Top 5 Mistakes Michigan Vacation Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Owning a vacation rental in Michigan can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s also easy to make small missteps that quietly limit performance, revenue, and guest satisfaction.

Many of the most common mistakes aren’t about the property itself. They’re about strategy, expectations, and timing. The good news? Most of them are completely avoidable with the right approach.

Below are the top five mistakes we see Michigan vacation homeowners make — and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating Michigan’s Seasonality

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming demand will stay consistent year-round. Michigan is a highly seasonal market, and treating it like a steady, flat-demand location often leads to missed revenue during peak months and unnecessary stress during slower ones.

How to avoid it:

Plan for seasonality instead of reacting to it. Adjust pricing, minimum stays, and marketing strategy ahead of peak summer months, and create a clear plan for shoulder and winter seasons. Properties that anticipate seasonality perform far better than those that scramble to keep up.

2. Pricing Too Low (or Too High) for the Market

Many owners initially price based on emotion, assumptions, or nearby listings without understanding demand patterns. Underpricing leaves money on the table during high-demand periods, while overpricing can lead to long gaps between bookings.

How to avoid it:

Use a pricing strategy that responds to demand, local events, and booking behavior — not just averages. Dynamic pricing and regular review help maintain strong occupancy and healthy nightly rates throughout the year.

3. Treating the Listing as “Set It and Forget It”

A common misconception is that once a listing is live, the hard work is done. In reality, listings require ongoing attention to stay competitive — especially in growing Michigan markets.

Outdated photos, vague descriptions, or missing details can quietly push a property down in search results.

How to avoid it:

Revisit your listing regularly. Update photos, refine descriptions, and ensure amenities and house details are clearly communicated. A listing should evolve alongside guest expectations and market conditions.

4. Overlooking the Guest Experience

Guests don’t just remember where they stayed — they remember how the stay felt. Confusing check-in instructions, unclear parking information, or missing basics can quickly lead to negative reviews, even in beautiful homes.

How to avoid it:

Focus on clarity, comfort, and consistency. Clear communication, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless arrival experience go a long way toward five-star reviews and repeat bookings.

5. Waiting Too Long to Ask for Professional Help

Many owners wait until bookings slow down or reviews dip before seeking guidance. By that point, small issues may have already impacted performance and ranking.

How to avoid it:

Early professional insight can prevent costly trial-and-error decisions. A boutique property manager helps identify opportunities, correct issues early, and build a strategy that supports long-term success, not just short-term fixes.