Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Blairsville Georgia.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Blairsville, Georgia for 2024

General Requirements

• Business Licensing: Short-term rental hosts must obtain a business license from Union County and pay the associated fees.

Tax Obligations

• Sales and Lodging Taxes: Hosts are responsible for the collection and remittance of any applicable local sales and lodging taxes.

Licensing and Registration

• STR License: While there are no specific short-term rental laws in Blairsville, hosts must comply with the Union County Short-term Rental Ordinance, which may require a license. For multiple short-term rentals on the same property, the property may be considered a Tourist Accommodation and subject to additional state and local regulations.

Property Specific Regulations

• Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules: Properties located within a homeowners association (HOA) may be subject to additional rules and restrictions regarding short-term rentals.

Operational Compliance

• Noise and Community Regulations: Hosts must ensure their rentals do not disturb neighbors and comply with any local noise ordinances and community restrictions.

Reporting and Record Keeping

• Monthly Excise Taxes: Hosts must report and pay monthly excise taxes as required by Union County.

Penalties and Enforcement

• Compliance Enforcement: Failure to comply with regulations, including operating without a valid license or failing to remit taxes, can result in fines and potential revocation of the license.

Additional Considerations

• Maintenance and Services: Due to the rural location, hosts should establish reliable local contacts for maintenance and cleaning services.
• Guest Information: Hosts should be prepared to provide information on local hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor activities to guests.
• Community Relations: Fostering good relationships with neighbors and the local community is important for enhancing the guest experience and the property's reputation.

High-Revenue Airbnb Neighborhoods in Blairsville, Georgia

Neighborhoods Generating Significant Airbnb Revenue

1. Areas Near Downtown Blairsville

• Appeal: These areas are highly attractive due to their proximity to shops, dining, and the heart of Blairsville's small town charm. Guests appreciate the convenience of being close to local amenities and attractions.
• Revenue Potential: Properties in these areas often have higher occupancy rates and rental incomes, driven by their central location and ease of access to local activities.

2. Trackrock Area

• Appeal: Known for its custom homes and scenic views, the Trackrock area is popular among guests seeking a more luxurious and secluded experience. The area's natural beauty and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are major draws.
• Revenue Potential: With properties like the custom 4BR, 3BA home on 2.492 useable acres, this area can generate significant revenue due to its high demand and premium pricing.

3. Lake Nottely Area

• Appeal: The Lake Nottely area is a favorite among guests who enjoy water activities, scenic views, and a peaceful retreat. Properties here often feature amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and direct access to the lake, enhancing the guest experience.
• Revenue Potential: The high demand for lakefront properties and those with lake views drives up the rental income, making this area highly profitable for Airbnb investors.

4. Golf Course Community

• Appeal: This area is appealing to guests who enjoy golfing and luxurious living. Properties here, such as the Craftsman-style home in the Golf Course Community, offer high-end amenities and a convenient location near golf courses and other recreational activities.
• Revenue Potential: The luxury appeal and specific amenities like golf course access can command higher rental rates, contributing to higher revenue.

5. Scrougetown Road and Surrounding Areas

• Appeal: These areas offer a mix of traditional and modern homes, often with spacious layouts and amenities like hot tubs and fire pits. The short drive to downtown Blairsville and nearby attractions makes them highly desirable.
• Revenue Potential: Properties here, such as the spacious traditional-style home on Scrougetown Road, can generate substantial revenue due to their balanced blend of comfort, amenities, and location.

These neighborhoods in Blairsville, Georgia, are particularly appealing to guests due to their unique combination of natural beauty, convenience, and luxurious amenities, making them prime locations for generating significant Airbnb revenue.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Blairsville, Georgia

Understanding the Local Style and Preferences

• Blend Rustic Charm and Modern Comfort: Incorporate styles such as rustic, coastal chic, and contemporary designs to reflect Blairsville's unique aesthetic. Use elements like vintage accents, natural wood finishes, and soft color palettes to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Furniture

• Durable and Functional Pieces: Opt for furniture that is sturdy and easy to maintain, such as sofas with washable covers and dining tables that can withstand wear and tear. Consider space-saving furniture like sofa beds, folding tables, and ottomans with hidden storage.

Enhancing Guest Comfort

• High-Quality Bedding: Use solid beds with easy-to-clean mattresses, preferably memory foam for durability. Add mattress covers and choose white linens for a hotel-like feel.
• Adequate Storage: Provide ample storage for guests' personal items, including beds with drawers, wall hooks, and stackable containers.

Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

• Use Mirrors Effectively: Mirrors can make the space feel bigger and brighter. Choose mirrors with stylish frames to add a touch of elegance.
• Add Plants and Local Decor: Incorporate plants and local artwork or nature-inspired decor to give the space a distinctive flair that resonates with guests.

Amenities and Features

• Outdoor Spaces: Ensure the property includes appealing outdoor spaces such as decks, porches, fire pits, or hot tubs, which are highly sought after by guests in Blairsville.
• Modern Appliances and Essentials: Equip the kitchen with modern appliances and essentials like coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, and kettles. Also, provide basic toiletries, hairdryers, and a first-aid kit.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Accessibility Features: Consider adding features that make the Airbnb accessible to guests with disabilities, such as ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms.

Seasonal Considerations

• Seasonal Decor: Adjust decor and furnishings according to the season. For example, cozy fireplaces are popular in cooler months, while outdoor spaces are more appealing during warmer months.

