All Forum Posts by: Bryan S.

I’ve seen mostly VRBO - in some cases in depends on the market. 

Here are a few thoughts to help get bookings:

1. High-quality photos: Invest in professional photography or take well-lit, clear, and appealing photos of your property. Showcase the best features of your rental, including bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, and any outdoor spaces.
2. Detailed description: Write a compelling and informative description of your property. Highlight the unique aspects, nearby attractions, and any amenities you offer. Use clear and concise language to make it easy for potential guests to understand.
3. Competitive pricing: Research similar listings in your area to determine a competitive price point. You can adjust your rates according to season, local events, or demand to maximize your bookings.
4. Regular updates: Keep your listing up-to-date with accurate availability and rates. Make sure to update your calendar regularly and respond promptly to booking inquiries.
5. Quick response: Respond to messages and booking requests quickly to show potential guests that you are an attentive and responsible host. Good communication is essential in building trust and securing more bookings.
6. Encourage reviews: Positive reviews from past guests can significantly influence potential guests' decisions. After each stay, encourage your guests to leave a review on your VRBO listing. Be proactive in addressing any issues or concerns to ensure a positive experience for your guests.
7. Offer extra amenities: Provide additional amenities that will make your rental stand out from the competition, such as Wi-Fi, smart TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, and comfortable bedding. You can also consider offering extra services like airport transfers or local activity recommendations.
8. Engage in promotions: Offer special deals, discounts, or promotions to attract more bookings. You can use VRBO's built-in promotional tools to create and manage these offers.
9. Optimize your title: Use a catchy and informative title that highlights the unique features of your property. Include keywords that guests might search for, such as "oceanfront," "mountain view," or "near downtown."
10. Get social: Promote your vacation rental on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Share high-quality photos, upcoming promotions, and any local events to attract potential guests.
11. Network with local businesses: Collaborate with local businesses, such as restaurants, tour operators, and activity providers, to create special packages or promotions. This can help attract more guests and promote your rental to a broader audience.

The processing time for a Davidson County, TN Owner-Occupied STR permit application can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness and accuracy of the application, the volume of applications received, and the workload of the permit office.

According to the Metro Nashville Planning Department, the average processing time for Owner-Occupied STR permit applications is currently 4-6 weeks. However, this is subject to change, and some applications may take longer if they require additional review or if there are any issues or discrepancies that need to be addressed.

As for tips to expedite the process, here are some general suggestions:

1. Make sure your application is complete and accurate. Double-check all forms and documents to ensure that they are filled out correctly and that you have included all the required information and supporting materials.
2. Submit your application as early as possible. The earlier you submit your application, the more time the permit office will have to review it before the start of the rental season.
3. Be responsive to any requests for additional information or documentation. If the permit office contacts you with any questions or requests, respond as quickly as possible to avoid any delays.
4. Be courteous and respectful when interacting with the permit office staff. Building positive relationships with the staff can help facilitate the process and may lead to a quicker approval.
5. Consider obtaining signatures for notification from neighbors in person rather than sending certified mail. This may help ensure that your neighbors receive the notification and may also help to build positive relationships with them.

Years ago I consider doing STRs in the poconos. It’s a checkerboard that is constantly changing and there is risk an area might approve it now, but change their minds in the future. I spoke with a few code enforcement officials and they all sounded like less areas will be approved. 

HOAs that allow it now seem to be a safer bet but come with additional complications. 

Also, you may want to contact the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for more information on local regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals. They should be able to provide you with up-to-date information on the policies and guidelines for short-term rentals in the area. You can reach the bureau at (570) 421-5791 or visit their website at poconomountains.com.

Additionally, you may want to contact the local township government offices directly for more information on the regulations governing short-term rentals in their respective jurisdictions.

Hey BP!

How have folks been refilling propane tanks for their grills? I've been having a team member handle this for a while, but came across the delivery service 'Cynch', used it this on Monday this week and it was super easy. They had this promo if anyone else wants to use it

Curious if there is other options/cheaper and wondering how else others handle it.

Thanks,

Bryan

    

Its all about your situation.  I have a friend who has some really incredible properties in LA and he does a mix of self manage, property managers and depends on the property. 

If you have a full time job, 1k+ miles away, and family, probably worth having a property manager. 

If you look at Vacasas reviews they are typically like 4.5 and seem to be mailing it in.  The midsize-local seem to be the way to go. 

STR/MTR is a highly localized industry. So many factors go into decision making besides straight up numbers.

Gainesville is a college town. So depending on hotel lodging availability and competition it could do very well or be highly saturated. 

An important consideration is knowing your guests and what is their intent. 

A MTR might do amazing for professors who are there for a semester. 

Large houses might have a lot of trouble when friends of college students are coming to visit. 

Get to know the market well, types of guests, competition, knowing your level of risk tolerance and make a game plan going in. There isn’t a perfect answer, just knowing what your getting into and the likelihood of various outcomes 

Recently Hospitable rolled out their direct booking site. It could use some polish, but it’s free and functional and syncs perfectly to their systems 

I would highly suggest boots on the ground / take a quick flight / etc. 

Google maps could be tough for feeling out the neighborhood and pictures can be super deceiving. 

Even a task rabbit to take pictures or do a FaceTime view from the street. 

On a large investment, seeing in person or having a trusted person is super key

My partner keeps a “birdie” alarm & small mace on her keychain at all times. 

Also, bringing someone else along, whether inspector, plumber, electrician, etc someone who could also provide value in the walk thru as well

Hey John - I'm going thru ADU permitting process in FL and went down a bunch of rabbit holes in articles/Reddit/meetups/YouTube etc.

high level findings - highly localized for the township. I’d become best friends with the local ordnance office and speak with your code enforcement officer. 

A note from my GC - do inspections on Fridays when folks are in a good mode right next to the weekend

Surprisingly, more municipalities are becoming favorable towards ADU [even CA is adding tax credits] as there are housing shortages since the ‘08 crash slowed new builds to keep up with demand and accelerated recently with the shuffle of folks since Covid