Like bears in the springtime, people are slowly starting to emerge from their unplanned, coronavirus-induced hibernation, as states across the country are beginning to ease lockdown restrictions. In typical bear-like fashion, people seem to be anxious to find a bite to eat at a local eatery and then stretch their legs and get some fresh air by hitting the trails.
Despite our anxiousness to get outside and play, the global pandemic continues to rage on. We have managed to flatten the curve here in Oregon, but it is still important to follow social distancing guidelines, practice good hygiene, and respect our neighbors to prevent a resurgence of the disease.
Thankfully for all of us here in Sunriver, recreating outdoors is considered very low-risk for contracting the coronavirus, with fresh air and ample opportunity to practice social distancing. And of course, walking, running, hiking, cycling, and paddling are all great for both your mental and physical health. Getting outside to play should be at the top of your to-do list this summer!
That said, we must still continue to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Here are a few things you should do when recreating outside, to ensure that you have a safe, healthy summer:
Know Before You Go: Make sure to check the state and federal rules and current status for the area you plan on visiting. Rules and requirements are changing frequently, based on the latest science and number of local cases. Double-check that the trail, park, or area you want to explore is open, and know any special rules before you go!
The latest state-level guidance on reopening phases and travel can be found on the Oregon Health Authority website.
Oregon State Parks will have information and statuses regarding Tumalo and Smith Rock State Parks.
Deschutes National Forest will have information and statuses regarding local forest service recreation sites, trails, and forest access.
Find Quiet Trails: If you pull up to a parking lot and it’s full of cars, it’s better to turn around and find a different spot to explore. The Bend/Sunriver area has thousands of miles of trails. There is no need to hike with a crowd!
Hit the Trail Early: The early bird gets the worm! If you want to do a hike that you know is popular, like Black Butte, plan to get on (and off) the trail early. Hike to the top in time for sunrise, so you are back to the parking lot when the rest of the crowd is just showing up.
Not a morning person? Pack headlamps and try a sunset hike instead! You can also try your hike mid-week to avoid crowds.
Bring a Mask: While wearing a mask while recreating outside isn’t required, it’s a good idea to bring one along in your pocket anyway. You never know when you will run into a crowd, need to go into a gas station, or stop at a grocery store on the way home!
Wash Your Hands: Soap and running water aren’t really accessible on the trail, so be sure to pack hand sanitizer in your backpack. Use it after touching shared surfaces, like railings, gas pumps, or door handles.
Pack It Out: Keep your germs to yourself! Be sure to Leave No Trace, and pack out any hand-wipes and other trash you bring along.
Make Room: It is important to practice good trail etiquette this summer, which means respecting everyone’s 6-foot spacing. Always yield to someone traveling uphill. Most trails aren’t 6 feet wide, so you’ll need to step off the trail to allow them plenty of passing room.
Hiking With Friends: The best things are always better when shared with a friend, hiking and mountain biking included! You can meet up for an outdoor play-date with your friends and still remain socially distant. If you are recreating with someone who isn’t part of your home group, consider taking separate vehicles to the trailhead. The CDC currently recommends avoiding groups of more than 10 people, so bring a friend but don’t make it a party.
Don’t Go Overboard: Search-and-rescue groups all over the country have asked backcountry enthusiasts to tone it down during the pandemic. Stay within your ability level, and make conservative decisions on the trail. The goal is to prevent yourself from getting lost, injured, or otherwise needing emergency evacuation from the backcountry, to help keep both search-and-rescue personnel and first responders safe.
Pack a Lunch: Most of the communities nearest to popular outdoor recreation sites are small and have limited resources. Be sure to pack your own food and water and fill your car with gas before you head out. That will allow you to be self-contained and will prevent the possible spread of the virus to small communities that don’t have many services. If you do have to make a quick stop at a local store or restroom, be sure to respect those communities by wearing your mask inside!
Be Nice: Everyone is stressed right now. Spread cheer and positivity with the simple act of smiling and saying hello when you encounter other trail users.
