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All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger

Sarah Kensinger has started 6 posts and replied 2203 times.

Post: What PMS Integrations Do You Use?

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

We use Jurny and love it! Pretty much everything is built in, and we don't need any other Intergrations at this time. 

Post: Advise for Banking / Accounting for STR Management Company

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

We use Relay bank since you can open a verity of accounts under the same company.   

Post: STR/MTR in Indianapolis

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

Indy is actually a rather popular city for guests looking to staying at a STR. Reach out to @KiKi Wood since she has a STR company there and can answer all your questions on the market.

Post: Request advice on short term rentals

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

For online learning about STR and tax benefits, I would highly recommend looking up Toby Mathis on YouTube. We use his firm for our company, and they are very knowledgeable on the subject!

Post: What do you do with guests that stay later than your checkout time?

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

We usually don't deal with late check-outs but would just politely nudge guests to get a move on. If it became a problem, we begin charging fees for it.

Post: Crazy guests! Why?

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Still had a better weekend than I, I think.  Guests shot off fireworks (even though we told all guests not to).  Put hot embers in trash can.  Trash can catches fire.  House catches on fire.  Rental Mercedes catches fire.  Fire Dept arrives and garage door is melted, car is melted.

Guests call us the next day and tell us the neighbors shot fireworks and hit the house and started the fire and we owe them for damages.

We get 3 different camera angles from neighbors clearly showing everything.  One guy plays for the NFL.  Would be a shame if the Colts find out their drunk player started a fire and does not want to pay for damages :)

This is the best one I've heard! The cake was who the guests were! We had hot tub issues over the 4th but nothing this crazy.....yet!

Post: Crazy Guests (a little venting can't hurt, can it?)

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

I imagine sometimes people do not steal items (though sometimes they probably do), they likely break them and then they throw them out as to not be charged for them.

I've actually had the same thought!

Post: 10% Down Second Home/STR Loan Not Dead/Debunking bad info

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

So much good good information throughout this whole thread! It's refreshing to have an expert on a certain topic come on here and share how to do things. 

Post: Short and Medium Term Rentals Other insurance ... not homeowners not air cover

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

Insurance can be confusing but doesn't have to be. Here's a very simple break down that you can do more research on if you choose....

Short-term rental insurance...This coverage is "STR homeowners" policy that would cover any damage to the property from a storm, fire, guest, and even liability if a guest gets hurt. Not many companies off comprehensive STR insurance but there's a few, and you may get extra coverage on loss of rental income, bedbugs, etc. Make sure to read over every policy you consider! Some exclude short-term rentals and if that's in the fine print and your home burns or is damaged in a storm, it's not covered because you acted outside the policy limitations. Proper Insurance is the best for STR policies but there's a couple other options as well. You would have no other insurance on the property, this is a "homeowners" policy.

Mid-term rental insurance...Mid-term rental is a term that was made up outside the loan and insurance industries. They don't recognize MTR at all, only STR and LTR. So, for properties that offer stays no less then 28 days, you would get a landlord or LTR insurance policy. If you're doing a hybrid model of STR and MTR, I would suggest just getting a STR policy. And again, this is "homeowner or landlord" policy, and the property would need no other insurance.

Guest Damage Insurance...This type of insurance covers small damages (no more than several thousand) that guests might do to the property. Like you mentioned some of the property management software offer their version, and there's also companies like Superhog, Waivo, and Safely. If done correctly this is a great way to replace damaged item without a cost to the host. The cost per booking is baked into the guests charge of staying at your STR and if damage is done the item(s) are replaced or fixed at no charge to the host. We've used this type of insurance and replaced damaged items for our clients at no charge to us or the homeowner. It's not a waste of money at all if you choose a reputable company.

There is aircover which essentially is guest damage insurance but it's an absolute pain to deal with and get money out of Airbnb. If you don't follow all their steps in the right time and manner, they deny any payouts. It's much easier working with Waivo or Safely, and other such companies.  

There are a couple STR podcasts that have interviewed insurance agents to talk about what is needed for a property. I believe Natalie Palmer interviewed a guy from Proper Insurance so if you look up the podcast and search for "insurance", the episode should come up. It was a very informative podcast that explained everything you're looking to know.

Post: Inventory Management System

Sarah Kensinger
Posted
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Ohio
  • Posts 2,235
  • Votes 1,295

We keep track of supplies with Turno. Not exactly the number count but more like high, medium, and low supply markers. We only keep a number count of a few items like hot tub filters, special items for certain guests, etc.