All Forum Posts by: David M.

@Mindy Jensen, thank you for your input about search engines.  I was unaware that blog content could drive search engine results.  That's great information, very helpful, thank you!

@Jorjio Hopkins, thank you for your feedback, much appreciated!

Hi Bigger Pockets!  I looked through a few pages in this forum and didn't see this thread, so I apologize if I am reposting a common topic.

About 4 months ago I launched a website to promote my local real estate presence.  I manage it as an electronic companion for my short term rentals, with pages of things to do in two different parts of the state, a link to my featured property, and of course a blog.  The blog tries to incorporate 80s/90s pop culture with real estate, to appeal to more than just residential property investors.

I enjoy writing and I think people enjoyed reading the first several posts, I just have no idea how to get it in front of more people.  I've got a pretty well managed LinkedIn network and have done everything I can to get my posts out there.  Everything is video now, so a blog probably isn't a big hit as a thing so much anymore, which doesn't help.

Is there a good place to submit posts to get exposure by another real estate channel?  Can I start a blog here and repost on Bigger Pockets, or is the Bigger Pockets blog only for "first run" content?  This is probably either a very basic or very theoretical discussion, and I'm looking for basic.  Again, if the holy grail of blogs is how to get exposure, I guess at least I figured out the right question to ask :)  I am about 15 years behind the 8-ball on starting a blog, and am not really experienced as you might be able to tell.

Thank you for your input and have a great weekend!

@Ryan Swan, no it is not.  

Let’s hope it’s not an epidemic!

We managed a couple short term rentals and struggled with the entertainment. Ultimately, we provide a 55" TCL 4K UHDTV, <$400 at Costco or Walmart, with built in Roku. I got SlingTV through the built in Roku. Both the Blue and Orange packages which is basically the equivalent of every basic cable channel. $40 per month total. More importantly, it gives access on up to four devices simultaneously (only one for ESPNs, oh well). Since we only had two tvs enabled, we could provide Sling allocated at $20 per property. Here's the "Mosquito Coast" father in me. Sling TV is only $40 per month because they don't provide network channels. You're on your own for that. No big deal with HD antennas these days. However, in the STR situation we are talking about, kind of a big deal. However, Sling partners with AirTV to capture and broadcast over the air signals through the Sling TV app, coupled with all of the "cable" channels. So, I have an outdoor antenna for $65 at my primary residence where I capture 50+ local channels, I have an airTV box for $115 with one month free SlingTV(!) plugged into a coaxial outlet, and all of those over-the-air local channels are now paired with "cable" and broadcast on the SlingTV app in TV. $40 per month for two properties all in, plus $10 for netflix across both as well if you want to get technical. No guest complaints yet...

The concern, from my experience, is the HOA and not the financing. I've had financing ratios kill one condo deal and not be a problem for another. The problem I've seen instead is the HOA is the law of the land. I personally would not walk into an investment with plans to operate in violation of any HOA rules. Remember, HOAs can put liens on private property in their community.

I bought a 1 bd/1 ba condominium on the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley border in January 2018. I shopped specifically for a STR property. Being very concerned about breaking any HOA rules, my broker verified the STR rules for any community before we looked at it, to make sure we could operate the property as we hoped/expected. We found an original unit, renovated it completely, and got it on the market. It has been doing well since it went live almost a year ago.

However, just last month, we received a notice from the HOA. It informed us that they're going to implement a new policy. All tenants must clear a background check, on file with the HOA. Not a problem for a year lease. Probably not a great requirement for a weekend guest. So now I am evaluating my options to be able to comply with any policies that are set forth ex post facto.

I would not buy another property with the sole intention of STR unless it was a house or duplex with no association. The HOA wields too much power with too little recourse available to any one individual owner.

Hope this helps, good luck in your search!