All Forum Posts by: Sid Payne

I would say there are only a couple. You cannot import a calendar or anything like that so you have to enter each guest as a a temporary user, unless you just wanted to have a rotating set of codes. My guests each get a unique 4-digit code that only works while they are there.
Also, when entering those temporary users, the date picker is not smart enough to automatically make you choose a date/time after the beginning date/time. It may seem minor but when you have to enter a lot of people, it adds up to a lot more clicks.

I also don't like the fact that you have to go through a dealer. The guy who did the wiring and the security system and got me signed up with them is super unreliable. I want to stop using him. I am hoping the new guys I am trying will be better and they also do alarm.com. I am not referring to Sam and the inthrma system, he is the thermostat and that is awesome.

Other than those things, I like the system. Is has been reliable and I can manage all 4 properties from one login.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you,
Sid

 You have to go through a dealer, I believe. I don't remember the exact cost but I think is is about $40 a month plus the hardware and install. I think I paid about $2,000 total for wiring and other components. It is all integrated with my thermostats, security system and air conditioning. The thermostats are through inthrma.com and if there is a door or window open, it shuts off the A/C. That is separate from Alarm.com which is the monitored security system and door codes.

I hope that makes sense. I can give you a lot more detail if you like.

I use a z-wave Schlage that is managed through alarm.com as it allows me to also set my security system code at the same time. I also like it because I can set the codes as temporary so they only work for a certain date/time window. That way I can setup my guests with different codes and it only works while they are there.

I also have a lock box outside with a physical key but we pretty much never have issues.

I like my folks a lot and they are very reasonably priced. 

I'll PM you their contact info.

I am really happy with my team. They are a couple who take care of 4 houses for me in the area. I do the bookings and they take care of most everything on the ground.

I can't post contact details in here so please PM me if you would like their contact info.

Please Let them know I referred you if you do.
Thanks,

Sid

I don't know that market. However, I think there is an economy of scale that you get with slightly larger places, ones that can accommodate 2 or maybe even 3 families. With a smaller place, you are still dealing with the same number of people but for less profit per night. With larger, fancier places, I think you are reliant on larger groups or people with a lot of money. I don't know if this is true with larger, nicer places, but I am always worried that dealing with rich people will not be as pleasant as they tend to be more demanding.
I have 4 properties, 1 4-bedroom, 2 5-bedroom and 1 6-bedroom. I have found that the 1 5-bedroom I've had on the market for a while does the best. I have also found that since I am in such a competitive market (central Florida) that the rate is low enough on the 4-bedroom that I often get couples who could stay in something much smaller but find our house worth the slightly higher cost. Compared to a hotel, all of them are a steal.

@Austin Works, yes that is pretty much it. I don't own the place I manage in Colorado, it belongs to a buddy of mine. I used to live in the Kissimmee area so I know the area and have connections there. I am trying to look for some deals off the MLS but I'm not sure how to do that remotely.
I will say that that market is becoming saturated and more and more competitive so I would like to start looking elsewhere to diversify.

 I'm in the Disney World area and Colorado mountains with plans to expand to a beach area, maybe Costa Rica.

I actually started with this book and it gave me a lot of great ideas.

https://smile.amazon.com/Vacation-Rental-Goldmine-...