Question 1

What services does ManageWay Offer?

Accepted Answer

Short term rental Management, Design, Set up or Staging, Marketing, Compliance, Guest Communication, Home Maintenance, and Consulting. Our sister company, Infinity Concierge Inc. dba Shelby Cooper Real Estate can help you buy, lease or sell Real Estate in Texas. Our Owner is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker.

Question 2

Why should I hire a Vacation Rental manager?

Accepted Answer

Hiring a vacation rental manager can offer numerous benefits, especially if you own a property that you rent out for short-term stays. Here are several reasons why you might consider hiring a vacation rental manager:

1. **Property Marketing:**
   - **Wider Reach:** Vacation rental managers often have established marketing strategies to promote your property across various channels, reaching a broader audience.
   - **Professional Listings:** They can create appealing and professional property listings with high-quality photos and compelling descriptions to attract potential guests.

2. **Guest Communication:**
   - **24/7 Support:** A rental manager can handle guest inquiries, provide information, and offer support around the clock, ensuring a positive experience for guests.
   - **Timely Responses:** Swift responses to guest inquiries and issues contribute to guest satisfaction and can lead to positive reviews.

3. **Reservation Management:**
   - **Booking Handling:** The manager can handle the entire booking process, from inquiries and reservations to managing payment transactions and security deposits.
   - **Calendar Management:** They can keep track of property availability and update calendars on various rental platforms.

4. **Property Maintenance:**
   - **Regular Inspections:** A vacation rental manager can conduct regular property inspections to ensure it meets quality standards and address any maintenance issues promptly.
   - **Cleaning Services:** Coordinating and managing cleaning services between guest stays is a crucial aspect handled by managers.

5. **Legal Compliance:**
   - **Regulatory Knowledge:** Vacation rental managers are often well-versed in local regulations and can help ensure that your property complies with legal requirements, such as obtaining necessary permits or licenses.

6. **Optimizing Pricing:**
   - **Dynamic Pricing:** Managers can employ dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting rates based on factors like seasonality, local events, and market demand to maximize revenue.
   - **Competitive Analysis:** They can conduct market research to stay competitive with similar rental properties in the area.

7. **Guest Experience Enhancement:**
   - **Local Recommendations:** Managers can provide guests with information about local attractions, dining options, and activities to enhance their overall experience.
   - **Problem Resolution:** Handling guest complaints or issues promptly and efficiently contributes to positive guest reviews and repeat business.

8. **Financial Management:**
   - **Budgeting and Reporting:** Managers can assist in financial management, including budgeting for property expenses, tracking income and expenses, and providing regular financial reports to property owners.

9. **Time and Stress Management:**
   - **Time-Saving:** Hiring a vacation rental manager can save you time by taking care of day-to-day tasks associated with property management, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
   - **Stress Reduction:** Delegating responsibilities to a professional manager can reduce the stress and workload associated with property management.

10. **Local Presence:**
    - **Local Connections:** Managers often have local connections with service providers, contractors, and other professionals, facilitating quick and reliable assistance when needed.

Ultimately, hiring a vacation rental manager can be a valuable investment, especially if you want to optimize your property's performance, enhance the guest experience, and streamline the management process.

Question 3

How do I get set up with ManageWay?

Accepted Answer

Send us a message or give us a call to schedule a walk through or meeting. 
979.977.1904. We can't wait to meet you.
Our set up fee is $1500 which includes 2 hours of on-site staging or planning, professional photographs and the onboarding on all of our booking platforms we work with. We will do a thorough walk thru to make sure the house is ready or we will recommend some changes or additions to help make your home a success. You can also hire us to help remodel and/or furnish it to truly make it turnkey. We will require a W9, payout agreements signed, along with our management contract. We require Owners to add ManageWay as an additional insured on the home insurance policy. Additionally, as we use software to get the most exposure across many platforms for our clients, we do charge a $50 monthly software fee.

Question 4

Can you help me buy an investment property in Bryan-College Station or in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our sister company, Infinity Concierge Inc. dba Shelby Cooper Real Estate, is a full-service Real Estate Brokerage Company #9008413 and our owner, Shelby Cooper, is a licensed Texas Broker in the state of Texas. #636148. She has helped many people find the perfect property to fit their investment goals and family's needs.

