Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Texarkana Texas.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Texarkana, Texas for 2024

General Requirements

• No Specific City Laws: Texarkana, Texas, does not have specific laws governing short-term rentals. However, standard housing and rental regulations apply.

Tax Obligations

• State Hotel Occupancy Tax: A 6% state hotel occupancy tax is imposed on all short-term rentals, which must be paid by the host and is not collected by Airbnb.

Property Maintenance

• Safety and Cleanliness: Hosts must maintain the safety and cleanliness of the property.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules

• Compliance with HOA Regulations: If the property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), hosts must comply with any specific restrictions or requirements set by the HOA.

Reporting and Payment

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Reporting: Hosts must report and pay the hotel occupancy tax as required by the state and local authorities. The tax must be filed and paid monthly or quarterly, with due dates determined by the Texas Comptroller Office.

Other Considerations

• Local Contact and Emergency Response: While not explicitly mandated by the city, it is advisable to have a local contact person available to respond to emergencies, as is common in other Texas cities.

Seasonal Considerations

• Seasonal Demand: Hosts should be aware of the seasonal demand for short-term rentals, which peaks in late spring and summer and is lower in late fall to early spring. This may require adjusting rental rates and strategies to maintain occupancy.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Texarkana, Texas

1. Historic Downtown Area

• This neighborhood is highly appealing due to its central location, providing easy access to restaurants, shopping, and key attractions. Properties like "The Pecan House" are favored for their proximity to historic downtown, Texarkana Regional Airport, and major hospitals.

2. Private Neighborhoods in the Heart of Texarkana

• Neighborhoods hosting properties like "Grace Haven" are popular for their luxurious and comfortable settings. These areas are close to the main highway, malls, major stores, restaurants, gyms, and main hospitals, making them convenient for both families and business travelers.

3. Areas Near Lake Wright Patman

• Homes such as the "Luxury Lake House Getaway" attract guests with their scenic water views and relaxing environments. Being just a mile from Lake Wright Patman, these properties offer a mix of comfort and natural beauty.

4. Downtown Texarkana Entertainment District

• This area is favored for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, yet it is just minutes away from downtown Texarkana. Properties like the "Cheerful 2-Bedroom Home in Texarkana" are close to restaurants, walking and bicycling trails, the airport, and public transportation, making them ideal for various types of travelers.

5. Centrally Located Guesthouse Areas

• Guesthouses like "Twice As Nice" are highly rated for their stylish, centrally located, and extremely safe neighborhoods. These properties are close to hospitals, Target, Walmart, movies, and restaurants, making them perfect for rest and recharging.

These neighborhoods are appealing due to their combination of central locations, luxurious amenities, and proximity to key attractions and services, which cater to a wide range of guest preferences.

Creating an Inviting Airbnb in Texarkana, Texas: Design and Furnishing Tips

Embrace Local Charm

• Incorporate elements that reflect the unique blend of Texas and Arkansas cultures found in Texarkana. Use local artwork, crafts, and decorative items to give your space a distinct regional flavor.

Seasonal Decor

• Update your decor seasonally to match the vibrant colors and themes of the area. For example, use fall arrangements featuring bicolor roses, orange ranunculus, and purple stock to capture the essence of autumn.

Comfort and Cozy Ambiance

• Ensure your space is warm and inviting by using plush furnishings, soft lighting, and cozy textiles. This will make guests feel at home and comfortable during their stay.

Utilize Natural Elements

• Incorporate natural elements such as dried eucalyptus, mini pittosporum, and ornamental kale into your decor to bring in a touch of the outdoors and reflect the natural beauty of the region.

Local Color Palette

• Choose a color palette that reflects the rich hues of the Texarkana landscape. Earthy tones, vibrant autumn colors, and soft pastels can create a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere.

Functional yet Stylish

• Balance functionality with style. Ensure that every piece of furniture serves a purpose while also contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Personal Touches

• Add personal touches such as local books, maps, and guides to help guests explore and appreciate the area. This can also include recommendations for local eateries, attractions, and hidden gems.

Attention to Detail

• Pay attention to the small details that can make a big difference. This includes fresh flowers, scented candles, and other amenities that enhance the overall guest experience.

Reflect the Community

• Highlight the community spirit of Texarkana by incorporating local themes and motifs into your design. This could include vintage items, local crafts, or artwork created by local artists.

