All Forum Posts by: Alex S.

Totally agree @Terrell Hill!

I never have party issues at all.

@Joe Splitrock @Nik Moushon

Great thoughts, thanks for the input! I can't get on board with the idea that STR guests affect a neighborhood that much (at least not in mid-size cities in middle America). I think there is a big difference between things that are nice to have (cool neighbors that help you clean up after a storm) and rights/freedoms. After all, you could get my LTR neighbor. I assure you, he won't be helping when the next storm comes.

That said, of course, you are both absolutely right that regulation is coming.  It always does in disruptive industries.  We'd all be wise to invest in STRs with eyes wide open in that regard.

Thanks for your thoughts!

I try to stick with 1-2 bedroom, 1 bath units and I furnish with new stuff, but not necessarily high end.  Lots of IKEA!

It is usually about $3000-5000, depending on size.  That includes everything from silverware to linens to tables and chairs and tvs.

Oh yeah, you can't roll that into a traditional residential mortgage loan.  You'd need private money.

@Ryan Moyer @Joe Splitrock @Nik Moushon

All of the examples you give of "doing whatever you want" (i.e. pig farms and industrial) are things that literally take away the individual freedom of the property owner nearby by subjecting them to awful smells and noise.  They are the definition of the exception.  So, they do and should require special permits by a municipality to build.  STRs don't infringe on the neighbor next door.

STRs are just people living in houses.  If they do something to break the law, call the cops...just like you would with a LTR.  I operate STRs in a medium-sized city in IL with a couple hospitals, a military base, and some local farming/business.  My guests have absolutely no affect on my neighbors.  My neighbor is a LTR and he put a plastic table and chair in his front yard.  He sits out there shirtless (he's no Ryan Reynolds) and drinks.  There are no less than 15 different people that cycle through that house every week.  Here's the thing...none of that violates the law and it certainly doesn't infringe on my personal property rights.  One day, they parked a car in my 4-plex lot across the street.  Now they're violating my rights.  I asked them to move it and they did and all is well.

Using a property the way it was intended (sleeping, eating, sitting around the backyard firepit) is not a "loop hole."  It is the highest and best use of property in many occasions.

Ryan Moyer, I love your comment about the irony of the council meetings blocking STRs!  That is so true.  Don't tread on me...until I think my neighbors should be regulated the way I want.

I don't use a co-host, but I would expect to pay for any permanent improvements to my property.  SmartBnB (name changed to hospitable.com) and other software subscriptions fall in your lap, I think.

Thank you @David M Trapani!

Private property rights are an individual freedom...which is the only kind of freedom there is!

When you live in a neighborhood, you do not own the lot next to you. If you want to be undisturbed, move out into the country. If STR guests violate the law (trespassing, noise violation, etc)...call the police.

Capitalism is a beautiful thing...it will work itself out. For example, in Gardiner, MT, housing is exorbitant! It is a vacation launching spot to western Yellowstone National Park. The STR hosts there can't find labor, so you know what they do...THEY PROVIDE THEIR OWN WORKERS HOUSING! IF there is demand for STRs, the market will adjust to make sure the right number of laborers can live there.

I like that we're keeping things positive and recognizing that it missed the hot water heater!  All is well!

Hey @Mike McKeown, you'll find a wide range of % of gross for PM.  They don't all offer the same services, so that is important.  Evolve is 10% usually, but they provide very little.

Do a search on this forum and you'll find tons of data on STR PMs.

I would at least call the insurance agent...they might be able to help.

Lightning recently struck a tree 30ft from my house.  The tree exploded and threw wood everywhere.  The tree next to it burst into flames until the pouring rain put it out 15min later.  Incredible stuff.

Picture lighting!

Sooooo many listings with dark rooms.  AirBnB now offers you photography when you start a new listing.  I checked it out and they only charged $84 for a 1bed/1 bath.  WORTH IT.