All Forum Posts by: Andrew Street

Hey Marc - Adding board games to your STR can definitely be worth it! They're affordable and a hit with families and groups, especially for evenings or bad weather. Games like Uno, Jenga, or Monopoly are easy crowd-pleasers. Other low-cost amenities that can boost ROI include a coffee and tea station with basic supplies, a welcome basket with snacks and water, or small outdoor games like cornhole. Offering a smart TV with streaming services, USB chargers by the beds, and premium bathroom toiletries are also great touches that guests love. Even simple extras like local guidebooks or maps can make a big difference. Little things like these can help you stand out and bring in better reviews!

I'd be happy to connect to share more ideas! 

Hey Marc - I understand not wanting to pay for plumbing work, but fixing the issue by getting a plumber might be the best option. Having a main water source available is pretty important and not having it could affect your reviews. A quick fix now can save you from potential negative feedback later on.

I'd be happy to discuss more ideas! Let me know. 

Hi Elizabeth - I know how tough it can be to manage laundry for a 6BR rental, especially with high-quality linens and tight turnarounds. Honestly, upgrading to a commercial-grade stackable setup like Speed Queen or Maytag might be your best bet. They’re built for heavy use and have faster drying times—usually 30–45 minutes—without needing major electrical changes.

If you’re up for a bigger investment, adding extra stackable units in the garage could be a great long-term fix, though it’ll mean some electrical work and setting up proper ventilation.

I’d probably go for the commercial upgrade in your current space first—it’s quicker and might solve the bottleneck right away. Let me know if you want to chat more about it or need specific model ideas!

Hi Gowtham - I saw your message about your 5-bedroom property in Tobyhanna. A tip when looking for property managers: check their experience with STRs and their approach to guest communication and maintenance. I’d be happy to share more tips or discuss what to look for if you’re interested!

Hi Meghan! Even in the off-season - you can optimize visibility by setting competitive pricing, using high-quality photos, and enabling Instant Book with flexible policies.

For older listings, try adjusting prices with dynamic tools, highlighting upgrades, and regularly updating your title, photos, or descriptions to stay fresh in search results.

These tweaks can make a big difference! Happy to connect if you need more ideas. 😊

Hi Marc! Yes - having a small trash can in each room is a nice touch—it shows attention to detail and makes your guests' stay more convenient. Dollar Tree trash cans are absolutely fine! Guests appreciate functionality more than anything, so as long as they’re clean and do the job, you’re good to go.

Little details like this can make a big impact on guest satisfaction. Let me know if you’d like more tips—happy to connect! 😊

Hey Kenzer! Congratulations on your first duplex! Dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing can help boost your revenue by adjusting rates based on demand. As for property management software, options like Hostaway or Lodgify can streamline bookings and communication. Both can save time and improve efficiency, depending on how hands-on you want to be. 

Happy to connect with you and share more if needed!

Hey Brendan - It sounds like you're taking smart steps to navigate the slow season, and the adjustments you've made are all solid moves. A shorter minimum stay and dynamic pricing are great for attracting bookings during slower periods, though the trade-off with single-night weekend stays is definitely a balancing act. Furnished Finder is a good idea, even if the fit with travel nurses hasn’t been ideal—it might be worth exploring other platforms for mid-term renters or marketing directly to local families in need of temporary housing.

One thought: consider offering seasonal promotions or themed packages to draw in more guests, like holiday stays or discounts for longer weekends. If you can strike a balance with mid-term stays, try setting clear end dates to avoid cutting into your peak-season potential. It's all about staying flexible and creative during these slower months. Keep experimenting, and you'll find what works best for your market!

I’d be happy to connect to exchange more tips and ideas! 

Hey Marc - Costco brand items are absolutely fine for STRs! They're often high quality and cost-effective. Guests usually appreciate cleanliness and convenience more than brand names.

Happy to connect and share more tips!

Great questions! Setting higher rates than the comps can definitely help attract guests who value quality, but it’s important to stay competitive within your market. For ID verification, I typically rely on Airbnb’s built-in process, as it’s seamless and keeps everything within their platform. If you need additional verification, you can kindly request a government-issued ID, but it’s best to communicate this upfront in your house rules.

Happy to connect and share more insights!