How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business with Your Spouse

If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start a short-term rental business with your spouse, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the real conversations, decisions, and lessons that come with it.

In this episode of the Brand & Market podcast, I sat down with my husband, Caleb, to talk through our experience building Luna at Elysian—from the initial purchase to renovations, guest experience, and what actually matters when you’re growing a short-term rental together.

If you’re a short-term rental owner or investor navigating decisions with a partner, this one will give you a practical and honest perspective.

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From “Should We Do This?” to Buying Luna

When I first found Luna, a quirky dome home tucked in the mountains, I was hesitant.

We had been looking for the right short-term rental for over a year. I kept asking:

• Is this the right time?
• Is this the right property?
• Will it actually perform?

Caleb’s perspective was much simpler:

“It was affordable, already established, and a good way to jump in and figure it out.”

That was the push we needed.

Sometimes, starting a short-term rental business isn’t about having every answer—it’s about recognizing a strong opportunity and taking the first step.

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What Actually Matters When Buying a Short-Term Rental

From a practical standpoint, here’s what stood out to us early:

1. Look for Potential, Not Perfection

Luna wasn’t perfect—but it had:

• Unique architecture (a dome home)
• Land for future expansion
• Built-in “wow factor” for guests

“It had a lot of potential… and space to add more in the future.”

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2. Stay at the Property Before You Buy

This was one of the most valuable decisions we made.

We discovered:

• A loud water filtration system (that needed fixing)
• Layout issues
• Guest experience opportunities

You don’t just want numbers, you want to experience your property like a guest.

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3. Expect Unexpected Renovations

What started as simple upgrades turned into:

• Replacing rotted subflooring
• Structural fixes
• Full flooring replacement

“You don’t want to patch something like that… it’s about longevity.”

This is a good reminder: always budget for the unknown.

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Why Branding and Design Matter More Than You Think

One of the biggest differences between our properties?

Professional design.

At Luna, we hired a designer and the impact was immediate:

• Faster decision-making
• Cohesive design
• Elevated guest experience

Instead of managing 50 tabs and second-guessing every decision, everything was streamlined.

And the result?

• A stronger first impression
• More “wow factor”
• Consistent 5-star feedback

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The Amenities That Actually Increase Bookings

Not all upgrades are equal.

Here’s what made the biggest impact for us:

1. Fire Pit Experience

Simple but powerful.

“Even without a fire, sitting out there with the lights and the creek… it’s just peaceful.”

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2. Unique Features You Can’t Replicate

At Luna:

• Creek wrapping around the house
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Nature-integrated design

These are the details that make your listing stand out.

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3. Future-Focused Additions

We’re already planning:

• Additional units (Luna, Sol, Eden concept)
• Expanded guest experiences
• More outdoor spaces

Your first property should open the door, not be the final destination.

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Why Community Matters in Short-Term Rentals

If you’re not local to your property, this is critical.

What helped us succeed:

• Reliable cleaners
• Local support systems
• On-the-ground communication

“Find that community in the location… especially if you don’t have a property manager.”

And especially:
Your cleaner can make or break your business.

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A Real Example of ROI from Smart Upgrades

At our Kentucky property, we made strategic upgrades:

• Added a hot tub
• Improved internet (Starlink)
• Updated design and furniture

The result?

• Nightly rates increased from $550 to over $1,000 on peak weekends

This is what happens when you:

• Invest in the right amenities
• Understand your market
• Improve guest experience intentionally

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Building a Lifestyle Through Short-Term Rentals

One of our biggest conversations this year wasn’t just about one property.

It was about the bigger vision:

• Multiple properties across different locations
• Creating experiences for our family
• Building a lifestyle through real estate

“Think about the childhood they’d have… traveling to different homes throughout the year.”

This is what long-term thinking looks like in short-term rentals.

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Final Thoughts: Starting Before You Feel Ready

If there’s one takeaway from this entire experience, it’s this:

You don’t need everything figured out to start.

You need:

• A strong opportunity
• Willingness to learn
• Commitment to improving over time

Luna wasn’t perfect.
We weren’t 100% ready.

But it became the foundation for everything we’re building next.