STR Managers, Designers and Vendors

Start once inspection and appraisal are complete and we are confident the purchase is moving forward. This gives you time to select a manager before closing while avoiding extensive planning for a property you may not purchase.

Interview at least two or three. We will provide local and nationwide options where available, and you are welcome to consider your own candidates.

Ask each manager for a written proposal covering the same services. Compare the total cost and responsibilities, including:

• Management fee and what revenue it applies to, including whether cleaning fees are included.
• Setup, photography, software, inspection and other additional charges.
• Guest communication, pricing, listing management and marketing.
• Cleaning, maintenance, emergency response and vendor coordination.
• Maintenance markups and spending limits requiring your approval.
• Owner reporting, payout timing and access to booking information.
• Contract length, cancellation terms and listing ownership.

Ask for a sample owner statement and references from similar properties. The lowest management percentage does not always produce the best service or owner return.

A manager-owned listing can simplify setup and fit the manager’s existing systems, but it gives you less control when changing managers. On Airbnb, account ownership and reservations cannot be transferred to another host’s account, which can make a transition disruptive. Airbnb transfer policy

We generally recommend creating the listing in your account and granting the manager appropriate co-host access when their service model supports it. A full-access co-host can also be designated as the primary host shown to guests. Airbnb host roles

Before signing, confirm who controls the listing, photos, booking information and payouts, and how existing reservations will be handled if the relationship ends.

Choose your designer promptly after the inspection and appraisal process, once we are confident you are moving forward. Starting planning early can reduce downtime after closing. Coordinate any pre-close access with your agent, and schedule physical work once you own the property.

Every design firm offers a different scope, so request a written breakdown of its responsibilities. Depending on the package, this should address:

• Design concept, layout and amenities aligned with our agreed plan.
• Itemized budget, product selections and shopping list.
• Ordering, delivery tracking, receiving and storage.
• Furniture assembly, installation, styling and packaging removal.
• Contractor coordination and oversight of agreed improvements.
• Final walkthrough, outstanding items and readiness for photography.

Confirm which services are included, which cost extra and which fall to you or the property manager. You approve the budget and significant changes; the designer should coordinate selections with the property manager’s operational needs.

We generally recommend completing the agreed design and amenities before launching so the property opens with the guest experience and features assumed in the pro forma. There are situations where phasing makes sense, speak with us before deferring items so we can assess the effect on revenue, timing and future installation costs.

Yes. We will provide options, but you are welcome to use your own designer as long as they can execute the agreed plan within the budget and timeline. Share the design and amenity priorities with them before work begins.

That is fine if you want to handle purchasing, coordination or installation yourself. Confirm exactly what the consultation includes and who will handle the remaining work. The finished property should still deliver the plan reflected in the pro forma.

The design firm or property management company may coordinate contractors, depending on its scope. Review the written agreement and assign one lead to manage scheduling, communicate the approved work and bring budget changes to you for approval.

The design firm or property management company may coordinate these installations if that service is included. Confirm who handles contractor selection, permits, scheduling, inspections and completion checks. Specialized installations should have a clear scope, budget and responsible lead.

Your property management company will generally coordinate day-to-day maintenance, vendor visits and urgent issues within its agreed scope. Establish spending limits, emergency procedures and which repairs require your approval. Major replacements and capital improvements typically require your involvement.

Come to us before changing the plan. We will help you compare waiting with selecting another qualified vendor, considering the launch timeline, cost, quality and availability.