All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger

We usual drain and refill a hot tub at each turnover, or at the least every other one. It's not a waste of water if you're on a well and the hot tub is drained in the yard, which the ground would soak up.

We're not in the area but I would suggest looking into a mentorship/coach that can help you grow and not make all the mistakes others did before you. It really is worth the money and even time, if you're serious about building a STR company!

We don't use a rental agreement with Airbnb stays, since Airbnb takes care of that when a guest creates an account. For all other platforms we use Autohost for screening guests and for the rental agreement, which they provide. 

Since roughly 75%+ of travelers bring pets, this would be a great opportunity for any host to make more income. We just request guests not let pets on the furniture...which some don't listen...and charge a competitive pet fee to cover any extra cleaning or damages.

Reach out to @Andrew Steffens. He's just north of you and can help with this question. 

I don't know about the regulations, but Turno is a great place to find cleaners.

It's very very difficult for a PM to manage a listing and do what they need to do without owning the listing. Many of the software just flat won't work otherwise! You would need to choose between what is more important.... owning the listing or owning a STR that is dominating the market it's located in, by maximizing the tools available to manage the property.

There is an alcoholic exclusion in most, if not all STR insurance policies, so no I would not recommend it. If anything happens at the property your insurance won't cover it because you provided alcohol/wine to the guest. If we take a client on that offers a bottle of wine with each booking, we move them away from that type of a gift and do something different.

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Hehe @Sarah Kensinger! I get that you don't want grandma's furniture, but there are lots of modern, good looking furniture out there.

Sure grandma's couch is out there but so are lots of quality, stylish furniture that people need to get rid of because of downsizing or moving.

:)

It all depends on how much time is available to frequent stores/Facebook to find newer modern furniture. Yes, you can find items, but I know from experience it's very hard and takes time. Plus, it's a rather high chance of bring bedbugs into a STR when buying used upholstery items. 

Quote from @Sara Aviv Berger:

Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

Does the partner flat want to sell, or just doesn't want to mess with a STR?

 he wants to sell, and willing to sell his part in a discount

Then, if possible, I would really try to find a partner that could buy him out, knowing the property would be a STR. Presenting the strategy as a STR to a new partner, would help with the back of and forth of what the property is going to be used for.