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All Forum Posts by: Nikky Jarvis

Nikky Jarvis has started 5 posts and replied 30 times.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Mose Gebremeskel:
Quote from @Lindsey Mannix:

Hi Nikky,

I handle stays over 28 days in any of my STR and MTR properties like I do my LTR properties - background and credit check required, minimum income requirements and they sign a lease.

~ .Lindsey


 Agree with this!

I agree too.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

I think it's a great idea to include these in the house rules so potential guests/midterm renters will be clear what is expected prior to their booking. I'll ensure to update my house rule accordingly.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Nikky Jarvis:
Quote from @Bonnie Low:
Quote from @Allen Duan:

For MTR bookings through an OTA, like VRBO or Furnished Finder, you'll have to get creative if you want to do background and credit checks. I've heard of some hosts adding to the house rules that the guests must complete those steps after booking on the OTA platform, otherwise the booking will be canceled.

At my company, we don't do background and credit checks for OTA bookings, but we do ask why they're renting a MTR and who will be staying with them. The answer to those questions is usually enough for me to know if I want to take the booking or not.

But you do have them sign a lease, right?
Yes, I inform them that they will sign a lease. Some people stop responding when they are informed about background checks/credit checks requirement.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Bonnie Low:
Quote from @Allen Duan:

For MTR bookings through an OTA, like VRBO or Furnished Finder, you'll have to get creative if you want to do background and credit checks. I've heard of some hosts adding to the house rules that the guests must complete those steps after booking on the OTA platform, otherwise the booking will be canceled.

At my company, we don't do background and credit checks for OTA bookings, but we do ask why they're renting a MTR and who will be staying with them. The answer to those questions is usually enough for me to know if I want to take the booking or not.

But you do have them sign a lease, right?
Yes, I inform them that they will sign a lease. Some people stop responding when they are informed about background checks/credit checks requirement.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Lindsey Mannix:

Hi Nikky,

I handle stays over 28 days in any of my STR and MTR properties like I do my LTR properties - background and credit check required, minimum income requirements and they sign a lease.

~ Lindsey


 Thanks for your response and for the information.

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Allen Duan:

For MTR bookings through an OTA, like VRBO or Furnished Finder, you'll have to get creative if you want to do background and credit checks. I've heard of some hosts adding to the house rules that the guests must complete those steps after booking on the OTA platform, otherwise the booking will be canceled.

At my company, we don't do background and credit checks for OTA bookings, but we do ask why they're renting a MTR and who will be staying with them. The answer to those questions is usually enough for me to know if I want to take the booking or not.


 Thank you so much for your response. 

Post: Vetting MTR guests

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

I have been getting requests from guests on VRBO for extended stays  - up to 5 months. I've only used Furnished Finders to vet guests on that platform, and wondered what suggestions anyone has about MTR guests through VRBO. I'm presently hosting my first MTR guest who came through Furnished Finders so all the background checks and payments were handled on that platform. I've only had short term guests through VRBO and did not have require background checks. Any recommendation is welcome.

Thank you in advance!

Post: Suitable property Management

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Cameron Tope:
Quote from @Michael Smythe:

@Nikky Jarvis you can find some posts about Mynd here via search. 

They had some problems in the past, but many of their offices seemed to have improved.

Still, recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.

Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder, etc.

Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.

Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.

In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.

EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean? What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.? You’d be shocked by how little actual screening many PMC’s do!

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings. Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

P.S. If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general. Take ownership of your mistake and learn to do the proper due diligence recommended above😊

@Nikky Jarvis There's a lot of solid advice from @Michael Smythe!

Only thing to add - there seems to be two main types of PMCs - one that looks to the owner drive the decisions and keep things organized, the other is a professional that puts the owner and property into an effective system. 

If you want the former, go with the Mynds of the world. 

If you want the latter, check out NARPM and find a solid local company. 

All the best!

Thank you for your input. This is very helpful.

Post: Suitable property Management

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Michael Smythe:

@Nikky Jarvis you can find some posts about Mynd here via search. 

They had some problems in the past, but many of their offices seemed to have improved.

Still, recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.

Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder, etc.

Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.

Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.

In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.

EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean? What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.? You’d be shocked by how little actual screening many PMC’s do!

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings. Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

P.S. If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general. Take ownership of your mistake and learn to do the proper due diligence recommended above😊

Thank you...very informative.

Post: Suitable property Management

Nikky JarvisPosted
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Noah Bacon:

Hi Nikky!

I recommend using Property Manager Finder. It helps you find reliable property management partnerships and gives you everything you need to make confident hiring decisions:

  • Expert Matching: Match with professionals who meet your criteria
  • Extra Assurance: Licenses, experience, ratings, reviews, and more that can be cross-checked with BiggerPockets members
  • Bonus Content: Receive an essential interactive workbook: “How to Interview Property Management Companies

 Thank you so much for your response.. I'm now exploring all the suggested options!