All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger

Quote from @Shannon Green:

Quote from @John Underwood:

This is overkill. I have cameras to keep this from happening or stop it if it does start to happen.

 We are going to install cameras, but I don't have time watch the cameras all day, so they will be more for monitoring and for evidence, if I need it.  Unfortunately the activity that went on that we were informed about happened very late at night and thank goodness my neighbors took pictures and sent them to me. Thanks for you feedback.  

Make sure cameras are in line with the OTA policies. A ring camera pointed at the driveway is an excellent way to keep an eye on things. You don't need to watch them all day, and frankly as a host you shouldn't be. So long as the activated motion notification is on, your phone dings every time the camera senses movement.

If you're using a PMS you must also use a guest verification software..like Autohost. We require IDs for all bookings outside of Airbnb. The latter already gathers ID verification so there's no point taking the time for Airbnb bookings. I believe VRBO does as well, but once the listing is connected to a PMS everything changes and you have to supply your own payment processing and guest verification. 

And of course, there should be an age limit to who can book, and the pricing should be high enough that parties move on to other properties that are less expensive. It would also be a good idea to check into a noise monitor like Minut. 

It all depends on how many stars were left. 4-stars is not that big of a deal, but 3 and 2-stars can kill a listing in a hurry. If the guest has a valid point make some changes, and in the response acknowledge you we're unaware and plan to adjust. If there was no valid point but someone being vengeful, a professional response is the best way to head off any future guests that might think twice before booking your property. Chat GPT is a perfect way to reply to such situations without allowing emotions to get in the way. 

We just had a similar situation so I understand how this can be. Some things are completely out of a hosts control, and guests just can't wrap their minds around it. If I knew what the review said I could give you points to reply on but just take what applies and respond accordingly.  

Definitely tap into @Andrew Steffens, he is very knowledgeable on STR in the area!

Look on Turno! Should be some cleaners advertising and bidding for STR on there. Facebook is another place, but you run a higher chance of getting a lackadaisical cleaner that way too. On Turno you can look at reviews and see cleaner ratings.

Probably anywhere there is a vacation market in mountains or hills! People love tiny cabins in those type of markets. 

You would want a real estate attorney to answer these questions. Accountants are more for taxes and on this forum, you'll just become more confused. The following YouTube links to our business real estate attorneys offer valuable info that'll help you answer all the above questions. You can also join a free session on Saturdays that teaches about entities and taxes.

Anderson Business Advisors

Clint Coons

Toby Mathis---The Tax Guy

I wonder if the value has anything to do with where it's located, over a death. I know people are very hesitant to purchase real estate in CA, instead they seem to purchase here is Ohio.

Quote from @Ramez Qubain:

Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

I love Minoan and HostGPO also, but Minoan is free to use! They make ordering items from different companies easy, and you get discounts from each store that has partnered with them.

 Minoan does charge you once they put in the order, so it is not for free. HostGPO charges you a fixed monthly membership fee. Also Minoan has so many companies to choose from which makes it confusing if you don't know the suppliers well.

No, they don't charge after placing an order, and I use Minoan all the time! There is a processing fee if you choose the credit card option, but a direct ACH has no additional charges. Those that a familiar with design and furnishing a home know the suppliers, but for a newbie I suppose it would be confusing, although it's confusing for them without Minoan also.

Ring cameras, Minut device, a good cleaner, and smartlock activity log on the app, is your best friend for remote managing.