All Forum Posts by: Betty Cruz

@Aaron Lemoine i have an insurance broker I love working with. Pm me and I will send you the info. 

@Edwin L. You really can’t go by zip codes. San Antonio varies widely by just crossing a major street, highway or railroad track. If you can’t make a trip here, I’d spend time “cruising” the streets on Google Maps. 

@Kayvon E. my favorite is @Tanya Lechner! Reach out to here on Bigger Pockets. 

Hi David - I’ve had two Airbnb units for a couple of years and just opened a third. I’m sure there other perspectives from folks who have lots more. At first it was a bit difficult to find the right cleaning person but I found someone and it has been working fine. I know those who have many units are able to secure a cleaning team that specializes in this type of cleaning and turnover. Currently the short term rental business is hard to predict. I’m not seeing many short term requests at all. I am booking for months at a time. It has sort of disrupted  my normal pattern but I’ve had to adjust to the market. I’m sure others are way better at this than me, but I find I don’t make that much more than if it was a regular rental once you factor in the 17.75 percent taxes you pay plus utilities and internet plus the cost of hard and soft furnishings that have to be replaced periodically. But I enjoy doing it and I like having places for friends and family to stay when they are visiting. I also like that I don’t have to chase rents. If they book, the money is secured. Hope this helps. -betty

It’s just my opinion. There are lots of other owners out there who may have more data than I have. 

@James G. I have a couple in Dignowty. Right now they are mostly staying rented by month long renters rather than tourists. I believe the area is saturated with STRs but Covid has shut down so much tourism and convention business that some are probably not going to survive through this, which may make it more lucrative for the ones who stick it out till things return to normal. Just my speculations.

Thanks for the update. Good tips. 

@Alex Knott You are right that you can’t get your own appraiser for a conventional loan. I have paid for two appraisals in the past two months and my partner had done one. We didn’t encounter issues except that they are expensive and do seem to take a little longer than usual. My gut tells me you’ve just hit a couple of flukes in a row. I know they are swamped because of so many refinances being done. Best of luck!

@Mike Deltz Hi - we’ve done several of these. For the most part, the city will work with you. We’ve found that they have the same goal as you do and that’s to get a house performing and in conformance. Make sure that you get a contractor who is familiar with the process. Every situation is different. Not knowing the extent of your scope, I will just generally say that the city will work with you but it’s not always a snap. And a contractor who has a good reputation will be able to navigate more smoothly. PM me for more info. 

@Todd Nurnberger. I look forward to the meeting. Loved it last month!! Cheers!