Auction for luxury vacation rental in Lake Tahoe

Auction for luxury vacation rental in Lake Tahoe

San Francisco, CA · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 4 votes

Hi BP community,

I came across a seemingly complicated deal. Here are the details I have:

6BR/6BA Mansion with outdoor firepit, massive EIK, every amenity imagineable.

The home is currently under contract with a luxury auction company.

The auction rep told me there were no other bidders lined up. This was proven to be true when I visited the property and the fridge was stocked full of beer, wine, cheese, fruits, etc. (things you would have out for an open house). Auction end-date is Aug. 30th. The auction rep was pretty clear that there was zero competition for this property.

My questions are as follows:

1. Has anyone had any luck acquiring luxury properties below market value? 

2. I'm guessing this property will go for at least, minimally $1.5MM. I don't have that kind of money to show proof of funds. Does anyone know where I can find outside investors to JV on the deal or fund it at a high interest rate?

3. Due diligence shows the property grossed $230k last year in rentals (a corporation rented it for 4 months during ski season for the bulk of that gross revenue). What are some of major costs associated with vacation rentals? Is there a occupancy rate I should use as a "rule of thumb"?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to investing, but this deal seems good on paper. The property is amazing and at the least can be short-sold for profit.

Cheers,

Bryan G.

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  • Investor · Roseville, CA · Member since 2016 · 893 posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    Hi 

    @Bryan Ghorbani I currently have a 'much' smaller VR in South Shore (3 bed/2 bath) that has been pretty successful the last few years.  I'm currently occupying a 51% occupancy rate but once again, I'm in a totally different target demographic that this property would likely fall under.  Op Ex ratio for my VR is currently at about 75% and I have done quite a bit of due diligence in getting the best price/service combination for my guests experience.  Higher or Tahoe specific items on my P&L are as follows:

    Booking agency/payment processing/Advertising:  15%

    Housekeeping (pass thru to guest) 20%

    TOT (occupancy tax, pass thru to guest) 10%

    Spa 4%

    Electricity and Gas (10%)

    Cable(3%)

    Water (3%)

    Snow removal (2%)

    There are a few other line items like trash, maintenance, etc.  Keep in mind my Op Ex is at 75% with a 51% occupancy rate, so I really have to keep it full both seasons full time to make the place pay for itself and net a little positive cash flow each year.  You would want to do a little more due diligence on the historical rental income without that Corporation renting it all season as that is likely not going to be the case every year AND last year was an exceptional Ski season over the last decade of drought.  Definitely map it all out under worst case scenario with something this big, because you will not be able to quickly unload it most likely in Tahoe if it is not able to pay for itself. 

    I manage mine remotely using exterior cameras (make sure snow and spa services are happening) and digital locks for check in which really allows me to only have to invest about 2 hours a week on the property.     

    Hope this all helps, good luck! 

  • San Francisco, CA · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Jon Crosby thank you so much for this information! This is extremely helpful to gain some insight into this realm of REI.

    It seems like the risk too much for me to handle at this time on this deal without a really relaxed investor to back me up. I would be taking a humongous hit financially every month it sat unoccupied/rented. Plus selling a mansion like that is next to impossible, which is probably why they are going through an auction service in the first place.

    FWIW, last year was indeed an exceptional ski season :) Hope it continues...

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