All Forum Posts by: Travis Bohling
Travis Bohling has started 2 posts and replied 63 times.
Post: Don't believe your property manager when they say...
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Rodney,
These are some disappointing examples. I agree with Michael that video inspections are a great service that all property managers should offer and all investors demand.
When screening PMCs, this is an important differentiator: who is completing the inspection?
A lot of management companies have a departmental structure and use inexperienced cheap labor to complete field inspections. This is a mistake. Investors need a property manager with years of experience, an eye for detail, plus a zest for being in the field. Too often I see "managers" who sit behind a computer and send emails. This is not management. This does not add value for our landlord clients. We must do better.
Post: Property Manager in Indianapolis
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Hi Jayson,
Matt and Kenny run a great operation in Indy.
Post: How to choose the best property manager in my area - Mesa AZ
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Hi JT,
I agree with the other comments that this home may make more sense as a LTR. If you go this route, you may not need a property manager, especially if you are local and enjoy dealing with landlord/tenant issues. Message me with the address and I will let you know what I think it could rent for as a LTR.
Post: Best Practices for MTR; Utilities, and Furnishings
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Quote from @Dorothy C.:
Furnish Finder has some good info. I think you can download their ebook tips without having an account (try link below). If you're renting to traveling nurses for 30-90 days they expect utilities are coved and in your name... they are looking for convenience. I've seen some people add in their rental agreement that utilities are covered up to a certain $$.
During off-season, we rent our STRs for mid-term and do not count the small stuff such as dishes.
I searched my local market for available properties and was astonished by the # of listings. What are you seeing from the demand side for your market?
Post: Best Practices for MTR; Utilities, and Furnishings
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Quote from @Allen Duan:
Hi Travis,
Most typical is to have the utilities under the owner's name. MTR tenants are used to utilities being included in the rent. Yes, this includes internet. Think of it this way, for a one month stay, it's quite the hassle to set up utilities services and then have to cancel it in a month. The value and reason why tenant's pay a premium for MTRs is for the convenience.
We do count small items like dishes, but we're not too worried about being 100% precise about it since they are small value items. If we know something small was broken or lost, we'll take it out of the deposit. If it's an Airbnb booking, we don't bother with an Aircover claim if it's small because of all the busywork required.
For tech issues, it depends on what it is. Wifi issues should always first be troubleshooted with a reset of the modem and router. TV shouldn't have any common recurring issues. If they need batteries or a new remote, we just ship it to them to arrive next day or in 2 days with Amazon.
Hi Allen,
Thanks for your insights around convenience, I totally agree.
For inventory, are you using paper checklists or 1 of the new apps?
Your comments on tech resonate so much. I get annoyed having to ask "did you turn it off and on" and "did you check the batteries" but it sounds like this remains a friction point.
What are you seeing on the demand side of this asset class?
Post: Best Practices for MTR; Utilities, and Furnishings
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Quote from @Heather Loyal:
A thought on inventory, I would be mindful of the counts on small kitchenware items and towels from the presentation aspect. You don't want someone to come and stay and there only be one spoon and two large plates because the others went missing over time.
Thanks Heather! Staying somewhere with limited silverware is definitely annoying.
Post: Best Practices for MTR; Utilities, and Furnishings
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Quote from @Mason Weiss:
Hey @Travis Bohling, we cover utilities including internet in our monthly rate. It is easier for the owner and the tenant.
For furnishings, we try and limit all concerns to over $25 items. No need to negatively impact the guest experience over one dish or mug.
Hi Mason,
Thanks for your process - it is helping me understand the local MTR market. What are you seeing on the demand side right now?
Post: Best Practices for MTR; Utilities, and Furnishings
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Hi MTR investors and property managers,
What are best practices and innovative solutions for the 2 subjects below:
Utilities
1. During periods of tenancy who should have the utilities in their name, landlord or tenant? Pros and cons of each strategy?
2. For those who believe landlord is the answer above, do you include internet access?
Furnishings
1. Efficient inventory methods. Are you counting dishes or do you limit your concerns to the big-ticket items?
2. Any slick new solutions to troubleshoot tech issues with residents (usually tv or internet questions)?
Post: HOA issues - sell or hold?
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Hi @Avery Lee,
HOAs, such a fun topic unearthing their benefits and downsides. The best HOAs have responsible and reasonable boards that hire great hoa management companies.
Another option to consider: Be the squeaky wheel - get vocal with the current board, review the full financials to understand the issues, run for the board on the next election cycle, once on the board, press the management company on service issues or find a new manager.
On the plus side, it sounds like your getting new siding which should help the overall appearance of the community and long-term values.
Post: Which renter's insurance companies are OK?
- Property Manager
- Gilbert, AZ
- Posts 64
- Votes 77
Hi Chris, check out Second Nature. We use them to offer our tenants a resident benefits package which includes enrollment in a master insurance policy that covers their contents, liability, and dog-bite coverage. A lot of other benefits are available as well that protect you as the landlord.