All Forum Posts by: Amanda Ferguson

@Dev Paul  I second what @Matt "Roar" Gardner said.  It's about knowing the right people who have some more flexible financing options.  I've been working with a buyer for the past two months looking at condos in Panama City Beach.  They were really getting frustrated with the process due to financing with most lenders considering the condos in their price range unwarrantable.  Once they connected with a local realtor, they were able to find a lender who was able to assist with this issue and opened up so many options.  They are now under contract on two condos and making an offer on a third this week!

@Dev Paul  I'm happy to help you out with any revenue analysis for short term rentals in the Florida Panhandle area, and I have a counterpart who covers Myrtle Beach as well that I can connect you with.  

Okaloosa Island, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A (Santa Rosa Beach / Dune Allen / Blue Mountain Beach / Grayton Beach / Seaside / WaterColor / Seagrove / Seacrest / Rosemary Beach / Inlet Beach) and Panama City Beach are all great for short term rental investment.  Some are better than others if strictly investment.  Others are better for the investors who plan to turn into a second home some years down the road.  Feel free to reach out if you ever need a revenue potential analysis for a specific property in the area.  

Also, if you aren't already connected with a local realtor who is in tune with the market I would recommend connecting with @Matt "Roar" Gardner or @Avery Carl.  You can't go wrong either way and the market is moving so fast you will need someone who is in the loop for pocket listings.

Julie feel free to send me a private message with the address and I can run a revenue analysis for you.

This varies by location.  Where is your property located?

Exactly what @Matt "Roar" Gardner said regarding cleaners!  For insurance here are a few local contacts.

• Jason Vaughn at Affordable Home Insurance 
• Benny Waterfield at Waterfield & Associates 
• Joe Capers at Insurance Zone 

I have multiple owners who have done this and have never even seen their properties.  Where are you looking to purchase?

What market are you looking to purchase in?  You are right it's impossible for you to know what the blocks are on a calendar.  Some are paid nights, some are owner holds and some are maintenance holds.  When I put together revenue analysis for potential buyers and realtors in my area, I use adjusted paid occupancy percentages for my assumptions which takes those unpaid holds into consideration as to not overstate the revenue potential.  I also show different earning potential based on things like quality of finishes and furnishes, owner's comfort level on dynamic pricing and owner use habits.  This is helpful to show the difference in earning a true investor would see versus someone with a more balanced or selective approach.

Put a disclaimer in your listing description that there is construction in the area and there may be construction noise during business hours.  Overcommunicating this prior to the guest booking and arriving can help prevent unnecessary discounts later. Depending on the situation you may adjust pricing accordingly, especially if in a condo building and it will impact access to balcony, amenities, etc.

That is probably a good idea.  That's the recommendation we are hearing from our pool vendors as well.