All Forum Posts by: Kevin Boyd

All of my STR's have pools. I have built 3 for homes that didn't already have them. Pretty sure I'm paying for the pools with the added income within a couple years.

Who uses their property for weddings and other events? I'm looking for ways other than Airbnb and VRBO to market my a couple of my properties. These are larger homes on several acres. We do get some interest in events through those platforms, but I'm guessing there are other places that are more specific to events. I was also told renting out for photo shoots can be profitable. 

Does anyone have experience they'd like to share?

I'm looking to refi  a commercial loan and looking for the best option. The current value is about $2.8 mil. The balance on the existing loan is $1.6 mil. Property is in California. Fully rented for past 2 years. Looking for the best terms and possibly some cash out.

Are you guys just assuming here or do you have experience or knowledge with this?

I have had multiple issues with Airbnb over the past 6 months costing me over $20k. The issues have been cancellations outside of my cancellation policy (and Airbnb's extenuating circumstances policy), and guests claiming issues that were issued refunds. We had 4 cancellations on bookings made after 6/1. Airbnb awarded the guests  full refunds because they falsely claimed that my settings were set for flexible cancellations. They have also given guests 50% refunds on their entire stay for very minor issue. They will not provide me with evidence of the issue.

All that to say, I am thinking of going through the Aribitration process with Airbnb. Has anyone done this? My biggest fear is them delisting me if I go after them. Any advice would be appreciated.

Are you happy with my porter?

Sorry for my confusion. You say, “I would expect it to be on the market soon”, but it sounds like you already have it???

Sorry for my confusion. You say, “I would expect it to be on the market soon”, but it sounds like you already have it???

I have several homes with swimming pools with gas and electric bills over $1000/month during the summer. On a couple of the properties the bills are in the $1500-$1900 range.. The homes are  2200-3500 sq. Ft. I know guests run the AC 24/7. We generate enough revenue that we can handle this expense but it would sure be nice to reduce these expenses. Does anyone know of devices that would shut off the AC when doors or windows are open or when nobody is in the house?

I am looking for software to make the management of 6 vacation rental properties more effecient. My main objectives is to have one calendar to manage for bookings and setting rates and one place to send and receive emails (also preset emails like trash day, check out reminders, etc.) I am comparing Guesty, Lodgify, rentalsunited.

Does anyone have any other recommendations or experience with any of these? I liked THe Guesty Demo, but they want a lot of upfront money for set up as well as $70/ month for each property. Seems expensive.