Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Port Orchard Washington.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Orchard, Washington for 2024

Key Regulations

Business Licensing

• All short-term rental properties must obtain a business license from the City of Port Orchard.

Zoning Compliance

• Hosts must comply with zoning regulations that may restrict the ability to rent out certain properties on a short-term basis.

Local Lodging Tax

• Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting a local lodging tax on all bookings, currently set at 2% of the total booking cost.

Health and Safety Regulations

• Short-term rentals must comply with strict health and safety regulations, including requirements for:
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Emergency exit routes.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Violations of these regulations can result in hefty fines and potential loss of the ability to operate a short-term rental in the city.

Additional Requirements

• Short-term rental operators must maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal taxes unless the platform collects and remits these taxes on their behalf.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Port Orchard, Washington

Overview of Port Orchard's Airbnb Market

Port Orchard, Washington, is a lucrative market for Airbnb investors, with several neighborhoods standing out for their high revenue potential and guest appeal.

Neighborhoods Generating the Most Airbnb Revenue

1. Downtown Port Orchard

• Appeal: Proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the foot ferry to Seattle or downtown Bremerton makes this area highly attractive. Guests can easily access amenities and enjoy the local culture.
• Revenue: Properties in this area tend to have higher occupancy rates and daily rates due to their central location.

2. Southworth Ferry Area

• Appeal: This neighborhood is popular due to its easy access to the Southworth ferry, which connects to downtown Seattle and West Seattle. The scenic views of Puget Sound and the convenience of ferry services make it a favorite among guests.
• Revenue: Properties here, such as the "Stunning beachfront getaway!" and "Stunning new guesthouse with Puget Sound views," generate high revenue due to their prime location and amenities.

3. McCormick Woods

• Appeal: Located near the McCormick Woods golf course, this area offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities. Homes here are often described as "pretty & comfortable" and are positioned on the golf course, making them appealing for both golf enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful stay.
• Revenue: Properties like the one on McCormick Woods Dr SW have a cash on cash return of 4%, indicating a strong investment potential.

4. Pebble Ridge Neighborhood

• Appeal: This neighborhood is known for its charming single-story homes with scenic views. The area is coveted for its tranquility and easy access to local amenities.
• Revenue: Homes in Pebble Ridge, such as the one on Pebble Place SE, offer high cash on cash returns, up to 7.58%, making them highly profitable for Airbnb investors.

5. Little Clam Bay

• Appeal: This area is appealing for its waterfront properties and scenic views. Guests can enjoy activities like kayaking and viewing wildlife, making it a perfect coastal retreat.
• Revenue: Properties like the "Caraway Cottage at Little Clam Bay" are highly rated and generate significant revenue due to their unique offerings and beautiful location.

Why These Neighborhoods Are Appealing

• Scenic Views and Natural Beauty: Many of these neighborhoods offer stunning views of Puget Sound, making them highly attractive to guests seeking a scenic getaway.
• Convenience and Accessibility: Proximity to ferries, local restaurants, and shops enhances the appeal of these areas, providing guests with a convenient and enjoyable stay.
• Recreational Activities: Access to golf courses, beaches, and outdoor activities like kayaking adds to the allure of these neighborhoods.
• Highly Rated Properties: Properties in these areas are often highly rated for cleanliness, location, and amenities, ensuring a positive guest experience and high occupancy rates.

Creating an Inviting Airbnb in Port Orchard, Washington: Design and Furnishing Tips

Understand the Local Appeal

• Port Orchard's charm lies in its picturesque waterfront, outdoor recreational activities, and small-town feel. Incorporate elements that reflect this natural beauty and coastal charm into your design.

Choose Appropriate Furniture and Decor

• Invest in high-quality, trendy furniture that is both comfortable and stylish. Popular styles include a blend of modern and rustic designs, often featuring wooden elements that complement the waterfront scenery.
• Use coastal themes with blues and whites to create a refreshing ambiance. Vintage-inspired decor can add warmth and character to the space.

Enhance with Local Themes

• Incorporate local themes and colors into the design to resonate well with guests. This can include nature-inspired artwork and decor that highlights the area's natural beauty.

Focus on Comfort and Modern Conveniences

• Ensure the property is equipped with modern conveniences such as updated kitchen and dining areas, quality bedding and linens, and amenities like hot tubs, spacious living areas, and family-friendly setups like pools or game rooms.

Utilize Outdoor Spaces

• Outdoor spaces for relaxation are highly desirable. Consider adding features like decks, patios, BBQ grills, fire pits, and access to local beaches or waterfront views.

Neighborhood Considerations

• Choose neighborhoods near the waterfront or those with proximity to parks and recreational activities. These areas are highly sought after by tourists and can enhance the appeal of your property.

Amenities for Guest Comfort

• Provide amenities that enhance the guest experience, such as fast WiFi, TV and DVD players, fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities. Additional amenities like kayaks, bicycles, or fishing gear can also increase booking rates.

