What is the best software for managing STR?

Question

I am going to stop using Evolve to do my listings and manage all the upfront stuff as well as payouts and money and guest experiences. Is there anything people would recommend to help outside of excel spreadsheet (which is what I was thinking of) . I think I am a bit technologically challenged, so trying to see what are best options if any.

Thanks,

Kyle

Thanks,

Kyle

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Software is a common question on BiggerPockets. Here are some things to consider:

• Most investors don't need software until they have 5-10 rentals. You only need a place to track tenant information, payment history, maintenance, etc. You can easily do this on a spreadsheet, and it will take less time to track than finding and learning new software. If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it. Go to Etsy and search for "rental property tracker," and you will find hundreds of nice spreadsheets to track 10-20 rentals, usually for under $10.
• Software has extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports. Do you need all this for a couple of rentals?
• There is no perfect software out there. Every system you try will have flaws, or you may salivate over a feature that appears in other software.

Some familiar names are mentioned frequently: Stessa, Apartments.com, RentRedi, TenantCloud, Innago, RentManager, Avail, Rentec Direct, Doorloop, etc.

I recommend conducting thorough research on each app online to understand their offerings, pricing, etc. Create a simple spreadsheet or written list to compare the features of each and identify the ones that align with your requirements. Try to narrow down your options to the top 3-4. Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function. Perform the same task in each app to ensure a fair comparison.

• Load a property with pictures and details.
• Market that property.
• See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.
• Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.
• Run a credit/screening report on yourself.
• Enter a maintenance request, assign a vendor, and attach a fake invoice.
• Enter charges to the tenant's ledger.
• Enter recurring charges and automatic late fees.
• Sign documents electronically.
• Run owner reports.

After testing a few apps, one should clearly stand out. It's important to choose that one and commit to using it. Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object. You should only consider switching when your current software has a significant flaw or lacks features that force you to spend excessive time on workarounds. At that point, it's worth researching and finding a solution that better meets your needs.

Andrew Bosco · Answer

Vote for Hospitable

David D. · Answer

We use HostAway now but Hospitable is fantastic. You can't go wrong with either but for someone starting out I would recommend Hospitable.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

Jurny would be a great software to tap into. And the best part is they help you through the entire process of learning how to run the program with many tips for hosting an STR.

Karl Denton · Answer

Hospitable is absolutely what you should try, they have been offering a 14 day free trial to BP members I believe. Contact them up, I spoke with a rep that was at BPCON this year and it was all amazing from what I heard. I myself will be looking into them, evolve is stealing a lot of money from you in fees. You can absolutely self manage no problem. Just make sure you build yourself a good team in your area you can count on! Happy to chat more, Im outta CT.

Marc Bowman · Answer

A number of good software options are out there. It really depends on how many units you manage, where you are listing them, and what features you need/want. I work with BrightSide property management software and we have clients with a handful of properties and others with hundreds.

Kyle Jacques · Answer

Thank you!

Garrett Brown · Answer

Hospitable is the one! Exactly what you need.

Matt Mertz · Answer

I started with Hospitable then moved to OwnerRez.  Both are great.

Hospitable is great for a part time host.  Nice user interface, simple to set up, free door lock automation.

We migrated to OwnerRez because we wanted a direct booking site and security deposits.  The unified inbox is clunky compared to Hospitable, and the UI is behind the times, but it has the features we want.  Still using it and very happy.

Mayor Victor · Answer

Hi Kyle. Guesty, Hostaway, Ownerrez are great software I would recommend for you. I presently use them to manage my clients' listings. You can check them out and let me know if you need help with the setups and onboarding.