All Forum Posts by: Ryan Johnston

@Joshua Frank  I second @Blair Nye response.  Charlotte is tough, but the secondary markets have good opportunity.  I'm just outside of Charlotte in Gastonia.  Growth in Gastonia is coming(already started).  It's only a matter of time, as Belmont and other surrounding areas have exploded recently.  

Happy to answer any questions you may have.  Good luck Josh!

Here's another thing we've implemented in our properties with great feedback.  We made video instructions of certain things throughout the property (Example: How to Operate the TV).  Instead of printing out a list of instructions for the guest to read, we did a quick video walkthrough, and attached it to a QR code for the guest to scan on their phone.  The QR code is the size of a business card and says "Scan for TV Instructions" - sits right beside TV.  They scan the code on their phone and video comes right up walking them through how to operate.

This gives the guest the answer they want immediately, and eliminates the need for them to contact us.  Haven't been asked about the TV since we implemented.  May seem small, but sometimes it's the small touches that go a long way with the guest experience.

@John Underwood Yes, I agree.  Apologies if I didn't clarify in my post.  We provide extra for that very reason.  Making sure the guest has plenty of the essentials (yes, that includes coffee) goes a long way.

@Adam Odom  Our goal is to remove as many friction points as possible.  We're very proactive about eliminating things that would annoy a guest during a stay.  That consists of extra towels, coffee, etc.  Shampoo and Soap dispensers in the showers.  We also invest in good sheets, pillows, and mattresses.  I'm not saying to provide an exorbitant amount, but enough to eliminate the possibility that guest complains.

We've found that this goes farther than providing additional amenities.  

@Nathan Faggard  Hey Nathan!  Welcome to Charlotte!  I'm a Mortgage Lender in Charlotte, Also own and operate a few STRs myself.  Happy to answer any questions you may have.  Cheers!     p.s.  @Amy Shutes is awesome!

@Kellyn Cameron  Hi Kellyn!  I'm just outside of Charlotte in Belmont.  I'm an investor.  Currently have 3 short term rentals that we self-manage.  Happy to answer any questions you may have.  

@James Honeycutt Welcome to the triad, James!  I'm a mortgage lender (licensed in NC, SC, and GA), but also an investor.  I live in Charlotte, but have 3 short term rentals in my home town of High Point, NC, just south of Greensboro.  Happy to help with any lending, investing, or general questions you may have about the area.  Cheers!

Hey guys.  Mortgage Lender here.  Sounds like the broker(s) may be trying to protect his commission on the deal, if he is the person that closed the refinance.  Depending on their company policy, the broker/lender may have to repay his commission if loan is paid off within 6-12 months.  

@Josh Crowell  Hey Josh.  I currently have 2 in High Point, NC and just closed on the 3rd (not operating yet).  We self-manage them, and stay very well booked all year long.  Happy to share tips and strategies that we have implemented.  I am also a mortgage lender, so can assist on the financing side of things as well.  Good luck!

@Justin Messenger Hey Justin! That's not really necessary from our perspective. If using the STR income to qualify for additional property, we would refer to your tax returns.