Our First Vacation Rental

We went on a memorable family vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC in August 2020, amidst the pandemic. Fortunately, during that time, social distancing was relatively easy to maintain. Airlines were blocking out middle seats, resulting in less crowded flights, and a significant number of people were refraining from traveling. These circumstances allowed us to experience the destination while prioritizing safety.

As soon as we arrived, Hilton Head captivated our hearts, despite the unforgiving August humidity. The beauty and charm was unlike anything else. Throughout our stay, the idea of investing in a property was at the top of our minds. Having recently sold my house and with the proceeds doing nothing by sitting in the bank, we deliberated on whether purchasing something there would be a wise decision.

Our affection for Hilton Head ultimately prevailed. We were compelled by the allure of the island, its serene surroundings, and the potential for creating lasting memories in a place we had grown so fond of.

Upon returning from our trip, we searched Zillow for the perfect property. It was during this search that we stumbled upon a condo in an area known as Shelter Cove, and it captured our hearts instantly. Nestled above a restaurant, the condo had breathtaking marina views and was conveniently situated within walking and biking distance to numerous attractions. We had a virtual tour, submitted an offer, and after some negotiation, our offer was accepted!

In November 2020, we closed on the condo and excitedly flew out in December to prepare it for guests. When we stepped inside for the first time, we were relieved that the condo exceeded our expectations. Over the course of two weeks, we meticulously set up the space, ensuring it would stand out on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. We launched in February 2021 and our efforts paid off. The condo garnered immediate success, consistently attracting bookings. In fact, its popularity soared to over 90% occupancy and any time that we wanted to stay, we had to block off our dates well in advance! With each visit, we made improvements to the condo, striving to enhance the experience for our guests.

Hilton Head Island, and the acquisition of our first short-term rental, will forever hold a special space in our hearts. The success we achieved in this endeavor fills us with profound gratitude, and it has ignited our passion to pursue a multitude of future STR ventures. We are excited to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences with future STRs.

And finally, the condo will forever hold a special place in our hearts because it is where Davin proposed to me on our 3rd anniversary!