Stay Home: If you are coughing and sneezing, have a fever, or have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, please STAY HOME. Your epic day of riding or hiking can WAIT a few more days. We all need to do our part to keep our community safe and healthy.
Fall is a time in Sunriver that is especially close to the locals’ hearts, and for good reason: The weather cools, the crowds disperse, and the mosquitos disappear.
Most visitors this time of year don’t come for the fall colors. Locals say not to expect a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows like the scenes featured on postcards from New England.
“This is a tricky subject in a lodgepole forest,” said David Walker, director of grounds and maintenance for the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory.
Walker said that Sunriver’s altitude, lack of moisture, and soil quality contribute to its lack of fall color. That said, he does know a few places where you can see a few trees with red-orange tops.
You can check out these places this autumn when you stay at one of Arrived Sunriver’ properties in Sunriver.
Where to find fall foliage in Sunriver
While Sunriver is too high and dry for some of the most common deciduous trees — oaks, maples, elms, etc. — to take root and form a forest stand big enough to create a blanket of color in the fall, there are two types of trees — the quaking aspen and the western larch — that yield a flash of color against the evergreen backdrop of firs and pines. Two of these require a quick drive. But you can get to the third one on your bike!
Shevlin Park (22.1 miles from The Village at Sunriver) — Everybody knows that the leaves along the banks of Tumalo Creek in Shevlin Park are beautiful because everybody talks about how the leaves along the banks of Tumalo Creek in Shevlin Park are beautiful. In fact, you’re probably going there for a wedding at Aspen Hall. Just check out this photo by Mike Putnam, who sells his work at Patagonia on First Fridays.
Whychus Canyon Preserve (40.0 miles from The Village at Sunriver) — Healthy stream banks give black cottonwoods access to water. The roots of the trees provide the banks with a foundation that keeps their topsoil from washing away. Tip this balance in one way or another, and the whole thing falls apart. That’s exactly what happened along the banks of Whychus Creek. Fortunately, conservation groups like the Deschutes Land Trust and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council are working to fix this mess by planting stands of cottonwoods and aspens along the banks of Whychus Creek, which you can now gaze at in their full fall splendor.
Benham Falls (5.3 miles from The Village at Sunriver) — People who don’t want to venture too far from town should check out the color along the Benham Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile hike you can do with a stroller. It leads to a pretty waterfall that’s a decent 8.8-mile hike from another pretty waterfall. Here’s another Mike Putnam photo as a teaser. Don’t forget to pack your fleece and a bottle of water!
Walker said that visitors to town might also want to look for fall foliage in Sunriver along the banks of the Deschutes River as it flows past the nature center. That’s also a good place to learn more about why leaves change color.
Other ways to enjoy autumn in Sunriver
Here are a few other ways to enjoy autumn in Sunriver:
Play sports — It may not seem this way, but only 17% of Central Oregon’s yearly rainfall hits us in autumn. This makes it the perfect season — a time when it isn’t too hot or too muddy — to go mountain biking or play a quick round of golf.
Drink beer — Autumn is also when Oregon’s hops are picked. That means it’s time to try fresh hopped beers, like Sunriver Brewing’s Green Initiative Fresh Hop IPA, a fresh hopped version of its Vicious Mosquito IPA, and a fresh hopped version of the brewery’s Holy Schimdt! Festbier. These people basically threw a whole bunch of fresh off-the-vine hop blossoms into a light Oktoberfest lager. Give it a try!
Eat some fungi — Hops aren’t the only Central Oregon crop getting picked right now. Thousands of mushrooms — including matsutakes and morels — are starting to poke their cute little heads out of the leaf litter so they can be picked up and eaten. Chef Zachary Mazi will give a cooking demonstration at the nature center’s FungiFest and Mushroom Show on Oct. 9.
Watch the stars — Last summer, the International Dark Sky Association named Sunriver its first Dark Sky Development of Distinction in Oregon. What does this mean? The nighttime skies are so dark above Sunriver, you should have no problems saying hello to all the autumn constellations — Andromeda, Aries, Cassiopea, Perseus, Pisces, and Taurus — as they cross over the northern hemisphere and continue their journey across the night sky,
Finally, you can always enjoy autumn in Sunriver the way that the locals enjoy it. Just zip up your favorite puffy coat, stand around a firepit, and breathe in the fresh fall air.
Many of the homes in our inventory at Arrived Sunriver also have a fireplace where you can do this under a warm blanket, on a cozy couch, in your favorite slippers.

