Every spring, the Augusta National Golf Club draws thousands of visitors to the CSRA, and for local homeowners, that means one thing: high-demand, high-value Masters Week rentals. After renting out numerous properties in various locations and at various price-points in the CSRA, these are some valuable lessons I have learned.
Whether you live in Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, North Augusta, or Augusta itself, preparing your home properly can mean the difference between just renting and renting at a premium. This guide walks you through exactly what to do and when, with clear steps anyone can follow.
Why Masters Week Preparation Matters
Masters guests expect comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. Many are repeat renters who compare homes year over year. A well-prepared house:
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Books faster
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Commands higher nightly rates
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Receives better reviews
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Reduces damage and stress for homeowners
Your Masters Week Rental Timeline
8–10 Weeks Before Masters Week: Plan & Protect
Your goal: Set expectations and avoid costly surprises.
What to do:
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Decide which rooms guests can access (sometimes hosts will use one room as storage and lock personal items in it).
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Get professional phots (not just your Iphone) - Contact me if you need a guy.
- Become a host on MULTIPLE platforms including the following (click each platform for the link):
- AirBnb
- VRBO
- Booking.com
- Master's Specific Platforms such as
- Do NOT sign an exclusive agreement with any one platform if it is NOT a guaranteed booking. This limits your visibility and makes your home less likely to rent.
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Schedule HVAC, plumbing, and appliance checkups if needed - ensure everything is functioning as it should. In Bartram Trail Neighborhood there is a Concierge company that provides some of these services.
- Schedule pressure washing if you need! I usually use Veterans Pressure Washing due to their excellent service.
- Schedule carpet and upholstery cleaning for mid to late march if needed.
- Schedule your pet sitter or a place to board your animals (local ones do get booked).
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Confirm homeowners insurance allows short-term rentals and ensure you have the right level of insurance through each platform. If renting out privately, there are options for private short term rental insurance.
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Research Masters Week pricing for comparable CSRA homes - AirDNA can provide an idea but simply looking through other listings will help.
✔️ Pro tip: Homes with more rentable rooms (think hotel room) in Evans and close to the Augusta National often command top rates for families and corporate guests.
6–7 Weeks Before: Refresh the Home
Your goal: Make the house feel clean, neutral, and welcoming.
What to do:
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Touch up interior paint or schedule painter such as Rolling Colors (light neutrals photograph best)
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Schedule cleanings
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I like to schedule/ plan my cleaner every 2 weeks building up to Masters (3x) and plan to clean something different each time .
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Schedule/ plan the main cleaning right before the property will be rented out. Contact me if you need a good cleaner.
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Replace burned-out bulbs and outdated fixtures. In addition, buy extra for guests in case they go out during their stay.
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Plan for how you will declutter closets
- I suggest having locks on the closets - put all personal clothing, pictures, books, and toys in the closet and lock it. Purchase hanging racks for guests and allow them to use your emptied dressers. If you need new door locks, this is the time to buy them.
- Some people empty everything and put it in the garage or a singular closet/ room.
- Buy white fresh towels (3 per guest), sheets (3 per Bed), and comforters (2 per bed). If you already have the items, make sure they are clean.
- Schedule your landscaper - plan 2-3 clean ups/ maintenance prior to Masters. I plan every two weeks building up to Masters week. Contact me if you need a good landscaper.
- I always have a smart-lock on the front door. If you do not have one, I suggest buying one and installing at this time. Pro Tip- hide the back up key in the backyard just in case.
- External Cameras- if you are concerned about parties or damage to your home I suggest having them installed at this time. If you have them already, ensure batteries are fresh and they are functioning correctly. (NEVER have cameras pointed toward or inside your home unless you want to get your pants sued off)
- Think "what if" with regard to issues in the home- find a reputable plumber, electrician, handyman... etc. Contact me if you need some suggestions!
✔️ Think hotel, not personal residence.
4–5 Weeks Before: Furnish for Comfort
Your goal: Guests should feel instantly at home.
