All Forum Posts by: Tom Dieringer

We currently use OwnerRez and have our own rental agreement, so it's set to require an upload of a driver's license before you can complete the agreement.  I suspect I could modify it to require a selfie as well. It's the direct bookings I care the most about

Just wondering who goes the extra step and protects against bookings with stolen IDs by also requiring an upload of a selfie?

We don't currently do so but I've heard it recommended. Not sure how widely adopted that practice is and for those that do it, do you ever meet resistance or have transactions to that end up not consummating because of too many hoops for guests to jump through?

I pulled my last permit in the Portland Metro, Tri-County area over 2 years ago and will never pull another. I'm not that much of a sadist. I have no stomach for doing any type of purchasing or projects in the tri-county metro area. You'd have more luck in Cuba or Venezuela. Truly I would have this thing figured out to the last detail before breaking any sort of ground. I know that's not any specific advice just a general rant, but it's actually justified.

Sorry man, that sucks. 

Consider Prunus Otto Luyken - a compact, semi dwarf version of English Laurel. Very dense but not excessively high growing so your view can be maintained. Reasonably fast growing too. Rather beautiful for a hedge. Durable in full sun as well as partial shade. Not 100% sure it's suitable for your climate but likely is as it's not a fragile plant. 

Maybe his arrogance/ridiculousness will result in you making a beautiful enhancement? Best of luck

Minor dilemma.  Once a year I camp remotely for 3-4 days.  I usually surface once or so a day just for checking reception and urgent calls.  I've got an AI service hooked up to OwnerRez, but am concerned about the issues where I might need to jump in on more promptly basis than potentially 6-20 hours later. Whether it is a virtual assistant or any other type of service, are any of you familiar with folks who will temporarily jump in as a co-host? The rest of the vacation time I take is always somewhere where there's good reception.

Loosely related 2nd question. Do any of you have a backup plan for managing your property in the case of your unexpected, sudden demise? My other assets, including my primary company, all have plans in place. Nothing yet for who would manage my STR though. I'd hate to see my estate take a hit because suddenly my listing was going unattended for an extended. Thoughts?  Thanks.

Quote from @Andrew Street:

Hey Tom! I’ve seen both approaches, but I’ve found that keeping the OTA house rules simple works best to avoid overwhelming guests. Then, after booking, I send a more detailed version to cover important details like noise, extra guests, and check-out procedures.

Since you're in a vacation market, setting clear expectations upfront while keeping the details for later might be a good balance. Happy to connect!

 Thanks Andrew.  How do you communicate this hybrid approach on the OTA?  Do you let the guest know upfront that there will be a more complete version provided upon booking?

I've read a lot about house rules and there seems to be two paths - only posting simplified/abbreviated rules on the respective OTA, or having more detailed rules sent out and approved.  Curious what the consensus is.  I'm in a vacation market.  Thanks

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Thanks @Bruce Woodruff, PM me @Randy Cheval and I will send you one that I have.

Remember, I am not an attorney and it will need to be customized for your use.

MIchael was kind to share his with me and it made a solid base for the modifications we made - thanks again Michael!

Great question, in particular, for those who don't live next door or down the street. I don't have the ability to bake cookies and run them over. We're in a semi-remote resort area and the nearest bakery is a half hour away. We're considering doing something like Dave's cookies via Amazon but that's only semi-fresh baked and subject to shipping damage.

Think I better clarify - this isn't an altruistic attempt to help VRBO 😄, but rather a hope that it might result in a higher overall booking rate if both platforms perform at a high level