So, you’ve decided to vacation in central Oregon during fall time. When you think of beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves, crisp air, and seasonal drinks, you may think more east coast than west. However, autumn is a highlight in central Oregon that boasts a beautiful season with plenty to do. To help plan your vacation this fall, here are 10 activities, sights, and perks that you can enjoy whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a big family reunion.
1. Bend Fall Festival
October 5-7. Bend’s Fall Festival is the first weekend in October and boasts more than 20 food and drink vendors. A celebration of a new season and Bend’s local restaurants, businesses, and artists, it’s a three-day affair with lots to do, see, eat, and drink. Deschutes Brewery is one of Bend’s most famous breweries and offers a selection of its loved brews. If beer isn’t your style, there’s also a wine and cocktail selection. If you’re a baker, sign up for the pie baking contest. And if you prefer your pumpkins carved over baked, then join the pumpkin carving contest and put your art skills to the test. For more information, visit their site.
2. Oregon Observatory at Sunriver

If you are visiting central Oregon in September or October, then the Sunriver Observatory is a must-see. Open Wednesday and Saturday nights, guests will enjoy an introduction to astronomy and will be guided through a telescope viewing. When the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see nebulae and galaxies light years away. Depending on the day, you may be able to see the International Space Station pass by! You’ll walk away from the Observatory in awe of Oregon’s night sky and a better understanding of the the universe. Click here for more information.
3. Bend’s Film Festival.
October 11-14. This October is the 15th Annual Bend Film Festival that brings independent films to Bend. Bend’s downtown theaters, music rooms, party venues, and more show indie movies throughout the weekend. The film schedule is jam-packed, and movies are shown nonstop during the three-day festival. Downtown bars and restaurants will be filled with festival-goers who want to discuss the movie they just saw.
If you’ve brought your children with you on vacation but don’t think they’d enjoy a movie you want to buy tickets to, the festival also offers childcare offered by Bend Montessori. For more information, visit their website here.
4. Oregon High Desert Museum

Regardless of if you’re bringing kids on your vacation or it’s adults-only, the Oregon High Desert Museum is something you’ll want to see. Located just 10 minutes north of Sunriver on Highway 97, guests will get close-up views of native wildlife and plantlife in Oregon’s high desert. There is original Native American art and clothing on display, and you can visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904. There are different programs throughout the day, featuring otters, birds of prey, and other native wildlife. Count on spending between two to three hours here, and bring a sweater if you’re coming during the fall — there’s lots to do outside. Click here for more info about class schedules and featured galleries.
5. Oktoberfest
September 21 & 22. Oktoberfest in Bend is one of the most anticipated events of the year! Better yet, it’s free and open to all ages. You’ll experience the traditional weiner dog races, brews, and brats and even some not-so-traditional experiences like tricycle races, yodeling contests, and belly dancing. This event is put on by the Bend Downtown Business Association, and it’s their biggest fundraising event of the year. The BDBA is a non-profit that serves over 300 businesses in downtown Bend, so while you’re having fun, your money is also going to a great cause! For more information, visit Bend Oktoberfest.
6. The Village at Sunriver
The Village at Sunriver offers a little something for everyone. It’s a great place to bring your kids to burn off some energy with many opportunities for fun: bounce houses, bumper cars, mini-golf, and a rock climbing wall. Not only are there fun activities for your kids, but there’s dining, shopping, art, and music for the adults. Click here to plan your trip.
7. Cyclocross

October 28 & 29. What is cyclocross? It’s a specific type of bike racing that is mainly off-road. If you happen to be in town close to Halloween and want to skip the trick-or-treating, then think about heading to Deschutes Brewery to watch the legendary Halloween Cyclocross Crusade. You’ll be able to watch over 1,000 cyclocross racers in costumes while also enjoying the beer garden, food, and live music. For more info, visit Cross Crusade to see what it’s all about.
8. Discounted golf
Once golf season starts winding down, many of central Oregon’s golf courses will majorly reduce their prices to hit the greens. From Sunriver to Bend to Redmond, there are plenty of golf courses who are willing to cut their prices to bring you out during the off-season.
9. Less crowded trails
Another perk of visiting central Oregon in the fall is that many of the summer tourists have packed up and gone back home. What you’re left with is cooler weather and less-crowded trails to hike. If you come in early fall, you’ll still be able to travel through the Deschutes National Forest without worrying about snow. Take in the awe-inspiring sights that central Oregon has to offer. Make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen, though! The weather is cooler, but the higher altitudes and sunny days will still burn if you don’t protect your skin.
10. Cooler nights

