Are you struggling with a vacation rental in Spokane that’s not generating enough income? You are not alone. Many vacation rental owners across Washington State face the same frustration. Operating a short-term rental can be rewarding, but it also brings challenges: seasonality, competition, maintenance, regulations, and marketing costs. If your property is underperforming, it may feel like a burden instead of a source of income. The good news is there are several paths to improve profitability and if those don’t fit, there’s also an easy way to exit and move on.
In this guide, we’ll explore five solutions to turn around your low-earning vacation rental in Spokane. We’ll cover pricing strategy, property upgrades, marketing, professional management, and finally, selling directly to REI Branded Home Buyer. Along the way, you’ll see Washington-specific examples, city spotlights, and answers to common questions that vacation rental owners ask.
Solution 1: Review Your Pricing Approach
Pricing is the foundation of vacation rental success. If your nightly rate is too high compared to similar rentals in Spokane, your property may sit vacant. If it’s too low, you might be fully booked but still losing money once expenses are accounted for. A balanced pricing strategy aligns with your property type, amenities, and demand trends in the area.
- Research competitors: Check rates on Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management sites for rentals similar in size and amenities.
- Consider seasonality: Washington’s rental markets fluctuate—ski season in Mission Ridge near Wenatchee, summer demand in the Tri-Cities, or peak tourism in Seattle.
- Track occupancy: A rate that yields 70% occupancy at a profitable margin is better than a full calendar that still loses money.
Example: If similar three-bedroom homes in Spokane average $200 per night but you’re asking $275 without added amenities, your occupancy will likely lag. Lowering the rate slightly to $225 could increase bookings and net more income overall.
Washington resource: For tourism trends that may impact demand, check the Washington State Department of Commerce, which often publishes data on travel and lodging demand.
Solution 2: Provide Extra Luxuries
In competitive markets like Spokane, extras can make your property stand out. Travelers want experiences, not just a place to sleep. By adding unique features, you give them a reason to choose your property over others.
- Game rooms with pool tables, arcade games, or darts
- Outdoor amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or BBQ areas
- Work-from-home setups with high-speed internet and office desks
- Pet-friendly accommodations with fenced yards or pet beds
These features increase booking appeal but also bring costs. Hot tubs require upkeep and can raise utility bills. Arcade machines need maintenance. Always weigh the return on investment. Will adding a $6,000 hot tub boost occupancy enough to pay for itself in a reasonable timeframe?
Solution 3: Improve Your Marketing
Even a great property in Spokane will underperform if nobody sees it. Strong marketing builds trust and makes your property stand out online. Unfortunately, many owners post blurry photos, poorly lit rooms, or forget to tidy up before taking pictures.
- Professional photography: Hire a local photographer for crisp, well-lit images.
- Detailed descriptions: Highlight not only the home but also nearby attractions like parks, downtown dining, or seasonal events.
- Multi-platform presence: List on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and local rental platforms.
- Paid promotion: Test small ad budgets to boost visibility in competitive travel seasons.
Tip: Always proofread your listings. Remove clutter from photos. Don’t let a forgotten toolbox on the counter ruin your first impression. First impressions matter, especially online where renters are scrolling quickly.
Solution 4: Employ a Property Manager
Running a short-term rental is a job. Between guest communications, turnovers, maintenance, and marketing, many owners feel burned out. A professional property manager can lift that burden—but you must choose carefully.
- Interview multiple managers in Spokane.
- Verify they specialize in short-term rentals (not just long-term leasing).
- Check reviews and ask for references.
- Set clear expectations and monitor performance.
As the saying goes, “hire slow and fire fast.” If a manager fails to meet standards, act quickly. The right property manager can transform your rental into a profitable, hands-free investment. The wrong one can drain your income and create stress.
Solution 5: Sell Your Vacation Rental to REI Branded Home Buyer
If your vacation rental still isn’t profitable or you’re simply tired of the stress it may be time to consider selling. REI Branded Home Buyer specializes in buying homes directly from owners in Spokane and across Washington.
