All Forum Posts by: Brian Malavsky

Quote from @Travis Timmons:

Only do a showing if you cannot book the place without it. We have self managed out of state mid term rentals for 6 years now and have never done a single showing. When people ask, we just state that we have tenants and cannot show the property. That has always been true, but even if the place was vacant, I would not do showing bc our properties get booked without the need to offer it.

Thanks for your reply! This is exactly what I do as well. I’ve never felt bad about turning down showing requests, but I did have several come in while filling the unit this time and was just curious how others handle it or if anyone takes a different approach.

I've been getting more and more requests from prospective midterm guests asking to tour the property before booking. Many mention having been misled in the past by other landlords, usually about location or neighborhood quality, so I understand the hesitation.

That said, I’ve always prioritized guest privacy and have never allowed in-person showings while someone is staying. Instead, I send a detailed video walk-through I made, and that’s usually enough to reassure them.

This approach feels right to me, but I’m curious how others handle this. Have you ever allowed an in-person walk-through while a guest is occupying the unit? If so, how did your guest respond? Any pushback or awkward situations?

Appreciate any insight!

We’re just west of Denver and have been doing midterm rentals for a while now with great results. Our place is a renovated 2BR and stays booked consistently through Furnished Finder alone, no need for additional platforms so far.

One thing we’ve noticed: demand tends to spike when we highlight pet-friendly features. A fully fenced private yard has been a huge selling point, especially for traveling professionals with dogs. Also, investing in good listing photos was totally worth it.

Happy to share more details if you’re weighing the switch, midterm has definitely worked well for us!

Thanks! That’s reassuring to hear. I’m definitely leaning into the hybrid model too—it feels like a good balance of guest experience and protection. I’m on my second round of guests requiring the damage protection plan and haven’t had to file a claim yet, thankfully. I do a pretty thorough screening process: detailed application with expectation setting, verification of employment and previous landlords or hosts, plus full background and credit checks. So far, it’s worked well and I’ve had great guests, hoping that continues!

Guests haven’t had any issues with paying the flat rate for damage protection in lieu of an upfront security deposit, which has made the process smoother all around. I also require a $300 refundable pet deposit since the protection plan has a separate pet-related deductible. Still hoping to hear from someone who’s actually gone through the claims process with Furnished Finder. I’d love to know how it played out and how responsive they were.

I’m testing out third-party damage protection plans in place of deposits. It’s worked well so far, but I’m curious what others are using—security deposits, insurance, or a hybrid approach? I actually haven't had to make a claim through Furnished Finder's Damage Protection so curious what that experience is like as well.

Curious what other investors are seeing in Denver right now. I've had great luck filling our units, but wondering if the tide is turning. Are you seeing increased competition, higher vacancy, or better returns than STR/LTR?

Quote from @Owen Rosen:

Quote from @Brian Malavsky:

Totally agree with everyone else and I didn’t see anyone mention an “Umbrella Policy” I just got quoted this week for $1,000,000 coverage for only $350/yr. These policies also cover you in all other areas of life like car accidents as well. Consult you insurance broker for specifics but I found this policy to be very protective and reasonably priced.

With regards to an umbrella policy they are typically good to have.  

That said, an umbrella doesn't have anything to do with the original question of the thread.  The poster was asking about broken/damaged household items and guests destroying a rental.  An umbrella has nothing to do with those circumstances.

I think some people hear umbrella and assume it's some sort of magical insurance that will protect them if anything goes wrong.  That's not the case.  It's designed to protect assets in the event of lawsuits, negligence, etc. and it only applies when there is underlying insurance coverage.  That's it.  It doesn't add layers of physical damage coverage or cover things that wouldn't otherwise be covered.

Agreed, didn’t realize that was the sole aspect of the question. Let’s leave the magic to the magicians 

Totally agree with everyone else and I didn’t see anyone mention an “Umbrella Policy” I just got quoted this week for $1,000,000 coverage for only $350/yr. These policies also cover you in all other areas of life like car accidents as well. Consult you insurance broker for specifics but I found this policy to be very protective and reasonably priced.

Thanks Jonathon! How far out do you limit bookings?

Quote from @David Walton:

@Brian Malavsky Yes, that’s exactly it. Where are the opportunities to make some additional revenue. Not sure if funds can be utilized in CD accounts or maybe just funding a high interest bearing account. As you know ancillary income opportunities in Colorado are diminishing as each new tenant landlord law passes. Just trying to get creative! 

Totally get that! Take what you can get man. I believe there are high interest bearing amounts that are similar to CD rates but they give you the flexibility of having all the funds available to you immediately. Of the tenant has to legally and rightfully break the lease you would have access to those deposits. I’m sure there are other creative ways to put that money to work  but I am on the more risk adverse side when it comes to deposits. I’ll be following this convo to see if anyone else comes up with ideas!