All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger

Boostly is a great company and the founder is a great guy! But he has been having some pain points as the company grew quickly. The process to build everything out for clients takes longer then anticipated, but once done they're great sites with software to help manage marketing. But it can be frustrating if you're on a tight time limit and don't have the patience of Job.

Many hosts feel like a simple site that looks professional and is robust, does just as well for half the cost. So it's just personal preference and budget for a host.

I would recommend not locking a thermostat while a guest is at the property, unless it's at 60 degrees or something low. The remote thermostat is more for managing temps when the STR is empty. As you now know with the review, guest experience is a big deal right now! A locked thermostat at 70 is not going to fly well with many guests that are used to 68 at home.

If you're only 1.5 hours away and need the condo for personal use, it would probably work out nicely for you to self-manage. There are many resources to help you make the most of your property, and if you visit often you'll know what's happening. Then the numbers would pencil better for you!

I'm not sure if @Jeff Chisum can do a condo or not, but he may be an option for you.

The best couple to learn from would Michael and Elizabeth Chang!

If it's a 4- or 5-star review just give a professional but decent reply, that helps to curtail any future guests that think twice before booking your property.

Yes, VRBO is a complete headache sometimes! Airbnb is MUCH easier with onboarding and getting payments. With VRBO the host is always tracking down payments, whether it's from VRBO or especially the guest. You always want to make sure the guest has actually paid before sending check-in instructions. Good luck and I hope everything can be resolved!

I'll DM you for more info! I think there's a couple people in a STR group we're part of, that might be interested in this opportunity.

Don't offer your services for free! That is undervaluing yourself and some investors recognize that and would be turned off. A small amount to design like $50-$75 an hour would be more advisable. Also check out Paige Hays Company that teaches and helps other woman start their STR design company. She's a jem and learning plus gathering info on how to capture leads, would be invaluable for you!