Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Georgetown Maine.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Georgetown, Maine for 2024

Key Regulations

Permit Requirements

• Short-term rental property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit, which must be renewed annually.

Safety and Inspections

• Permits are contingent upon meeting safety standards, including fire safety inspections.

Occupancy Limits

• There is a strict occupancy limit for short-term rentals, determined by the number of bedrooms in the property.

Rental Duration

• There is a cap on the number of days a property can be rented out per year, currently set at 180 days.

Local Contact

• Each rental must have a local contact person.

Taxation

• Hosts are required to collect and remit a 9% lodging tax to the state of Maine for all bookings.

Neighborhood Notifications

• Property owners must notify neighbors within 200 feet of the short-term rental operation, though this specific requirement is more detailed in other jurisdictions and not explicitly mentioned for Georgetown, Maine, it is a common practice in similar regulations.

Single Unit Per Address

• Unless granted an exception, only one short-term rental address is allowed per property to prevent owners from renting out multiple bedrooms within a home.

High-Revenue Airbnb Neighborhoods in Georgetown, Maine: Attractions and Appeal

Neighborhoods Generating the Most Airbnb Revenue

1. Areas Around Governor’s Island

• These neighborhoods are highly appealing due to their prime waterfront locations, offering stunning views and easy access to various waterfront activities. The proximity to scenic coastlines and local attractions makes them a favorite among vacationers.

2. Center Village Area

• This area is advantageous because it maintains the charming and historic essence of Georgetown while providing easy access to local restaurants, shops, and other amenities. The blend of coastal charm and convenience attracts a wide range of guests, including families and couples.

3. Scenic Coastline Areas

• Neighborhoods along the scenic coastlines of Georgetown are highly sought after due to their breathtaking views, access to beaches, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. These areas enhance the overall coastal experience, making them highly desirable for nature enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.

Why These Neighborhoods Are Appealing

• Waterfront Access and Views: Guests are drawn to properties with waterfront access, offering stunning ocean views and the opportunity to engage in various water activities.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Being close to local events like the Georgetown Pottery Festival, art fairs, and historic sites such as Fort Popham State Historic Site adds to the appeal of these neighborhoods.
• Outdoor Exploration: The availability of hiking trails, beaches, and other outdoor spaces makes these areas perfect for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.
• Coastal Charm and Lifestyle: The nautical themes, rustic furniture, and local decor that reflect the coastal lifestyle create a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the guest experience.
• Amenities and Comfort: Properties in these neighborhoods often feature desirable amenities such as outdoor spaces, cozy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, strong Wi-Fi connectivity, and comfortable bedding, which are crucial for guest satisfaction and positive reviews.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Georgetown, Maine

General Aesthetic and Functionality

• Define Your Property's Aesthetic: Tailor your design to reflect the unique style of Georgetown, Maine, blending elements of coastal charm with local culture and history.
• Neutral Color Palette: Use a neutral color palette for walls and large furniture pieces to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Personal and Local Touches

• Remove Personal Items: Ensure the space does not feel cluttered with personal items; avoid leaving clothes, personal photos, or overpacked bookshelves.
• Incorporate Local Elements: Add decorative items, artwork, or guidebooks that reflect the local culture and history of Georgetown, Maine.

Functional Spaces

• Clear Purpose for Each Area: Define each area of the property with a clear purpose, such as a well-defined reading nook, dining area, or relaxation spot.
• Efficient Kitchen: Ensure the kitchen is simple but efficient, perfect for preparing meals with local products.

Comfort and Amenities

• Quality Linens and Toiletries: Use white linens or solid colors to symbolize cleanliness, and provide quality shampoo, soap, and other toiletries.
• Smart Home Features: Consider adding smart home features like keyless entry, smart thermostats, or streaming devices to enhance the guest experience.

Decor and Lighting

• Meaningful Posters and Artwork: Use posters and artwork that provide an atmosphere of the local place or remind guests of home. Avoid arbitrary or cheap tourist paintings.
• Appropriate Lighting: Choose lighting fixtures that are not reminiscent of an office setting. Opt for warm and inviting lighting that complements the space.

Guest Amenities

• Essential Items: Stock up on essential items like basic cooking ingredients, a first aid kit, and games or cards for entertainment.
• Scented Ambiance: Perfume the house before guests arrive and leave scented candles for them to use.

Durability and Maintenance

• Heavy-Duty Materials: Use heavy-duty materials for rugs and other furnishings to ensure they can withstand wear and tear over time.
• Protect Your Furniture: Ensure that valuable and sentimental objects are not left in the house to avoid theft or accidental damage.

Additional Touches

• Plants and Greenery: Add plants here and there to liven up the space and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Cozy Features: Include features like a wood burning stove or a cedar hot tub to enhance the cozy and inviting feel of the space.

Discovering Georgetown, Maine: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

State Parks and Beaches

• Reid State Park: Enjoy miles of sandy shoreline, rocky coastline, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Don't miss the unique sand dunes and the scenic views from Griffith Head.
• Popham Beach State Park: Located about 30 minutes away, this park offers kayaking, birdwatching, and one of the busiest state park beaches in Maine.
• Pemaquid Beach State Park: Features miles of beaches and an onsite nature center, perfect for a day of exploration.

