Why I Love Helping Buyers Find Dreamy Short-Term Rentals in North Georgia

Short-term rental properties are an incredible way to build equity, create passive income, and even carve out a vacation haven for your family. As both a real estate agent and an Airbnb Superhost, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful—and rewarding—this kind of investment can be. I’m excited to share my story and offer some practical tips to help you find the perfect property of your own.

In January 2021, my husband and I bought a cozy 960-square-foot cabin right on the Chestatee River in Dahlonega. Just 10 minutes from downtown and less than 2 miles from a popular vineyard, the location had so much potential. We spent the next few months adding personal touches—fresh paint, shiplap walls, new lighting, a built-in bench, and a little boho magic. Fast forward to today: we’ve been proud Airbnb Superhosts for over 2 years, and in 2023 alone, we booked 195 nights with a 71% occupancy rate.

(Yes, I share real revenue numbers in my one-hour consult calls for clients—transparency is key!)

Now, helping others find and launch their own successful STRs is one of my favorite things to do as an agent. Here's a peek into how I guide my clients and the key things we focus on together:

🗺️ Location, Location, Lifestyle

A great STR isn’t just a cute cabin—it’s a place travelers want to be. I look for properties near wineries, hiking trails, waterfalls, lake access, charming downtowns, and wedding venues. My own guests often come for girlfriend getaways, tubing adventures, or riverside relaxation with fishing rods in hand.

🛋️ Turnkey Convenience

A fully furnished property with linens, kitchenware, smart locks, and security cameras is a huge plus. It means you can start booking guests right away—and save major time and money up front.

📊 Nearby Rental Performance

I dive into what other hosts nearby are doing—checking availability calendars, pricing, reviews (aiming for 4.8+), and listing descriptions. If the Wi-Fi is weak or the road is dangerously steep, we skip it. You deserve a property your guests will rave about.

💰 Past Rental History

When a client finds a potential winner, I reach out to the listing agent for rental income history. Knowing a property grossed $40K/year on Airbnb can help you confidently estimate monthly revenue—and decide if the numbers work for your goals.

🧾 Real Costs & Hidden Expenses

We’ll review everything: insurance, pest control, flood zone concerns, HOA fees, lawn care, utilities, and cleaning. It’s about knowing the full picture before you buy, so you’re set up for success.

🪟 Good Bones Matter

Look for natural light, tall ceilings, oversized windows, and killer views. Don’t worry about outdated décor—those are easy fixes. It’s the bones that matter most when creating a magical guest experience.

🧭 Know Your County Rules

Georgia counties vary wildly when it comes to STR regulations. Some make it tough to get approval, which is why I always recommend looking for properties with established rental history or existing vacation zoning. I personally love working in Lumpkin County—both the Planning Department and Discover Dahlonega are incredibly supportive of responsible hosting.

Let’s Find Your North Georgia Cabin

Whether you’re dreaming of a riverside retreat, a mountaintop view, or a cabin near the vineyards, I’m here to help. I’ll start with a simple client survey to understand your goals, then connect you with a trusted mortgage broker (if needed), and set up a call to dive into the fun stuff—property scouting, Airbnb setup, hosting tips, and passive income strategies.

I’d love to help you write your own STR success story. Let’s find the perfect place to invest and unwind.

Ready to start the search? Contact me today!