Real Estate Agent · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 23 votes
Calling all San Antonio STR investors,
I know the city has seen some serious growth in AirBNB properties popping up across town and I wanted to ask if you could share some of your pain points when it comes to managing your STR's. One that I often hear is finding a reliable cleaning service that can accommodate these types of properties on short notice or within tight windows in between bookings for example. I'd love to hear what you have to share as I have been increasingly interested in the business model and some downsides or headaches associated. Thanks in advance!
Hi David - I’ve had two Airbnb units for a couple of years and just opened a third. I’m sure there other perspectives from folks who have lots more. At first it was a bit difficult to find the right cleaning person but I found someone and it has been working fine. I know those who have many units are able to secure a cleaning team that specializes in this type of cleaning and turnover. Currently the short term rental business is hard to predict. I’m not seeing many short term requests at all. I am booking for months at a time. It has sort of disrupted my normal pattern but I’ve had to adjust to the market. I’m sure others are way better at this than me, but I find I don’t make that much more than if it was a regular rental once you factor in the 17.75 percent taxes you pay plus utilities and internet plus the cost of hard and soft furnishings that have to be replaced periodically. But I enjoy doing it and I like having places for friends and family to stay when they are visiting. I also like that I don’t have to chase rents. If they book, the money is secured. Hope this helps. -betty