All Forum Posts by: Fllnids Agg

Hi there again,

What are standard terms for snowbirds (canadians / international folks) in Florida who are renting for Jan-April?
I have a possible client who says, they have paid month-to-month like a yearly lease for seasonal in past (with a $250 deposit non-refundable to book the place).

I thoroughly checked online, most companies / local property managements show 50% at booking and 50% 45-60 days in advance. Talked to a local realtor who says, we are flexible on how they want to pay.

I am worried, what if they cancel last minute?  and we are out of tenant? 

Just want to know what are usual payment terms for seasonal rentals?

Thanks!

Hey guys,

New to the STR businesss, got our license, furnished and almost ready to go once i get professional pics clicked. Quick question:

1. House is near Venice, SW Florida. Are we suppose to display our business license / str license at the rental property?
2. If yes, where do you guys recommend to display - where have you put it in your rental property.

Thanks in advance

Nids

Everything what others have mentioned above - but will also add in your timeline. With summer break 3 months away - think of how much you can get done realistically in the hope that you can rent during summer months and slow down in fall and repair more then. Things I would consider in making a decision:

1. Literally everywhere on east coast the most difficult part at present is finding the crew / handymans / companies that can do the renovations whichever route you are planning on taking.

2. Even for LVP - you'll be surprised at low stock / availability of stock based upon your choice. Same for furniture delivery etc. 

3. Take into account other issues you'll run into if you start revamping the whole space all together. Piping / leakages / etc. 

4. One option could be: take 1/2 the rooms at a time and revamp those with new paint / wallpaper / decor with revamping the current furniture for time being.  Of course mattresses etc tossed out, if its tiles, current flooring can be simply painted - if your LVP is taking longer delivery times. 
This way, you can rent and see what kinda pricing / rents you get during summer and then go about revamping the remaining items / flooring etc and other rooms in fall - slow season.

All the best!
Cheers

Quote from @Aaron Bress:

I agree with others on this thread. Fix the pool, get the heater and see how it goes. You can always add things but why add something that could be an extra expense and time sink? I live in Utah and hot tubs definitely attract the short term renters but they definitely can be a hassle. 

 thanks Aaron!! done done .. just checking my last option on pool heater vs solar heater and tenants reliability on using a solar heater - any input / experience you have on this would be greatly appreciated!

Quote from @Ari Friedman:

Quote from @Dale Desmond:

I know some owners/management companies charge a pool heating fee to offset heating costs. $100/stay. 

 Solar water heaters for pools are inexpensive and free energy (even in winter). I can’t imagine heating a pool without one. Then on top of that consider a heat pump for your main heater rather than resistance electricity. Plus an insulated pool cover. The energy it takes to heat a pool is massive without getting a boost from the sun and limiting evaporative losses.

 @Ari - that was my main concern - soooo much energy wastage. But got mixed reviews on tenants usage / liability - any thoughts around it while thye dont know how to use them. We are out of state property owners. 

Any recommendation on company in Sarasota  / venice  / punta gorda area?
I prefer a greener option any day.

Quote from @Laura Williams:

I have a hot tub in one of my Airbnbs and while it does attract guest and stay booked it is a pain in the butt to keep up. It has to be cleaned/serviced between every guest..even if it's a one day stay someone needs to check it/shock. Guest will leave trash in it and around it, needs attention to the water level and chemical balance, cleaning of the filter every couple days if it's being used alot....much more sensitive than a pool. I've had the hot tub perfect and then come back after a 2 day stay and the tub be green & stinking and have to be refilled especially if there's little kids staying (probably peeing in it) or a group of girls ...lotion that gets in the water and turns it cloudy & biofilm. I had one guest completely break off the head rest that I have to get fixed now and many like to play with the jets and unscrew them which sucks when it's the jets at the bottom of the tub then you have to climb in and try to reattach. Many times I'll spend 20-30 minutes or so skimming body hairs off the top of the water (think hairy men's chest/body hair that sheds in the water) that would be gross for the next guest to have someone's hair sticking to their skin in the water. And every few weeks you'll need to drain/clean/refill it.

So just some things to think about with the hot tub. It's an attraction & people love them but if you or someone good (and cheap) you trust isn't able to take care of it properly it maybe more of a liability than an asset. If it isn't maintained properly & half a**ed people can get sick or skin rashes etc. And it will be an extra cost to maintain even if you do it yourself with chemicals, water, time etc.

In my humble opinion there needs to be a sizable income stream bump from the hot tub to justify the aggravation/expense.

thanks you sold it to me Laura - staying away from hot tub - getting pool heater installed. I was trying to save energy lol my pool is 12 feet deep thats a lot of heating. 
But done done :)

Thakns again

Quote from @Colleen F.:

@Fllnids Agg  why do a hot tub when adding a pool heater will do.  A hot tub is an additional thing to maintain. Something else to break. That said I am not in Florida.

hey Colleen, pool is pretty deep 11 feet and figured it will take a lot of electricity to heat it up (even if i charge a daily rate for heated pool) plus, heard and read that snows birtds usually prefer even warmer temperatures (i know my parents do) - so figured hot tub might be better option ... still contemplating. thanks for your input though :)

Quote from @Account Closed:

Snowbirds will complain about not having the pool heated December through March in SWFL and could impact early reviews. My very first tenant knew the pool was unheated, got a price that reflected that, but complained in the review anyway. That really stung for a new STR investment.

thanks sandra - didn't think of this- but yes indeed those first reviews matter the most!
I do have a 11 feet deep pool - so was considering my options about heating that vs heater a hot tub. Aah!

Been renting for 10+ years, before venmo / zelle - whenever I asked my tenant they used to prefer bank transfer or checks. After Venmo / Zelle - literally everyone says VENMO.

We use millitarybyowner to get our tenants. I have always loved them, they keep it clean, u can even ask the military to directly transfer monies into your account without the hassle of asking tenants if they get late, only downfall is they are legally allowed to leave the house anytime based upon their transfer status - still worth every bit!

Good luck and enjoy the extra $$$s.

Quote from @Griffin Brenseke:

@Jane Ng what did you end up doing, in a similar pickle for mine in Tampa. Thanks

 Hey Griffin, am in a similar state with a property near Venice (south of yours). Am working with my realtor but will be making the trip. My realtor advised me to check out local thrift stores which have tons of beachy stuff. 
Speak to your realtor or a friend who can help out locally if possible. GL 
Do you have any recommendation on whether to get a pool heater or a hot tub? :) deciding which way to go with our property - have a pool already.