All Forum Posts by: Julia Ferris

If Cities and State Legisaltion or Ordinances allow only STRs where the owner lives on property/home share, and AirBNB is the only booking platform for home share stays, couldn't there be some sort of unfair competition/antitrust challenge to the ordinances?

Does anyone have any thoughts or expertise on this? My question is really academic, as I do not have any properties in these jurisdictions. Just watching what directions STRs are going. It is my understanding that Atlantic has passed Ordininances of this kind; so it would seem to me that they are favoring AirBNB over VRBO. Considering these companies make up 90% of the market' that seems significant to me.

Thanks,

Julia Ferris

I cannot relate to any of @Scott K. comments. When you mention guests' extorting you, do you mean reviews? My priority is Guests' not being able to extort money $$$ by lying; which they can never do on VRBO, and easily do on AirBNB. Glitches on AirBNB have changed settings.

But with regard to direct bookings, I am cautious about making certain I set it up properly; and mindful of risks. But I don't feel my business is MY business when I am dependent on platforms. Furthermore, I want to expand. With one property I probably wouldn't. I think the platforms are giving a false sense of security against damage or loss. But maybe a short term rental business is not feasible without the platforms.

@John Underwood

Houfy is not so much a platform as it is a listing site. Basically, same as listing on Craigslist or Facebook. If you use ownerrez or guesty, etc. sync and you can use it for direct booking.

@Ryan Moyer

The changes are actually more extensive and subtle than your description. For example, The definition of “Travel issue” was changed to not only broaden it, but make it more vague, and subjective. Read this article https://vrmintel.com/risky-business-using-airbnb-for-bookings-just-got-even-riskier-for-vacation-rental-owners-and-managers/

 I have not heard about them walking back the policy. I am setting myself up to take direct bookings now, and plan to use Houfy. I am happy with VRBO,  and have used it too. I'm just worried that launching my new one, and keeping occupancy at 99% in my first one may not be possible without a second, high-traffic platform.

It is interesting that a REALTORS group is going to bat for property owners' rights and STRs. But the legal argument probably will not translate to other situations.

I much prefer VRBO too. I'm just not certain that one platform will give me the production I am used to. I also, have a new property in a market new to me. Are you on AirBNB at all?

For all of you STR owners out there, does anyone share my concern that AirBNB's policies are increasingly becoming too problematic?

My STRs are marketed toward the middle class, as opposed to really high end. I want affordable options for all. But within that price point are a segment of guest that think re-negotiating the rate after the stay is an acceptable practice. I'm concerned about many trends I have seen with AirBNB's practices and policies. 

I'm concerned about having a business that is dependent on any platform. But while I try to build an independent business, will using AirBNB be feasible. Although I know others have concerns (there is a strike to pause listings on AirBNB in protest happening on May 18, 2022), I'm not certain if I am overreacting.

It is my feeling that within the STR arena, there are diehard AirBNB loyalists that will act against their own best interest in their devotion to AirBNB. I tend to agree with the more pragmatic owners, that are more business minded, than culture acolytes.

I think I am in need of perspective.

Julia Ferris

Hello,

I'm concerned that I waited too long to apply for a HELOC.

Do all banks calculate debt to income ratio the same way? How do they do  it? Is mortgage payment with taxes and insurance? What about a personal loan with no set payment terms? Much of my income from my w2 is categorized as "Bonus", but paid out throughout the year, so  I'm worried.

Can anyone recommend an investor friendly vendor. I'm in Florida.

Thank you,

Julia Ferris

@Melanie Stephens

Hello,

I’m wondering if you (or anyone else) know the answer to a different question.

When looking on BPs website for short term rental topics and info., I found a section called “AirBNB”. Is BiggerPockets making some deal with AirBNB?

Julia Ferris