Question 5

What are the advantages of booking directly with ManageWay versus a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo?

Accepted Answer

Booking directly with a vacation rental management company like ManageWay has several advantages compared to using platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Here are some key benefits:

1. **Lower Costs:**
   - Avoiding third-party fees: When you book directly, you may not have to pay the additional fees charged by online platforms. These fees can sometimes be substantial and can inflate the overall cost of your stay.

2. **Better Communication:**
   - Direct communication with the property manager: Booking directly allows you to communicate directly with the vacation rental management company. This can be beneficial for getting detailed information about the property, local recommendations, and any specific requirements or concerns you may have.

3. **Flexible Terms and Conditions:**
   - Customized policies: Vacation rental management companies may offer more flexible terms and conditions, allowing you to negotiate aspects such as check-in/check-out times, cancellation policies, and other terms based on your needs.

4. **Local Expertise:**
   - Local insights: Management companies often have a deep understanding of the local area and can provide valuable insights into nearby attractions, dining options, and activities. This local expertise can enhance your overall vacation experience.

5. **Exclusive Deals and Discounts:**
   - Direct promotions: Some vacation rental management companies offer exclusive deals, discounts, or loyalty programs for guests who book directly. This can result in cost savings or additional perks during your stay.

6. **Consistent Quality Assurance:**
   - Standardized property management: Companies managing multiple properties typically have standardized maintenance and cleanliness protocols. Booking directly with such a company may offer a more consistent and reliable experience compared to individual hosts on online platforms.

7. **Direct Problem Resolution:**
   - Quick issue resolution: If any issues arise during your stay, direct communication with the management company can lead to quicker problem resolution compared to going through a third-party platform. The company has direct control over the property and can address concerns promptly.

8. **Personalized Service:**
   - Tailored services: Management companies may offer personalized services based on your preferences, such as arranging additional services, stocking the kitchen with specific items, or accommodating special requests.

9. **Long-Term Relationships:**
   - Building rapport: Booking directly with a management company can lead to the development of a long-term relationship. If you plan to visit the same destination regularly, establishing a direct connection may result in better service, loyalty rewards, or preferential treatment.

While there are advantages to booking directly, it's important to note that using platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo also has its benefits, such as a wide range of property options, user reviews, and a streamlined booking process. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and priorities for your vacation experience.

Question 6

How long are your short term rental contracts?

Accepted Answer

At ManageWay we do a standard one year contract with a 30 day written notice of termination. If any reservations are on the calendar and we cannot move them to another one of our properties, we ask our owners to honor them. 
Our initial set up fee is $1500 with an annual renewal fee of $500.

Question 7

How do guests make reservations?

Accepted Answer

Our guests can book directly through our website www.manageway.co (www.manageway.co)or they can book through our numerous booking channels we affiliate with such as VRBO, Airbnb, Booking.com, (Booking.com,)Google Vacation Rentals etc. We will negotiate and try to help find the best fit for our guests and our clients.

Question 8

How and when do I get paid as an Owner?

Accepted Answer

As an owner you will have full access to our portal which has Owners Statements and the breakdown for each months stays and services. We send payouts via direct deposit or Venmo by the 14th of each month.

Question 9

Can I see how many bookings I have and or my properties upcoming reservations?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!!! As one of our owners you will have your own login to our booking system where you can see who has booked, how long, how much is expected to be paid out, block off dates for owners stays and so much more. You can even set it up to receive a notification of a booking via the app. Our owners love it!

Question 10

What items do I need to provide in my Vacation Rental?

Accepted Answer

A well-equipped short-term rental should provide guests with a comfortable and convenient experience. Here's a list of essential items to consider providing in your vacation rental but is in no way all encompassing.

