We have been operating a residential long-term rental business for nearly six years. Initially, we ran the business under our own name. However, we have observed that the long-term rental landscape has changed; a growing number of tenants are now well-versed in our state’s rental laws and know how to exploit them. As a response, we have founded a new enterprise for Mid/Short term rental. Drawing on our years of experience, We have developed a system designed to offer superior customer and client experiences

We will manage all aspects of the rental process, which includes responsibilities such as check-in, check-out, maintenance, and cleaning. We have a local maintenance team on standby, and their services are competitively priced. For each property we manage, we create and print a customized guidebook for guests upon check-in. Additionally, our telephone line is consistently available for guests to address any immediate needs. We also have a dedicated housekeeping team in place to provide last-minute supplies for guests as required.

We will list all the properties we manage on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder. As a professional photographer, we utilize high-quality equipment to capture eye-catching photographs for each listing. An employee specializing in content creation professionally manages the writing of the listing descriptions to ensure they are compelling. Currently, we employ Wheelhouse’s smart pricing system; based on its advanced algorithms, our prices remain highly competitive in comparison to other listings in the same area. Additionally, we conduct a weekly review of our pricing strategies to ensure they remain optimal.

For all platforms on which we list our properties, purchasing insurance is a mandatory requirement for guests at the time of booking. Additionally, we only accept guests who have a positive rental history and have been favorably reviewed by other hosts.

Our cleaning team is employed by our management company and is instructed to report back after completing each cleaning assignment. Should they identify any issues requiring immediate attention, they will document the condition through photographs, we will then personally visit the location within a two- to three-hour time frame to address the situation. Having been with us for nearly two years, our cleaning team is both reliable and attentive to detail. Due to our meticulous care and regular inspections, the properties we manage are typically maintained in excellent condition, often exceeding the state they were in when we initially assumed management.

Our management fees are determined based on the location and size of the property, typically ranging from 10% to 15% of the nightly rate in total of each booking. While cleaning fees are generally borne by the guests, recent protests within the Airbnb community have led many listings to remove this charge as a strategy to attract more bookings. Should this occur, homeowners would then become responsible for these cleaning costs, although we can also incorporate these into the nightly rate. Costs related to maintenance, repairs, utilities, and internet service are the responsibility of the homeowner. However, we offer complimentary assistance in coordinating payments to the relevant utility companies. It should be noted that while we can arrange for these services, we do not cover the costs of any maintenance or repair work.

We pride ourselves on seamless communication with both guests and clients. Should a guest have an inquiry, we typically respond within a 10- to 15-minute timeframe. Effective communication is one of our strengths. Likewise, if an issue arises that we believe should be immediately brought to a client’s attention, we will promptly contact the client to address the matter. We prefer not to delay in resolving issues that require attention. Our response time and quality of communication are industry-leading.

For properties with three or more bedrooms, we typically facilitate stays ranging from one to ten nights per booking. For smaller properties, the expected booking duration usually spans from one to twenty nights. It is worth noting that Seattle’s short-term rental market is significantly influenced by seasonal weather patterns. During peak seasons, we anticipate an occupancy rate of 80% to 100%, while the rate generally falls to 40% to 60% during off-peak periods. To augment occupancy, we personally engage with local corporations to explore the possibility of accommodating their traveling employees, such as travel nurses or mechanics. Background screenings for these employees are conducted by their respective employers, and the same house rules are enforced for them. To further optimize occupancy during slow seasons, we also implement strategies that encourage mid-term rentals, typically ranging from 28 to 90 nights.

All short-term rental platforms provide legal assistance should a host require it. If such resources prove insufficient, we have a partnership with a legal advisor who can be readily contacted for further intervention. She is capable of stepping in to help resolve any issues that may arise. (Note: Legal fees may be the responsibility of the homeowner.)

All rental income will be deposited into our business account, and we will disburse the appropriate funds to our clients on a monthly basis, accompanied by a detailed report. Within this report, clients can review the number of nights booked as well as the nightly rates charged to guests. Management fees, repair costs, etc.—these will be itemized in the statement for full transparency.”