Ep 1. Seattle Houseboat

"Stay Here" is a reality TV show that helps homeowners increase the appeal and functionality of their rental properties in order to generate more income. Throughout the show, celebrity designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Pete Lorimer travel around the United States to transform various properties that range from tiny apartments to luxurious villas. On Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Seattle Houseboat," Genevieve and Pete go to Seattle to help a couple turn their small houseboat into an attractive and profitable Airbnb listing.

The episode starts with the couple, named Rocky and Max, introducing their property to Genevieve and Pete. The houseboat is less than 200 square feet, and its interior is cluttered and outdated. Rocky and Max explain that they bought the houseboat two years ago for $350,000, and they hope to rent it out for $205 per night. Genevieve and Pete are skeptical, as they believe the houseboat lacks the necessary amenities and functionality to attract guests at that price point.

Genevieve takes Rocky and Max to visit an upscale hotel room in Seattle to show them what guests expect from a rental property. Meanwhile, Pete does some market research and finds that the average price for a rental property in Seattle is around $200 per night. He suggests that Rocky and Max lower their price to $150 per night and focus on providing unique experiences to their guests. They also visit other houseboats in the area to see how they are decorated and set up.

Back on the houseboat, Genevieve and Pete get to work. Genevieve plans to make the small space feel more open and airy by removing some of the clutter and incorporating more natural elements like wood and greenery. She also plans to add a foldable dining table, a Murphy bed, and a hanging daybed to maximize the usable space. Pete focuses on the exterior of the houseboat, adding a new coat of paint and creating a more inviting entryway with a small patio and seating area.

The renovation process is not without its challenges. Genevieve has trouble finding furniture that fits perfectly in the small space, and Pete discovers that the plumbing system on the houseboat is outdated and needs to be completely replaced. However, the team persists and eventually finishes the renovation in time for the revealing to Rocky and Max.

The couple is thrilled with the transformation. The houseboat feels more spacious and modern, with a new color scheme, updated appliances, and clever storage solutions. Genevieve and Pete also surprise Rocky and Max with a unique experience that they hope will set their rental property apart from others in the area: a custom-built rowboat equipped with a picnic basket and a bottle of wine. They suggest that guests can take the boat out to explore Seattle's waterways and enjoy a romantic evening on the water.

Before leaving, Genevieve and Pete sit down with Rocky and Max to discuss the new pricing strategy. They agree to lower the nightly rate to $175 in order to attract more guests, and they list the houseboat on multiple rental platforms to increase exposure. Genevieve and Pete leave feeling confident that Rocky and Max's houseboat will now be a top contender in Seattle's rental market.

Overall, "Seattle Houseboat" is a charming and informative episode of "Stay Here." Viewers get to see the challenges and rewards of renovating a small space, as well as some valuable advice on how to make a rental property stand out in a competitive market. The show showcases Genevieve and Pete's expertise in design and real estate, while also highlighting the importance of providing unique experiences to guests. Anyone interested in real estate or home renovation will enjoy watching "Stay Here," and this episode will leave viewers feeling inspired and informed.