Welcome to the FTR Sisterhood Blog! 🌟
Today, we dive deep into an unforgettable episode featuring Stacy St. John and her guest, Michelle Gilbert. This heartfelt conversation unpacks a story that many short-term rental hosts fear but can learn from—unauthorized parties at rental properties. Michelle’s tale is one of resilience, learning, and empowerment. Let’s explore her journey and the valuable lessons she shares.
Starting with Inspiration
Before the interview began, Stacy shared an inspiring quote by Tina Turner: “You must love and care for yourself because that’s when the best comes out.” These words set the tone for a discussion on self-reflection and growth. 🌺
Meet Michelle Gilbert
Michelle Gilbert, a creative professional from Chicago’s suburbs, transitioned from advertising to the world of short-term rentals (STRs). She and her husband, driven by financial freedom goals, embarked on a journey into vacation rental management. By 2021, Michelle was under contract for her first property in Crystal Beach, Texas. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she navigated the highs and lows of hosting. 💼
The Incident: Unauthorized Party
One of Michelle’s properties, a serene 4,500-square-foot cabin in Galena, Illinois, became the unexpected site of a wild party. Here’s what happened:
- Discovery: Michelle received a distressing text from her cleaner on April Fool’s Day 2024, reporting damages from an “insane party” that included smoke, rearranged furniture, and vandalism.
- Shock Factor: Weeks later, Michelle discovered a YouTube video titled “Spring Stripper Bash” showcasing the chaos. The video revealed 150+ attendees, strippers, and illegal activities inside her meticulously curated property.
- Emotional Impact: Michelle felt violated, her pride in her rental shattered by the disrespectful behavior.
Learning from Mistakes
Michelle shared invaluable insights from this experience:
- Red Flags During Booking:
- Suspicious communication from the guest, including issues with Airbnb verification and mismatched details, hinted at potential issues.
- Lesson: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, investigate or decline the booking.
- Pre-Booking Protections:
- Implementing rental agreements, ID verification, and security deposits are essential safeguards.
- Tool Highlight: Michelle now uses Superhog to streamline these processes.
- Real-Time Monitoring:
- Devices like Alertify can track noise levels, smoke, and cell phone traffic. These tools ensure proactive responses to unauthorized activities.
Taking Control and Moving Forward
Despite the emotional toll, Michelle emphasized the importance of:
- Building Security Relationships: Establishing rapport with HOA and local security teams to protect properties.
- Community Awareness: Collaborating with other hosts and leveraging neighborhood vigilance.
- Emotional Resilience: Viewing properties as businesses helps manage emotions and focus on solutions.
Advice for Fellow Hosts
Michelle’s top tips for avoiding unauthorized parties:
- Set clear expectations in your listings: State that your property is not for parties.
- Use technology to monitor your property and receive instant alerts.
- Always vet your guests carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
The Bright Side: Growth and Gratitude
Through it all, Michelle’s determination remains unshaken. She credits her supportive husband for standing by her side and sees every challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger. 💪
Join the FTR Sisterhood Community
Inspired by Michelle’s story? Share your experiences and learn from other amazing hosts in our Female Short-Term Rental Investors Facebook group! Together, we grow and succeed. 💕
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