All Forum Posts by: Alice Horn

@Rosemarie Frascella If you want the ULTIMATE fun place for kids, you might want consider the Orlando/Disney market. It's a year round market and a short flight away from where you live. Most importantly, there are still some homes available for sale :)

Kissimmee is great because it is a year-round destination. We're property managers with about 100 homes under management, and since the pandemic the demand has been incredibly strong. Travelers are eager to get back to Disney, and many families are now choosing vacation rentals. Our homes are already fully booked, and given the fact that international travel restrictions are still in place, we see the demand getting even stronger. 

@Jim Paulson and @Scott Hamilton - the Orlando vacation rental market has already come roaring back. In fact, as property managers with about 100 STR homes under management, we have never seen stronger demand. The pandemic has created a new interest in vacation rentals, and travelers are eager to return to Disney. Our homes are already fully booked, and given the fact that international travel restrictions are still in place, we see the interest getting even stronger!

@Mike Shulman and @Marc Rice properties don't have to be yurts, tiny homes or tree houses to stand out on the booking websites :) Here in Orlando, as you know tourists are seeking the Disney/theme park experience during their entire vacation. Decorating choices including great themed bedrooms, spectacular game rooms, movie theatres etc. can add excitement and drive bookings.

Similarly, we recently stayed at an Airbnb in Miami. The host hired a local street artist to paint murals in the units. Make the home visually exciting and authentic to the market you're in.

@Luke Andersen, Investing locally is great for a first investment...if you can afford your own market! We are working with investors from across the country who started locally, but have gotten priced out of their home markets. Orlando still has inventory at somewhat reasonable prices. The vacation rental industry is booming, and is a logical choice if you are looking for a property that cash flows well.

Thanks for the mention, @Tyler Gibson

@Samantha Levien you don't need a real estate license. However, all vacation rentals in Florida must be registered with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). You also need to register your property with state and county tax agencies. If you are using a property manager, they should be able to handle both for you. The process varies a bit from county to county.

Good luck with your Orlando search!

The Orlando market has historically been extremely competitive, with over 65,000 vacation rentals that cater to tourists visiting Disney and the other theme parks. After the pandemic, as property managers, we have never seen stronger demand for our homes. Travelers are itching to get back to Disney, and many families who may have chosen a hotel in the past are now staying in vacation rentals. Our homes are already fully booked, and given the fact that international travel restrictions are still in place, we see the demand getting even stronger. Our biggest challenge is keeping up with this demand, and finding new homes to book to our guests.

@Justin Rush Have you considered the Disney market (Kissimmee, Davenport)? We have a wide range of communities to consider if you want to Airbnb your property (and Vrbo, Expedia, Booking, etc). One of the big advantages here is that you never have to worry about running afoul of Florida law and local ordinances. The vacation rental communities are purpose-built and completely legal. And of course the demand for Disney/Orlando tourism is massive, especially now that travel restrictions are lifting. Let me know if you would like to learn more!

Hello @Oswaldo Andrade! We are property managers and haven't heard about such dramatic increases from our homeowners. I am happy to introduce you to two insurance companies that specialize in vacation rentals and are very familiar with the Kissimmee/Disney market. Feel free to send me a message.

Also, if you are curious about how your cash flow compares to other similar homes in the area, we can run a report on that as well assuming you are in one of the well-known vacation rental communities.

Good luck!

Property manager here! Managing about 100 STR properties in the Orlando/Disney market. We also love providing insights based on experience to potential investors. Love this thread!