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All Forum Posts by: Ben Freed

Ben Freed has started 1 posts and replied 4 times.

Post: Building new for STR: Unique property strategy help

Ben FreedPosted
  • Contractor
  • Middletown, NY
  • Posts 4
  • Votes 0
Quote from @Garrett Brown:

I do something like this (just not in any type of mountains lol) for most of my properties. Your market could be completely different but the top 3 things I have taken away as I build more cabins are

1. Multiple 4-6 person occupancy units will be booked the most. You still will hit couples as they won't be intimidated by bigger places. Most groups travel during the week in 3-5's, and people will rent units together if they have bigger groups. 

2. The amenities rule everything (especially outdoor). A unique place will make them stop scrolling but the amenities will be why they book/enjoy their time. 

3. You can save money by building similar structures but there is a bigger marketing advantage in each being unique. Having multiple of the same exact structure will limit repeat guests and your ability to engage more guests. 


 Thanks for the advice that's really helpful! We are looking into game and theater rooms as well as indoor pools for amenities, do you have any recommendations on that front?

Post: Building new for STR: Unique property strategy help

Ben FreedPosted
  • Contractor
  • Middletown, NY
  • Posts 4
  • Votes 0

Hmm I'm not sure if the Catskills is considered upstate (there is a post discussing this issue on that forum) and was looking for some broader opinions about property type strategy. I'm local to the area and am aware of the legality as it differs from town to town. Currently most places operate in a grey area or require a simple permit (there are some toxic towns that we'd steer clear of).

Post: Building new for STR: Unique property strategy help

Ben FreedPosted
  • Contractor
  • Middletown, NY
  • Posts 4
  • Votes 0

Hi. I have a company that builds unique European-style cabins. We are thinking about building a property for an STR in the Catskills, NY region on a quiet secluded 7 Acre plot, but have been wavering between 3 types of builds.

1. Maxed out bedrooms and amenities for $$$ (5 bedroom, 3 bath with game room/theater and indoor pool).

2. Small (~1000 sq feet or so) 2 bedroom for $ maximize the uniqueness and design value.

3. Medium size 3 bed/2bath that is the most suitable to sell as a single family if the rental doesn't do wall.

Any thoughts or advice on the matter would be appreciated!

A few photos of the design options:

Post: Building my home here in NJ possible?

Ben FreedPosted
  • Contractor
  • Middletown, NY
  • Posts 4
  • Votes 0

Construction costs in NJ are high but we help owner builders design and contract out their build. There is financing available to act as your own GC. You can save a ton. We are based in Orange County, NY which is right over the border from NJ.