VRBO

[Deleted]

I bought my dad's house after he passed away and it has been sitting empty for one year. I am still in the process of cleaning it out. Last winter I kept the heat at 50 and plan on doing that this year too. (Wisconsin!)

The house is on 59 acres near a national forest and snowmobile trails. There is a private lake. I have started to think about renting it out as a VRBO. Does anyone have experience doing this? Any pros and cons? There is a local property management company that I would have handle it.

My original plan was to build a house for myself there but I am just not ready for that. I am thinking the VRBO would at least produce a little income.

[geenamercile]

I rented a house with VRBO, it was easy and a great experience over all. 

[moon/Laura]

I use VRBO a fair amount these days, vs hotels. That way, I don't have to deal with noisy people which is the number one thing that ruins my downtime. I mean really... don't people teach their kids to NOT run and scream down the halls? I get that they're excited because it's different but come on....</rant>

Anyway, I think it's a great idea. I think people would shell out for a property like that. I'm in the planning process for Yellowstone and the Tetons next year and that would capture my eye for sure.

[Tennesseer]

Sept 21, 2023 13:16:57 GMT -5 moon/Laura said:

I use VRBO a fair amount these days, vs hotels. That way, I don't have to deal with noisy people which is the number one thing that ruins my downtime. I mean really... don't people teach their kids to NOT run and scream down the halls? I get that they're excited because it's different but come on....</rant>

Anyway, I think it's a great idea. I think people would shell out for a property like that. I'm in the planning process for Yellowstone and the Tetons next year and that would capture my eye for sure.

Two of my favorite parks to visit. Been twice. I tell my siblings to cremate my remains and scatter my ashes on a good overlook toward the Teton mountains.

[Bonny]

We did it with my FIL's house over 20 years ago. We have always lived several hundred and at one point six thousan miles away and had it professionally managed. At this point we are on our fifth property manager who has so far been the best. Ours is a mountain cabin (really it is a 1400 sq.ft. A frame home) on about a 1/4 acre. Don't expect it to be a big money maker unless it's something really special. Ours rents out a couple of times a month which is perfect for us. We love the place and the town and don't want the wear and tear of an agressive rental.

Interview a few rental companies. We had a few rental companies that had as many as 30 rentals and our place was probably rented out once a month and during the holidays. Make sure you understand what is included. I think our first rental company charged 25% but then they also charged "opening and closing fees" which really started adding up. Nowadays most places have keyless entry systems and the house cleaners typically will do the "closing". We pay these folks 40% and they take care of everything including minor repairs. We had one management company which charged about 35% but were constantly charging us for repairs.

Make sure you know your "seasons". Ours is a year round rental but at times DH has considered not renting it out during the winter because of the cost of propane. I like the house being checked on monthly so if the utilities consume the net cost of the rental from time to time I'm o.k. Major damage from a burst pipe would be a lot more expensive!

Don't leave anything of sentimental value in the place. We've only had a few problems over the years which one must chock up to the cost of doing business. DH has a problem with stuff getting moved or damaged and it's not a good attitude to have. I furnished the place with hand me downs and garage sale finds but periodically you need to replace stuff.

DH monitors the heating remotely and we just installed A/C. Yes, people will blast the heat and open the windows.   Hey some people want to get their money's worth.

It has been mostly a positive experience. Financially it probably would have made more sense to sell the place and invest the proceeds but we loved the place and had friends and family that were within a two hour drive and it was fun for them to come visit us in the mountains.

Good luck with your decision and feel free to PM if you have further questions. 

[Artemis Windsong]

Blue, this sounds like a sportsman's paradise. IDK what the fishing, hunting, snowmobile laws are there but the place could be very popular.