All Forum Posts by: Ahmed Omran

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Great post Ahmed

We are also in Pinellas County with 50 or so units from Palm Harbor to Saint Pete (and more in surrounding areas).

Does quarterly pest control work well for you during the hot/wet months?  We moved to monthly May-Sept.  Not all units have it but we got a good deal with our vendor and 1 bug complaint can cost hundreds so our owners were on board as well.

So far, Qtr. Pest control has been working well during the rainy/ hot months. If there are any issues, we send out the pest control to spray, and guests will seem happy as long as we attempt to fix the issue. But we rarely have any problems, so overall, it works well.

Having a local handyman or someone you know to look over the property is helpful, but I think you can do without property management if you are dealing with long-term rentals. If there are any issues, you are only a two-hour drive away, so you could set up a time to come out to take care of an issue, or if it is urgent, you can call a company to come out and handle it. I mainly deal with short-term rentals, requiring constant turnover and restocking supplies. If you are doing short-term rentals, I recommend a property manager.

Quote from @Matt Owens:

 @Ahmed Omran great advice. I’ve had success with QR codes in other businesses. I think that’s a great approach. 

Out of interest, What do you use for your landing page from the QR? I’ve been mulling over the best options for that. 

I use Corefact for my mailing postcards. Their generic landing page verifies the details of their property and notifies me when someone snaps the code.

Quote from @Mike Shemp:

Great tips for sure!  The other thing of course is location, location, location.

In hot or saturated markets, it seems the hosts all add similar amenities, so then it becomes a battle on reviews, pricing, and location.

A property in a great location (without all the amenities) can do just as well or better than a property with all the amenties but in a poorer location.  The host has to decide what their unfair advantage in the market is going to be (location, pool, hot tub, amazing view, high-speed network, great for families, close to everything, themed house, etc) and market to that.

Mike

Excellent point. Location, Location, Location not only helps set you up for success with your STR but will also pay off in the long run when you go to sell.

Quote from @Sherry McQuage:

Some great suggestions! My husband and I are under contract to buy a STR in Beaufort, NC. Will need some work to get it ready, and I'm collecting ideas to make it stand out. The suggestion to have kids utensils, a cooler, and beach chairs is great!

One item I can add from being a guest at a STR...keep up on your pest control (this includes mice/rat control). We rented a STR in Hawaii and ended up buying rat traps because "that area is know for rodents". The owner/manager has been very responsive about calling an exterminator, but cleaning the kitchen counter of rat poo every morning is...memorable.

You're spot on about getting a good cleaner; they can make or break the quality of the guest's stay.

Keep up the good suggestions, and thank you!

Yes, that's a great point. I forgot to mention that we have quarterly pest control services. Some of my properties on the beach also have a dry wood termite warranty and treatment plan. You always need to be proactive and ahead of issues with your investment property.

Thank you for adding this point!

I have sent postcards with QR codes for owners to scan for market updates. A few have scanned, but I am still waiting for someone to contact me to sell. All of the above will work with some consistency and luck.

As a real estate agent and seasoned short-term rental (STR) host with over seven years of experience, I've seen the STR market evolve, especially post-2021, where competition is at an all-time high. Here are some key strategies to consider to help you stand out, maximize your occupancy rate, and boost your cash flow.

First and foremost, invest in properties short distances from popular vacation spots like famous beaches, golf courses, and locations with great weather all year. Not only will you attract families in the summer, but you will also have older couples come to places like Florida during colder months up north. Additionally, a property with a pool and a spacious backyard is a huge draw, as guests love the idea of relaxing by the pool and hanging out outside enjoying the fresh air. Research your competition to see what amenities they offer and look for opportunities to add or improve upon these features to make your listing more attractive. Remember, unique amenities can make all the difference in a crowded market, so the more you add, the more you will stand out, and it will pay off.

Utilizing a dynamic pricing software is crucial for ensuring your property is always competitively priced, maximizing bookings and revenue. If you're self-managing, having a reliable team of cleaners is essential, as a spotless property leads to great reviews and repeat guests. Also, cleaners are the first eyes on the property after check-out and will let you know if things need to be fixed or replaced. Also, you must familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding STRs to avoid purchasing in areas that are not STR-friendly, which could save you from legal headaches and poor investment choices.

Another critical strategy is staging your home to appeal to your target guests. For family-friendly rentals, include children's utensils, plates, a pack 'n play, and games. Providing beach chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler can enhance the guest experience and contribute to glowing reviews if your property is near the beach. The goal is to make before as comfortable as possible without worrying about packing everything for their trip. By implementing these strategies, you can stand out in a crowded market and ensure your short-term rental thrives.

Do you need more tips, or are you looking to invest in a new property in Pinellas County, FL? Let's connect!

I would start by making sure there are no laws against MTR in your town. Then, once the other side of the unit is ready to go, I would use platforms like Airbnb to rent out monthly to traveling healthcare workers, etc. You need to make sure it's furnished and has all the amenities needed for extended- stays (fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, TV, etc.)

Hello everyone,

My name is Ahmed Omran. I am a dedicated real estate agent who works with investors seeking short-term rental properties. My expertise lies in the vibrant market of Pinellas County, where I've honed my skills for over 7+ years. My journey began with owning and managing my own rentals, which have seen tremendous success on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this table, which I'm eager to share with this community. I aim to connect with fellow investors and agents to impart my insights and continue learning from the collective wisdom here.

I am looking forward to engaging in conversations and gaining more knowledge.

Thanks

Ahmed

Hi Joe,

This is normal, but we would only charge our owners 82% percent of the cleaning costs in your situation. We help manage Airbnbs for owners like you and found a way to avoid taking a percentage from the cleaning fee by adding our cleaners as Co-hosts with calendar access only. This way, the cleaning fee gets sent directly to the cleaners, and now we only get our percentage of the nightly rate instead of going back and forth with the owners collecting cleaning fees.

I own and manage a few short-term rentals in Indian Rocks Beach, Largo, and Seminole. If you need any advice or help with your rentals, just let me know: I would love to help

Thanks