Why high-end homeowners in Northern Michigan are rethinking vacation rentals — and how to do it without the headaches.
If you own a luxury lakefront home in Northern Michigan — Crystal Lake, Glen Lake, Torch, or any of the stunning inland lakes up north — chances are you’ve heard this before:
“You should rent this place out! You could make a killing!”
And maybe your first reaction is:
“No thanks. I’ve heard too many horror stories.”
At Viberent Stays, we hear that a lot — and we get it. Many of our conversations with homeowners start the same way. There’s a lot of fear, and a lot of misinformation, about what it actually means to rent your home (especially a high-end one).
Let’s clear the air.
Myth #1: “Guests will ruin my home.”
This is the biggest fear — and one of the biggest myths.
The reality? People booking $400–$1,200/night lakefront homes aren’t looking to throw ragers. They’re families, professionals, or couples looking to unwind and reconnect.
And when you have the right systems in place — things like:
- Smart lock entry (no key handoffs)
- Noise monitoring (for party prevention)
- Exterior security cameras (for peace of mind)
- Guest screening and clear house rules
- On-the-ground cleaners and inspectors
…the risk drops dramatically.
While I’m not managing dozens of properties (yet!), I’m extremely hands-on with the homes I do manage. I personally screen every guest, check in with my teams after each turnover, and treat each home like it’s my own. That level of care makes all the difference.
Myth #2: “It’s not worth the hassle.”
If you’re doing this yourself, you’re right — it’s not worth it. Guest messages at midnight, back-to-back turnovers, finding reliable cleaners, pricing strategy, marketing, restocking… it can be a full-time job.
But that’s where we come in.
At Viberent Stays, we offer full-service vacation rental management — which means we handle everything:
- Professional photography and listing setup
- Airbnb, VRBO, and direct booking marketing
- Dynamic pricing to maximize revenue
- 24/7 guest communication
- Scheduling and quality control for cleanings
- Restocking, inspections, and maintenance coordination
- Owner statements and year-end reporting
You enjoy the benefits, and we take care of the work.
Myth #3: “We use the house too much to rent it out.”
Good! You should use your lake house. We encourage it.
The beauty of short-term rentals is flexibility — you get to decide when the home is available. Many of our clients block off a few key weeks for family use, then open the calendar the rest of the time.
We can even help you make sure the home is spotless, stocked, and guest-ready when you show up.
Myth #4: “I don’t want to cheapen the experience.”
Totally fair. But renting your home doesn’t mean turning it into a party pad.
We specialize in luxury hospitality — not just rentals. That means everything from high-quality linens and curated welcome gifts to smart home tech and beautifully designed digital guidebooks. Many guests walk into a Viberent home and say, “Wow — this feels like a boutique hotel.”
Renting doesn’t have to mean compromising. In fact, for many, it enhances the experience of owning the home.
Myth #5: “I don’t need the money.”
We work with a lot of financially successful homeowners who aren’t doing this because they have to — they’re doing it because it makes sense.
Short-term rental income can:
- Offset property taxes, utilities, and maintenance
- Pay for upgrades, landscaping, or new furnishings
- Help justify keeping the home in the family for years to come
- Free up cash flow for other investments or adventures
And here’s something most people aren’t talking about yet:
This Might Be the Best Year to Start Renting Your Home
If your lake house hasn’t been used as a rental before, 2025 might be the perfect time to place it into service — especially if you’re planning any upgrades or improvements.
Why?
Thanks to bonus depreciation rules from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (aka “the big beautiful bill”), you may be able to write off up to 100% of certain improvements in the year your home becomes a rental. That could include:
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Renovation expenses
- Setup and management costs
This won’t last forever — and it’s definitely something to run by your CPA. (If you need a referral to someone who understands the ins and outs of vacation rental tax strategy, I’ve got a great one I’d be happy to connect you with.)
So… Is Renting Out Your Lake House Worth It?
If done wrong? Probably not.
But with the right strategy, the right management, and the right guests — it absolutely can be. You can preserve the beauty and integrity of your home and let it generate income when you’re not using it.
If you’re even thinking about renting your home in Northern Michigan, let’s talk.
