Best Tech for STR's?!?!?!

[Brandon Elliott]

I get ads non stop about use this software, buy this, your business and life will change with this yada yada... yada! I wanna know what are the software's you are using and what do they actually do to help you in your STR business???

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

[Andrew Steffens]

Ill give you a brief look at our tech stack below.  However, I think the best tech products depend on your size, budget, goals and pain points.  We are a local PM in FL with 85 or so doors so something like automated lock software is essential.  However, if I were self managing 3 properties not too far from me, I could do it with the free Schlage app.  If you have a specific pain point let me know and I can maybe offer a suggestion!

PMS - Streamline

Pricing - RevMax w/dedicated revenue manager

Locks - Lynx w/ Schlage Encode hardware

Channel Manager - BookingPal

Marketing (Guest) - Constant Contact for emails, StayFi for email capture/wifi automation

Marketing (Owner Acc) - Vintory

Probably forgetting some but that is the bulk

[John Underwood]

I love my Honeywell 9000 thermostats and ring cameras.

I don't pay for any 3rd party software.

Vrbo and Airbnb integrate with each other and send all the messages I need.

I track my entire rental portfolio in Excel.

[Michael Baum]

I keep the tech stack limited. I am a big tech guy but more tech can help but can create problems.

I don't use any software at the moment. Just use the apps.

I use a Emerson Sensi thermostat. Mainly because it works without the need for a C wire.

I have the whole house setup with Z Wave home automation but only have the thermostat and the Schlage Encode lock on it. I think I will be setting up a Aeotec 7 multi sensor and add that to the stack.

All of what I listed has been rock solid for 6 years. I have a few Z wave plugs I am going to try so I can turn on and off lights remotely here and there.

I also have a Eufy solar camera to put up. It is WiFi. 

[Omer Menashe]

PMS - Guesty/Hostaway/Lodgify depending on exact needs and price sensibility

Expense Automation - Clyr

[Sarah Kensinger]

It would help if we knew how many STR you have. But I would definitely say that you need a PMS, and for a couple properties Hospitable or Hostfully would serve its purpose. To say ahead of competition and make your life easier as a STR host, a PMS is a must! Another must is a dynamic pricing software like Pricelabs. With a little guidance from you as the host, you can be sure not to leave any money on the table. Lastly, you could use the typical apps for thermostat, ring cameras, etc.

[Matt Mertz]

Software:

OwnerRez - PMS

Pricelabs - dynamic pricing

StayFi - wifi, capture guest emails

Hardware:

Schlage Encode - front door lock

Honeywell/Resideo - wifi theromstats

Kasa - wifi light switches/outlets

Ubiquiti - cameras/doorbell (no subscription but requires manual setup)

Use case:

Between guest stays I use the Kasa outlets/switches to turn off mini fridges, outdoor lights and the water heater pump.  I turn off the thermostats and back on before guest arrives.

[Brandon Elliott]

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Ill give you a brief look at our tech stack below.  However, I think the best tech products depend on your size, budget, goals and pain points.  We are a local PM in FL with 85 or so doors so something like automated lock software is essential.  However, if I were self managing 3 properties not too far from me, I could do it with the free Schlage app.  If you have a specific pain point let me know and I can maybe offer a suggestion!

PMS - Streamline

Pricing - RevMax w/dedicated revenue manager

Locks - Lynx w/ Schlage Encode hardware

Channel Manager - BookingPal

Marketing (Guest) - Constant Contact for emails, StayFi for email capture/wifi automation

Marketing (Owner Acc) - Vintory

Probably forgetting some but that is the bulk

 This is awesome! Thanks Andrew!

[Brandon Elliott]

Quote from @John Underwood:

I love my Honeywell 9000 thermostats and ring cameras.

I don't pay for any 3rd party software.

Vrbo and Airbnb integrate with each other and send all the messages I need.

I track my entire rental portfolio in Excel.

 Noice! Thanks for sharing John! How many properties are you currently managing??

[Brandon Elliott]

Quote from @Michael Baum:

I keep the tech stack limited. I am a big tech guy but more tech can help but can create problems.

I don't use any software at the moment. Just use the apps.

I use a Emerson Sensi thermostat. Mainly because it works without the need for a C wire.

I have the whole house setup with Z Wave home automation but only have the thermostat and the Schlage Encode lock on it. I think I will be setting up a Aeotec 7 multi sensor and add that to the stack.

All of what I listed has been rock solid for 6 years. I have a few Z wave plugs I am going to try so I can turn on and off lights remotely here and there.

I also have a Eufy solar camera to put up. It is WiFi. 

 Thanks for sharing Mike! And I know some builders are tossing in Z wave stuff these days so that's cool to hear about your setup!

[Brandon Elliott]

Quote from @Omer Menashe:

PMS - Guesty/Hostaway/Lodgify depending on exact needs and price sensibility

Expense Automation - Clyr

 Thanks Omer! Haven't heard of Clyr... How's that been for you?

[Brandon Elliott]

Quote from @Sarah Kensinger:

It would help if we knew how many STR you have. But I would definitely say that you need a PMS, and for a couple properties Hospitable or Hostfully would serve its purpose. To say ahead of competition and make your life easier as a STR host, a PMS is a must! Another must is a dynamic pricing software like Pricelabs. With a little guidance from you as the host, you can be sure not to leave any money on the table. Lastly, you could use the typical apps for thermostat, ring cameras, etc.

 Thanks Sarah! That is incredible insightful and I'm more so asking for my clients and future Airbnb purchases with my wife :-)

[John Underwood]

Quote from @Brandon Elliott:

Quote from @John Underwood:

I love my Honeywell 9000 thermostats and ring cameras.

I don't pay for any 3rd party software.

Vrbo and Airbnb integrate with each other and send all the messages I need.

I track my entire rental portfolio in Excel.

 Noice! Thanks for sharing John! How many properties are you currently managing??

I mainly have LTR'S, but have 2 STR'S.

I have a wifi water tank level sensor so I can keep an eye on what the well is producing at our PF cabin.

[Zach Edelman]

Know it's basic/widely used but I have heard great things about PriceLabs and it's usability.