All Forum Posts by: Ruth Blue

@Matthew Odou

We did just this. @Rhonda Blue

Our family moved to E TN after living in SoCal for over 14 years. Dad worked for Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine and Mom did real estate. Investing in STR in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge area. Also Huntsville, AL Long term rentals. I bought my first cabin this year and its already doing great.

@Julie McCoy

I know its not any RE agents preferred method but I was taught that professionial associations are there to protect and service the consumer communities they serve.

This is directly from the local RE association webpage.

Many difficulties between Realtors® and their customers or clients result from misunderstanding or miscommunication. Individuals having difficulties with a Realtor® may want to speak with the Realtor® managing broker. Open, constructive discussion oftentimes resolves questions and/or difficulties, eliminating the need for further action.

Also it will be important to consult an attorney and gather your evidence or proof.

Good luck, to often the RE industry gets away with these type issues because no one wants to be bothered with reporting it.

@Mindy Jensen

Yes we also have an SOP. We refer back to it when we get really busy. But also we have a standard template for Cabin SOP. Each property has its own doc to help containing pictures, instructions, locations of all devices to refer to when guests have questions attention. So helpful.

@Stacey Lancaster

I know another buyer had a similar situation but with a well that was dry and a known issue not disclosed. Your selling agent should be notified as well as the Greater Smoky Mtn Association. You can file a grievience and the Association is there to assist members of the community when issues like this come up. They will work with you and the professionial agents to come to a resolution. If the sellers hide something like this it is a violation of contracts they had with their representatives as well.

Hope this helps.

You definitely want to have the situation fixed so you can start earning income.

Sorry this is happening to you.

Rent Redi is a new software that is a competitor for Appfolio

BP gives you a 20% discount. 

For STR we use Your Porter and create a login for each owner.

Not everyone needs to be so aggressive with their strategies for making the most from their STR and Vacation homes. List Price is very important but so are tons of other factors. I recommend reading Daniel Rusteen's book "Optimize Your BNB" and learn how to be an awesome HOST. Strategies for House Rules, Pet friendly, Housekeeping as well as pricing strategies are all discussed and this book offers sound recommendations.

Also no need to be so hateful toward Property Managers - It's your choice not to use one. Shouldn't try to bully other investors that YOUR WAY is the only way! 

My mom @Rhonda Blue has used a PM for her properties in Huntsville Alabama successfully for over 6 years now. She self manages her STR in TN! As do I.

Live your happy life! 

@Loring Ross

Great Job. My Uncle owns in Fort Walton and Im jealous. I would consider Short term rental to boost the rental income.

@Sean Conroy

I would out down enough to not pay PMI. If you have this fee your just paying the bank more money for the loan.

A lot of investors recommend 10% down or qualify as second home but anything less then 20% and you have PMI. Not worth it in my book.

Good luck!

Love love Palm Springs. My father in law lives there and cousin have a place there. Great place for Short teem rentals!

@Clay Couvillon

Definitely matters how many units. And if your doing Long term or short term. We use Your porter for Short term and we use a different software for Long term. We are not big enough for appfolio but plan to be this year.

I would find an awesome STR vacation rental cabin in Pigeon Forge. I just closed on my first one in March and we are booked solid already planning to make an awesome return this year. WE went in and updated kitchen added washer/dryer and a few other items. Will be able to refinance after 6 months.