Evaluating a Vacation Rental Management Company
 
So, you are purchasing a short-term rental property and have to decide if you are going to manage the property yourself or have a professional company take care of it.  It's not an easy decision.  If the property is currently managed and is doing well, you might want to consider staying with that company--at least for the next few months.  If is it underachieving, you might want to consider making a change.

The  Sold in Paradise Team is constantly assisting investors in purchasing properties, and as a result we interact with many vacation rental companies.  We have discovered that there are six key inquiries to make as part of your due diligence:

1. Ask for recommendations.  Ask other owners in the community, real estate professionals, and locals. You can google the company and see what consumers are saying.

 

2. What is their level of expertise?  How long have they been in business and how knowledgeable are they of the local communities? Experience is essential.

   

3. Who will be handling the account?  The boots-on-the-ground contact person can really make a difference-and so can the culture of the company.

 

4. What is the cost of management?  Make sure you review the entire contract and pay attention to the small print-especially credit card fees, housekeeping, maintenance, travel agent discounts, etc.

 

5. What is included in the management fee?  Determine what specific services are included in this fee.

 

6. What is the company's marketing plan?  It's important that the company promotes their vacation rentals via various platforms: mailers, web sites, Facebook, Instagram, etc.  Check out their web site; it has to be user-friendly. The pictures should look professional and should look better than the real thing!  Make sure the site has local and community information.   

 

These are just a few things to consider when selecting a rental management company.  It is worth taking the time to get all the answers up front.  We are always here to help you if you need anything.


Love selling Paradise,

Debbie Neale
BA, MA, CRS, CLHMS, GRI, e-PRO, RRS, CDPE, RSPS
RE/MAX Hall of Fame
Broker Associate
RE/MAX Beaches
P: 850.803.8633
Explore Our Featured Listing

Avalon Beach Estates is a prestigious residential community located along Scenic Gulf Drive in the heart of Miramar Beach. This location is highly sought-after due to its desirable amenities, private homes, and its close proximity to many pleasurable pursuits.  




Coastal meets cozy in this dream home that b oasts an open floor plan, plentiful natural light, unobstructed Gulf views, two fireplaces, courtyard with a private pool, and so much more. A welcoming entrance leads you to the living, kitchen and dining areas, all open and connecting. Perfect for entertaining. You will also find a guest suite with its own full bath. Upstairs you'll find two more guest suites. Discover the breathtaking master suite with highlights including expansive views, private balcony, hardwood floors, and vaulted wood planked ceilings. 
This is a smart investment property: projected to gross $132k+ in 2018!

What Does Jay Say?

For those of you who closely follow the local real estate market, I just wanted to keep you up to date on the Real Estate Market for Gulf Front, Gulf View, and other foreclosures in our area that you can always find on our website. Click the links below to view our updated list of foreclosures. Not looking for a foreclosure? Feel free to create a customized search, or browse our site to view all properties that are currently on the market. 

So how do you know when it's time to upgrade your home or investment property? Here are four thoughts to consider when making your decision.

You've Outgrown It.
Most first time home buyers and investors start small. You might compromise your want for more square footage for something smaller that's priced right instead; or maybe you chose the condo with just a partial water view or in close vicinity to the beach instead of that beachfront condo that you first had your sights set on. At the time, it was the right way to go. But consider, are you in a position to sell your current property and upgrade for those original ideals? If so, it might be time to move on to a property better suited for you.

Change In Lifestyle.
Maybe you work from home now, or have retired? Do you now have children, or grandchildren? Are you taking time to travel more frequently? These are exciting lifestyle changes and can bring a new perspective to what you want and need in a home or investment property. You might require the extra room, or maybe you're contemplating using that second home as a rental property. Now is the time to evaluate the benefits of upgrading your property to better fit your lifestyle changes.  

Remodeling Won't Yield a High Return.
Every community has a limit to how high prices can go. If your home or condo is in need of the upgrades of a remodel, it's possible the return just won't be worth it. It may be time to assess if it's in your best interest to let it go and move on.

You Can Afford to Sell and Have a Flexible Time Frame.
With property values on the rise in the last few years it may make more sense to take advantage of an appreciating market and leverage your equity into your next property.  

If these four tips have you thinking it's time to upgrade your property, give us a call. We're always here to help you. 

  
Best Wishes, 

Jay P. Agnew 
Team Leader
RE/MAX Beaches 
P: 850.865.3711 
13 Traits of People With True Integrity

1. They value other people's time.
They value their own time so they also value the time of other people. They know you have plenty of other places you need to be and won't hold you up. If you spend time with them, it is likely they will thank you for that as well.

2. They give credit where it is due.
They do not take credit for things they did not do. They will always credit those who deserve it. If you help this person with a project he or she will likely mention your name so you can take credit for your work.

3. They are authentic.
They are their truest forms. You won't catch them in a lie or being fake.

4. They are always honest.
They are honest people that feel no need to lie as it is important for them to get to where they need to get in life honestly.

5. They never take advantage of others.
They are not the kind of people who will take advantage of someone else. They love to build people up and help them get where they need to be. Taking too much from someone else will never be an issue with someone who has a lot of integrity.

6. They do not argue over disagreements.
They will talk through things in a civil manner or not talk at all. You cannot and will not force this person into arguing over something completely ridiculous. I find this to be a very respectable trait.

7. They give most people the benefit of the doubt.
They try to see the good in everyone. I think this is because they feel like maybe there are more people in this world that also have integrity. That being said, if you take advantage of them too much they will get rid of you.

8. They know when something is bothering someone.
They have a great intuition that lets them know when something is going on. If someone is down in the dumps they will notice. Chances are they will actually do what they can to cheer you up.

9. They believe others.
They accept your word as truth until it is disproven. That being said, they do not take lying well. And once you lie to them, it is unlikely that they will ever take your word again.

10. They apologize first.
If they have done something wrong they will come to you and apologize. This is just how they are. They own up to their mistake and try to make things right.

11. They are humble.
They do not quite know their own worth. While they are very important and do so much good they don't quite see it. You should remind them of it.

12. They do good when they can.
They are always helping other people. They love to know that they have improved someone's life. It gives their lives meaning.

13. They are always kind to those who need it.
Giving kindness can go a long way. When someone looks like they need a little pick me up these people deliver. They can brighten up almost anyone's day.

If you are someone who has true integrity, thank you for being who you are and thank you for all that you do. You really do actually make a difference in society, please keep up the good work. If you feel no one else is proud of you, know that I am. 
Source: www.awarenessact.com
Local Events

As the cooler weather and crisp breezes start to make their way to Destin and the surrounding areas, the month of October proves to be a popular month for events, activities, and festivals. 

  Sold In Paradise Team | RE/MAX Beaches | 850.803.8633 | www.SoldInParadise.com
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