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All Forum Posts by: Lyndsey Garza

Lyndsey Garza has started 0 posts and replied 52 times.

Post: Cash flowing parts of Galveston for STR?

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @Aaron Williams:
Quote from @Lyndsey Garza:

Hi Lailu! I have been selling and managing vacation rental investments at Pointe West specifically since 2006. I was the sales director for both developers & also owned an independent brokerage, Pointe West Properties, and managed up to 64 homes in the community or West End. I would be very happy to help you with finding the right condo, listed on MLS or off-market deals that I know of out there.

The monthly fees are not as outrageous as they appear to be…Buyers tend to have “sticker shock” at first, but once they understand what all is included and Covered in that monthly cost, it’s way more palatable. Also, keep in mind that the community’s amenities are attract the guests who bring that revenue with them! I know PW better than any other Galveston broker, and am excited to have an opportunity to help you! 

Hi Lyndsey, do you know what type of financing is typically available for Pointe West? I'm wondering if it is considered a condotel and if the condos are warrantable for conventional lending. Thank you!

Post: Have you leased to a company who subsequently used your home for short term rentals?

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35

Hi Donald,

I recommend conducting extensive research before proceeding with any arbitrage deal, especially since the company appears to be relatively new.

Upon reviewing their website, I noticed that the social media links do not seem to be functioning properly, which raises concerns about their online presence and transparency. Wanderlust Ventures operates under the domain "Hosting Your Stay," which offers full-service property management, including reservations, guest interactions, and maintenance.

I conducted a quick search for specific reviews or testimonials regarding Wanderlust Ventures and its operations in property management or short-term rentals. I did find some feedback on Hosting Your Stay, which is associated with Wanderlust Ventures. A property owner expressed satisfaction with their services since 2018. However, this raises concerns for me. I would advise asking the company if you could speak with the current owners they are serving.

Keep in mind that short-term rental (STR) management is a completely different style of management, especially if handled correctly. Your tenant in an STR is a guest with very different needs compared to a long-term tenant. Good luck & keep us posted on your experience!

Lyndsey :)

Post: Do HOA dues effect home value?

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35

This is a nuanced topic with several factors that can influence the outcome. In my experience, I have witnessed both positive and negative impacts on property values since I started selling real estate in 2005. Effective HOA management & enforcement of rules can foster a sense of community, ensuring that properties are well-maintained. Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood will make the area more attractive to potential buyers, thus increasing home values. Also, desirable amenities (pools, fitness centers, clubhouses) enhance the functionality of a community. Unfortunately, not all HOA communities experience increased home values due to poor management, local market conditions, and special assessments for unexpected expenses can lead to dissatisfaction among residents.

I always advise potential buyers to carefully evaluate the specific HOA's fees, services, and management practices while performing their due diligence.

Post: Leads for rental properties in need of a designer

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35

Hi Julianna! Welcome to Bigger Pockets. Most of my clients are here in Galveston so I would love to connect! Send me message, text, or email! 😊

Post: Looking to build a Beachfront home in Freeport/Galveston TX.

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @Susanne Kuhn:

@Ashlee Hutson could you tell me more about the beach house you built in Galveston in 2021? I've been looking at Galveston for STR, but everything seems so run down.

Hi Suzanne! I am local broker and property manager here on the Island. I would love to have a phone call and give you my input from selling vacation rental investments here since 2006. Feel free to reach out anytime! 

Post: How Rare are Oceanfront STR's and BNB's in your State and the United States?

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Hi AJ, 

Howdy from Texas! In the Galveston short-term rental market, beachfront homes are indeed a premium asset class, much like the Oregon and California markets you've described. Your analysis of the Oregon market is quite thorough, and similar principles apply here in Texas. Proximity to the beach is a significant driver of rental demand and will command higher rental prices, leading owners to experience attractive returns on investment.

In Texas, particularly in areas like Galveston, there is a robust market for direct beachfront vacation rentals. Larger single family homes (4+ beds)  that offer direct beach access are especially sought after and always yield high occupancy rates. The Texas Gulf Coast offers a variety of investment opportunities, from luxury homes in exclusive communities to more modest beachfront condos that can still provide a solid return, especially when managed effectively and marketed to the right audience.

Regarding the number of oceanfront vacation rentals in Florida, the market is indeed larger and more mature, with a wide range of properties available for short-term rental. While the high-end market may not always yield the highest percentage returns due to the elevated property values, there are still opportunities for significant income, particularly in less saturated markets or during peak seasons. 

As for the highest grossing oceanfront vacation rental I've seen, it would be a 5 bedroom beachfront single family home with 4000+ square feet, located in Pointe West, Galveston’s sought after resort community on the Island’s West End that grossed over $250k last year, thanks to its unique amenities and excellent management. While not as high as the duplex you mentioned in Rockaway Beach, OR, it's a testament to the potential of well-positioned and well-managed properties in beachfront locations. 




Quote from @AJ Wong:

When it comes to returns on investment for coastal short term rentals or vacation homes, a prime characteristic can be proximity to the beach or an oceanview. Having helped several clients obtain oceanview properties in the past several years that have subsequently become highly successful AirBnB's, I recently assisted a client with my first oceanfront property sale, that has rapidly become a popular BnB option and the question arose, just how many oceanfront STR's are there? Not only here on the Oregon and California Coast's but beyond?

For the better part of the past two decades I have lived on or within a half block of the sand. Several of my properties have been successful AirBnB's, but none have been oceanfront. It's difficult to ascertain an accurate metric of the total quantity of overall oceanfront properties in Oregon (any suggestions) but my best guess is that there are 800-1000 actual SFR homes? I suspect at least 50% are full time or secondary residences.

