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All Forum Posts by: Michael Baum

Michael Baum has started 109 posts and replied 8000 times.

Post: quick tip to increase occupancy!

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

We have had a Pack-N-Play in our lake house from the get. Along with 2 baby gates, a Diaper Genie and 2 high chairs (the small mount on the chair kind).

All of them get used with the exception of the Diaper Genie.

I keep the PnP in the master bedroom closet, the baby gates are right in the dining room and the high chairs are stored in the dining room buffet.

Post: Beyond's 2025 Travel Trends For Hosts To Watch

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

We are still getting the majority of the bookings 6-12 months in advance.

The rest of the calendar fills in the closer to the season it gets.

Post: Why Reviews Should Matter to You as an STR Investor

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

Hehe not in my case @Collin Hays. All 5 stars on both major platforms. When the guests decide to leave a review!

Post: First STR Property setup questions

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

I use my cell for contacting. Guest either text or call when needed but we run a tight ship so I rarely get calls/texts.

I have our ages set as 25 or older. So far no issues.

I don't have instant book on. I just ask a few simple questions to verify if the guests are real and why they are coming. Pretty easy.

Post: AirBnB Cumming GA

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

No idea @Raymond Kalonji. Have you driven up there and checked it out? I am assuming you are in the greater Atlanta area.

Post: STR in a high cost of living area- worth it?

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

Well done @Ashley Bitner! Super cool as those permits are soooo hard to get and even keep going with.

Post: STR in a high cost of living area- worth it?

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

Hey @Ashley Bitner, just wondering if it is actually legal in the area the house is at. So many restrictions on STRs in CA so I am curious.

If you want to increase revenue, then listing on VRBO is a must.

Post: Airbnb Rolled Out New Guest Services—We Opted Out. Curious What Others Are Doing?

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

None of the services are available where we are at so I didn't look but I will opt out.

Post: Short Term Rental Regulations - Noise Monitoring & Pool Safety Requirements

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857

There is no way I would have a pool without a fence. The liability is just too much IMHO.

One incident will kill your STR business. Don't skimp. I would do the alarms along with the fence.

A pool accident based on a missing fence will be negligence for sure.

Post: The Cycle of Market Emotions in Smokies Short Term Rentals: Where we are

Michael Baum
#2 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
Posted
  • Olympia, WA
  • Posts 8,144
  • Votes 6,857
Quote from @Victor S.:
did you expect them to be honest with you? lol most "new" jobs come with pto/vac hours already pre-awarded, so i'm not buying that.
Well it doesn't really matter. They were well before the window so it's fine.