All Forum Posts by: Andrew Street

Hey Josh - It really depends on your guests, but a lot of people prefer seeing an all-in price upfront instead of getting hit with extra fees at checkout. Simplified pricing can make your listing more appealing and might help with bookings. That said, if most hosts in your area are still using the standard model, your price could look higher in search results. Might be worth testing to see if it makes a difference! Have you noticed any changes since switching?

Hey there Kyle - You’re definitely not alone! I’ve been there too, researching everything but not actually pulling the trigger. What helped me was setting a deadline and reminding myself that no deal is perfect, just good enough to move forward. At some point, you just have to take the leap and figure things out as you go. You got this!

Hey Kenzer! Renovating an Airbnb kitchen is always a balancing act between cost and impact. Butcher block looks great and adds warmth, but it does require regular maintenance. If your current countertops are in good shape, a simple refresh might be the more budget-friendly option. 

Guests usually care more about cleanliness and functionality than specific materials. That said, if the aesthetic upgrade aligns with your brand and can justify the cost, it could be worth considering. Happy to connect!

Hey there Tom - For temporary co-hosting, you can hire a local co-host, use a professional co-hosting service, or find a virtual assistant who knows OwnerRez. For backup planning, designate someone to manage your STR, document everything they'd need to know, and include it in your estate plan. You might also consider a property management company as a fallback. Have you thought about who could step in for you?

Hey Felix - It really comes down to your goals. If your STR is doing well and those upgrades would let you charge more and boost occupancy, reinvesting could be worth it. But if you're looking to scale and diversify, putting that $60K toward another property might be the better move—especially with a long-term rental giving you steady cash flow. If financing makes sense and you're up for another property, growing your portfolio could be the way to go. What's your gut saying?

That's an exciting plan, Melissa! Given your background in real estate and construction, you're in a great position to add value. Investing remotely will require strong systems—vet local property managers, use automation tools for pricing and guest communication, and build a network of trusted tradespeople. Since you're targeting luxury 1-bed, 1-bath properties, focus on unique experiences and high-end finishes to stand out. Check local STR regulations early, especially in popular markets like Florida. DSCR loans can be great, but lenders vary on STR-friendly terms, so shop around. Your boutique hotel goal is awesome—starting with high-end, smaller units will help you refine your brand and guest experience. Let me know if you want to dig into specific markets!

Hey Nicole - Lake Naomi has pretty strict STR rules, and not every home qualifies. They limit the number of rental permits, so the best bet is to find a home that already has one. Otherwise, you might end up on a waitlist or not get approved at all.

If renting is a big part of your plan, a local realtor who knows the STR market there can be super helpful. Hope that helps!

Hey there Jay - That's exciting — the Mendocino coast is a beautiful spot for a short-term rental! In California, many hosts use providers like Proper Insurance (designed specifically for STRs) or Safely, which offers guest screening and liability coverage. You might also want to check with your current homeowner's insurance to see if they offer a STR rider or endorsement.

It’s a good idea to make sure your policy covers things like property damage, liability, loss of income, and even guest injuries. Let me know if you’d like me to break down the coverage options or share more recommendations!

Hey Asim - Sounds like you've got a solid space with lots of potential. If ADU zoning isn't an option and duplexing doesn't make sense financially, short-term rentals like Airbnb could be a flexible choice — just factor in utility costs since it's on your meter. If you go long-term, check local laws to cover liability, and maybe adjust rent to account for utilities. Sometimes waiting for zoning changes isn't worth missing out on income now.

I'd be happy to connect for more ideas! Let me know! 

Hi Ashley - It’s totally normal to feel this way starting out! If you have the time, handling the cleaning and staging yourself at first can help you learn what works best. Later, you can create a checklist for cleaners to follow, including things like pillow placement and small touches. That way, when you’re ready to hand it off, they’ll know exactly how you want things done.

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