Cooler nights during fall in central Oregon make for cozy evenings at your rental. Many of our rentals offer hot tubs and once the summer temps have cooled down, relaxing in the warm water and taking in the views will help you wind down from your activity-filled day. Cool, autumn nights are also the ideal time to go stargazing. If you’re skipping the observatory, then throw on your jacket, grab some blankets, and find a perfect stargazing spot where you can see Oregon’s sky and sip some local brews to keep the chill away.
BONUS! Casago Fall Pricing Begins October 1!
Our discounted fall pricing begins on October 1, 2018. Make your reservation TODAY for a fall getaway!
COVID-19 has added many new words to our vocabulary: social distancing, flattening the curve, quarantine bod, etc. Perhaps our favorite, though, is the long (and growing) list of American cities now being dubbed as “Zoom towns,” and our little paradise of Sunriver, Oregon, has made that list.
What Is a Zoom Town?
Greg Rosalsky with NPR described the phenomenon of Zoom towns as “places that are booming as remote work takes off,” and that description couldn’t be more accurate. Essentially, Americans who can work remotely have realized that they can vacate their city for greener pastures: towns offering more outdoor activities with a more attractive median home price tag. “Many Americans — especially 30-somethings who remain employed — are ditching their tiny rental apartments in hip districts of expensive cities and moving to buy houses in more affordable cities or the burbs,” Rosalsky observes.

Why Sunriver?
TL;DR – the lifestyle.
The Zoom town trend is actually piggy-backing on a long-standing tradition of vacationers setting up a permanent post in Sunriver. According to Sunriver Style, it is “not just Central Oregon’s premier vacation destination, [it] is also a wonderful place to live. Nearly every resident first experienced Sunriver as a vacationing visitor and instantly fell in love.” In fact, since 2010, it has seen a population growth of a whopping 19% (national average is 5-7%).
The secret of Sunriver seems to be out and for good reason:
- The enviable high-desert weather.
- Small-town neighborhoods.
- A bustling village full of shopping and dining experiences.
- Nationally famous breweries and restaurants.
- Proximity to Mount Bachelor.
- 20 minutes to Bend’s burgeoning social scenes.
As you can see, the growing popularity of Sunriver promises opportunities for the continued expansion of amenities and community services.
Investment opportunities in Sunriver
If you’re like many people who aren’t quite ready to make a big move, consider investing in a second home. Many people interested in migrating to Sunriver find the housing market ripe for investment properties, especially in the short-term rental market. Tuttle & Tuttle Real Estate Group confirms: “Central Oregon generates a large amount of revenue from tourism, which includes vacation rental income. If you’re considering buying a second home, renting it as a vacation property offers many advantages.”
A homeowner with the appropriate funds could buy a home in Sunriver, rent it out with the help of a property management company (such as Casago Vacations), and keep it on the back burner for when they are ready for a big move. Win-win!
Full speed ahead
If this strategy sounds appealing to you, don’t wait! Historically low interest rates are compounding an already formidable housing shortage in the Sunriver area. The Willamette Weekly warns of bumpy waters ahead:
“Across Oregon, vacation towns are running out of housing stock. It’s true in Hood River, in much of Deschutes County, and along the Oregon Coast. … And no place in Oregon is experiencing this trend as intensely as Sunriver, a planned resort community in the Ponderosa pines 21 miles south of Bend”
So, what can you do to gain a competitive edge in this real estate market?
- Be present in Sunriver as much as possible, so you are first in line to view a property and make an offer.
- Take your real estate agent’s advice if they tell you to offer over the asking price.
- Get pre-approved for a loan, and do your best to request no contingencies.
- It’s a seller’s market — don’t give the buyer a long list of repair/discount requests upon inspection when you do go under contract.
We at Casago are thrilled to see Sunriver continuing to gain popularity since we first migrated here nearly 40 years ago. If you do decide that you’d like a piece of the pie and are ready to purchase an investment property, reach out to us for resources. We would love to offer you our property management services should you succeed!
As we are working toward re-opening the state and the travel business, this is a great time to think about how to improve your property and maximize the value.

