Lesson 3 (section 1): How the Yard Layout Impacts Short-Term Rental Profitability
Hey everyone, Mike Fish here with Minnesota Real Estate & Management, and welcome to Lesson Three in our short-term rental training series. Today, we’re talking about one of the biggest factors in analyzing a property for potential short-term rental profitability—the physical property itself.
While the lake certainly plays a huge role (and I cover that in other videos), what we’re focusing on today is the land, layout, and outdoor experience. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just renting a house—we’re selling an experience.
1. The Power of the Yard
The yard is often one of the first things guests fall in love with. Having a spacious lot with room for games, dogs, and family fun can be a major draw. Some of our most popular rentals have fenced areas for pets and enough room to set up outdoor games like bean bags, spikeball, or volleyball. We actually encourage owners to stock 15–20 different outdoor games—it’s one of the easiest ways to add value.
2. Fire Pits, Patios, and Hangout Spaces
A great fire pit area or patio setup goes a long way. Guests want places to relax together. Ideally, you’ll have enough outdoor seating and dining space to match your indoor sleeping capacity. And if you’ve got a deck, stringing up some lights for those summer nights makes for the perfect Minnesota memory.
3. The Beach and Shoreline
If your property has a swimmable shoreline, you’ve already got a huge advantage. Even a small beach for kids can add major appeal. Based on our data, a good swimming beach can increase your nightly summer rate by about $100 a night, which translates into several thousand dollars a year.
Adding a dock is another must—just make sure the water depth at the end is usable, especially in low-water years. If you can add a private boat ramp, that’s a rare and valuable bonus.
4. Lot Size and Privacy
Lot width and privacy matter more than people realize. Wider lots reduce guest-neighbor conflicts and improve reviews. I’ve seen modest homes with large yards outperform tighter lake lots because they simply feel more comfortable. On the flip side, properties that sleep 13–15 people on a narrow 50–75-foot lot can start to feel cramped fast.
5. Views, Sunsets, and Orientation
The best-performing lake homes usually offer a great view. Whether it’s a sunrise or sunset, guests love that panoramic lake look. If you’re comparing two properties with similar features, the one with the better view often wins every time.
6. Lake Activities and Accessibility
Lastly, think about what guests can do on the lake. Fishing, tubing, boating to a restaurant, or kayaking all add to the overall experience. The more activities and nearby amenities available, the better the property will perform as a short-term rental.
Final Thoughts
At Minnesota Real Estate & Management, we’ve developed and managed hundreds of properties across Central Minnesota, and we’ve learned this: the homes that generate the highest returns create outdoor spaces where families can make memories.
So when you’re analyzing a property, don’t just look at the structure—look at the experience the lot provides. A bigger yard, a better beach, and a little privacy can make all the difference.
Stay tuned for our next lesson in the series, where we’ll continue breaking down what truly drives STR success in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