Maintain High Standards

• Ensure the property is always clean and well-maintained. Quick response times to guest inquiries and a high standard of cleanliness can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and garner positive reviews.

Highlight Unique Aspects

• In your property listing, highlight the unique aspects of Port Orchard, such as waterfront views, access to outdoor activities, and proximity to local attractions like the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and downtown shops and restaurants.

Discovering Port Orchard, Washington: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Waterfront and Outdoor Activities

• Bay Street Pedestrian Path: A beautiful, pet-friendly pathway offering views of the Olympic Mountains and Naval Shipyard. Enjoy local art, sculptures, and family-friendly parks along the way.
• Sinclair Inlet Paddling: Experience paddling at sunset with stunning views of Bremerton and wildlife such as river otters and bald eagles.
• Manchester State Park: A great spot for camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Don't miss the scenic views and starry nights.
• Dickerson Creek Waterfalls: Hike to these picturesque waterfalls, a hidden gem in the area.

Parks and Lakes

• South Kitsap Regional Park: A 209-acre park featuring hiking trails, a playground, skate park, and batting cages. Perfect for family outings.
• Long Lake County Park: Ideal for swimming, paddling, fishing, and picnics. A serene spot to relax.

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Veterans Memorial Wall: A poignant stop along the Bay Street Pedestrian Path to honor veterans.
• Veterans Living History Museum: A speciality museum offering insights into the lives of veterans.
• Howe Farm Historic Park: Explore the historic farm and learn about local history.

Shopping and Dining

• Downtown Port Orchard: Visit eclectic boutiques, antiques, and collectible shops. Enjoy dining options ranging from bistros to gastropubs, many with waterfront views.
• Port Orchard Public Market: A vibrant market featuring dining, desserts, a juice bar, flowers, gifts, and artisan pottery. Includes permanent, seasonal, and daily vendors.

Insider Tips

Events and Festivals

• Thursday Evening Concerts on the Bay: Enjoy live music at the Gazebo by the water during the spring and summer.
• Saturday Farmers Market: Stroll through the market and sample local produce and crafts.
• First Friday Artwalks: Meet local artists and explore the city's art scene.
• Festival of Chimes and Lights: Experience the holiday spirit with decorated boats, a tree lighting ceremony, and festive activities in December.

Local Connections

• Cedar Cove Locations: Fans of Debbie Macomber's novels can visit locations from the Cedar Cove series, including the waterfront library, totem pole, courthouse, and Bay Street restaurants.

Practical Information

• Park Admission: For state parks, consider a Discover Pass ($30 annually) which covers all Washington State Parks.
• Getting Around: Use the Washington State Ferries to connect to Seattle and Vashon Island.

By sharing these attractions and tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Port Orchard, Washington.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Port Orchard, Washington

To ensure the success and smooth operation of a short-term rental business in Port Orchard, Washington, several practical tips can be implemented. Here are some key considerations:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a respectful environment for neighbors. Include this information in both digital and physical house manuals to ensure clarity.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other pertinent information. This manual should be available both digitally and in physical form within the rental property.

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 use the smart locks and include parking instructions accompanied by photos to avoid any confusion.

Additional Tips

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, including obtaining the necessary business licenses and adhering to zoning restrictions.
• Maintain high health and safety standards, such as ensuring smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit routes are in place.
• Collect and remit the local lodging tax, currently set at 2% of the total booking cost in Port Orchard.
• Adjust pricing strategies to match seasonal demand fluctuations, with peak demand during summer months and lower demand in winter.

By following these tips, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential issues, and ensure a successful and compliant short-term rental business in Port Orchard.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Port Orchard, Washington:

House Cleaning Providers

1st Choice Housekeeping Inc.

• Offers customized residential and commercial cleaning services, including house deep cleaning, move-in/move-out prep, and window cleaning.
• Experienced, licensed, bonded, and insured professionals.
• Uses eco-friendly products and follows COVID-19 safety measures.

SparkleMafia Professional Cleaning

• Provides routine housekeeping, office cleaning, and move-out cleaning services.
• Uses environmentally friendly cleaning products and conducts thorough background checks on staff.
• Offers personalized cleaning services tailored to unique needs.

Kitsap Cleaners

• Provides home cleaning services throughout Kitsap County, including Port Orchard.
• Covers various areas such as Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, and more.

Additional Resources

For more options and reviews, you can also refer to:- Care.com: Lists 23 affordable house cleaning options in Port Orchard, WA, with details on rates, reviews, and experience.- Angi: Provides a list of the top 10 best house cleaners in Port Orchard, WA, along with real reviews and ratings.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Port Orchard, Washington: A Comprehensive Guide

In Port Orchard, Washington, the fees for managing short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb, can vary significantly depending on the level of service provided. Typically, these fees range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive tasks like guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 20% of the rental income.

Basic or a la carte services, which may only include specific aspects such as cleaning or guest screening, can be less expensive, sometimes starting as low as 10%. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design and furnishing, which are usually billed separately or included in a consumables fee. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to ensure they are getting the best value for their investment while complying with local regulations.