So, potentially 4-500 SFR homes and a fraction of that with optimal actual beach access and eligible for a short term rental permit. I'd be willing to guess there are fewer than 50-75 active SFR oceanfront vacation rentals in the STATE of Oregon.

Having lived in coastal FL, CA, MX and traveled every inch of Oregon's coastline, investors still acquire considerable value for OR oceanfront investment.

For example: The most recent oceanfront STR my client acquired sold for $1.5M with a down payment of 15% and seller concession of 1%. With projected gross revenue of $150k+/- The cash on cash return is attractive and the underlying asset is difficult to reproduce at the valuation.

At present by my calculations there are currently 4 oceanfront properties actively on the market that can obtain a permit outright and another 3-4 that can secure a vacation rental permit on the Oregon Coast within six months. The others would be limited for vacation rental usages by HOA's or local restrictions. So in total 2-3 dozen oceanfront SFR listings in the entire State of Oregon.

On average a moderate oceanfront home that is not eligible for STR usage is attainable with a $750K+/- budget and SFR eligible for vacation rental usages are $1M+ in the $600-1k/SF range.

Looking beyond, to let's say my home state of Florida. How many houses (not condos) but actual houses are there on the ocean to begin with? I used to live in one of the most exclusive enclaves in Florida, Hillsboro Mile, where the starting price for a oceanfront home now is in the multiple 8 figures, same for Fort Lauderdale, but within our investing lifetime entry price point was in the low seven figures. 

I only mention this because at present valuations,  it is unlikely the existing oceanfront homes in South Florida, would make for a high yield return vacation rental. 

I have looked at investments and am aware that on the West and Northern Florida Coast's there are very attractive oceanfront ROI opportunities, presumedly because valuations are more reasonable?

So, how many oceanfront vacation rentals are there in the State of Florida? That you could book online right now, walk out the door and put your toes in the sand? 

Thousands? Or hundreds? Either way that would be a niche and unique asset class. 

Unrelated question, what is the highest grossing oceanfront vacation rental you have seen hard financials for? Or, better for investment analysis, highest pound for pound return? 

A luxury oceanfront Duplex that was listed for $2.5M recently sold in Rockaway Beach OR for $2.1M and averaged $300k Gross income the past two years. That was impressive production. 

Curious to hear about your State or other luxury destinations? 


Post: Mergers and Acquisitions Help

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:
Quote from @Lyndsey Garza:
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Hello!

We are in negotiations to buy out a smaller competitor.  This is a first for us, and looking to see if anyone had any experience in this as we have a few questions about how it went.  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks!


Hi Andrew, 

First of all, congratulations on taking your business to the next level. I am excited for you and your team as you continue to grow! I am passionate about the acquisition process in the vacation rental industry and would be more than happy to share some of my experiences as a seller, the smaller Vacation rental company owner, twice now. First acquisition was a deal with Vacasa in 2014, approximately 51 units. I just closed on my second acquisition/partnership with Porter Vacation Rentals earlier this month, 10 units. I am have joined the Porter team remotely as the Texas Business Development Manager. My tips aren’t complicated, mostly in the area of setting expectations for both parties, from announcement to transition. This can be emotional as well, so communications and processes will make things go smoother for the buyer, seller, guests, owners, vendors, etc. Don’t hesitate to call me if I can help! 🙂 



 Thanks Lyndsey! We really have questions centering around the structure and the valuation model.  Is there any way I could schedule a call and pick your brain a little?


That sounds like a plan, Andrew. I look forward to connecting & will send you a email/text shortly! 

Post: Questions about short term rentals

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @Bo Davis:

Who is willing to sit with me and let me blister you with STR questions. I am currently in the Rookie boot camp and would like to get some more time with someone who specializes in STR. Thanks in advance and look forward to someone taking the time if any!

Hi Bo! Let’s connect - love meeting new people to the industry and learning just as much, if not more, from them. 

I am located in Galveston, TX. Happy to help & pass it along. 🙂

Post: Mergers and Acquisitions Help

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Hello!

We are in negotiations to buy out a smaller competitor.  This is a first for us, and looking to see if anyone had any experience in this as we have a few questions about how it went.  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks!


Hi Andrew, 

First of all, congratulations on taking your business to the next level. I am excited for you and your team as you continue to grow! I am passionate about the acquisition process in the vacation rental industry and would be more than happy to share some of my experiences as a seller, the smaller Vacation rental company owner, twice now. First acquisition was a deal with Vacasa in 2014, approximately 51 units. I just closed on my second acquisition/partnership with Porter Vacation Rentals earlier this month, 10 units. I am have joined the Porter team remotely as the Texas Business Development Manager. My tips aren’t complicated, mostly in the area of setting expectations for both parties, from announcement to transition. This can be emotional as well, so communications and processes will make things go smoother for the buyer, seller, guests, owners, vendors, etc. Don’t hesitate to call me if I can help! 🙂 


Post: STR Conditions in Galveston

Lyndsey Garza
Posted
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Galveston, TX
  • Posts 57
  • Votes 35
Quote from @King White:

Does anyone know why the average rental income of STR in Galveston is almost half of what it is in other nearby markets like Port Aransas and south padre island. It is really low given when compared to other beach towns.

As someone who has watched the Texas Coastal market closely (from Galveston) over the past 15-20 years, there are a few factors I believe come into play when looking into revenue comparisons across these markets. 

I believe the differences in demand between the markets, what brings the renter to the destination, number of available properties (supply), and Galveston’s close proximity to Houston are the main reasons for revenue differences. As compared with Padre or Port Aransas, Galveston tends to attract guests who stay shorter stays and may be thinking more last minute. We had a VERY short booking window this past summer - still continuing! Market saturation and comparable property type(s) can also be responsible for lower revenue totals here on the Island. The name of the game this year here on the Island was occupancy vs typical revenue earned.