All Forum Posts by: Emily K.

Quote from @Jeremy Horton:

Is there season passes you can buy that go with the property somehow? Seems like a stretch and may not benefit the venue but may be worth a shot. 

As far as the no pool thing - you can probably have something comparable - hot tub, kiddy pool, outdoor grilling/lounging area with lights, cornhole/ other games etc. Golf carts are something some places use depending on the location too. 

I know for places on the beach some owners will rent the chairs/umbrella for the entire summer. I'm trying to think of something equivalent to that. 

16 people on the waterfront - that seems like it would trend with a boat rental, guided tours or something of the sort. 

I looked into season passes but they have identifying information on it. So it’s not one pass for all it’s one pass per person with their name on it. I don’t always like to invest more financially because I’ve seen listings with every amenity in the book and not do well, especially right now. I was curious about a potential website that offers corporate partnerships but on a smaller scale for hosts…. That could be an interesting business idea haha

Quote from @Michael Baum:

So I tried to get other businesses interested in things like this. For example, boat rentals. Maybe a 10% discount for guests but they have no interest in that even though it could drive some business their way.

 Hmmm this makes me wonder about Airbnb experiences. Maybe work a deal with local experiences run by an individual. A mutual partnership…. Definitely something I’ll look into. Thanks!

Quote from @Alicia Marks:

You can easily search for promo codes, the challenge is having some that stay active. You may find printable coupons that you can send electronically or have on site. For local pools it may be beneficial to buy a pack of day passes for a reduced price, as long as they can be transferred to the guest. You can also work directly with smaller venues for a personal code or deal. I stayed at one location that offered discounts to a winery nearby. You show your reservation when purchasing tickets and they took 10% off. Network the small business aspect where you can.

Yes this is what I am thinking reaching out to small businesses. I also found an app where you can rent private pools (Airbnb for pools). Just thinking outside of the box and provide value in some way. 

 

Hello everyone, I have been optimizing listings for people whose listings have dropped in views and bookings. I am trying to think outside of the box, especially for the listings that do not have competitive amenities (for example no pool listing in Tampa.) I saw a listing in Colorado that if you booked with them, they will give you discounted ski lift passes. Is there a special website that offers discounted things for a business owner to offer clients? I think this could be great for those whose listings are less competitive. For my example above, I am looking for a nice public pool nearby that I can offer guests a free daily pass or discounted tickets to Bushe Gardens (guaranteed no matter the season.)The specific listing I am currently working on is one that hosts 16 people on the waterfront so group discounts would apply. My question is how would the host get their hands on a coupon/promo code? This is an example but I would like to do this for my other listings too. 
I would love to hear what you have to say and thanks in advance!

I sent you a PM.

Good afternoon Ram Kumar, 

I manage a small portfolio of short-term rental properties in the Tri-state area. I focus on quality vs. quantity so I am looking to take on only a couple more properties at this moment in time. I would be happy to discuss your goals and see if we are a good match. Let's connect!

Emily

@JD Martin understood and thank you for your time. I have a clearer understand the landlord concerns more extensively. Enjoy your holiday!

@Michael Baum @Michael Baum I am “happy” that someone gave me advice based off of actual experience vs. a theoretical analysis of what could happen. Not because it positively aligns with my question and that’s the answer I want to hear, but because it was an answer based off of practice and experience. I want to hear experience, success and/or failures. Not discouraging advice on something that person has not done. Of course failure is a concern and I agree 100% that owning your own property eliminates many potential issues. I’ll unlikely take to this route but I like to hear what people say. Also people say the pandemic has left people high and dry in this industry but we still performed very well. Personal stats that obviously doesnt depict the industry as a whole.

@JD Martin okay my responses:

1.) You would cut out the middle man-me. But would you do the work? Would you answer constant questions, even as simple as "what are the best things to do around here" "are there toiletries" " we ran out of ___" "places we should avoid" ect. People are chatter boxes. Would you do the cleaning and laundry and restocking after each renter? It's not a hands off job and traditional landlord have more freedom with their time. That may seem more desirable, but STR can change the game financially.

2.) You actually do have an idea if they type of person you are renting to. Sites such as Airbnb allows a screening process of your choice. All IDs required upon booking ( yes, I have performed little facebook stalks) and best of all, I do not allow people to book who do not have more than 3, 5 star reviews (yes, that is okay to do) You can see their cleanliness and other characteristics rated by previous hosts.

3.) Your insurance doesn't cover this, but mine might. People form LLC and insurance will cover damages up to a certain amount. Another thing, you can require str tenants to purchase their own insurance through the app before booking and if everything is left as it was, they get refunded.

4.) You say you’re rental wears out faster. Your rental property will be deep cleaned at least 3 times each month vs. whenever your long term tenants decide to clean. Things are usually more preserved with str.

my first home will be a triplex and I'm not financially prepared for that at the moment, but you're right I am going to work towards that goal this year. In the almost 3 years I have been managing, I have never had a bad renter that destroyed anything other than a pair of sheets. Call me lucky I guess. One week of Airbnb and the rent for the month is paid. I have turned $700 monthly rentals into $2k+ per month rentals by converting to STR. And the return was QUICK after listing. The Airbnb's I managed have not suffered at all during this pandemic. If anything, People have spent an avg of 2 weeks to a month here at them and they are thriving. I have a 3 monther right now! Mostly quarantining and visiting family. Have you done str? There is "meat" in the game.

Putting myself in your shoes, I see the concerns and I’m not invalidating them in any way. But see it from my experiences. And hey, what landlord wouldn’t want an above avg rent?

@Robert Gilstrap this is the kind of response I’ve been waiting for! I’m used to hearing advice that that is a reflection of personal fears and experiences so I take them with a grain of salt. Thank you!