All Forum Posts by: Josh Ball

We do about 85% of our rentals on AirBNB. I'm surprised by some of the responses here about how people like VRBO more than AirBNB. I find AirBNB from a host stand point much more user friendly & advanced. I'd list them simultaneously & just getting bookings no matter which platform it's from.

Just curious if you find it makes a difference updating your photos on a somewhat regular basis or tend to leave the STR photos the same once you have somewhat found a sweet spot?

Thoughts?

I use Roku TVs & let guests know in listing how it works. You can setup a "guest mode" allowing the guest to enter their check-out date. Once they do so, they get access to Roku free channels & can login to any streaming service they'd like with their own login. On top of that, once the check-out date arrives, the TV will automatically erase all the login information, making it ready for the next guests arrival. Highly recommend.

Isaiah, I would suggest starting out with doing some research on some of the available platforms like AirDNA. That is my personal go to. It can be used to monitor markets, filter results based on lots of different criteria & even includes annual revenue numbers that you can work backwards to see how certain markets/properties are performing. Good luck on your search.

Yes, do not contact them outside of VRBO.

Every situation is unique although I prefer to self manage. I have 3 STR, all of which are at least 1 hour away from where I call home. In my opinion, the hardest part of STR is getting it up & running. Once it is operating, it doesn't require a ton of time, save & except when you have an emergency come up. It is certainly beneficial to have someone local that you can call on for these emergency issues but don't see it necessary to have a full time PM in my opinion. Again, everyone's situation is different.

Check on Turno. I have had luck locating lots of cleaners using their platform.

This is very strange to me. Typically we allow 10 days for inspection & due diligence. During those 10 days, if they find issues they want repaired, compensated for, its negotiated. If they want to void the contract, it has to be done within those 10 days. I'd be cautious of a seller that refuses to allow buyers to inspect the property.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly will be sure to ask to see the card before signing an official agreement.

Wouldn't be asking about cigarettes or cigars. I don't see it as an issue but many still do, at least in my small town where the majority of renters are elderly people looking for low maintenance housing options. That is where the concern would be for me.

I've got a long term tenant lined up & the unit is a non smoking unit, which the applicant is aware & fine with for indoor. He disclosed that he has a medical marijuana card but would only smoke outside. 
Some of the neighboring tenants are older & I know they're going to have an issue if this guy is out back smoking marijuana. I could care less if someone smokes marijuana but worried it might impact other tenants & future renters.

What are my options, if any? Can you deny someone's application based on this despite it being a medical marijuana card & not technically breaking the rules of smoking indoors? If you've been in similar situation, have you found it brings an issue down the road with future tenants or current?

Thanks in advance.