Short-Term Rental Profitability Brings Investors to Heritage Harbor Resort in Ottawa

Savvy investors looking to diversify their portfolios and generate monthly income are turning to Heritage Harbor Resort in Ottawa, a popular vacation destination just 90 minutes from Chicago along the Illinois River in Starved Rock Country.

“We’ve had a sizable increase in buyers who want a solid, profitable investment that gives them an income-generating option outside the volatile stock market,” said Pierre Alexander, Heritage Harbor Resort Marketing Manager. “Companies such as Airbnb and VRBO have brought the short-term rental market into the mainstream, making it easier than ever for investors to profit from real estate ownership. Rather than getting tied into long-term leases, property owners can capitalize on local demand for short-term and vacation rental housing.”

Centered around a 182-slip marina, Heritage Harbor includes several distinct neighborhoods, offering villas, cottages, low-maintenance single-family homes and luxury, custom residences. The community also features the Red Dog Grill Restaurant, Tiki bar and beach and numerous neighborhood clubhouses and swimming pools.

Heritage Harbor’s newest neighborhood, Navvy Town, is ideal for investors with six two-story Lock Tender Cottages priced from $309,000 available for spring delivery. These homes feature 1,150 square feet of living space with two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and an open-concept kitchen and living room as well as an option to finish the full basement

The Canal Quarters Mansion Flats, priced from the low $200s, are also available and consist of 580-square-foot, one-bedroom condominiums with four to a building. Two- bedroom Carriage Homes will be offered in the future. Navvy Town will also feature a water feature and recreation hall for games, movie nights and other family fun.

“Where a long-term rental of 30 days or more may generate, for example, a monthly income of $1,800, the same property as a short-term rental at $250 per night would generate income of $7,500 in the same 30-day time frame,” Alexander said. “We provide marketing, handle reservations, cleaning and maintenance and more to make the investor’s rental process seamless. This year’s summer bookings are already booking up fast so owners who join the program and start renting now can enjoy an immediate return on their investment.”

In addition to Navvy Town, Port Place, an enclave of 12 maintenance-free homes, offers ranch and two-story homes, with main level master bedroom suites, ranging from 1,196 to over 2,287 square feet, with prices starting in the $370s. Homes are centered around a common gathering area, which will include a fire pit and benches.

The West Peninsula neighborhood, priced from the low-$400s, offers single-family ranch, two-story and first-floor master bedroom cottages ranging from 1,490 to over 2,290 square feet in size with two to four bedrooms, two to four baths, charming front porches, guest suites, second floor bunk rooms, optional basements and attached or detached garages.

Custom, single-family home buyers will want to visit Pinnacle Pointe, a waterfront neighborhood with its own pool and clubhouse. Luxury ranch and two-story designs, priced from the $800s to over $1 million, are available or buyers may choose to purchase a homesite and use their own builder. Homes range from 1,705 to over 3,512 square feet in size with three or four bedrooms, two to 3 ½ baths and two-car garages. Homes may include open concept kitchen and family rooms, screened porches, finished walkout basements, guest suites and decks.

“Short-term vacation renters want an experience and Heritage Harbor delivers,” Alexander said. “Boating, water skiing, kayaking, fishing and more are right-outside your door with numerous golf courses nearby as well as Starved Rock State Park, known for its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, sandstone canyons, trolley tours and river cruises. Downtown Ottawa offers restaurants, shops, festivals and other fun.”

The community is across from the 97-mile I & M Canal Biking trail and boat and kayak rentals are available onsite. In addition, the Heritage Harbor activity director plans year-round events for residents and guests to enjoy, such as live music on weekends, special neighborhood happenings and holiday gatherings as well as craft and cooking classes, organized group tours, and the weekly, Saturday 5K walk and run.

Heritage Harbor is located at 111 Harbor View Drive in Ottawa. Please call (815) 433-5000 Ext. 1 to preschedule a one-on-one appointment or email tammyb@heritageharborottawa.com . Enjoy a virtual drive-through of the community by visiting www.visitheritageharbor.com.