As we are working toward re-opening the state and the travel business, this is a great time to think about how to improve your property and maximize the value. If you want to have a hotly-demanded property that is always booked up and making money, your property will have to stand out in a crowded field of options!
While some guests look for the perfect location or amenities, many guests book based purely on the pictures your home. They might be looking for a place that is modern, charming, or cozy. Other guests may book based purely on the high reviews of people who have stayed there before. The look and reviews of the interior of your home makes a huge difference to potential renters!
The good news, is that you don’t need to spend a fortune updating your property to see a strong return-on-investment. You might have spent your quarantine binge-watching “Property Brothers” and “Fixer Upper” and have plans to knock down walls and redesign your whole home, but that isn’t necessary either. HGTV has great inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple touches can make a huge impact on the look of your home.
Here’s a few simple things you can do to update the interior of your vacation home, to get your rental some extra attention!
Fresh Paint: Nothing goes further to update the look of your house than a fresh coat of paint. Paint is relatively cheap, makes a quick weekend project, and it can do wonders for your space. While you want to give your house some personality, try to go with neutral colors. Avoid bold color choices (hot pink, we are looking at you). While you may love bright colors, they may turn off some visitors. If you do want to add some color, try getting inspiration from the annual Panton Color of the Year selection. The Pantone 2020 choice is Classic Blue. You can also check out the Timeless Color collection from Sherwin-Williams for ideas that will appeal to a broad audience.

Give it Personality: Try using a favorite decoration as a theme for the house or the room. You can use one piece to inspire color choices, wall art, window treatments, lights, etc. Choose something you like, or feel passionate about.
For example, if you love fishing, decorate with some antique fishing rods, paddles, baskets, or framed maps of the local rivers. If you love skiing, maybe put up some vintage skis, pictures of Mt. Bachelor, or trail maps of your favorite ski resorts. Or try keeping it local and decorating with a classic Oregon theme, using photographs of your favorite destinations and pieces from local artisans.
Avoid Fragile Decor: We generally recommend against using your grandmother’s china, glass bowls, or priceless antiques as decor for a vacation rental. Accidents happen. If you have kids, you know they happen often, and always in the worst possible place (usually someone else’s home). While there is always a damage deposit to fall back on, you don’t want to risk anything expensive or of sentimental value.
Less is More: Don’t Overdo your decor. While you don’t want it to feel too sparse, there can be too much of a good thing. Avoid clutter.
Make sure you have art or decorations on the walls, but that you can still see the walls. Decorate your mantle with a piece or two, but don’t cram it full of decorations. Have a vase with flowers on the table, but don’t put out a complex centerpiece.
On the flip side, don’t underwhelm with your decor. Avoid large, blank walls. Put down accent rugs on your hardwood floors, make sure you have window treatments up, and fill your bookshelves.
Furniture Matters: Use quality furniture and be sure to fix anything showing signs of aging. No one likes a squeaky bed frame, a sagging couch, or a threadbare chair! Pick furniture that’s hard to stain or scratch and will stand up to the wear and tear of many guests.
While nice furniture may cost more up front, it will not need to be replaced as frequently, saving money over the life of your vacation rental. Good furniture doesn’t necessarily mean brand new; check antique stores for nice dressers, tables, benches, or chairs you can add to your existing pieces to create an eclectic, homey look.
Make sure you have enough furnishings to provide plenty of drawer and closet storage for your guests. They may not want to live out of suitcases for a week-long stay.
Let there be Light: Unless you are renting to a vampire, no one wants to sit in a dark house. Dark spaces feel small and uncomfortable. Make sure you have plenty of bright light fixtures to light up each room. Pay particular attention to bedrooms, the living room, and the kitchen, which may not have enough ceiling lights.
Check your window treatments as well, and make sure they are working correctly and contributing to your space. Natural light is the best light!
Make it Cozy: As a vacation rental owner, your goal is to make your home feel like a home away from home to your guests. Make it feel cozy. Add some throw blankets and accent pillows to couches and chairs. Make sure beds have plenty of pillows and plush comforters for chilly nights.
Remember that cozy does NOT mean clutter! It means soft fabrics, comfortable furnishings, and a homey environment.
Know your Crowd: If your primary goal is to rent to families, make sure you have a kid-friendly bedroom (hello, bunk beds!) with appropriate decor. Consider keeping a collection of games, bean bag chairs, and use outlet protectors.

