All Forum Posts by: Lisa Graesser

Facebook market place, craigslist,  garage sales, consignment shops..you can find some great deals

I recently stayed at a STR with the nest thermostat and I think the Honeywell smart color thermostat is more of a guest friendly system. The display is very clear and easy to use and if the guest reprograms it to the wrong settings, I can go into the app and adjust it to the proper settings.

Over the top and my cleaners add a little sticker on the end of where the roll begins if it is not a full roll

Schlage encode

If the maintenance person is getting paid, he shouldn't be grumbling, that is his job. Also, there are so many different ways to work faucets in different houses, that if there is even a question of how to turn on the faucet,  drain the tub or whatever, you should have instructions on how to use it. If one person is having an issue, you are sure to have more that also will not know.  We have a funky way at our homes to turn on the shower vs the tub spout. Since I put a label printed instruction on use on the shower wall, I have not had to explain it again. 

Contact the NYS division of licensing and describe to them your intentions and they will tell you

So sorry that you have to replace all of those items and deal with it while guests are there.. A surge protector won't protect you against a direct hit from lightning. But your power company can add a surge protector to your meter to help draw another surge that is not a direct hit to a ground and help protect your appliances in the future.  That is not going to help now, but may be a good investment for the future. Good luck dealing with it all this week. I am glad it did not cause a fire. 

You need to find a good, reliable housekeeper and a back up. This came in handy for when one had not scheduled a same day cleaning properly and was then unavailable in time and I was able to call the back up who saved me, but I also paid her double to show up in minutes (well worth it)

Also have a list of essentials like a handyman, ac/heat repair, plumber, appliance repair. In my case a golf cart repair guy, a sprinkler guy.

You can find great recommendations by joining Facebook groups and "Next door" that are local to the area of where you STR is located. People are always asking for recommendation in those groups and I always add to my list those that are mentioned frequently, that way I always have someone I can get in contact with if needed. That list has been an awsome resource for me in a pinch.

We also make the time to stay at the houses when they're not rented to do maintenance and check on things that may need upgrading and replace.

It always seems like alot of work, but this is our second job that is helping to put us in a good place when we are ready to retire from our W2's

Sorry @Erik I am having difficulty trying to figure out how to respond to your message on my phone. Lol...but anyways. That is a great idea and I know I will  get push back from seasoned guest as they have not had to do it that way in the past....but a new day is beginning. ..I will try this out after we have the opportunity to be there and add the lock boxes. Thanks for your insight!