All Forum Posts by: Michael Baum

Hey @Brandon Wallace so first, you are managing a Short Term Rental, not an AirBNB. AirBNB is a platform where you list a short term rental.

Next, like others have said, it is a pass through cost and you should simply put in what the cleaner charges. Our cleaner charges us $300 and we charge $250. A lot of the cost is associated with the drive to get out and back to our lake house.

If your friend isn't listed on VRBO, she is missing out on revenue and bookings. 

Hey @Kwanza P., I would do a search on here for Galveston and you will find some info.

There are a lot of STRs there so you will be forced to compete on price so self managing is going to be the way to go.

Hey @Randy Cheval so @Andrew Steffens had a cool idea with the Murphy bed. 

You can do a cabinet Murphy bed - https://www.amazon.com/howcool-Queen-Murphy-Bed-Cabinet/dp/B...

That is just an example but there are a lot of versions of this. Then just use a normal couch.

If you want a hide-a-bed, then go with something made in USA. We have a La-Z-Boy with a queen mattress. It isn't used much but it is comfortable for use as a couch.

@Mike Lambert recently posted about how a guest thought the hide-a-bed couch he has wasn't comfortable so it is important to choose one that is great to sit on.

You are going to pay more for something new so you might take a look on the local Craigslist, FB marketplace or OfferUP and see what is out there. I got that La-Z-Boy for $200 and it is like brand new. It is about $1900 now new.

Where is the place located?

Hey @Mike Lambert. So they were unhappy while sitting on the couch itself or when it is open to a bed?

If it is couch mode, there might be a few thing you can do to make it a bit more comfortable. If there is an issue with the metal bars that circumnavigate the seating area, you might try using pipe insulation on them. You should be able to fit them on there and secure with a zip tie or maybe tape.

We have a La-Z-Boy hide-a-bed and it is just as comfortable as the Basset couch and loveseat sitting next to it.

What brand is the couch? You should be able to add to or replace the cushions to help with the comfort.

I wouldn't worry too much about the review as you will build up more and it will be canceled out. Are you listed on VRBO as well?

Hey @Buck Dabill, let's back up a second. Where is it located? What lake? Do you have any photos you can post?

I wouldn't add any motorized toys. We have a lake front STR and no way I would have those available. I point them to the local watersports rental company that drops boats and ski's right at the local marina.

Regarding kayaks and bikes, that is a crap shoot IMHO. Yes they are a nice bonus, but you could find yourself on the end of a lawsuit due to a guest getting injured or even killed. Even if you write a bunch of text into a contract for those items, it probably won't matter much. Too risky for us.

Regarding additional guest packages, you can easily change your tax situation by offering what the IRS calls "significant services". It is a fine line really. I have talked at length with CPAs and IRS people about it and it can cause you a problem. I would check with your CPA before setting anything up.

If you are talking about referring people to local fun businesses like the boat rental, restaurants, amusement parks etc then there is no problem. If you offer a in house chef to cook meals, daily cleaning service etc. then that crosses the line.

So, where is it at and show us some pics. I think @John Underwood and I who own lake front properties might be able to help get you a baseline nightly rate.

Hey @Justin Melton, are you also on VRBO? You might be missing out on some revenue.

The revenue seems pretty good to me. You didn't tell us where you are located so it is hard to tell if you should try and find another place or not.

If the folks are just willing to rent, then finding them a nice rental seems to be in order. Then you can help them find a new place to buy or just keep renting. 

Hey @Tobias Joneses, so you just have to keep looking for the right deal. It is possible but I am sure it will take time in that area.

The STR "loophole" isn't a loophole. It is simply the law. It is working as designed.

Personally I wouldn't go for a STR in Longbeach. There are restrictions and unhosted seem to be illegal - https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/lbcd/media-library/do...

They say that it isn't specifically prohibited but it is banned by the omission.

So do ours. They drop it off at the dump area. We are rural so most homes don't have trash service.

We do as we are in the tiny town and the guests put the can out on Tuesdays. Otherwise she takes the trash with her.

Hey @Stephanie Medina, this comes up fairly regularly and is really an individual situation. Luckily you are in a better position than a lot of folks.

I like the idea of paying a neighbor kid. It gives them a bit of cash, some responsibility with little effort. I would introduce yourself to the parents (really all of the neighbors, it is a good thing).

The parents will help keep the kid on the straight and narrow plus it helps show that you are a responsible STR owner working within the community.

The other thing you could do pay your cleaner to come by on trash day, take it out then back in. 

Ok, @Dina Schmid, good luck with your new place!