Is your rental dog-friendly? Consider setting up a corner for Fido, with a dog dish, hook for a leash, and a dog bed.
Take Down Personal Items: We know this is YOUR home. But when you are renting it to other families, you want to make them feel like it’s THEIR home. Don’t use personal pictures of your family for decoration, or decorations with your family name on them. It makes a renter feel like they are invading your personal space and they may be less likely to leave a positive review.
That goes for storage, too. Keep the closets clear. If you want to keep personal items for your own use like clothes, toys, personal electronics, or personal sports equipment, store it in a locked closet, garage, or room.
While some guests look for the perfect location or amenities, many guests book based purely on the pictures your home. They might be looking for a place that is modern, charming, or cozy. Other guests may book based purely on the high reviews of people who have stayed there before. The look and reviews of the interior of your home makes a huge difference to potential renters!
The good news, is that you don’t need to spend a fortune updating your property to see a strong return-on-investment. You might have spent your quarantine binge-watching “Property Brothers” and “Fixer Upper” and have plans to knock down walls and redesign your whole home, but that isn’t necessary either. HGTV has great inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple touches can make a huge impact on the look of your home.
Here’s a few simple things you can do to update the interior of your vacation home, to get your rental some extra attention!
Fresh Paint: Nothing goes further to update the look of your house than a fresh coat of paint. Paint is relatively cheap, makes a quick weekend project, and it can do wonders for your space. While you want to give your house some personality, try to go with neutral colors. Avoid bold color choices (hot pink, we are looking at you). While you may love bright colors, they may turn off some visitors. If you do want to add some color, try getting inspiration from the annual Panton Color of the Year selection. The Pantone 2020 choice is Classic Blue. You can also check out the Timeless Color collection from Sherwin-Williams for ideas that will appeal to a broad audience.

Give it Personality: Try using a favorite decoration as a theme for the house or the room. You can use one piece to inspire color choices, wall art, window treatments, lights, etc. Choose something you like, or feel passionate about.
For example, if you love fishing, decorate with some antique fishing rods, paddles, baskets, or framed maps of the local rivers. If you love skiing, maybe put up some vintage skis, pictures of Mt. Bachelor, or trail maps of your favorite ski resorts. Or try keeping it local and decorating with a classic Oregon theme, using photographs of your favorite destinations and pieces from local artisans.
Avoid Fragile Decor: We generally recommend against using your grandmother’s china, glass bowls, or priceless antiques as decor for a vacation rental. Accidents happen. If you have kids, you know they happen often, and always in the worst possible place (usually someone else’s home). While there is always a damage deposit to fall back on, you don’t want to risk anything expensive or of sentimental value.
Less is More: Don’t Overdo your decor. While you don’t want it to feel too sparse, there can be too much of a good thing. Avoid clutter.
Make sure you have art or decorations on the walls, but that you can still see the walls. Decorate your mantle with a piece or two, but don’t cram it full of decorations. Have a vase with flowers on the table, but don’t put out a complex centerpiece.
On the flip side, don’t underwhelm with your decor. Avoid large, blank walls. Put down accent rugs on your hardwood floors, make sure you have window treatments up, and fill your bookshelves.
Furniture Matters: Use quality furniture and be sure to fix anything showing signs of aging. No one likes a squeaky bed frame, a sagging couch, or a threadbare chair! Pick furniture that’s hard to stain or scratch and will stand up to the wear and tear of many guests.
While nice furniture may cost more up front, it will not need to be replaced as frequently, saving money over the life of your vacation rental. Good furniture doesn’t necessarily mean brand new; check antique stores for nice dressers, tables, benches, or chairs you can add to your existing pieces to create an eclectic, homey look.
Make sure you have enough furnishings to provide plenty of drawer and closet storage for your guests. They may not want to live out of suitcases for a week-long stay.
Let there be Light: Unless you are renting to a vampire, no one wants to sit in a dark house. Dark spaces feel small and uncomfortable. Make sure you have plenty of bright light fixtures to light up each room. Pay particular attention to bedrooms, the living room, and the kitchen, which may not have enough ceiling lights.
Check your window treatments as well, and make sure they are working correctly and contributing to your space. Natural light is the best light!
Make it Cozy: As a vacation rental owner, your goal is to make your home feel like a home away from home to your guests. Make it feel cozy. Add some throw blankets and accent pillows to couches and chairs. Make sure beds have plenty of pillows and plush comforters for chilly nights.
Remember that cozy does NOT mean clutter! It means soft fabrics, comfortable furnishings, and a homey environment.
Know your Crowd: If your primary goal is to rent to families, make sure you have a kid-friendly bedroom (hello, bunk beds!) with appropriate decor. Consider keeping a collection of games, bean bag chairs, and use outlet protectors.

