All Forum Posts by: Lisa Graesser

Well...you are amusing at times!

We did get our 3rd conventional Mortgage for our 3rd STR. It is considered an investment. Only the 1st STR was considered a second home. The Bank did consider our rental income to qualify and we were required to have the 20% down. The bank took into consideration our potential rental income to qualify for the mortgage. We were also dealing with a bank that is owned and run by the community that we were purchasing in, so the process was fast and easy, only because they were well aware of rental potential. You would probably have the best chance with qualiying, with a local bank that knows the local market. My first 2 mortgages were with a national bank and the second mortgage was a nightmare. 1 week before closing, they all of a sudden informed me that they wouldn't fund an investment property in a retirement community. Only because I contacted the right people was our Mortgage approved, I would never deal with them again.

A nice clean, comfortable house that supplies all the comforts of home. No gifts, just good communication and a well maintained home.

I always offer early check in or check out when it is possible. It is just nice not to be on such a regimented schedule when you are vacationing. Your schedule is mostly likely determined by what time your flight arrives or departs. I know I would prefer to be able to enter or depart based on what time I have to be at the airport and not worry about how I was going to fill up that time. 

I don't know about you, but I don't travel in my hiking apparel, so I would love if possible to be able drop off my stuff and change if I wanted to go for a hike when I arrived.

It's just a nice gesture if someone else is not occupying the house and the house is ready for a couple of hours before or after the reservation when possible.

I don't have a property in Miami, but I have heard good things about Proper Insurance https://www.proper.insure/ They specialize in short term rental insurance. They may be more expensive than others, but I would check them out and compare with the quotes you have recieved.

Nice of you to return her funds.  This is a tough call depending on your location. You don't want to put anyone in harms way, but you also don't know if you will. My houses are in central Florida so likely the most we will get is rain and wind.

I have a no refund policy, but state in my agreement that if I am unable to offer them the house due to such things as storm damage, then I would refund them in full.  You can't control the weather, it has been raining alot in Florida and I am sure it has been disappointing for my guests, but no one has asked for a refund due to the weather. Guests can also obtain insurance, but I don't know if the insurance would cover the fact that a storm is coming, unless there were evacuation requirements or your house could not be offered for use.

I hope you gave them a 5 star review and privately told them the things you would have liked, so they can improve future experiences. Leaving over the counter meds for guests to use...is not a good idea.

I use the Hoover steam vac, never heard of using fabulosa. Is it specifically for carpet cleaners or just the general cleaning solution? I use it for carpets and tile. My main stains are traffic patterns and occasional pet accident. I love my steam vac, wouldn't live without it. 

The only thing I can think of that you should buy new are big screen smart TV's, other than that, if you can find nice quality second hand anything, that works great! If you can't find what you want Wayfair.com is a great place to puchase bedroom headboards, dressers, entertainment centers and dining furniture.
I would suggest leather(real leather, not bonded) furniture for the living room. Reclining furniture is a plus. Must have comfortable mattresses. We just stayed at a house that I thought the matress was so comfortable, when I checked to see what make it was, it was a memory foam topper(sleep innovations, 2-3" topper, put that on my list for future purchases) Nice soft  sheets, soft blankets, nice pillows for all preferences and have at least 3 per person available. Cotton towels. Put shelving in the showers to hold shampoos, soaps and razors(Command) makes great shelving for these accessories(Command Shower Water-Resistant, Clear Frosted, 1 Caddy, 4 Strips (BATH11-ES), 4.8 x 11.3 x 6", https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H... ), makeup mirrors. supply in the kitchen anything that you would use in your own home.  I have done this for 3 homes, sq ft 1200-1700, cost between 10,000-15,000(1/2 of all puchased second hand). We did the last house in 10 days non stop(relaced floors, repainted throughout, furnished and accessorized).  Just consider whatever would make you comfortable a good choice.

Retirees, especially the snowbirds renting from 1-3 months love big screen tv's, full cable package with sports channels like ESPN and the golf channel and reclining furniture.