All Forum Posts by: Charlie Tunstall

I suggest you consider working backwards to answer this question. Who's your end target? If you're focused on medical travel folks, smaller 1 or 2 bed properties work fine. If you can attract corporate travel/relocation guests, larger properties work too. So, an 8 unit building with all 1 bed/1 bath could be 1/2 LT tenants and 1/2 MTR for travel nurses. A duplex with a 2bed and a 3bed unit could work as MTR for corporate travel or relocation.  Knowing who you plan to serve can guide you to what you should consider buying.

is there an HOA??

My experience in the last 18 months…lots of “looks” on FF, but almost all bookings coming through Airbnb. I have 2 units, a 3/1.5 and a 2/1. These are in a growing Charleston suburb, Summerville.  Most of the guests are on their way into town for a permanent move but need a place to stay for several months to facilitate a closing, complete construction, etc.

Shayne, can I get more info about location, etc.?

Charlie Tunstall     [email protected]

We transitioned from LT to MT 1 year ago. We’ve been full 90% of the time at 1.6X the LT rate. The main key to our success is proximity to several very large housing developments. As people transition to our area, they book our place to coincide with completing construction, sale/purchase of housing, etc…so, #1 location

#2, growth of the economy, influx of jobs, etc

#3, don’t laugh…have your house well decorated and take pro pictures to share.  It really makes a difference. You will stand out from the competition and the incremental costs will be recouped quickly in your low vacancy numbers…  

good luck

 Summer,

When I have photos made for my listing I have the photographer make a walk through video as well. My inquiries are usually satisfied to see the video before booking. Hope that helps

I use my own traditional long term lease for non Airbnb stays. It's 11 pages and thorough. If a potential tenant is not comfortable with a vanilla lease, I believe they did you a favor not booking the place. I would not weaken my protection to attract a marginal guest. There's plenty of other folks out there to engage.  Good luck

Curtis, for a 3/2 property in the Charleston area that we use for MTR, I receive inquiry from FF, but all my bookings come from Airbnb or Zillow. Maybe your area will be different, but that size property fits insurance claims, corporate relocation of a family, etc. My FF inquiries are 1-2 people for the most part and they don't need the space I can offer in my property. Good luck with your property...

 We own a duplex, 3/1.5 and 2/1. They were both on LT rentals. Last year we reno'd the 3/1.5 and listed it as a 30+day rental. It's been a very successful transition. We intend to do the same with the 2/1 at the end of its current lease. 

Something to consider..going after travel nurses is only 1 demographic to consider. Ours has been full with people moving to the area looking to buy. Supply is so tight, they need temp space that will give them time find and close on their purchase. All of our guests so far are in this category. Corporate travel, divorce, etc. are other potential tenants.

If costs in your market allow, I would encourage a duplex purchase vs SF...potentially 2 income streams vs 1 would help offset the extra cost of a duplex.  Good luck

I receive a lot of inquiry from them, but all of my bookings have come through Airbnb