Is your rental dog-friendly? Consider setting up a corner for Fido, with a dog dish, hook for a leash, and a dog bed.
Take Down Personal Items: We know this is YOUR home. But when you are renting it to other families, you want to make them feel like it’s THEIR home. Don’t use personal pictures of your family for decoration, or decorations with your family name on them. It makes a renter feel like they are invading your personal space and they may be less likely to leave a positive review.
That goes for storage, too. Keep the closets clear. If you want to keep personal items for your own use like clothes, toys, personal electronics, or personal sports equipment, store it in a locked closet, garage, or room.
If you’re thinking about purchasing an investment property in Sunriver or you already have, you’re probably wondering how you can recoup your investment and make your new home-away-from-home stand out to potential guests.
There are many things that you can do to make sure your space is vacation-worthy to strangers and maximize your investment. We’ve whittled it down to the six most important tips for those starting out on this journey.
1. Make sure everything is in working order
This is the first and most important step to take before opening your property up to potential guests. If anything is broken, malfunctioning, or just plain ugly, your first guests won’t hesitate to write a scathing review and leave future travelers wary. It can be an uphill battle to remedy the situation and then solicit enough reviews to push the negative ones down the list. Even if you’re able to, your average will still suffer in the long term.

2. Professionally decorate
Unless you’re a professional decorator yourself, you’re going to want to hire one. Vacationers often book rentals based on the aesthetic alone, and by bypassing this important step, you’re automatically positioning yourself with the lower performing half of rental properties.
We recommend browsing Houzz or Pinterest for ideas to get a sense of your own taste before reaching out to a local decorating company. That said, Sohie and Saba, the famous professional decorating sibling duo, recommend considering your guests’ needs and desires over your own personal preferences.
Additionally, if the house has a unique feature, or you have eclectic decorating, you might have the potential to make your property stand out or even garner media attention.
3. Don’t skimp on professional photos
If this checklist is starting to sound expensive, that’s because it is. Investing in a new property is no small feat. If it’s not done properly, you risk it taking longer to see a return on your investment. So, we cannot emphasize this enough: immediately hire a professional photographer if you don’t want to catapult your property to the bottom half of search results. We recommend booking one well in advance to avoid delays in getting your rental property online.
4. Stock the kitchen
Besides broken amenities, nothing will irritate your guests quicker than realizing that they don’t have the tools they need to cook a proper meal. Because their brains are in vacation mode, they will likely hit the store for their ingredients before double-checking that your kitchen is well-appointed enough to cook their entrées. Don’t let them down with sparse utensils or supplies!

5. Upgrade your entertainment
While this could be categorized as optional, planning for your guests’ entertainment will quickly win them over. Here are a few suggestions: Add surround sound stereo, get a large TVwith HDMI cables and hook them up to the latest apps, and stock the cupboards with games.
6. Hire the right team
As a property management company, we cannot stress enough the importance of hiring the right team. When it comes to your guests, they expect a flawlessly clean property with well-functioning amenities, as well as prompt service if any issues do arise. The right property management company will help guide you through the above steps, advertise your property on all the right platforms, and make sure your guests are well taken care of, often with 24/7 service.
Don’t leave your investment to chance! Hire a good property manager right away.