All Forum Posts by: Avery Carl

We actually installed them from the beginning, so I don't know what the bill would have been without them, but our electric bills are closer to the $120/month range.

Hey!  We have 5 cabins out there as well.  We use smart thermostats on all of them that have wifi and it helps a TON.  If a guest says "the AC isn't working" or something to that affect, you can go on there and see if they have accidentally turned on the heat, etc.

@Kiki Helland Lucas is my husband and seeing that he missed your last question I will answer it!  VRBO and Airbnb both handle the credit card transactions so you don't have to, and you can set up your security deposit policy through each, and they also offer insurance.  There are functions on both the VRBO and Airbnb sites that allow you to sync your calendar across platforms so that if someone books on one platform, it automatically blocks the dates on the other platform.  If you want to shoot either of us an email or phone call one of us would be happy to explain in further depth.  Sounds like you're already doing most of the work anyway!

I have 5 properties on the Tennessee side of the mountains in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.  Cute and kitschy are TOTALLY marketable, although we stick to all tongue and groove walled log cabins.  My advice for the cleaners is be sure to interview more than one, and ask for references.  Always meet them at the cabin and interview them in person, and once you hire someone, it does not hurt to drop in on occasion without letting them know first. Some that I have had, but not all, get complacent knowing the owner lives a distance away.

For the listing, make sure you take great pictures.  Lots of natural light works wonders!  if you can find someone who can do drone pictures then even better!  I usually just take my own and edit them a little myself, and it has worked out fantastic so far.  As for the listing, make sure you are very clear in setting expectations for guests.  They do not like to be unpleasantly surprised.  One minor embellishment that you make in order to attract more renters can get you a bad review, and your reviews are your bread and butter!  Some people may disagree with me here, but when I have a new listing I price it a little lower than market for the area in order to get some traction, and to build a review base.  Once I have some good reviews, I incrementally raise the price to where it needs to be.  Hope this helps!

First, I would check to make sure that you don't need a short term rental permit in your area.  That varies from city to city.  Then, spend some time on AirDNA and see what's happening with airbnb rentals in your area.  I agree with @Andrew Johnson, there will be a few more expenses than what you have listed in your spreadsheet.  Furniture, TV's and kitchen supplies are going to be a big one.  You will also need to budget for towels and bedsheets, as you will need at least 2 turns (stays) worth of those things, possibly 3.  And you don't want to skimp on the furniture if you want good reviews!  You are going to need to get nice, matching furniture and put some effort into the decor.  You will live and die by your reviews, and you don't want to give the guests ANYTHING to complain about (i.e. the mattress was uncomfortable, the furniture was wobbly, it felt like a college student's house etc).  

I usually buy short terms in vacation-rental heavy areas. However, a big college being nearby is definitely a plus. I would be hesitant to buy something that's NOT in a vacation heavy area that would not be profitable as an LTR, in the event that the STR did not prove to be as profitable as I had hoped. Just research, research, research!

You can export both calendars to the other platform in the "calendar" section to sync the calendars, so that when a guest books on one platform it automatically blocks the dates on the other platform.  You can give either Airbnb or VRBO a call and they can walk you through the steps if you are unable to figure it out on your own!  

Bryce!!! I somehow missed this when you posted it! This makes me tear up that we could get you a good investment to welcome you home! Thank you for your service to our country and I'm proud to now call you a friend. And Rhonda Blue nyou have been an absolute joy to work with. Dave Foster I'm comin for you with my 1031 exchange as soon as I stop being scared and just do it!!

Hi @Mike H.! My husband @Lucas Carl and I have 5 log cabins in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area that are STR's, and I helped @Bryce Stclair find a profitable place out there as well.  Bryce is brand new to the area with his cool tiny cabin.  We are pretty happy with grossing 2.5% but we shoot for and often hit 3%.  PM me if you need more detail.

Hey there! I would definitely be interested! PM me!

Hi Sheng! Send me a pm and we can chat!