MTR: Need tips on how to furnish and take photos

[Raghavendra Pillappa]

I have a 3bd/3ba, 2451 sq ft condo with attached garage near downtown Richmond closer to Level 1 trauma center, great schools and universities. To list on the furnished finder, I need to furnish the home and get some professional photos. However, I still have LTR tenants whose lease will be ending soon. How do I navigate this situation and any recommendations for hiring professional for furnishing and for taking photos. 

Thank you for your consideration!

Raghav 

[Allen Duan]

Hi Raghavendra,

Sounds like you just need to wait till your LTR tenants move out to start setting up the property as a MTR. 

One thing you can do right now: create the Furnished Finder listing with unfurnished photos, mention in the description that the property will be furnished soon, and start fielding inquiries and watching the unmatched leads section. This will give you an idea of traveler's budgets and what's in demand in your area.

As far as design and photo recs, connect with those in your market to get referrals from other MTR (and STR) operators. I know some people in the Richmond area who may have referrals for you =) I used to manage a MTR there as well.

[Raghavendra Pillappa]

Quote from @Allen Duan:

Hi Raghavendra,

Sounds like you just need to wait till your LTR tenants move out to start setting up the property as a MTR. 

One thing you can do right now: create the Furnished Finder listing with unfurnished photos, mention in the description that the property will be furnished soon, and start fielding inquiries and watching the unmatched leads section. This will give you an idea of traveler's budgets and what's in demand in your area.

As far as design and photo recs, connect with those in your market to get referrals from other MTR (and STR) operators. I know some people in the Richmond area who may have referrals for you =) I used to manage a MTR there as well.

Thank you Allen. I will get started on the FF.  Please feel free to share. Appreciate it:)

[Sylvia Santelli]

Hello!

I own and co-host MTR rentals in north Dallas, Texas.

I would also add time before an MTR move-in for any fixes. Depending how long your LTR was in there, you might need to fix or update a few items. 

And I had done with Allen recommended when I converted my first LTR to MTR. I put a listing together and just said I was in the process of filling the unit. I used some photos with a similar aesthetic but made it very clear these are not the final photos. This helped me gauge some demand while I was prepping the unit. Good luck to you!

[Raghavendra Pillappa]

Quote from @Sylvia Santelli:

Hello!

I own and co-host MTR rentals in north Dallas, Texas.

I would also add time before an MTR move-in for any fixes. Depending how long your LTR was in there, you might need to fix or update a few items. 

And I had done with Allen recommended when I converted my first LTR to MTR. I put a listing together and just said I was in the process of filling the unit. I used some photos with a similar aesthetic but made it very clear these are not the final photos. This helped me gauge some demand while I was prepping the unit. Good luck to you!

Exactly, I have that in my mind and thinking of 2 weeks time. Also hoping that since it’s an 1 year old home, other than minor cosmetic upgrades like design, not much to do. Thinking of using a professional interior designer/minoan for furnishings. Please suggest if you think any other budget friendly ideas. Thank you!