Airbnb Cabin Neighborhood Dog Barking Dilemma

[Clair Brockway]

Hey all! This is my first post here, thank you in advance for your help! I am working hard to find a my first investment property for a STR. I'm investing with my mom (realtor) and Grandfather. My Grandfather has a lifelong hatred of people leaving their barking dogs outside all day and has horrible experiences with them at his own homes. We went to visit a spectacular log cabin in Clyde, NC: mountain views, hot tub, 3 porches, glorious vaulted bedroom ceilings, and best of all: potentially FANTASTIC cash flow. As soon as we pulled up for the showing we could hear dogs in the neighborhood going crazy. Who knows, maybe they aren't outside all the time or maybe they calm down when people aren't pulling into the driveway? We're in the Blue Ridge Mountains so people come here for the hiking, outdoor activities and cities nearby that have great breweries and food. I'm not sure if they'll even be at the cabin that often! I'm the researcher of the group so I feel that this cabin is a great opportunity even if there is a barking dog in the neighborhood. What are your views on this issue? Is a nearby barking dog a deal breaker for people Airbnb-ing this spot?

[Steve K.]

@Clair Brockway I’d start by spending more time at the cabin (do a second showing for as long as possible, then walk around the neighborhood for a while afterward as well). If the dogs are barking that whole time I’d go talk to some neighbors next, including the dog owners if that seems like a safe option. If they’re going to be a problem neighbor you’ll want to know what you’ll be dealing with. We had to get rid of a property with this issue (the local government wasn’t helpful and we couldn’t find a way to resolve things other than selling as the dogs woke everybody up and barked all the time), so it’s definitely something you want to do your due diligence on. When talking to neighbors, I’d say you’re thinking of buying the place, make some polite small talk to break the ice and then work the dog barking into the conversation as naturally as possible. Be aware that most neighbors won’t be pleased that a short term rental is coming to the hood, so you might just leave that part out.