Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Sundel and Erika Cooper.
Hi Rebecca Sundel and Erika Cooper, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Our company was built by two partners, Rebecca Sundel and Erika Cooper, who had the idea of bringing the ultimate housing experience to clients while visiting different cities. We focus on building amazing relationships with our clients and caring for their needs. We pride ourselves on professionalism and great communication. We believe every home should be treated as if it were your own, which is why you can go into our care. Our mission is to provide each guest with a comfortable and unforgettable experience. We have become experts in the short-term rental industry and look forward to working with as many people as possible! In as little as 2 months of launching our first property, we were almost completely booked and qualifying for super host status on the Airbnb Platform. Our property is the highest-rated property in the area as well. We strive to be among the top competitors, which is exactly what our stats and reviews reflect.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth? Can you talk to us about some of the major challenges?
- Although we have had numerous successes with launching our first property, we have also encountered some bumpy sailing. We faced a problem choosing a home and location for our vacation rental. It was challenging weighing the pros and cons and taking a risk for which investment we would choose to make. We were still determining which property would do well because a small house in a quiet town could do just as well as a big house in a big town. So we had to figure out which property was a good fit for us and that would give us the best return on investment. We did not want to bite off more than we could chew.
- A second problem we faced was when we launched our AIRBNB in October. October and November were in the midst of hurricane season. Orlando, Florida, was one of the areas hit by a hurricane during this time, which affected a lot of short-term vacation rental businesses in the area. It required most of the property owners to lower their daily average rate to accommodate for the fact that no one was flying into Orlando during this time. We, as well as other people, lowered their prices to make the monthly rent and no extra profit. So for the first month, we were scraping by because no one was traveling to this area versus last year; the area was doing well.
- A third problem we faced was the competition. When our competitors drop their daily prices, it causes us to drop our everyday prices so we can still compete.
- A fourth problem we faced was running into guests who needed to treat our vacation rental with the utmost respect and care. We pride ourselves in providing beautiful homes for our clients so they can feel on vacation when they are away. However, we ran into numerous guests who lacked respect and damaged several items and furniture on our property.
- Our fifth obstacle was doing the leasing method for our first property. We had a higher rent for this property which caused us to charge a certain amount each night to make rent and then make a profit. We would have preferred to buy our first property.
- Lastly, we also ran into the occasional guest who would steal an item or two from the house. It was more shocking to us to see people not treat such a beautiful home the way they treat their house or belongings. And until we entered this business, we never thought it would ever be an outcome.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Elite Property and Management Group LLC?
We specialize in providing a luxury experience and going above and beyond for our guests. Working 24/7 to be better than our competition sets us apart from others. Our response time is fast; we resolve issues quickly and will have items delivered to the property if the guests need something. We bring a 5-star experience to our Airbnb. We are most proud brand-wise with our presentation. Every room in our properties is decorated with strategic design to make you feel at home.
1. We offer property management – Our team works around the clock to make sure we deliver on time every time. We oversee tenants and any maintenance issues. We will do it all for you while you sit back and relax.
2. We offer short-term vacation rentals – Need somewhere to stay on vacation? Contact us today and experience the top-notch quality of our service firsthand for you, your family, and your friends!
3. We offer corporate housing – Elite luxury properties for traveling professionals who need a place to stay.
4. We offer Airbnb co-hosting – We’ll take the hard work off your back and help you manage your property!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Rebecca Sundel: Something that is surprising that most people who know me or my work/brand might not know about me is I am a serial entrepreneur. I am constantly thinking of the next business idea I can start and make money from.
Erika Cooper: Something that is surprising that most people who know me or my work/brand is that I tend to challenge myself with things that I do not want to engage in, in hopes that I will eventually like it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elitepropertyandmgmt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitepropandmgmt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Elitepropmgmt
- Other: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/648580395690886513?adults=6&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2022-12-09&check_out=2022-12-11&source_impression_id=p3_1670543357_0yq51uDJpTIqRrep
Image Credits
Florida Home Photo Photography
