All Forum Posts by: Gene Clark

My electric bill for a 4/3 3000sf house with a pool runs between $300-400 per month, depending on how hot it is outside and whether or not anyone is using pool heat in the winter. This is in Four Corners, so Duke Energy same as what you'd be using. 

Our cleaners charge $165 for a full cleaning after guests leave. This includes the basic starter supplies they leave for the next guests - soap, trash bags, etc. They wash all laundry on site. 

So it could if it is available. It takes the load off of the cleaners if they can drop standard issue sheets at the service. I would check costs. It is going to be more expensive.

So I have a certain choice for sheets. Never 100% cotton and no microfiber. We use a 70/30 cotton/poly blend sheets from Kohl's. The Big One 275tc crisp sheets in a percale weave.

They are reasonably priced when on sale, wash up great and last forever. We have the same sheets sets in our rotation from our first day of operation. Any white sheet that fits that particular blend should be fine. Percale weave is important as it is much more durable.

We started with sateen weave and the first guests shredded the fitted sheet. Rough heels from wearing sandals really do a number. They are softer but who wants to toss them 10x a year. Percale is crisp and not as soft (they get softer with multiple washings) but they work well.

For towels, Grandeur Hospitality white bath towels, hand towels and washcloths from Costco. They are great and cheap, especially when on sale.

@Ryan Moyer is right about towels. We don't have the same issues as you would in FL, but it is amazing how people abuse them. We provide embroidered makeup removal washcloths but some women just use the white bath towel. Some we can save, others we toss. Luckily when they are on sale the are pretty cheap. Buy a bunch and keep them around for the future.

As for towels going missing, ours that disappear are the beach towels. I just figured that kids toss them in their bags when mom and dad are hustling them out the door. Frankly it's no big deal. If you watch Costco, Walmart and other places, you will find all sorts of beach towels on clearance after the season. I usually pay less than $3 for one on average. We have a bunch on the shelves now. Some are thick and big, some are thin and cheaper. They all work out.

Hey @Gene Clark, so everything can really vary when it comes to furnishings and linens.

So you will need more than 2 sets. I would plan for 4 sets of sheets for each bed. A house that size will take time to clean so you want plenty of backup linens.

Pillows take a beating so you will be replacing them every couple of years. Same with pillow protectors.

I have a 9br in Champions Gate.

Electric runs $500-$800/mo depending on the month

Water $210/mo or so

Supplies are going to vary bigtime on whether you're supplying all supplies or just a "starter kit".  People expect all supplies in this market, and stocking a 9br house can get pricey for sure. 

Also note that towels disappear and get stained at an ALARMING rate in this market, compared to any other market I've been in.  Combination of lots of towels, kids, etc.  But they go fast.  So you've gotta choose between risking your reviews confronting guests over towels or just plan to replace them often.

Hello Gene. An average decent STR insurance cost for a house thst size is about $3.6K per year. The ones that covers almost any issues that may arrise with STR is about 6K per year. If you are in a flood zone this can all change. The utilities costs vary depending on the season, duration of use and whether your pool heating is electric or gas. Your highest bill will be your AC followed by pool heating when needed. Gas bill for hot water and cooking is about $90 per month. Water is about $125per month considering the size of the home. Electric will vary form $350 to $900 per month with an average cost of $560 per month. Yes this is high but it is not what the sellers will tell you.

I am making the assumption that the house is fully furnished to your likeness with all bedroom, pool, living room, game room and loft furnitures. For seven rooms, the bed and bathroom linens (assuming 8 beds) will cot you $1200 for two sets and about $180 per year for replacements after that. This does not include pillows and bed protectors which usually is more of a one time purchase. Most cleaning companies will provide the cleaning supplies and supplies for guest depending on your contract. If you are planning to buy guess supplies in bulk, it will cost you an average of $.4 per count or $2 per bathroom per 5 count kit. Again this will depend on what you want to have for guest in each bathroom. Assuming you have five guess per month with 5 bathrooms, this will cost $50 per month. Cleaning supplies itself will cost you $10-14 per month with 5 cleaning per month. Based on the information you provided, this is my best contribution. you can DM me if you need more information about other cost.

Hi David,

My plan is to self manage my villa. I have communicated with many people there that also self manage and do very well. From what I gather the two property management companies are not very good. Worst case scenario, if things aren't great I can always sell and reinvest somewhere else. I don't expect to close for another month or so, so we will see!