Curb Appeal

Over the decades we have explored properties around the globe. Our goal is to find properties that we could inspect and qualify to be included in short term rental property inventory. We have been able to find hundreds of incredible properties that are amazing. These properties are not all at the high end, but at virtually all price points.

This process takes an incredible about of time and resources. It is our goal to find and include properties that will meet and exceed our clients expectations. The last thing our clients want is to be disappointed. If we can not guide them to the “best fitting” property that meets their needs and price point, we lose our value. In other words, we want to take out the “risk” of selecting a poorly matched property.

One of the ways we try to explain it is what we refer to as the BMW category of short term property rentals. If a customer is considering making a purchase of a BMW series car, they expect certain minimum quality standards no matter which model they may select. If they’re looking at a 300 series BMW versus a 500 series model their expectations are each car will have a vast majority of its standard features to be of the exact quality standards. Of course, differences are size and overall ride. Larger cars tend to have smoother rides. We’re sure you get our point as the quality standards and inspections are virtually the same for all BMW cars. Our goal is to provide the same level of quality confidence no matter what the price point of a rental property.

More cases than you can image , we do not even get out of the car as we pull up to the curb. Right away, we realize if we recommend a property and you pull up to start your vacation and are immediately disappointed it is going to make for a terrible experience. Believe it or not, many property owners struggle with this concept. We try to explain to owners that the visual attractiveness of a property as seen from the street plays a major role in the emotional connection a potential renter will have with their property.

Part of our added value is to take the property owner through a planned series of improvements. This can be a very delicate conversation because owners are personally attached to their properties. If an owner is willing to listen to our recommendations and actually make the investment to make their property more appealing we will consider including it. If not, we walk-away and advise the owner that we do not feel we can include their property as it does not identify with our clients. This does not generally go over very well. To maintain our quality standards and brand we must not try to be all things to everyone, but rather provide a product that we know will result in our clients being delighted with their choice.

The Curb Appeal concept also is relevant when we’re asked to photograph real estate properties which are for sale. Above is a photograph of a front door in our neighborhood. It was taken while walking our dog. Lots of thought went into the design of the front entrance. We give our neighbor high points for creating such a wonderful design. It is like a piece of art work, it moves you and invokes innermost feelings. Right away there is an emotional connection.

If you’re a property owner considering adding your property to the short term rental market or selling it, we encourage you to contact us. We’re happy to provide some insightful information that will drive your potential renters or buyers to take action.

Robert M. Brown 617.899.9812