by Cammie Jones March 2, 2023

Anyone who has made the decision to rent for Masters has one — the Masters To Do List. It’s usually a long list of projects to complete and people to call such as upholstery cleaners, the “pine straw” man, the window washer, the painter for those random touch ups, etc. The point is the list is long and daunting. Here’s the question every homeowner wants to know – What are the most important things that guests actually want and notice to get your home “Masters ready?”

Taite Sasnett of Patron Properties and Stacey Hayden of Tournament Housing & Events know just what guests of your home truly desire.  “Adopt the mindset that I’ve lived in the home for the last 51 weeks — how do I make my home shine and a place the renters would want to come back to,” advises Taite. 

Professional Pictures

Stacey suggests getting professional photos of your home before you rent it. “I think the most important thing that potential renters are looking for are the pictures,” she says. “Invest in professional photos.” Make sure those pictures truly represent your home and how it will look when the guests arrive. Don’t include a lot of clutter and personal photos — and no seasonal decorations, please! “This is the number one thing that will help rent your house,” says Stacey. Before listing your home with Patron Properties, Taite sets up professional photos with a local photographer before posting on Patron Properties’ website. Both emphasize that showcasing your home in the best light will help it get rented more quickly.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Both Taite and Stacey consider the bedrooms to be very important in the comfort of your guests. Stacey suggests beds that are queen or larger with high-end linens. “Have a variety of pillows to choose from — some hard, some soft — so the guest can pick,” suggests Stacey. Taite says renters like a bed with a headboard and bedside tables with lamps, too. Make sure that the guest has a place to plug in electronic devices and set a glass of water before going to bed.  

White bedding and fresh white towels in the bathroom help make your home look upscale and inviting as well. Stacey suggests pre-washing brand new towels to eliminate shedding. Decluttering the bathroom counters also allows guests a space to place their toiletries and personal items. A good rule of thumb is to have two sets of sheets and two sets of towels per guest, says Taite. 

As for closets, Taite says you do not necessarily have to clean them out completely. She suggests leaving a dedicated hanging space with hangers for guests’ clothes and belongings. 

Outdoor Living Spaces 

Renters also prefer an outdoor living space with a large television, according to both Taite and Stacey. “Outdoor living spaces are very important, and you want to prepare it the correct way,” adds Stacey.  If it looks like it’s going to be a cold Masters make sure you have plenty of wood for the guests to use for the outdoor fireplace or fire pit. If the forecast calls for a warmer week and pollen is an issue, Stacey suggests (especially if you are a host home) to have your yard company go by every day or so to check for pollen and blow it off if necessary. 

Another rule of thumb for entertaining areas is to stock it with the items needed. For example, if you have a pool table or ping pong table make sure you have pool cues, chalk, paddles, balls, etc. A hot tub or pool? Have towels nearby for your guests to use. A gas grill? Have grill tools and a full tank of propane gas on hand.

TV’s

Taite says that it is not necessary to have a TV in each bedroom, but guests do want a larger TV in central gathering areas such as the home’s den or outdoor living space. Both Stacey and Taite emphasize that the TV should have streaming capabilities. 

Declutter

Decluttering is also a must. “It’s important to make your home look more grown up,” says Taite. Try to limit personal framed pictures and extra items on visible surfaces in bedrooms, the kitchen and other living areas.  

Housekeeper

Most guests ask for a housekeeper to do some light cleaning during the week. Hiring someone who is familiar with your home is a good idea. They will  know your home and can check on any issues that may come up such as needing more wood for the fireplace, extra toilet paper or soap for the bathrooms or paper towels for the kitchen. 

Overall Cleanliness

As for cleanliness, this goes without saying, but there are a couple of points to consider. Get rid of all evidence of pets, according to Taite. “While getting your home ready to rent for Masters, consider if your carpets or upholstery need to be professionally cleaned,” she adds. 

Stacey says the refrigerator is important to thoroughly clean. “You can tell how people live from their fridge,” says Stacey. Taite says that preparing to rent for Masters also presents a great opportunity to pressure wash your home and driveway.

Getting your home “Masters Ready” is a big job but the end result is worth it. Both Taite at Patron Properties and Stacey at Tournament Housing & Events are there to help as you prepare your home for the first full week in April. 

Tips from Taite & Stacey

Set the time for the sprinklers to run during a timeframe that will not interfere with your tenants. – Stacey

If you leave it out, they will use it! – Taite

Keyless entry is easier for guests than dealing with keys. – Stacey

Leave lights on if guests are arriving at night so they don’t enter a dark, unfamiliar home. – Stacey

Do no overdo it with fresh flowers and intense smells due to allergies. – Taite & Stacey

A small gift basket with Augusta-themed items is a nice extra. – Stacey

A small gift basket is a nice idea but if choosing between that and pressure washing your driveway, choose pressure washing! – Taite