The Summer Rush: I Added 3 New Homes
Some short-term rental owners slow down during the summer, but I chose to do the opposite. This summer, I added three new short-term rental homes to my portfolio: one in the Caribbean, another on the Florida coast, and a third in North Carolina.
My ambitious goal was to have all three locations styled, photographed, and guest-ready before July 4. While flying from North Carolina to the islands, I had my business operations laid out before me—a laptop aboard and a to-do list that seemed inconceivable. Though the plan was already in motion, I questioned whether I could handle such a momentous task.
Adding three properties during peak season was no small feat. One couch arrived in the wrong color twice, and there were moments when I half-finished an installation only to question my design choices. At times, the chaos made me wonder if this was all too much.
But this time was different. Over the past year, I had built systems to support this level of growth in my business, and now it was time to put them to the test. Without a reliable property management system (PMS), this achievement would have been impossible.
Since switching to a new PMS earlier this year, managing my short-term rental portfolio has been so much easier. I could focus less on maintenance and more on exciting expansion projects like this. With automated guest communication, synchronized cleaning schedules, assigned tasks, and dynamic pricing that adapts quickly, my business runs seamlessly.
And even in the chaos, I wasn’t buried. The automation I had spent the past year setting up was truly working. I didn’t wake up in a panic questioning what I had forgotten. Instead, I had the freedom to walk through each house, test lighting, and swap sconces mid-install. I even had the time to FaceTime my husband to discuss rug preferences or rearrange a room for a second time if something didn’t feel right.
My existing properties continued to run like clockwork while I onboarded the new homes. And that’s the thing about scaling: it’s not just about what you add to your portfolio; it’s also about maintaining what you already have. This was only possible due to the systems I had in place. I didn’t skip the beach or cancel dinner to respond to guests’ questions. I wasn’t trying to manage everything manually, which allowed me to focus on beautifying the new homes—the part I love most.
Then, the day arrived—July 4. The last home was officially ready ahead of schedule.
As I walked through that final home, I paused to appreciate my work. Without rushing or scrambling, I could revel in the success of my achievement: three new homes launched right in the middle of summer madness—styled, photographed, and listed, while my full portfolio continued to operate smoothly. And I didn’t lose my sanity or myself throughout the process.
I still can’t believe we pulled it off! We built each home with intention, care, and a bit of chaos behind the scenes. This summer was a whirlwind, but it reminded me why I love this work. There’s nothing like walking into a home that was once just an idea and seeing it come to life.