When you sell to us:
- No repairs or renovations
- No commissions or closing costs (you only pay Washington excise tax)
- No staging or marketing
- No endless negotiations
- Cash offer and flexible closing timeline
You can sell your property as-is and close in as little as seven days. That means you can move forward without sinking more time or money into a property that isn’t working for you.
Call us today at 509-769-3439 to discuss your property and get a no-obligation cash offer.
Where We Buy Vacation Rentals in Washington
We serve property owners across Washington State, including those struggling with underperforming vacation rentals. Here are some of the cities where REI Branded Home Buyer buys houses:
Eastern Washington
- We Buy Houses in Spokane
- We Buy Houses in Spokane Valley
- We Buy Houses in Moses Lake
- We Buy Houses in Pullman
- We Buy Houses in Walla Walla
Tri Cities
Central Washington
Puget Sound and North Sound
- We Buy Houses in Tacoma
- We Buy Houses in Olympia
- We Buy Houses in Everett
- We Buy Houses in Bellingham
- We Buy Houses in Vancouver
Statewide
Frequently Asked Questions for Vacation Rental Owners
What if my vacation rental is only losing money part of the year?
Seasonality is normal. Ski towns, beach towns, and college towns all have peaks and valleys. The key is whether the good months make up for the slow ones. If not, consider adjusting pricing, expanding marketing, or selling.
Do I need to fix my rental before selling?
No. REI Branded Home Buyer buys as-is. We handle repairs, updates, and cleaning after closing.
What if my rental is fully furnished?
We can buy furnished or unfurnished properties. Many sellers prefer to leave furnishings behind to save moving costs.
How quickly can I sell?
We can close in as little as 7 days, or on a schedule that works best for you.
Will I pay commissions?
No. There are no commissions or traditional closing costs. You only cover Washington’s required excise tax.
What if I already hired a property manager?
You can still sell. We’ll work with you and your property manager to ensure a smooth transition.
What if regulations in my city restrict vacation rentals?
Many Washington cities have implemented new rules for short-term rentals. If your property no longer fits regulations, selling may be the best way to exit cleanly.
Final Thoughts
Owning a vacation rental in Spokane can be rewarding, but if your property is not generating income, the stress often outweighs the benefits. You can adjust pricing, upgrade amenities, improve marketing, or hire a manager. But if the numbers still don’t work, selling may be the smartest move. REI Branded Home Buyer provides an easy way out: cash offers, quick closings, and no repairs required.
Call us today at 509-769-3439 to learn how we can help you move forward.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult licensed professionals.
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About REI Branded Home Buyer
Real People. Real Stories. Real Solutions. We’re George and TJ — two regular guys who teamed up to create REI Branded Home Buyer, a local company with one simple mission: to help people sell their homes without stress, games, or pressure. We actually met at a local real estate meetup. A mutual friend randomly shouted, “Hey George, do you want to be this guy’s mentor?” George laughed and said, “Just give him my cell!” A coffee meeting later, and the rest is history. We've been working together ever since. Our passion for helping homeowners comes from personal experience. George was once homeless, so he deeply understands what it’s like to face housing uncertainty. TJ’s family went through a crisis and had to sell their home fast — with the help of a cash homebuyer. Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create a company that treats people the way we wish we’d been treated. Let’s be real: the real estate world is full of shady companies, pushy salespeople, and sleazy homebuyers who care more about profit than people. We started REI Branded Home Buyer because we believe it should be the other way around — people first, profit second. We’re proud to call Spokane home. Our wives, Jenny and Michelle, love the slower pace of life here and all the outdoor beauty Washington has to offer. George and Jenny have two amazing daughters and two dogs — they love to travel and recently visited Japan to see their daughter abroad. TJ and Michelle are outdoor lovers through and through — backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, even rock climbing. Michelle’s become quite the mountaineer! If you’re thinking about selling a house — no matter the reason — we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.