Big bear vacation agencies

[Christian R Estrada]

I am currently in escrow with a 2000sqft 5bds 3ba property out of big bear lake that I am planing on making a short term rental. I am looking for a vacation rental agency, and wanted to see if anybody had any suggestions, on who to, and not to allow manage the property ?

[Jamie Borst]

I've been using Big Bear Cool Cabins and they've been good.  Barbara Velasquez is my point of contact there

[Lisa Lincoln]

Co-hosting through Airbnb might be a good option for you. This way you can participate in the transactions if you want or just let the co-host handle everything. You have more visiblity with this option. 

[Christian R Estrada]

@Jamie Borst Awesome! I’ll definitely get in contact with them and here them out. Thank you

[Christian R Estrada]

@Lisa Lincoln I didn’t even know that was a option, thank you. Do you manage your vacation properties in big bear your self ?

[Lisa Lincoln]

@Christian R Estrada I do self manage my properties, my 1st property in Big Bear (pre- internet savey sites) I had a property management company. My tax guy scolded me every year, saying they are taking 50%, it was a mix of made up fees. Things like, extra towels (when there was towels in the house), the change of a light bulb and they favored their properties over mine. They even "borrowed" major items, like the VCR (during that time), needed it for a place didn't have one (for their visit). I would find the new vacuum was now 8yrs old (maybe they switched it). Found the furniture re-arranged, Why???, found the renters burned a hole in the floor and they didn't take from deposit. The management companies use the same companies anyone can use to get your property online. The big ones like airbnb, vrbo, turn key and others I'm not thinking of. Many communities to help you, airbnb even has a magazine now. I have friends that start with the management company and then realize that it is not that complicated. Find a co-host and you can be more or less involved. Happy renting!!

[Carlos Martinez]

Hi @Lisa Lincoln.  How do you go about self managing or finding a local co-host that can help you avoid all those management companies while being in compliance with all the ordinances?  I figured i'd be able to manage all the bookings online and just need a good reliable cleaning crew and a few other contacts for miscellaneous issues (tub cleaning/maintenance, handyman, snow clearance, etc).

[Ken Latchers]

People who depend on property managers or co-host who walk away with 20 to 40% are people who don't grasp how self-management can make vacation rental actually reasonably profitable

[Lisa Lincoln]

@Carlos Martinez all ordinances are online and pretty logical. They even have images of what is acceptable and what is not to pass inspections. When you have it inspected, they will also help you to comply. Your not really alone in having to figure this all out, you might have to call and ask a few questions. Also my hired help usually meets the inspectors for all their units and she has learned a lot and shares this with me. Your right, you do have to build a list of skilled contacts and resources. Let me know if you need any references.  

[Luke Carl]

@Christian R Estrada If you want to make money you’ll need to do it yourself. It’s easy. I’m happy to teach you. Also listen to bigger pockets podcast #364