Discover Texarkana, Texas: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Ace of Clubs House: A unique Victorian home built in 1885, shaped like the club suit from a playing card. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday.
• Perot Theatre: A historic theater since 1924, hosting various performances including opera, dance, and comedy. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Texarkana Museum of Regional History: Features historical collections from the Texarkana region, including interactive exhibits on Scott Joplin, the "Father of Ragtime".
• P.J. Ahern House: A Classical Revival style home built in 1906, now a museum and event venue with daily tours.

Family and Children's Activities

• Discovery Place Children's Museum: An interactive museum with exhibits on science, nature, and history. Highlights include a 1900s Mercantile Store, a 1920s kitchen, and a musical Tesla coil exhibit.
• Kidtopia: A playground designed by kids for kids, offering a fun and educational environment.
• Texarkana Fun Park: Features games, an arcade, rides, and a miniature golf course.

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

• Spring Lake Park: Offers green spaces, picnic areas, playgrounds, a spring-fed lake, an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing piers, and a 1.75-mile walking and biking trail.
• Ferguson Park: A green space with recreation areas, picnic spots, and a playground in the historic Highland Park area.
• Wright Patman Lake: Located 10 miles southwest of Texarkana, offering boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities.

Unique Landmarks and Events

• State Line Post Office and Federal Building: A unique post office with a state line running through the lobby, making it a popular photo spot.
• Four States Fair and Rodeo Grounds: Hosts various events throughout the year, including rodeos, quarter horse shows, and the Home and Garden Show.
• Four States Auto Museum: A museum showcasing a collection of vintage and classic cars.

Insider Tips

• Dining: Recommend local favorites like Naaman's BBQ, Cattleman's Steak House, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop.
• Shopping: Direct guests to Historic Main Street for a variety of local shops and boutiques.
• Annual Festivals: Inform guests about the various annual festivals and events in Texarkana, such as those related to performing arts, stock car races, and outdoor activities.
• Travel Information Centers: Suggest visiting the Texas Travel Information Center or the Arkansas Welcome Center for additional local information.

By sharing these attractions and tips, your guests will have a well-rounded and enjoyable experience in Texarkana, Texas.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Texarkana, Texas

To ensure the success and smooth operation of a short-term rental business in Texarkana, Texas, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a peaceful environment and comply with local rules. Including this information in both digital and physical house manuals helps set clear expectations and avoids potential issues.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other pertinent information. This manual should also highlight local attractions, amenities, and any specific rules or regulations that guests need to follow.

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 ensure they have all necessary access codes before arrival.

Parking Instructions

Include detailed parking instructions with photos in the house manual to help guests navigate parking options easily. This can reduce confusion and ensure that guests park in designated areas, adhering to any local parking regulations.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential conflicts, and maintain a well-organized and efficient short-term rental business in Texarkana, Texas.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning services and other relevant providers in Texarkana, Texas:

House Cleaning Services

• Blackwood Services Group LLC: While primarily focused on commercial and janitorial services, they also offer thorough cleaning services that could be applicable to residential needs.
• Redbird Cleaning Services: A full-service cleaning company in Texarkana, known for their quality and competitive pricing.
• Care.com House Cleaning: Offers a list of affordable house cleaning options in Texarkana, with rates starting at $14.00/hr.
• Angi's Top 10 House Cleaners: A list of highly-rated house cleaners in Texarkana, with average costs ranging between $30 and $50 per hour.
• HomeAdvisor Maid Services: Provides a list of maid services in Texarkana, with average costs ranging from $70 to $152.

Note

For repair and maintenance services, the listed sources primarily focus on cleaning services. For comprehensive repair and maintenance providers, additional research may be necessary.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Texarkana, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

In Texarkana, Texas, the fees for managing short-term rentals can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often around 20% to 25% of the rental income.

Basic services, which may only include listing and booking management, can be less expensive. Additionally, hosts may incur extra fees for cleaning, repairs, or design services. For instance, some management companies charge a separate cleaning fee, which they may pass on to guests, while also covering other consumable items and maintenance costs.

Understanding these fee structures is crucial for hosts to optimize their earnings and ensure compliance with local regulations, including the 6% state hotel occupancy tax and any applicable HOA rules.