Turning Vacant Apartments into a Thriving Jamaican Oasis from NYC: How I Navigated the Challenges of Overseas Short-Term Rentals

Hey, can you provide an introduction of yourself and your experience in the short-term rental industry?

Hello, I am a Short Term Rental Host in Kingston, Jamaica. I specialize in long-term rentals and decided to expand and venture into short-term rentals. I have a team helping me to manage the premises. Hopefully, in a few years, I will be able to venture off into hotel management and operations with a short-term rental feel on the island.

Managing the properties while living abroad is not easy. It has its challenges, especially when there is a bit of a time difference and when guests have problems at 1 a.m., and your staff is unavailable.

So far, after a full year of operation, we have had a great experience doing short-term rentals. It is a lot of work. So people believe that they can just throw some furniture in an empty space, and that's it. Our guests are like family, and we treat them as such.

What inspired you to become a short-term rental host, and how did you choose the location(s) for your rental property/properties?

I had a few vacant apartments that I owned in Kingston and decided that short-term rentals are a bit more profitable than long-term rentals. I have no major overhead. All I have to pay is the utilities and upkeep of the premises. My situation is a bit different than the host that does rental arbitrage.

Describe the process of finding new properties.

All of the properties I own are in the same complex. If I were to start another short-term rental, it would most likely be on a premises that I own. I prefer having an apartment that is central to shops and tourist attractions. Somewhere that is easily accessible.

What marketing strategies have been most effective in attracting guests to your property, and how do you create a unique guest experience?

I use all social media platforms and property management platforms (POA). Also, my guests have such a great experience they are always recommending me to other people. I have a huge support system that I am thankful for. I try to make my guests feel like they are at home; we try to make sure they have everything they need when they arrive. I provide them with toiletries, snacks, fruits, beverages, premium channels, smart devices, etc.

How do you manage guest communication, check-ins, check-outs, and cleaning/maintenance between guest stays?

We try to schedule a time when the guest is going to check in and check out before arrival. I want to make sure that a staff member is there to let the guests in and show them the premises. I do have a digital and physical guidebook/house manual. If the guest stays there longer than 9 days, I typically schedule the cleaners to come in a tidy the place and change the sheets. If not, I block out the next day after checkout for a reset.

How are you doing today revenue-wise (monthly) and what does the future look like?

Revenue is great, especially from April to September. I have guests book way in advance for the summer months. Hopefully, I will be able to open up a few more properties.

Can you share some challenges you've faced as a short-term rental host and how you overcame them?

Horrible Guests and Scammers. I have learned not to accept all guests who try to book with me. I rather avoid the problems. Some people have no respect for your home and will destroy it. It's hurtful because you go above and beyond to make them feel comfortable, and they try to get away without paying. Rule #1 Always take photos of the damage when it happens and make sure you have the same day news paper in the image with the date showing.

What systems or tools do you use to manage and streamline the operations of your short-term rental business?

• Airbnb,

• VRBO

• Excel

• Google Calendar

• Google Drive

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering the short-term rental market, and how do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulations?

I would tell them if they are not a people person or not into hospitality. Do not do it. To stay up to date with what is going on, I listen to a few podcasts, attend seminars, and watch YouTube.

Where can people learn more about you and your business?

Instagram

• Personal - @Mita_Mac

• Business - @Waterloo_Bungalow