All Forum Posts by: Elisha Cram

@Tim Bergstrom We got new mattresses, but for everything else, we scoured CL, FB Marketplace and also found some good deals at our local ReStore. We went for soft furniture in excellent condition and a tad more lenient on end tables, etc. We have a few pieces that we will refinish if we get a decent break in guests, but lately it has been busy (a problem I am happy to have).

@Caroline C. I meant to respond but got busy at work and forgot. His pre-approval expired. I think I’ll just let this one go. I’d have felt better after hearing from others if he’d had an established profile, but he looks brand new, and honestly, I told him how far from our house his destination is (which is about an hour) AND that we are 3 minutes from the highway. I feel that gives a reasonable idea.

@Rick Baggenstoss I have received a tip that the guests with several pre-booking requests tend to be needy and leave poor ratings. Of course, I have no experience, that’s just what I read.

All I can see on his profile is his first name, his photo, that he has been a member since August 2018, and that his email is verified. He does not appear to have put in his ID or taken any trips. I think I will refer him to the map (mostly it shows trees), and let him know he will have access to the exact address at the time of booking.

I had a potential guest ask me yesterday the distance to a specific location, which I shared, both in miles and travel time. Today he is asking to know the exact location so he can check the route on (redacted, but I assume Google Maps, etc). I have already told him that we are a few minutes from exit XYZ on I-95. Can anyone think of any legitimate (or illegitimate) reasons he’d need to know before booking? How can I respond politely that I will not be sharing that info at this point? Unless there is something I’m not thinking of, I’m inclined to not approve him to stay. Any thought? Insight? I’ve rented a few times on HomeAway, but this would be my first AirBNB guest.

Thanks for responding.

We plan to have it available year round and will block out times we would like to use it or use it during times we did not get bookings. I expect that we will use it for a family holiday party, probably one weeks’ vacation a year and a few weekends when we can get away. Overall, probably 2 weeks or less total. 

We have set up the listing to collect the Maine lodging tax, which as I understand, we will need to track and remit to the state. 

I am not certain what the average length of stay will be, but based on my market research, I am confident it will be more than 2 nights but less than 7 nights.

I am not sure what hotel-like services would entail. We have the guests self check in, and we do not provide housekeeping during their stay. 

Are there things that I can decide to manage in a certain way to make the taxes more favorable? Can anyone suggest resources where I could learn more about this? I have rental income from a long-term unit, but short-term rentals are new territory for me.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

My husband and I bought his grandmother’s house last year and have fixed it up. We decided to use it as a vacation rental to offset the costs of owning and maintaining it. Our fIrst guests since the remodel are staying tonight.

I am curious if anyone who currently has vacation rentals can share what you set aside for taxes. I have driven for Uber, for example, and I put 25% of those earnings aside for tax time. Should I not need it all of it for taxes due to writing off expenses, then I consider what is left to be a bonus after filing taxes. Any suggestions for percentages to sock away for vacation rentals?

Thanks!

@Gregg Heminger Congrats!

My friend decides what she wants to receive for rent. She then adds $50 to that, which is what she charges for rent. She tells the tenants that their rent is due on the 1st of the month, but if they pay early (I think she has told them 1 week), she gives a $50 discount for the month. She is constantly waving her early rent checks in my face. I currently only have 2 units, and haven't had any vacancies for about 3 years, but I will absolutely be using this method with new leases.