All Forum Posts by: Holly Hudson

@Jeff Oberts

I have an extensive detailed checklist that winds up repeating itself for each similar room. I decided not to use it when I was told no one would want to work with me with such a list. But after I have had guests complaints with things like forgetting to empty trash, food left in the oven, no towels or soap in a bathroom I have reconsidered it, and starting over with a new crew. Someone I just tried out this week asked if I had a checklist. She went above and beyond: wrote next to almost every item and took photos of every room and area (like inside frig and microwave) when complete. I almost felt bad. 

I have asked that a quick video be sent when housekeeper enters property. This has actually come in handy when guests have said they left something but did not. I have found it protects the next guest and the housekeeper as I have had guests accuse the cleaning crew of taking items they 'know' they left. The video only takes about a minute and has helped a few times. I'm thinking about asking for one at completion also to help protect the housekeeper, and hold them accountable, if guests have complaints. 

Sorry for rambling. Hope it helps a bit.

@Ralph Poirier 

Thank you Ralph Poirier. I will research them also. I appreciate the recommendation!

I know many questions about accounting software have been asked and answered. After hearing about Fetch Rewards on the podcast, I have downloaded and used that app. I know it has nothing to do with accounting for businesses. But the receipt capture and categorizing is impressive to me. Does anyone know of accounting software that can do the same? I have pictures of cash receipts on my phone, receipts in envelopes, charges on cards with items that are used at different locations, etc. It takes forever to round everything up and split into different categories for accounting purposes. Thank you all in advance for your help and wisdom!

@CathyHorner

I ask everyone for referrals who I have had any contact with in my areas. My amazing realtor @averycarl, @lucascarl, title people, mortgage people, cleaners, neighbors, and even other contractors we have hired to work on properties. Contractors know other people they have worked with that do good work and they usually do not mind referring them. Especially if it is a job that they are not interested in, or have the time, to do. That being said, some markets are easier to find reliable people in than others. So, we keep trying.

As for licensed, it depends on the job. Wiring for a hot tub-yes. Leaf blowing-not at all

Happy New Year everyone! 

I am going to shamelessly ask outright- please recommend a VA who can scrub tax lists from counties!

I hear them referred to often on BP and have tried several from Fiverr and Upwork but have not found a good fit yet. I have started out with small lists/tasks, and therefore small fees, as trials to find someone capable. I have included detailed instructions and answered specific questions they have. But no luck yet. Although small, these multiple small fees are starting to add up. I know in the long run the time and money spent on it will be worth it.  Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Thank you 

Angelica Osusky Good Morning! Did you find a RE CPA that you would be willing to recommend? I am in Naperville and think that I prefer an IL CPA. Any suggestions, or steer clears, that you can provide are greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

I would like any recommendations/referrals for a real estate agent(s) who is knowledgeable, and patient, in the area of multi-unit investing by a newbie (and spouse). We have been looking in Brevard County, Florida and nearby counties. We would be long distance investors/owners. We are excited to take this step and, as BP strongly recommends, building a 'strong boots on the ground' team. I realize asking on the forum may be an easier route, but why try to reinvent the wheel, if I can learn from those willing to teach and share? We travel to the area often and will be there at the end of this month. Thank you in advance for all of your wisdom and knowledge. 

Thank you Dustin Davis for the information and insight. It does seem a bit of a challenge in the area.   I hope the longer term rental works better for you. I'm not sure what we will do. We love our home and want to be able to come to it whenever we wish but would also like it to pay for itself as we are not here that much lately.  Hopefully we can keep in touch and I will let you know if I do find anything that might be helpful to you also.

Does anyone AirBnB, or similar, their properties in the Bentonville area in Arkansas? We would really like to start doing so with our home. I'd appreciate any recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. The larger companies we have talked to do not have the flexibility to do quick turn over cleanings. And being in the Ozarks it needs some specific outside cleaning/maintenance also. We are not in the area very often so we are not able to be hands on at all.  

Also, I welcome any advice or experiences you would like to share.  Thank you in advance.

Might depend on your location and what you are promoting the property as. If it is an escape from the hussel and bussel from every day life than no, but I'd explain that it is not there to help them keep their desire to get a way from it all by renting your place.

Anywhere else yes. If you have internet they can access the online shows. Some areas offer cable service that can be downgraded while home is not rented and reactivated when needed.