1. **Bedroom Essentials:**
   - Comfortable mattresses and pillows
   - Quality bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers
   - Spare sets of bedding for longer stays
   - Ample closet or storage space with hangers
   - Blackout curtains or blinds for privacy and a good night's sleep

2. **Bathroom Necessities:**
   - Towels (bath and hand towels) for each guest
   - Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
   - Toilet paper and facial tissues
   - Hairdryer
   - Trash can with liners
   - Basic cleaning supplies

3. **Kitchen Supplies:**
   - Fully equipped kitchen with appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave)
   - Cookware, including pots, pans, and baking sheets
   - Dishware, glassware, and utensils for the maximum occupancy
   - Coffee maker or kettle
   - Toaster
   - Dish soap and dishwasher detergent
   - Basic spices and cooking essentials
   - Trash bags and recycling bins

4. **Living Area Comfort:**
   - Comfortable seating, such as sofas or chairs
   - Coffee table
   - Television with cable or streaming services
   - High-speed internet/Wi-Fi
   - Adequate lighting, including bedside lamps and overhead lights
   - Additional blankets and throws for coziness

5. **Dining Area:**
   - Dining table and chairs for the maximum occupancy
   - Place settings and utensils
   - Tablecloth or placemats
   - Wine glasses and other appropriate glassware

6. **Laundry Facilities:**
   - Washer and dryer (or access to a communal laundry facility)
   - Laundry detergent and fabric softener
   - Iron and ironing board

7. **Safety and Convenience:**
   - Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
   - First aid kit
   - Emergency contact information
   - Adequate lighting in common areas and exterior spaces
   - Clear house rules and instructions for appliances, Wi-Fi, etc.

8. **Outdoor Amenities:**
   - Patio furniture or outdoor seating
   - Barbecue grill (if applicable)
   - Beach towels (for properties near the beach or pool)
   - Outdoor lighting

9. **Child-Friendly Items (if applicable):**
   - Pack 'n Play or crib
   - High chair
   - Childproofing items (outlet covers, cabinet locks)

10. **Local Information:**
    - Welcome booklet with information about the property, local attractions, emergency contacts, and house rules
    - Maps and brochures of nearby attractions and points of interest
    - Recommendations for restaurants, shops, and activities in the area

Regularly inspecting and replenishing these items, along with maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, will contribute to positive guest experiences and reviews. Additionally, consider any unique features or amenities that make your property stand out in the local market.

Question 11

Who pays for cleaning?

Accepted Answer

The cleaning fee is always charged to the guests and taken out of the gross total payout. If there is ever any additional cleaning required it will be billed to the guest or come out their deposit.

Question 12

What services does ManageWay provide to our Owners?

Accepted Answer

We manage all aspects of the vacation rental process from: professional photography, staging, marketing, guest communication, invoicing/payments, security deposits, 24/7 emergency line, housekeeping, inspecting the home after each guest stay, guest follow up, reviews, hotel taxes and state taxes, 1099's, owner payouts and owner statements on your personal portal!
- Additional services we can provide is general home maintenance such as changing out air filters, light bulbs, batteries in smoke detectors and winter prep both are additional fees.

Question 13

Can I come stay at my Vacation Rental?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We would love to have you come stay at your own home. We require a week notice so we can arrange our cleaning team and along with blocking off your calendar, which owners can do on their app/portal. After an owner stays, we do charge a cleaning fee or inspection fee depending on their preference and the condition it was left to ensure the house is ready for our next guests.

Question 14

Hotel Taxes? What about them? Am I required to pay them?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the State of Texas we are required to pay Hotel and Occupancy Taxes as well as local taxes in Brazos County and the City too. We will charge these to the guest and remit them on your behalf.

Question 15

What other service should do I need set up at my property?

Accepted Answer

We can help with lawn care, pest control, HVAC routine maintenance, pool cleaning and maintenance (is applicable) and winter prep. We can help with it all. You can also enroll in our yearly maintenance program as well.

Question 16

How do guests get access to my home?

Accepted Answer

We require a Yale smart lock on at least one door and an emergency key box with extra key inside of it. We can handle the set up and you will be added as an owner to the lock. We assign each guests a specific code for a specific time period and our vendors also have specific codes. We prefer to use Yale and it also integrates with our software very well.

Question 17

Do I need Wifi?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We require high speed internet connection at each of our vacation rentals. 1 Gigabyte is preferred.

CONTACT US!