All Forum Posts by: Matthew Perez

 Exactly. On top of that, I want to work with hospitals/relocation specialists who find housing for traveling healthcare professionals. Could be another niche avenue for bookings. At some point, I plan to add properties, so I can bring more value to these relationships. I want to provide several locations, and it increases the likelihood that they will reach out me, and a higher chance I have availability. 

 I agree. From a platform standpoint, AirBnb is too powerful. However, my goal is to have several avenues for bookings, so I am not solely dependent on AirBnb. Especially for MTR, I want to establish relationships with these companies to lock down my niche. While I would gladly accept an AirBnb booking, my property is less a vacation rental, and more a utility for traveling professionals/displaced families. 

 I did send over an email a few days ago. I'm guessing I have a low chance of a response via email? 

You're probably right, appreciate it. 

I am currently operating my mid-term rental in Hollywood, FL. I did get my first guest, on AirBnb, who booked for 70 nights. While i'm happy, and relieved, I don't want to take my foot off-the-gas, and ensure i'm positioning myself for consistent stays. Ideally, I want more booking through Furnished Finder (to cut down on AirBnb fees), as well as direct from insurance providers, relocation specialists, etc. I reached out to a few companies via email, trying to introduce myself and my property, but haven't heard back yet. I know it's a slow burn, but if anyone has any recommendations as to who I should connect with, whether a business, or an investor in the Dade/Broward area, I am open to any and all suggestions, and I welcome collaboration. 

 I purchased this property in Hollywood, FL. In the middle of Miami & Fort Lauderdale. While I purchased this property for healthcare professionals, turns out, my first guest is not in healthcare, and is simply relocating to this area for work, and needed a place to stay in the interim. 

I financed this property with a conventional mortgage. I put 5% down, and had seller cover a large portion of my closing costs. I did a lot of renovations to the property (went way over budget), so I anticipate the combination of that + south Florida appreciation (high demand, very low supply) will get me to a place where I can refinance and cash out a decent amount. It all depends on where rates are in April, and whether it's even worth it. I figured, if I can break even now - with a 6.875% rate & PMI included in my payment - it will be a breeze once I can refinance.

 Thank you! I definitely will. I can say hiring a professional photographer is a no-brainer, the listing photos really make it more compelling. Now, I am focusing on mastering my pricing software (PriceLabs) to take advantage of Nov-March which is hot season in South Florida. 

Correct, this camera is outside. It's an STR/MTR staple, and every book I have read has recommended it's use, especially if you do not live relatively close to the property. It's there to protect the property, ensure guests aren't bringing a group of people over that weren't on the original reservation. I can speak through it, which i've done with my landscaper when the keypad entry code wasn't working.

After this experience, my next property will certainly have a hardwired camera.

I think everyone misunderstood. This camera is outside, to ensure AirBnb guests aren't bringing several people over to party, or bringing more guests than were paid for when they reserved the property. Locality in Hollywood, FL has specific quiet hours, and I do not want to get noise complaints. This is one the ways to monitor that. There is no cameras inside the house.