About to start a short-term rental for the first time
On another note, is AirDNA worth the money, has anyone used it?
Congrats Jorge on taking the leap into STR investing!
None of my rentals are in the medical center area, but being close to major hospitals, 410/I10, Lackland, and the theme parks is a great strategy here in SATX. I haven't used AirDNA, so unfortunately i can't speak on that platform.
Hospitality and communication is the name of the game when it comes to guest interaction and hosting! Start by putting your selves in the guest's shoes, when furnishing and stocking your home! Family friendly amenities (pack and plays), cookware, linens, towels, blankets, internet and check in instructions, flatware, and all the necessities for a short/long term stay.
My wife and I own, operate, and clean 4 of our STR's here in San Antonio and the experience has been rewarding but also challenging. I'm assuming you've gone through the permitting process for your rental? Also make sure you introduce your selves to the neighbors and build good relationships.
Smart locks, Outdoor security cameras, outdoor noise aware tech, wifi thermostats, backup combo lock hard keys, are some of the must haves for your properties.
There are also amazing San Antonio investors here on BP that will have other tips for you as well. I've only mentioned a few here, but I'm available anytime to connect and go over more strategies in this business!
Instead of daily rentals, you might think about 30 day minimum. If you are close to the med center, there are plenty of nurses who stay 3 month contracts. They pay about what you would get for a monthly person on airbnb. It so much LESS work when they are there for a month or even 3 months.
We just rented a 1br on Fredericksburg Rd two blocks from Medical Dr. for 920 and rent it out for 1800. We spent about 3k on furniture, sheets, kitchen stuff, etc. After electric, water, we net about 700 per month.
Learn how to automate EVERYTHING!
HI! Jorge, AirDna is good source to utilize. I would definitely do the report on your current STR. If you plan on gaining more doors than purchasing AirDna would probably be a good resource. The medical Center is a GREAT spot. It is heavily saturated with medical staffing coming in and out of the area. Potential renters with hospital visitors here for a short/long periods. I definitely wouldn't count STR out for this area, if worse comes to worse LTR would survive.
Good Luck !
Hey Jorge,
We have an STR management company here and currently have a couple of properties in the med center including my personal home. It is a great area for many of the reasons mentioned above. We have had situations where tenants ended up staying for a couple of months so we end up discounting their stay to make it easier on them especially when it is related to a medical reason. We don't have to deal with many party rentals here except a few UTSA students every now and then (depending on the size of the home). As far as AirDNA, we have been in business for 6 years and have not needed it yet but I admit it would make life easier every now and then.
@Jorge L. Vanegas Tolosa
Congratulations.... Not my area but wanted to say Welcome to the investors STR world.
Hi Jorge!! We're hoping your short term rental is up and going, and successful. We run a short term rental (STR) care company that provides everything you could possibly need from cleaning to full property care in your area. Let us know if we can help in any way or answer any questions. We love what we do and ALL our properties have a 5 star rating across all platforms. Jody @ Way to Vacay
Hi Jorge! Just messaged you.
I have a list of everything I have in my Airbnbs (including cleaning products etc) , our house rules, listing description tips, check-in instructions, set up instructions, cleaning instructions (for cleaners), smart locks, guest screening, and how we adjust prices, etc that I am happy to share.
Quote from @Rick Pozos:
Instead of daily rentals, you might think about 30 day minimum. If you are close to the med center, there are plenty of nurses who stay 3 month contracts. They pay about what you would get for a monthly person on airbnb. It so much LESS work when they are there for a month or even 3 months.
We just rented a 1br on Fredericksburg Rd two blocks from Medical Dr. for 920 and rent it out for 1800. We spent about 3k on furniture, sheets, kitchen stuff, etc. After electric, water, we net about 700 per month.
What is your vacancy rate using this method?
Quote from @Katherine Serrell:
Hi Jorge! Just messaged you.
I have a list of everything I have in my Airbnbs (including cleaning products etc) , our house rules, listing description tips, check-in instructions, set up instructions, cleaning instructions (for cleaners), smart locks, guest screening, and how we adjust prices, etc that I am happy to share.
Hello, can you send me that as well?
Here is some advice:
Do everything manually first so that you totally understand end-to-end everything that is needed....then automate. You'll appreciate the automation more, as well as know the exact pain points that need automation and why.
Mike
Quote from @Katherine Serrell:
Hi Jorge! Just messaged you.
I have a list of everything I have in my Airbnbs (including cleaning products etc) , our house rules, listing description tips, check-in instructions, set up instructions, cleaning instructions (for cleaners), smart locks, guest screening, and how we adjust prices, etc that I am happy to share.
Can you send me that as well. Thank you