Timing and Maintenance

• Off-Season Updates: Plan furniture updates during the off-season or short gaps between bookings to minimize disruption to guests. Ensure your cleaning crew is aware of any new furniture or layout changes.
• Easy Maintenance: Choose furniture that is easy to clean and maintain, and get input from your cleaning crew on what holds up best against wear and tear.

Discover Blairsville, Georgia: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Outdoor Adventures

• Vogel State Park:
• Explore miles of hiking trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail.
• Enjoy paddleboat rentals, fishing, and a miniature golf course.

• Rent one of the 35 cabins or 103 campsites for a immersive experience.

• Lake Nottely:

• Boat, swim, or jet ski on this 4,180-acre TVA lake with 106 miles of shoreline.

• Rent boats at Nottely Marina or North Georgia Watersports.

• Meeks Park:

• A family-friendly park with seven ball fields, batting cages, playground, skateboard park, basketball and tennis courts, swimming pool, walking trails, nature trails, dog park, and disc golf course.

• Catch live music events or festivals often held here.

• Brasstown Bald:

• Visit the highest mountain peak in Georgia, featuring a picnic area and an observation tower.
• Watch a movie about the mountain's seasons and environmental impact.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center:

• Learn about the life and works of the renowned poet and farmer Byron Herbert Reece.

• Historic Courthouse and Museum:

• Explore the history of Union County at this historic landmark.

• Union County History Trail:

• Visit 17 historic locations throughout Blairsville-Union County, including landmarks, businesses, and museums.

• Trackrock Archaeological Area:

• Discover ancient petroglyphs and learn about the Native American history of the area.

Shopping and Dining

• Downtown Blairsville:
• Enjoy unique shops, local brews, wines, and moonshine.

• Visit during festivals like the Spring Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival, or the Mountain Moonshine & Music Festival.

• Antique Shops:

• Explore The Picker’s Barn, Victoria’s Antiques & More, Mountain Creek Antiques, and the Blairsville Super Flea Market for unique items.

• North Georgia Farm Trail:

• Sample local produce, visit farm stores, orchards, vineyards, and wineries along this trail.

Festivals and Events

• Sorghum Festival:

• Celebrate the sorghum harvest with bluegrass music, clogging, and rural mountain culture in October.

• Spring Arts and Crafts Festival:

• Enjoy assorted artists, local restaurants, and businesses on the historic town square during the last weekend in May.

• Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games:

• Experience traditional Scottish games, music, food, and culture in June.

• Mountain Heritage Festival:

• Participate in fall festivities, including music, crafts, and local traditions in October.

Insider Tips

• Golfing:

• Tee off at Butternut Creek Golf Course, Brasstown Valley Golf Course, or Old Union Golf Course for stunning mountain views and challenging courses.

• Horseback Riding:

• Explore the trails on horseback with stables like Trackrock Stables, Appalachian Trail Rides, or Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa.

• Motorcycle Drives:

• Enjoy scenic rides through the North Georgia mountains, taking in waterfalls, fall foliage, and local BBQ.

• Local Markets:

• Visit holiday markets, Christmas parades, and tree lightings in Downtown Blairsville for a festive atmosphere.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Blairsville, Georgia

To ensure the success of a short-term rental business in Blairsville, Georgia, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform guests about noise regulations and quiet hours to maintain a harmonious environment, especially in a small town like Blairsville. Include clear guidelines in your digital and physical house manual to avoid any misunderstandings.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual helps guests navigate the property easily and reduces the need for frequent inquiries.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with clear instructions on how to access the property, along with photos of the parking area and any specific parking instructions to avoid confusion.

Compliance with Local Regulations

Ensure compliance with local regulations, such as obtaining the necessary business licenses and registering the property with the state. Pay the required hotel/motel tax and adhere to building and safety codes, as well as noise ordinances, to avoid any legal issues.

By following these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, minimize potential issues, and maximize the revenue of your short-term rental property in Blairsville, Georgia.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Blairsville, Georgia:

House Cleaning Providers

Heavenly Cleaning Company

• Offers residential cleaning, deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, rental property cleaning, and move-in/move-out cleaning services.
• Serves Blairsville, Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blue Ridge, and surrounding areas.

For additional options and reviews, you can refer to the following resources:

Other House Cleaning Services

• Various providers listed on Care.com, starting at $19.50/hr.
• Top-rated cleaning services experts listed on HomeAdvisor.
• Top 10 best house cleaners listed on Angi.

Note that the list does not include repair or maintenance providers, as the sources primarily focus on cleaning services.

Blairsville, Georgia Short-Term Rental Management Fees: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing a short-term rental property in Blairsville, Georgia, involves a range of services that can impact the fees charged by property management companies. Typically, these fees range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided.

Full-service management, which includes comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, booking management, cleaning, maintenance, and compliance with local regulations, tends to be on the higher end of this scale. For instance, companies like Summer and PMI North GA Mountains may charge fees starting at 20% of the rental revenue for their full-service packages, which include professional photography, dynamic pricing, and thorough property inspections.

On the other hand, basic or half-service management options, such as those offered by Evolve, may start at a lower rate of around 10% but leave many of the day-to-day tasks, like cleaning and guest communication, to the property owner.

In addition to the management fees, hosts may also incur additional costs for cleaning services, repairs, and design or amenity enhancements. These extra fees can vary, with some companies charging guests directly for cleaning fees and others including these costs within their overall management fee structure. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to maximize their rental income while ensuring their properties are well-managed and compliant with local regulations.