All Forum Posts by: Ken Boone

I have a hot tub at two different well properties.  They are drained and cleaned after every guest.  Hasn't been a problem.  We have sediment filters at both properties and then one has an iron filter and softener as well.

Quote from @Collin Hays:

Quote from @Ken Boone:

@Collin Hays  Yea I looked at that awhile back and figured this is the direction things are going to move.  The problem I ran in to, is that for small guys like myself (4 listings) I can't just sign up.  I have to use a connectivity partner.  Direct integrations are only for those with tons of listings.  So as a direct listing I would have to switch my PMS to one that is a google connectivity partner.  Do I have the correct understanding of this? Thanks

If that is the case it may be worth doing though for the power of google.

Ken, at least for right now, you are correct. It would be worth contacting your PMS to find out their plans for direct integration. If they don't have any, I would definitely look at doing something else.

Yea I have reasons to leave my current PMS anyway, this just may be the straw that pushes me to actually do it.  I think those that do not integrate will be left behind.  Google just has too big of a base.

@Collin Hays  Yea I looked at that awhile back and figured this is the direction things are going to move.  The problem I ran in to, is that for small guys like myself (4 listings) I can't just sign up.  I have to use a connectivity partner.  Direct integrations are only for those with tons of listings.  So as a direct listing I would have to switch my PMS to one that is a google connectivity partner.  Do I have the correct understanding of this? Thanks

If that is the case it may be worth doing though for the power of google.

Quote from @James R.:

Just wanting some feedback from others, in regard to these two platforms.  My properties are listed on both, but I keep spreadsheets on "issues" their resolution and how much it cost to resolve them.  VRBO guests have consistently higher rates of issues.  I was beginning to think that VRBO is where you go when you've been kicked off the Airbnb platform for mischief.  I absolutely do not like the fact that VRBO keeps information on its users hidden.  Airbnb is much more transparent.  For example, if I accept a VRBO booking, it's like going in blind.  I do not even know where they are coming from.  With Airbnb, I see right away that the request is coming from say Denver.  This is important to me, because, due to the layout of my property (it is a HUGE open concept), I get a lot of people wanting to book an event space or have a party and they are located in the same city.  I decline same-city requests on Airbnb, but it's impossible to do this on VRBO.  What are your experiences with VRBO guests?  Good?  Bad?  

My experience over the last 6 years has been the exact opposite of yours.  I much prefer VRBO bookings over airbnb, however it seems lately that VRBO seems to be going downhill with some of the things they have implemented lately. 

Yea I keep a lot of spares of these 3rd party TCL Roku remotes on hand.  For whatever reason, these remotes seem to always end up with a broken battery cover.  

It's crazy about STRs vs your home.  I have multiple Roku remotes in both locations just like I have multiple lightbulbs.  It's odd, how my remotes and lightbulbs need to be constantly replaced at my STRs but not at my house during the same time period.  The ratio is not even close!

Also just remember the Roku remotes for the TVs are not compatible with Roku remotes for the Roku sticks.

Thanks!

Quote from @Matt Mertz:

Quote from @Ken Boone:

I use Stan Inman with Southpoint Risk out of Knoxville, TN

 Me too!  Good people and good company.

 Yep.  Stan knows what's going on.  

I use Stan Inman with Southpoint Risk out of Knoxville, TN

Wow!

That's sweet!

Quote from @Marc Shin:

Hello. Does buying a STR with a pool put you at an advantage and increase revenue because it's more desirable for STR tenants? Is the maintenance of the pool worth the hastle?

 Depends on the market for sure and type of pool (indoor heated, outdoor).  In the Pigeon Forge market an indoor heated pool definitely increases revenue and is worth the extra hassle.  There is a learning curve that comes with the pool.  Like @Chris Watson stated some folks don't understand that a heated pool is not a hot tub.  We put a thorough description in our welcome letter, our digital guidebook and our hardcopy guidebook, that explains the pool temperature situation.  Prior to this we did get the occasional person thinking it was too cold, but we only get that about three times a year now with 3 pool cabins.  If you have a heated pool it is imperative to have a wifi control on the heater that you can monitor and an excellent pool service company.

I do disagree with @Chris Watson about the small drop in fiberglass pools.  All 3 of mine are the small drop in fiberglass kind.  One is 6x13x4, one is 8x15x4 and one is 8x17x5.  These small pools are in 2 bedroom cabins not in larger 6 bedroom and up type of cabins.  If the choice is a non pool or a small fiberglass pool assuming everything else about the place is great, I'm going small fiberglass pool every time.