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All Forum Posts by: Andrew Steffens

Andrew Steffens has started 34 posts and replied 2449 times.

Post: Best Property Management Software for STR not using AirBNB?

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

We have had a good experience with Streamline, but it is typically used by medium to larger PM's

Post: Vetting Vacation Rental Management Companies

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

We have 60+ units in Florida (Tampa metro mostly).  We are uniquely positioned to be one of the larger local providers so we have some reach (being integrated with Marriott HVMI, Jetblue, Google VR, Allegiant etc - these companies only work with 50+ units PM) but not so large we have high turnover and general disdain from our clients and renters like Vacasa.  In my opinion find a good local company where you can see their operation up close but big enough to have the important technologies and processes down pat.

Post: Tips that you wish you knew when starting your first STR

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

The importance of properly pricing your property! We rely on software, but if you have just one you should still model your pricing strategy the same way hotels/airlines do.  Know your high and low seasons and how your market books and know your competition.  Otherwise you will be leaving money on the table whether priced too high or too low

Post: How to get a contractor to meet their timeliness?

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

If no contractor will sign a penalty clause, incentivize them to hit budget and time deadlines instead.  The flip side is once they realize they will not hit their bonus you may be de-prioritized.

Post: Forbes - Short Term Rental Article

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

I agree to take with a grain of salt due to authors inherent bias.

That said, there are good points.

I also believe it is market dependent.  I see here on BP there are markets now that used to be good and are now experiencing high vacancy.  I think the industry will some what get back to its roots/basics.  Traditionally good markets like beach/mountains/urban with high tourist draw will continue to do well if properly managed and those who are not will suffer.

Post: Pricelabs optimization to increase revenue

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040
Quote from @Gerald Pitts:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Hey Jeremy, curious what you pay per unit/month at Pricelabs?


 Hi Andrew, I pay about 9 or 10 per listing for pricing, and additional 10 per listing for the market dashboard to look at comps. 


 Got it, thanks.  That is good pricing.  We are leaving Beyond Pricing for RevMax due to pricing

Post: STRs near the gulf coast of Florida

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

Hi Melanie! Im a real estate broker and also co-own a PM company in the greater Tampa area.  Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Post: Lenders who will Lend to an LLC for STR Properties

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

In my experience all DSCR lenders will lend (if not require) property to be in an LLC. An example would be @Tyler Solomon

Post: Looking to start investing in STRs

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040

Hi Cody

Are you looking to invest in an STR local to you (it shows Idaho)? Really all you need to start is a mortgage professional (if obtaining a loan) and a savvy realtor to get started, then once you acquire the asset move on to the next phase (management?, accountants, lawyers (do not think you should need), etc).

Post: Any experienced Short Term Rentals, Superhosts to network with?

Andrew Steffens
#3 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Tampa, FL
  • Posts 2,478
  • Votes 2,040
Quote from @Han T.:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Hi Han!

A couple of thoughts:

- We have been on and off Superhost for 7 years and never received any noticeably higher revenue being one versus not being one.  

- The "perks" Airbnb offers to Superhosts certainly is nothing special.

- Our industry is Short Term Rentals not Airbnbs.  I know these terms have become synonymous but I think it is important to differentiate being in the industry.  We used to only be on Airbnb and Vrbo and it was about 85/15 & bookings respectively.  Airbnb frequently lets guests out of reservations, refunds incorrectly etc making our job harder.  With a little bit of effort we are now on Booking.com, Marriot Homes and Villas, JetBlue, Allegiant, and more.  Also a lot of marketing to previous guests to book direct.  Our occupancy rates are up in slow season and we were only 42% Airbnb last month.


This is just my humble opinion based on experience mainly in Tampa, but I hope it helps you in some way.  Best of luck!

Hey Andrew, thanks so much for your sharing! Noted on the terminology and "perks", or the lack of. And noted on the challenges working with Airbnb. I have also heard from others of these challenges you highlight. Will take these into the considerations! Thanks so much.

 My pleasure! We are now connected - please feel free to reach out with any questions