Focus on:
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Comfortable beds with quality linens
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Extra towels and pillows
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Functional seating in living areas
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Nightstands, lamps, and phone chargers
- Buy personal hygiene items for guests.. amazon is great for this but here is a list I suggest
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrushes and floss
- Deodorant, body lotion and female hygiene items
Kitchen essentials to include:
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Coffee maker
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Basic cookware
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Wine glasses and serving dishes
✔️ Masters guests often entertain—kitchen readiness matters. Make sure everything is neat, organized and decluttered.
3 Weeks Before: Curb Appeal Counts
Your goal: Create a strong first impression.
What to do:
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Refresh landscaping and mulch - believe it or not mulch sells out! Ensure you do this 3-4 weeks out!
- If you think your smoke detector might be need batteries changed, do it now.
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Power wash driveway, sidewalks, and exterior. If you are pressure washing the outside of your home, this is when you should have it scheduled.
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Clean windows inside and out (If you have cleaners planned out, this needs to be directed)
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Make sure external house lighting is functional.
✔️ Many guests arrive late—easy navigation is a big plus.
2 Weeks Before: Final Setup
Your goal: Eliminate friction for guests.
Prepare:
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Written house instructions (Wi-Fi, trash, thermostat)
- Pro tip- I have smart thermostats on my homes that allow me to see any issues from my phone. I can also see what settings are changed.
- Remove or lock away valuables, personal photos, and documents
- Lock in garage, storage areas, closets. Some people will even put the extra items in storage units but I tend to think that is over-kill.
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Emergency contacts
- If you are going through a platform, keep all communication on that platform.
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Local restaurant and grocery recommendations - leaving a list is always appreciated.
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Fresh batteries for remotes (do not forget 9V for smoke detectors) and locks. Also provide extra light bulbs just in case.
✔️ Confirm professional cleaning scheduled the day before arrival.
Week Of Masters: Walk Through Like a Guest
Your goal: Catch small issues before they become big complaints.
Do a final check:
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Run dishwasher, washer, dryer
- Pro-tip: use self cleaning detergents for dishwasher and washing machine
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Test Wi-Fi speed, exterior cameras, smart-lock batteries.
- Log out of any electronic devices such as TVs and Alexa.
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Adjust thermostat settings to something comfortable for guests (usually 72 degrees)
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Set out fresh linens and towels as well as the individual hygiene items in each bathroom
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Deep clean (should have been scheduled weeks ago).
- Empty your refrigerator and ensure it is clean.
- Get extra bonus points with your guests by leaving out Master's week treats, drinks and snacks.
- In the past I have ordered cookies by Sweat Pea Confections which guests LOVE!
- Swap out linens, bedding, and towels for the clean ones (again, I always prefer white).
- Send out Check-in instructions to your guest with door code. Do not forget to include rules, guidelines, HOA requirements, and resources.
✔️ If possible, have a neighbor who is staying in town available for contact during the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Leaving personal items accessible (this works for some but I suggest swapping out personal items)
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Over pricing ahead of time and underpricing due to last-minute prep
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Skipping professional cleaning and professional photos
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Forgetting about outdoor spaces and the yard
Final Thought
Masters Week is one of the biggest rental opportunities of the year in the CSRA. With the right preparation and timeline, your home can stand out, attract quality guests, and generate exceptional returns—without unnecessary stress.
Last PRO TIP- Leave your number and contact information to be contacted for future Masters Rentals --If you rent directly to the guest, they save money by avoiding fees and taxes. You save money and can end up charging more. Don't forget that renting your home for up to 14 days is non-taxable via the "Augusta Rule."
If you’re considering buying or selling, Ehrin Fairey specializes in helping CSRA homeowners and buyers make smart, well-timed decisions.
If you have questions, want a second opinion, or would like guidance tailored specifically to your home or situation, reach out to Ehrin Fairey for trusted, local insight and personalized support every step of the way.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, real estate laws, regulations, market conditions, pricing, availability, and terms are subject to change and may vary by location and individual circumstances.
All real estate decisions should be made in consultation with qualified professionals, including licensed real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and tax advisors. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein when making real estate decisions.
Ehrin Fairey and Caleb Fairey are licensed real estate agents in the State of Georgia and are affiliated with eXp Realty, LLC. This blog does not constitute an offer to sell, lease, or solicit real estate services in jurisdictions where Ehrin Fairey and/or Caleb Fairey are not licensed.
Equal Housing Opportunity.
