All Forum Posts by: Michelle Baldwin

Hi Everyone, I own and self manage 2 of my own properties here in Western NC. I use Airbnb, VRBO, and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing. I created a co-hosting profile as I was looking for additional opportunities. I am now connected to and working with another owner and managing her property under my portfolio as well. We successfully set up the co-hosting on Airbnb where I receive the agreed upon 18% + the cleaning fee. Now VRBO is where we are running into a challenge. The owner had her own listing set up on VRBO and has given me the username/PW to be logged in and responding to inquiries and managing guest communications. However, I cannot be signed into both her account and my own VRBO for my 2 properties at the same time. VRBO of course has no co-hosting option. So for the bookings we get on there, I am invoicing her monthly for the cleaning fees and then 18% of the rental rates for each booking. But the biggest issue is not being signed into both this account and my own at the same time. I'm wondering if there's a software out there that could connect 2 separate VRBO accounts to resolve this issue. The owner seems to want to not lose ownership of the account altogether. If we can't find a solution, I think she will be OK with me adding her property under my own account, and then me paying her out monthly. I appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you!

As others have said, lower the prices. That’s how you get more bookings. It’s a great little place and I think you did an excellent job. My recommendations would be fire pit area might pop and look more inviting if you went with different color Adirondack chairs, the gray ones really blend in with the surrounding gravel. Pick a nice bright color for those, like teal or red. Interior wise, I really like framed wall art. The generic canvas photos feel so cheap to me and don’t photograph well. Thrift stores are great for interesting framed pieces or even just nice frames and then order your own prints for them off Etsy. This will give your place more character. Add a long (14”x36”) colorful or patterned throw pillow on each bed.

@Todd Goedeke Hey Todd, thanks for your reply. This cabin is a 2 bed 2 bath. It was previously a STVR, in fact the previous owner lives next door. He built his house and the one we bought from him. He managed the cabin himself for several years as a STR. He had become tired of the upkeep and work involved. He also wanted to cash out on several of his investments and fully "retire", hence reason for selling. He's become a great friend and mentor to us. This cabin was our first real estate purchase.

We put down $58k. It came fully furnished and was already in excellent condition. No updates needed. We needed a new well pump installed on our shared well in 2022 which was ~$11k for our half.

In 2023 we had no major expenses, occupancy was right at 59.7% (218 nights) and we averaged about $175 per night. It was our best year yet!

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $300,000
Cash invested: $50,000

Short Term Rental Property in Whittier, NC with long range mountain views. The property had window AC's and a gas fireplace upon purchasing so we immediately had central heating and AC installed. Large wrap-around covered porch and a small flat yard to enjoy the amazing views.

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Maggie Valley.

Purchase price: $290,000
Cash invested: $58,000

Short Term Rental Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC with stunning mountain views, perched at 4200 ft elevation. Located only 5 minutes away from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $290,000

Short Term Rental Cabin in Maggie Valley, NC with stunning mountain views, perched at 4200 ft elevation. Located only 5 minutes away from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway!