All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger
Sarah Kensinger has started 6 posts and replied 2203 times.
Post: Land and building a cottage in Bryson city
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:
Definitely check out the area, talk to realtors and contractors, as well as check the STR market. I'm not sure why everyone is so against tiny homes, in some locations they do extremely well! For some it's a quick and easy way to get something built without spending a year going through the building process. Unique container homes and a-frame homes are quite popular and could be built to give a guest a unique STR experience. In my area there's a container/tiny home company that builds the home, delivers, and finances it. You may be able to find a similar company that does the same in your area.
The biggest issue I have with most tiny homes is that they are often not considered real property. Most are on a trailer or simple non permanent foundations. They aren't considered real property. They wouldn't add any value to the lot.
If you are going to go to the trouble of starting from scratch, built a real concrete foundation. Once you do that, why build a 200sqft tiny home on it? Just go with a 1200sqft or even 800sqft cabin.
Even if you bring in all the utilities etc, the value isn't there once you are done.
That is just my 2 cents. I don't use appreciation to justify a low performing STR but in this case, appreciation is an important part of the overall equation.
I get that, but the price difference in building materials is twice or three times more. Plus, it's a novelty for guests that don't live in a tiny home but maybe a 1000-1500 sq ft one.
Post: Its almost 2024. Should invest in Airbnb in Rockford?
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
It's a top urban location to operate a STR, so it might be worth checking into! Of course, if that's something you'd be interested in doing.
Post: I'm not saying get rid of Airbnb, just add more options
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
I think hosts should list on as many listing sites as possible. But to gain the trust of guests, having a listing on Airbnb and VRBO is important as well!
Post: Crystal Beach TX - STR Tax Rate?
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
@Andrew Steffens
Would you happen to know this?
Post: Have you faced challenges in dealing with problematic guests?
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
Clear communication and setting expectations upfront, go a long way when dealing with guests...or really people in general.
Post: Land and building a cottage in Bryson city
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
Definitely check out the area, talk to realtors and contractors, as well as check the STR market. I'm not sure why everyone is so against tiny homes, in some locations they do extremely well! For some it's a quick and easy way to get something built without spending a year going through the building process. Unique container homes and a-frame homes are quite popular and could be built to give a guest a unique STR experience. In my area there's a container/tiny home company that builds the home, delivers, and finances it. You may be able to find a similar company that does the same in your area.
Post: Case Study: Pricing a 2 BR in USVI St Thomas
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
LOTS of great info that would hosts would be diligent to learn! Checking up on dynamic pricing once a week or so with these principles would help a lot of STR listings.
Post: Looking for the perfect Upsell software for short term rentals.
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
Quote from @Jacob Morgenstern:
Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:
I'm not sure of an upsell company that could help with this, but have you considered using the resort fee option on Airbnb for the grill cleaning fees? That might help you know who gets what amount.
Nice idea but that would apply the grill fee per booking, whether or not the guest carse to use the grill or pay for pool heat.
Later I did think what if you just bake the grill fee into the cleaning fee. If the grill is used, you have your cleaning fee and if it's not, you can have some extra funds for the cost of supplies. The less extra fees you have on a listing the better, not only for the guest but also Airbnb does not want a bunch of extra fees now.
Post: Thoughts on Paying To Join A Mastermind/Community
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
Quote from @Henry Offiah:
Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:
We are part of a STR mastermind that costed a good bit of money. We feel like it was worth the money and love the community and network we have with everyone!
Im interested in with a coaching program but cant find reviews about the guy outside of his website.
Post: Estate Planning, Liability Protection, Trusts, Tax Planning, Asset Protection, & More
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
- Posts 2,235
- Votes 1,298
We love this company too! So many times we're like, how lucky we are to have come across them! They're actually another whole level above Biggerpockets, and unfortunately, on some forms they're not very well liked.