Can the Property Manager's job be completely automatised for STRs?

Can the Property Manager's job be completely automatised for STRs?

Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes

I'm researching what it takes to do in-house management for a company with 15 apartments, some short term rentals and some midterm.  With all of the software that is available it seems like the property manager will barely have any work.  Is there a way that I could skip over hiring someone for that position and only use software?  With this mix of software: Guesty, Price Labs, automated locks, guest communication, guest screening, and cleaning scheduling, the whole job seems to be covered.  The only question is what happens if the guest has a maintenance emergency such as electricity going out.  I don't think the 24/7 communication services can adequately respond to something like that.  I am researching this as if no one who is currently in our company can take on any additional work (not even a maintenance emergency that happens rarely).  

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Real Estate Consultant · Reston, VA · Member since 2022 · 513 posts · 521 votes
3y

Hi Dylan, there are definitely ways for you to automize the STR side but you'd have to hire a VA team and/or answering service to be available to deal with emergencies. However, on the MTR side that would be a lot more difficult. Much of the MTR process is manual if you're Furnished Finder and/or require a application, lease, etc. that requires someone to correspond with the guest. Also, with MTRs it's best to be proactive in reaching out to companies that need furnished rentals to secure direct contracts or join their housing directory vs. just throwing the rental on the different OTAs.

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  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Yes, automation takes care of pretty much everything, but there is the occasional need to deal with a problem from time to time.

  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    Only if you take all people out of the process:)

    Logical Property Management4.9454 Reviews
  • Real Estate Consultant · Reston, VA · Member since 2022 · 513 posts · 521 votes
    3y

    Hi Dylan, there are definitely ways for you to automize the STR side but you'd have to hire a VA team and/or answering service to be available to deal with emergencies. However, on the MTR side that would be a lot more difficult. Much of the MTR process is manual if you're Furnished Finder and/or require a application, lease, etc. that requires someone to correspond with the guest. Also, with MTRs it's best to be proactive in reaching out to companies that need furnished rentals to secure direct contracts or join their housing directory vs. just throwing the rental on the different OTAs.

  • Member since 2023 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

    Yes, automation takes care of pretty much everything, but there is the occasional need to deal with a problem from time to time.


     Thanks for the responses.  How much work per week would you estimate would be left over? 

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Dylan Davidson:
    Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

    Yes, automation takes care of pretty much everything, but there is the occasional need to deal with a problem from time to time.


     Thanks for the responses.  How much work per week would you estimate would be left over? 

    Depends on how many STR you have. If you have the correct systems, processes, and a VA or two, shouldn't be more than 4-5 hours a week to run 20+ STR.
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