Question 1

How does the onboarding process work?

Accepted Answer

We start with a full property evaluation and create a custom onboarding plan, including regulatory review, photography, and listing setup.

Question 2

How long does it take to go live?

Accepted Answer

Typical setup takes 2–4 weeks depending on property readiness, photography scheduling, and permit requirements if applicable.

Question 3

Do I need to have my home fully furnished before onboarding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we also provide furnishing consultation if needed, ensuring your home meets guest expectations for comfort and style.

Question 4

What types of properties do you manage?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in single-family homes, luxury cabins, boutique vacation rentals, and wellness-focused retreats in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.

Question 5

Can you help prepare my home for hosting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide design guidance, amenity checklists, and can coordinate staging services if necessary.

Question 6

Will you assist with STR permits if required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stay current on local STR regulations and can help you navigate the permitting process if your area requires it.

Question 7

What if my property is not yet STR-compliant?

Accepted Answer

We’ll review your property’s status and recommend necessary upgrades to ensure full compliance before listing.

Question 8

Is there a contract commitment?

Accepted Answer

There is no long-term commitment required. However, if the agreement is terminated within the first six months, a cancellation fee will apply to cover onboarding and setup costs.

Question 9

Can I list my property elsewhere while working with you?

Accepted Answer

No. To maintain quality control and revenue optimization, we require exclusive listing management during our agreement.

Question 10

What services are included in your management package?

Accepted Answer

Complete management including marketing, dynamic pricing, guest vetting, booking management, communication, housekeeping, maintenance, supplies, and regulatory compliance.

Question 11

Do you handle photography and content creation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional photography, optimized listing copywriting, and ongoing marketing support—including strategic features in local publications—are all included in our management fee to keep your property visible and competitive.

Question 12

How often are listings updated?

Accepted Answer

We monitor and update listings weekly, or as frequently as needed, based on market changes, seasonality, guest feedback, and platform algorithm updates.

Question 13

Do you handle dynamic pricing adjustments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pricing is updated daily based on market conditions, demand trends, competitor rates, and special events.

Question 14

How do you handle guest issues during a stay?

Accepted Answer

Our team is available to handle guest questions, emergencies, and service requests, resolving issues quickly and professionally.

Question 15

Do you provide cleaning and turnover services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate hotel-grade professional cleaning services and property inspections after every guest stay.

Question 16

Who handles property maintenance?

Accepted Answer

We can handle routine maintenance and small repair services in-house, and can coordinate larger repairs through your preferred local vendors when needed, ensuring your property is always well cared for.

Question 17

Do you restock amenities for guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly restock essentials such as toiletries, paper goods, and curated welcome gifts, with the cost of these supplies included in our management fee.

Question 18

How do you optimize for guest reviews?

Accepted Answer

Through thoughtful guest communications, check-in instructions, custom experiences, and follow-up messaging designed to encourage 5-star reviews.

Question 19

Will you manage my calendar and prevent double bookings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All bookings are managed centrally through a master calendar to prevent overlaps and conflicts across all platforms.

Question 20

How do you determine nightly pricing?

Accepted Answer

Through dynamic pricing tools, manual adjustments, competitor research, demand forecasting, and real-time market analysis.

Question 21

What happens during low-demand seasons?

Accepted Answer

We implement strategic discounts, minimum stay adjustments, and marketing boosts to maximize occupancy even during off-peak periods.

Question 22

Can you guarantee a certain revenue amount?

Accepted Answer

No one can ethically guarantee earnings, but we use proven methods to consistently outperform market averages.

Question 23

How do you screen guests?

Accepted Answer

We use platform verification tools, guest history reviews, and additional screening criteria to protect your property.

Question 24

How do you ensure guest satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Clear communications, detailed property instructions, professional cleaning, fast responses, and curated local recommendations all enhance guest experience.

Question 25

What happens if a guest damages my property?

Accepted Answer

We file claims directly through platform protection programs like Airbnb’s AirCover.

Question 26

Is there a minimum standard for property amenities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require essential amenities like WiFi, linens, towels, kitchen basics, and we recommend a few curated luxury touches.

Question 27

How do you handle property inspections?

Accepted Answer

We conduct regular property inspections to ensure quality standards are met and proactively identify potential issues.

Question 28

How is check-in and check-out handled?

Accepted Answer

We use digital guidebooks, smart locks, and clear instructions to streamline guest arrivals and departures.

Question 29

What if a guest leaves a bad review?

Accepted Answer

We monitor all reviews, respond professionally if needed, and work to address any underlying issues to protect your reputation.

Question 30

How do you maintain high cleanliness standards?

Accepted Answer

We partner with professional, STR-experienced cleaning teams and use detailed turnover checklists after each guest.

Question 31

What is your management fee?

Accepted Answer

Our management fee is calculated as 20–30% of the net rental income, after cleaning fees, booking platform fees, and taxes are deducted. While the exact percentage is property-specific, it typically averages around 25%.

Question 32

Are there any onboarding fees?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not charge any onboarding fees. However, if the agreement is terminated within the first six months, a cancellation fee will apply to cover initial setup and marketing costs.

Question 33

Is there a fee for maintenance services?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance coordination is included in our management services. Small repairs completed by our in-house team are billed according to the terms outlined in your management agreement. Any services performed by third-party vendors are billed separately and paid directly by the property owner.

Question 34

Are marketing costs included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marketing costs are included and cover listing creation, SEO optimization, professional photography during onboarding, seasonal photography updates, ongoing platform marketing efforts, and strategic features in local publications to keep your property competitive year-round.

Question 35

Is there a cancellation fee if I decide to leave?

Accepted Answer

If applicable, cancellation terms will be clearly outlined in your agreement. We strive for flexible, fair contracts.

Question 36

Are cleaning fees included in management fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Cleaning fees are paid by the guest and collected at booking to cover professional turnover service.

Question 37

Do you charge extra for seasonal marketing boosts?

Accepted Answer

No. Seasonal marketing strategies are part of our ongoing management efforts at no extra cost.

Question 38

Are there additional fees for managing multiple platforms?

Accepted Answer

No. Multi-platform management is included under our standard management fee. Any additional costs, such as maintenance expenses or third-party services, are always reviewed and approved by the property owner before being incurred.

Question 39

Are there hidden costs I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

No. We believe in full transparency. All service costs are clearly outlined before onboarding begins.

The Pond Life – Modern Rustic Farmhouse in Upstate, NY

STR Management Simplified