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All Forum Posts by: Martha M.

Martha M. has started 0 posts and replied 17 times.

Post: Furnishing STR Do's and Don'ts

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11

Personally I am not always a fan of bath mats being out (I usually drape them over the tub before pulling over the shower curtain to hide it) However, with only a shower and tile floors that can get slippery … Pottery Barn has some nice oversized ones that would look nice there.  They are a bit “loopy” 😉

Post: Furnishing STR Do's and Don'ts

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11
Quote from @Natalie Medved:

Awesome. Seems like we share the same taste.  Lots to do yet (re art and decor), but it's good to know that the neutral ascetic has been embraced. Quick Q:  Note the crappy old fan - would you spend the money to upgrade it? Seems like we should bite the bullet and replace it as the devil is in the details. Or is it something that guests won't appreciate or care about? 


Absolutely replace the fan! There is a beautiful style fan that is black and has gorgeous wooden polished fins that would look stunning there!  Would look gorgeous with West Elm furniture! Let me try to find a picture …

It would be your preference if you want one with or without a light.  And I would even move up to a larger and more expensive one … but this gives you the idea.  Also, if you are doing higher end then the details very, very, verrrryyyy much matter! (I’m an investor but also a Realtor in NH and have sold higher end. I can promise you the details is what will make a difference on your feedback!). One thing to keep in mind if you’re moving into the higher end clientele is they also have higher expectations.  I agree with others who have recommended higher end for the bigger pieces and you can get away with accessories from Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Garage Sales, etc.  However, the goal with the accessories is to select pieces that look higher end but aren’t. Be sure to swap out lighting … that is a huge mistake of many who forget that lighting, door hardware, bathroom fixtures also need to have that “next level” look.  Get onto West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2, Ethan Allen and see how some of the homes are styled to get some inspiration. Additionally, from a staging standpoint, be Verrrrry selective in your decorative pieces. Less is more .. and, as you said earlier, nothing at all that’s kitschy. 
Good Luck!! 😃

Post: Furnishing STR Do's and Don'ts

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11
Quote from @Natalie Medved:

This is fabulous, Martha! Thank you for the feedback and the tip! I am going to check that site out this afternoon.  I also appreciate your complements on our place.  I put a lot of thought and design into the pallet and design, wanting to cultivate a space that was the opposite of the 100 kitchy-moose and "ski chalets" that are in the area (no judgment -- just not for me!).   

Oh you are so welcome, Natalie!  Good Luck with it!  Minoan is amazing and you can order from a bunch of different stores and they will pull it all together as one bill. 
The nice thing about it is that YOU also get to enjoy the property as well! (And you can write off all the lovely furnishings! 😉) 

Post: Furnishing STR Do's and Don'ts

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11
Quote from @Natalie Medved:

Hi everyone:

My husband and I are in the process of furnishing our transforming our second home in the White Mountains (Thornton, NH) into a STR. The market has a lot of baseline - economically friendly STRS but only a few luxury STR's, most of which are dated and drab. Our goal is to me a more accessible luxury option for couples and families. I personally prefer staying in a nicer STR and appreciate nicer finishes, details, and a unified ascetic, and want to provide a similar experience to our future guests. I am a lover of interior design (think Amber Lewis and Architectural Digest) and could easily go overboard decorating and furnishing the place, which I'd like to avoid haha. I also recognize that AirBnB's can be used and abused, which makes sturdy and reliable furniture selection even more important. But where does one find ascetically pleasing furniture that is built to last without breaking the bank?

What are your favorite places to buy furniture and goods for your STRs?  From night stands to linens, we'd love any and all input!

Thanks in advance!
Natalie


Hi Natalie! 
I live in the Seacoast Area of NH and love the White Mountains. I also have done a lot of staging either at my client’s homes or my personal rental properties. I love your idea of a higher-end style for that area because you are absolutely correct that so many rentals follow that heavy wood, dark, bears and moose theme. It’s refreshing to have a touch of it, like a nice framed map of the white mountains or framed photos of the area, but to overall have a fresh and clean and crisp look is a very smart choice.  
You got some great responses (frankly, I’m going to screenshot a few for ideas!) but I didn’t see anyone recommend Minoan.  They are Fantastic and have saved me a bunch of money.  They give you discounts on West Elm, Pottery Barn, etc and a membership is free if you have a business.  Here’s a link for you (affiliate link if you use we both get $25 off an order) https://minoanexperience.com/join-us?referral_code=I9089PGB5...

Post: Padsplit insights please

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11

@Ke Nan Wang - I would love more info on your development! 

Post: New Hampshire Newbies!

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11
Quote from @Mark Sullivan:

There is a meetup at Murphy's Tavern in manchester on tuesday 4/4 6pm. Ping me if you need more details.


 Hi Mark!  Could you give me more info for the Manchester meetups?  I am an investor and live in the Seacoast but wanting to do some MTR’s in Manchester and also considering Rental Arbitrage out that way.  Up to this point my husband and I have only out of state Turnkey Rentals being managed. Thank you! 

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Hey @Rachel Nkwenti, you know that arbitrage doesn't expand your portfolio right? All it does is create a new job for yourself.

Now having said that, maybe you are one of the rare people who can do arbitrage without risking all you have. If you have 7 performing STRs, then you should have a ton of cash built up to provide the buffer if things go south. Arbitrage is good way to lose money.

Most folks trying to do it have nearly zero cash to back them up but maybe this could work for you.

I second getting an attorney involved to cover your bases. No way I would trust something I found online for something this important. 

Michael, thank you!  We know you aren’t a fan of arbitrage but your comments are kind, thoughtful and helpful. 
Quote from @John Underwood:

UGGGHHH not another person wanting to do arbitrage.

UGGGHH here comes John the self appointed arbitrage police!  My GOD, John …enough already!  🙄 WHY on earth,  if you are so opposed to arbitrage, do you even bother to read these threads?!?   Honestly, it’s embarrassing to see how much you answer EVERY thread about arbitrage with your condescending attitude and drama! We GET IT you don’t like arbitrage! 

This person owns 7 short term rentals and has made the decision to mix things up and possibly try arbitrage.  She asked a very simple question.  Who on EARTH do you think you are to answer someone the way you just answered ?!?  You have a condescending comment on  every.single.arbitrage.thread.  Move on … for the love of God … please MOVE ON! 

Kris, 

I think for STR it would be tough and, as everyone else has said, too much liability with having a lot of different people and stays. However, Jesse Vasquez (MTR specialist) raves about it for MTR's and offers it as an add-on to his 30+ day stays. I haven't delved into it enough yet, but I would think that a traveling nurse would love that option. Jesse has it parked in the garage so that it's there after they take an uber from the airport. Certainly a nice way to set yourself apart. Hope that helps!

Post: STR in San Antonio Area - Houses with HOA

Martha M.Posted
  • New Hampshire
  • Posts 17
  • Votes 11
Quote from:

I am right there with you. I live in a new subdivision in Converse, TX outside of San Antonio and noticed the two properties on both sides of me are owned by a larger company out of Florida. They have been vacant since December on the rental market. I asked the builder about STR and she said I don't think they are allowed but what you do behind your door is your business just know the risks. Thought about approaching the leasing agent for those properties to possibly arbitrage one as I am right next door but who knows. Darn if you do darn if you don't just have a back up plan and execute. Now let me go check my HOA agreement.

@Mark Lewis - Mark, what about trying them as MTR's? Depending on your HOA rules that might be allowed.