booking on your computer screen or phone!”), but the book also makes a solid case for its financial benefits. There’s also plenty of concrete, actionable information here, including instruction on developing a business plan; explanations of major rental platforms, such as Airbnb and Vrbo; and the mechanics of the purchase process from offer to closing. The book does an excellent job of addressing the particular challenges of owning rental properties outside one’s local area, which is a particular challenge for those who don’t live in vacation hot spots. At several points, the author addresses the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and how it has, and has not, changed her own business.

A cheerful and useful real estate business book.