Swag

Swag & Rentals

First Things First. My daughter, Jade, is graduating from FSU this spring with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Advertising. Since it takes a village, I thought I’d ask our Jeff’s Journal fans if you know of anyone looking in the advertising strategy space? Take a look here. Like in Green Acres, city life is the place for her. At least for now. Anyhow, we held her captive for one last spring break trip. Off to Death Valley we went – check out our photos at the end of this article.

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They say that people who have a near-death experience see a beautiful white light. For me, all I saw was our teal ECHO Swag tumbler.

See, I just returned from a family vacation in Death Valley. Wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. Our last hike was around high noon, and it was the Ubehebe Crater — a volcano that erupted 800–2,000 years ago. My wife and son said no thanks, as Jade and I started down the treacherous slope. Going downhill was fun and fast. About one-third of the way down, my daughter said, “Dad, I think we should go back — it’s steep.” But I felt good, and how often do you hike to the bottom of a crater? So I ignored her and continued my harrowing tumble, leaving a cloud of dust behind that had poor Jade coughing.

But Jade might have had a point.

After 12–14 steps up, I took a sip of water from my 32 oz. ECHO tumbler. Another 10–11 steps — a bigger sip. Eight to nine steps — a gulp. Six to seven steps — two gulps. I looked up, and I wasn’t even close. What the hell was I thinking? 95 degrees. Burning sun. A lizard staring at me with no need to scramble, given my slow state of movement. Mating caterpillars blowing across the surface trying to get to a flower for shelter from the sweltering heat (I swear on this). All that was missing was a vulture circling overhead. Earlier in the day, Don McLean’s American Pie — “this will be the day that I die” — was blasting in our car and started ringing in my head. Maybe this was fate. My heart was beating like a rabbit. However, somehow, we made it. With no water left in the ECHO tumbler! As Clint said in one of those Dirty Harry movies, “a man has to know his limitations.” Descending into craters in 95-degree heat at 56 years of age will be the last time I do that. The good news is I did get the full Death Valley experience.

Traveling with our kids — now young adults — is something I love to do. I prefer hotels, as the Airbnb people don’t turn the sheets over and leave chocolate on the pillow. However, there are exceptions, and this trip warranted one. We stayed in something called the Death Valley Gold House — middle of nowhere. A cool 3-bedroom + tiny den + hot tub setup, surrounded by mountains and nothingness. At night, the Milky Way stargazing made it all worthwhile.

Airbnb, VRBO, and seasonal rentals have become super popular over the years. Some view them as investments. Others as a gateway to try out the market. You can check out all the homes with no HOA restrictions that are perfect for Airbnb investments. View Northern Palm Beach County, Southern Palm Beach County, Western Palm Beach County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County communities.

Is an Airbnb or a rental property a good investment in South Florida? Is it for you? There are 3 reasons why it could be, along with 14 reasons for caution.

Positive aspects of an airbnb or rental property

1. Extra Income
Some people make a lot of money renting out their place. If you purchase it right, you can make some money and have a future nest egg for yourself.

2. Easier Resale
Rentals tend to resell faster and keep up their value. The reason is that the buyer of your unit is often looking to rent it out. Fewer rules = bigger syphon of buyers.

3. Super Host
Some people love to host. They enjoy interacting with people and the creative process of fixing up and decorating a place.

Negative apects of an airbnb or rental property

1. Buying a Job
Owning a rental is one thing — at least the same person is there all the time. An Airbnb is a job. It’s a rotating hotel that needs constant attention.

2. Teeter-Totter
We had one Realtor whose business plummeted as soon as she got into the Airbnb business. Delegation was not her thing. She couldn’t keep up with her job as a Realtor, spouse, and host. Any money made from the Airbnb vanished from real estate sales. The teeter-totter theory won out.

3. Style Changes
One day, modern will be out. Quartz counters will be like Formica. Remodeling is constant.

4. Structural Costs
Roofs last about 20 years. ACs, water heaters — it’s usually 2% of the value of the property a year that should be set aside for this.

5. Parties
You don’t know who you are going to get — smokers, pets, or combine both and you get party animals.

6. Vacancies
Bad economies, more supply — you have to factor in what your vacancy rate is per month.

7. Not Wired
If a text at 11:00 p.m. that the microwave isn’t working or the pillow isn’t fluffy enough would make you insane, then perhaps you aren’t made for this.

8. Seasonality
If you plan on using it yourself during high season, you’ll have to factor in lower rates in the offseason and whether you can even rent it out.

9. Squatters
What if someone doesn’t leave?

10. Liquidity
It’s not like a stock you can sell right away. If you need the money quickly, this is not for you.

11. People Help
The housekeeper forgets to lock the door and a raccoon gets in. The water line to the fridge breaks and the handyman doesn’t answer the phone.

12. Not Handy
Speaking to the “People Help Above,” if you are not handy yourself, it’s a big disadvantage in terms of cost.

13. HOA
The neighbors complain because party animals were loud past 9 p.m. or left a window open and you could hear ping pong inside (true story).

14. Taxes
Your taxes will fluctuate. Usually up because you can’t homestead it.

If you decide to look for a place to purchase or rent out, I know a real estate company that would be a perfect fit. We’ll even give you an ECHO tumbler as a closing gift.

It’s a lifesaver.