All Forum Posts by: Ariel Smith

@Devin Haertling I would be more concerned about transacting with this person unrepresented more than the commission side. A Realtor offers each of you a certain level of protection in the transaction and I would never want to go into a transaction with someone like you just described if we did not each have representation.

If your name is on the deed for a property, then you cannot qualify for a first time home buyer credit. It doesn't matter which state the property is in. In some instances, certain lenders will loan to you as a "first time homebuyer" if you have not owned real property in the last 3 years, but since you are planning to hold an investment this would not apply to you.

@Jamie M. check out Nextdoor.com and ask for a recommendation. Someone always knows a handyman and a cleaner! :)

@Sophia Maler it honestly varies based on the individual but I've seen people exchanging out to Texas and Arizona recently. Also in our county in particular, many are exchanging within the county for tax shelter. Their new properties don't even cash flow but it allows them to shelter the money from taxes since their previous property appreciated so much. 

@Sophia Maler welcome from the Bay Area! Specifically San Mateo :) You are not alone in looking to 1031 here! Most of our sellers are doing just that or moving out of the area. Let me know if you ever have any questions. I'd also check out a couple of meetups here:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-an...

There are a couple focused specifically on out of state investing!

@Chatree C. Yeah I agree with @Andrew Wong and don't think corporate travelers see a need or desire for those sort of things. I think they are more initially attracted to the price, location and aesthetic. You basically just need to have great photos, a great location, and undercut a hotel and you are good. 

@Ori Skloot have you tried posting on Nextdoor.com? In my area, house cleaners are always posting looking for business or people are recommending someone. It could be a good way to get some options!

I think it does definitely depend on the area you are and who your target demographic is. I manage a rental in the bay area and similar to @Andrew Wong and I don't need much decor as they are just looking for close proximity to work, fast wifi, and a place to sleep and shower! As for our vacation rental out in Indio (think Coachella Music Festival) it is much more geared towards large groups so we have many amenities. It totally differs!

@Markus Powell Welcome from the Bay Area!

@James Carlson @Luke Carl We have a pool & spa at the property so most times we have trouble with the guests leaving the heat on overnight or running it excessively. The first time was from this happening and the guest burned out the pump so we needed to replace it. It was about $600 and Airbnb ruled in our favor because we had instructions in the guidebook we sent for how to operate the pool/spa (and not to leave the heat on more than 90 mins) and the guest also communicated with us throughout her stay about the pool and STILL left it on to burn it out. She also stained the carpets so that was additional. We requested the funds from the guest directly (that is the process) and she kept saying she "would pay next week" but didn't so we involved Airbnb and they sided in our favor and paid us out within a few days. 

The second time was because of a broken microwave handle and a broken door in the bathroom (from a party)

The third time was stains on the carpet from a pet

Each process pretty much went the same in that we took photos, documented, and did the repair work then reached out to the guest quickly via Airbnb letting them know the exact cost of the damage and sending the invoices. Both the second and third time the guest denied the damage so we involved Airbnb right away and they sided in our favor.