All Forum Posts by: Susan Ticson

I do have a STR in the Lake Harmony area. Our home has appreciated. We've had offers to buy it when it hasn't even been listed. It rents all 4 seasons. When it is not rented, we enjoy it ourselves. The Camelback area also rents all year, but does not have a lake. They are breaking ground in May in the Mt Pocono area for a huge entertainment complex that will include an aquarium, movie theater, 5 acre park, etc. There are festivals year round. We have only experienced great things and a vacation home to use when not rented that is close to our home, but feels so relaxing to go to. My husband and a few neighbors sold their Jersey shore STR and all say how much nicer and better it is in the poconos. You have to buy in the right place...the poconos is a very broad area.

1 Vote

Pocono rentals are all year round.

1 Vote

I almost went with evolve and I'm so happy that I did not. Their prices are too low in my market among other reasons.

3 Votes

Evolve seems to be entering the Poconos vacation rental market rapidly; unfortunately, it appears they seem to be driving down the market pricing by trying to capture more market share. They are charging the same price per night even for weekends or special event weekends. If this continues it will only have a negative impact for everyone with short term rentals in the poconos by driving their pricing down to be competitive with Evolve pricing. Evolve seems to only be capturing weekends anyway with their pricing model. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone can shed some light or share their experiences/opinions.

Thank you,

2 Votes

Good to know, didn't read enough small print yet to notice that. I did see that their 10% charge is from every charge, except for tax. Why should they get 10% of a cleaning fee? Makes no sense to me.

Originally posted by @Valerie Rogers:

Hi @Susan Ticson, I do not have any personal experience with Evolve but there are other smaller "Marketing & Booking" services out there if you are worried about your property not receiving the attention it deserves from a large company like Evolve.

One thing you should understand about Evolve is that THEY own the listings that advertise your property. So if you use them and then some day wish to either handle your properties yourself or have someone else handle them you'll have to start over with your own brand new listings on the listing sites. That may not be an issue for you, but I'd hate for my property to lose any reviews that the Evolve listings might receive and also have repeat guests not know how to contact you if they want to book a return trip if the original (Evolve) listing that they booked from is no longer advertised.

Best wishes!

1 Vote

Looking at potentially using Evolve to list and manage my STR. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about them? Does it save you money in the long run instead of listing on multiple sites yourself? Is it more convenient to have one calendar for all sites they Iist your STR on? Anything better out there?

Thank you,

Susan

0 Votes

I love Bon Ton brand 1200 TC Egyptian Cotton - regular priced $200 +. On sale a few times per year for approximately $39. I stock up when on sale, can't beat the quality!

0 Votes

We just put an offer on a house today, so still trying to figure out the best way to go with renting it out. Had an offer on a house recently, but pulled it once the inspection came back. I would rather spend money on updates vs structural necessities to make the house safe to rent. In need of a good real estate accountant, as well. Only had shore properties in the past and rented the minimum amount only to barely cover the mortgage. Thinking of renting to profit and expand to multiple properties now.

Originally posted by @Dave Van Horn:

@Susan Ticson I've been going up there for about 15 to 20 years, I think the Split Rock/Lake Harmony region is one of the best area for rentals.

The one good thing about the Poconos for vacation rentals as opposed to a beach property, it's possible to rent it throughout the year (as opposed to just the summer).

What's your strategy with the property? Are going to Airbnb the property? Or list with an agent? Post more traditional ads?

0 Votes

Thank you, we are specifically looking in the Lake Harmony/Split Rock area if anyone has any advice or tips it would be appreciated.

Originally posted by @Account Closed:

Susan Ticson

I think one of the best pieces of advice about purchasing a property in the Poconos is that it’s a large area, make sure you do your homework on returns and find a local agent who has the right experience on rental properties. Return rates can vary greatly depending on the house location.

0 Votes

My husband and I are looking for a vacation rental investment in the Poconos. We've looked at several areas, but seem to like the Split Rock/Lake Harmony area. We want an area that has high vacation rental occupancy rates. Any suggestions or advice from anyone who has experience in the area would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

0 Votes

All Forum Posts by: Susan Ticson

Susan Ticson has started 3 posts and replied 10 times.

Post: STR - Ventnor, NJ, Poconos, PA or South Florida?

Post: STR - Ventnor, NJ, Poconos, PA or South Florida?

Post: Leaving Evolve Vacation Rental

Post: Evolve driving down market pricing

Post: Experience w/Evolve Rental Management vs. Other Options

Post: Experience w/Evolve Rental Management vs. Other Options

Post: The Ultimate Bed Sheet Thread

Post: Pocono Vacation Rental Investment

Post: Pocono Vacation Rental Investment

Post: Pocono Vacation Rental Investment