All Forum Posts by: Bruce Woodruff

Thanks all for the great advice....lots to think about! No I don't need a website, at least right now. I more just somehow sense that it would be a good idea. No hurry since we are in our first year of STRs and doing just fine. I've just learned after 40+ yrs in business that you can't count on anything...might be a good idea to drive more people directly to you instead of someone else...?

Or just go to ABNB or VRBO and look up properties, Study the maps and area. Find out where people want to stay, close to downtown, Etc...

Just speaking for myself, but I make approx 3x with a STR what I would make with a traditional rental. Of course it all depends on the house itself and most importantly, the location!

This ^^^

Goodwill or SA has what you need, in like new condition for $1 each. Replace as needed. Same for dishes, glasses, blankets Etc...

Well....

1) Because everyone says I have to.....

2) It may give me a way around ABNB and their heavy -handed policies....

3) Other than that I don't know

I'm just looking for advice....

I'm building a website on WIX. It has 3 properties on it, all on different pages, plus an 'About Us' page and a 'Contact Info' page. I read people on here stressing the need for a website so here I go.....

First time doing this so any/all advise and criticism welcome. Lots of photos v few photos? Lots of text v little verbiage?

After it is built, how do I promote it so that people looking for rentals?

And is the purpose of a website to bypass ABNB or VRBO, or to just have more exposure in general?

Thank You All.....

 Why? Go where the money is right out of the gate. Not to mention you have much more control over your property.......

I use WAVE to document expenses and income. You can allow them to sync with your bank account and automatically import all transactions. You'll need to check on them once a month or so because they will mis-categorize items...a lot of stuff goes into 'uncategorized expense' category. A great program and free to use at that.

For other information about your business, you can easily build an Excel spread sheet to track info as it is important to you. I have columns for obvious things like:

Name - Where from - Reason for stay - Dates - Which property - Gross $ Amt - Net $ Amt -

I color code the $ amounts so I can see at a glance which hosting platform is making me how much.

You will need to tweak the spreadsheet to suit your needs.....

Hope this helps. 

Steer horns....(western theme)

Had a nice flagstone firepit in the back yard as well. It's also gone......