Historical and Cultural Sites

• Georgetown Historical Society: Learn about the town's history through exhibits, educational programs, and events.
• Hendricks Hill Museum: A historic site showcasing life items from 1800 to 1950, located in nearby Southport.
• Farnsworth Museum: In Rockland, this museum celebrates Maine’s art history with works by the Wyeth family and other local artists.

Lighthouses

• Seguin Island Lighthouse: The highest lighthouse in Maine, accessible by ferry or private boat. Climb to the top for stunning views.
• Squirrel Point Light: Located on the Kennebec River, this is a more accessible lighthouse option with historic significance.
• Doubling Point Light Station and Kennebec River Range lights: Other notable lighthouses in the area, located on Arrowsic Island.

Nature and Wildlife

• Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary: A 115-acre preserve with trails through salt marsh, meadow, forest, and coastline. Ideal for hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
• Ledgewood Preserve: Part of the Nature Conservancy, offering scenic walks and exploration of the local flora and fauna.
• Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens: Although about an hour away, these gardens feature a wide variety of coastal plants and flowers, along with educational programs and waterfront views.

Food and Drink

• Five Islands Lobster Co.: A local lobster shack serving fresh seafood for over 75 years.
• Grey Havens Inn's "Blue" Restaurant: Enjoy waterfront dining with a focus on local cuisine.
• Local Breweries: Explore the various breweries in MidCoast Maine, offering tours and tastings of local beers.

Insider Tips

Outdoor Activities

• Kayaking and Biking: Use complimentary kayaks or hybrid mountain bikes available at some B&Bs to explore the local waters and trails.
• Hiking Trails: Take advantage of the numerous hiking trails in the area, including those at Reid State Park and the Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary.

Local Tours

• Lighthouse & Nature Tours by Boat: Offered by the Maine Maritime Museum, these tours provide a unique perspective on local lighthouses and natural resources.
• Whale Watching: Schedule a whale watching excursion with Boothbay Whale Watch for a memorable experience.

Community Engagement

• Visit Local Villages: Explore the historic buildings and waterfront of Five Islands village, including the Five Islands Baptist Church and the local lobster wharfs.

Seasonal Activities

• Bird Watching: Georgetown is a prime spot for bird watching, especially during the winter months. Look out for bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
• Puffin Tours: Check out local tours to see puffins, a unique and exciting experience in the MidCoast Maine area.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your guests make the most of their visit to Georgetown, Maine, and ensure they have a memorable and enriching experience.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Georgetown, Maine

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Georgetown, Maine, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about the local noise regulations and quiet hours to maintain a respectful environment for both the guests and the neighbors. Include this information 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 should also cover local regulations, including the requirement for a short-term rental permit and the 9% lodging tax.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide clear instructions on how to use the smart locks and include photos to help guests navigate the property. Additionally, offer parking instructions with photos to ensure guests know where to park and how to access the property.

Additional Tips

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, such as the annual short-term rental permit and fire safety inspections.
• Inform guests about the strict occupancy limits and the 180-day rental cap.
• Highlight local attractions and amenities, such as Reid State Park and the Georgetown Historical Society, to enhance the guest experience.

By following these tips, you can create a welcoming, well-organized, and compliant short-term rental business in Georgetown, Maine.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Georgetown, Maine:

House Cleaning Providers in Georgetown, ME

1. The Cleaning Authority

• Offers general and deep cleaning services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2. Bill's Cleaning Svc

• Provides both general and deep cleaning services, with no job too big or too small.

3. Green Maids of Maine

• Insured and bonded professionals offering cleaning services for homes, offices, and properties. They have multiple listings indicating different years of service (23, 28, and 48 years).

4. Mainely Clean

• Offers house cleaning services with 32 years of experience.

5. Xtra-Mile Cleaning Services

• Provides house cleaning services with 26 years of experience.

6. The Real Housewife of Bath Maine

• Offers house cleaning services with 9 years of experience.

7. Three Sisters Cleaning, Inc.

• Provides house cleaning services with 19 years of experience.

8. J&N Cleaning

• Offers customized cleaning services, including free on-the-spot estimates and consideration for customer preferences such as allergies and cleaning solvents.

9. Tlc Cleaning Svc

• Provides house cleaning services with 13 years of experience.

For more detailed information and additional providers, you can refer to the sources listed, such as Yellow Pages and Angi reviews.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Georgetown, Maine: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing a short-term rental in Georgetown, Maine, involves navigating a range of fees and services. Typically, management fees for short-term rentals in this area range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management companies, such as those offered by GoSummer and Awning, which include guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tend to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at 15% to 20% of revenue.

Basic services or a la carte options may incur lower fees, but additional costs for cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements can also apply. For instance, cleaning fees are often charged separately and can be included in the overall management fee structure or passed on to guests. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to maximize their revenue while ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining high guest satisfaction.