Real Estate & Moving to Gulf Shores

Sep 05 2022

Luxury Property Management For Our Investors

“Our goal is to maximize revenue for investors and minimize their headaches.” – says Morris Neeb, COO, and CFO of Harris Vacation Rentals.

A vacation rental can be a lucrative investment. However, they need regular maintenance to remain in top condition and avoid costly repairs. This is where the Harris Vacation Rental team can help!

We have built our company from the ground up to be owner-focused and owner-driven. We strive to guide owners and investors through the vacation rental process and, in turn, build strong connections with everyone in our program so they can trust us to manage their properties.

Here at Harris Vacation Rentals, we prioritize luxury property management for our investors. We are owners ourselves and have been for over 30 years! We know what property owners want and will work tirelessly to provide you with the best owner experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Let us make your vacation home live up to the dream you always believed it could be! Here is how we can handle your property management:

Monthly Inspections

Vacation properties experience wear and tear – especially those close to the ocean. For this reason, our team conducts regular inspections to locate and repair any issues with the rental property.

Our team will do a monthly maintenance check for things like roofing conditions, plumbing, HVAC effectiveness, the aesthetic look of the house, and other vital components of the home. We know your vacation rental is a significant asset, so we work tirelessly to protect it.

Preventative Maintenance

While it isn’t always possible to foresee every issue that may happen with a property, we’re committed to keeping rentals in top condition. After conducting monthly inspections, we provide preventative maintenance to your property.

This can be anything from ensuring that all devices are adequately connected to the home’s Wi-Fi network or that septic and plumbing systems are working effectively. Our team works to prevent issues from becoming more significant problems down the line because we know that time in repair means less time to book and service guests.

Address Safety Issues and Provide Recommendations

Safety is just as important as providing a fun and relaxing experience for your guests. We address safety issues immediately and can offer recommendations for how to preserve and maintain the property for your guests.

We may encounter issues that we recommend you handle during a monthly inspection. For example, we may suggest that you update your security system or consider repairing a part of your home that may threaten its structure. Either way, the safety of your guests is our top priority.

Offer Peace of Mind

Owning a vacation rental can be an exceptional experience, and we want to ensure you receive all the benefits that come along with it. For this reason, we offer free service calls. We want to take the day-to-day burdens that come with overseeing a vacation property off your shoulders. No longer will you need to worry about completing paperwork, collecting money, dealing with sudden emergencies, etc. Our team will handle this for you!

Additionally, we handle reservations and property clean-up so you and your guests have a great experience. Whether you live in the same state as your rental or in another, you can trust that the Harris Vacation Rental is ready to help.

We believe in being proactive when offering a luxurious property management experience. If you need a company to take care of the ins and outs of managing a vacation property, give us a call!

Aug 01 2022

Meet Rachel – Our Dedicated In-House Revenue Manager

Rate and revenue management for a vacation rental can be tricky and time-consuming. Our dedicated property revenue manager is onsite to work with our owners and bring in new renters to keep properties booked throughout the year.

Meet Rachel — Our In-House Property Revenue Manager

Rachel Robinson is our in-house revenue manager at Harris Vacation Rentals. Her goal is to optimize and maximize the revenue-generating power of your vacation rental. When a rental property joins our program, Rachel sits down with the owners to understand their revenue goals and create a cohesive and effective strategy for meeting them.

In the video above, Rachel described her purpose in the work she does and what value she wants to bring to our owners:

I want to allow them to essentially collect their earnings and not have to be so actively involved in the rate management process, she says.

Not only does she want to increase the owner’s earnings, but she also wants to reduce their stress by taking another aspect of the vacation rental process off their plates.

Here are a few of the benefits of having a dedicated property revenue manager:

Increase revenue – In 2021, most of our owners had revenue increases of 30%.
Have someone keep a daily eye on rate trends – Each day, our revenue manager can monitor and adjust rates based on need and occupancy so guests receive accurate and well-assessed rates.
Maintain strong relationships with our owners – We have built our company from the ground up to be owner-focused and owner-driven. We strive to create and maintain strong connections with our owners so they can trust us with their properties. Our revenue manager helps us ensure that we can treat owners as partners and reach their investment goals.

If you own a vacation property, we want to work with you! We are owners ourselves and have been for over 30 years. Reach out to us to see how we can help you maximize your vacation rental revenue.

Oct 20 2020

Things You Should Know About Your Insurance Coverage

Natural disasters can be unexpected and devastating to vacation rental properties. It’s crucial to understand what exactly your insurance plan covers so that when an unforeseen, unfortunate event occurs, you’ll feel more prepared to deal with the aftermath.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with managing your rental property? Harris Vacation Rentals is here to help. Contact us and find out why people like you have trusted us to manage their properties for over 30 years.

5 Things To Know About Your Insurance Coverage

1. Coverage Limits and Deductibles

In Alabama, the standard homeowner’s policy varies in coverage. It’s essential to make sure your home is adequately covered, and your limit will take care of any potential catastrophic loss.

Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, policies typically have two deductibles. Wind/hail/hurricane coverage has its own deductible and is usually based on a percentage of dwelling coverage (1% to 5%). The all other peril (AOP) deductible is usually a set figure ($1000 to $10000).

2. Replacement Cost

The replacement cost is the amount of money it would take to rebuild your home as of today’s construction cost. Do not confuse this figure with the market value or sales price. Since these two values often contain depreciation and/or land value, they can vary significantly from the replacement cost of your dwelling.

3. Age of Your Home

A home built that follows the most recent codes will receive the best insurance rate. The age of a home’s roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC will all play a factor in the insurance rate you will receive. Remember, newer is always better.

4. Wind Mitigation

Wind and hail coverage can make up to 70% of your premium dollar—that’s a lot! Adding features to your home that help withstand or increase resistance to high winds caused by natural disasters can help you combat this, especially in our coastal market. For example, a full hip roof will receive a better rate than a gable or complex roof, and brick/concrete board exteriors will rate better than wood and vinyl exteriors. Window protection, such as hurricane shutters and hurricane-proof glass, will help lower rates as well.

5. Every Customer Is Different

Even if you were to have the exact same property in the exact same location as someone, your insurance would be different. Your insurance rates can vary based on credit history, claims history, and more. Plus, ownership of trampolines, swimming pools with diving boards or slides, and certain dog breeds can negatively affect insurance rates.

Need Additional Assistance?

Are you searching for additional assistance regarding making the most out of your vacation rental property? Contact Harris Vacation Rentals to learn about our property management.

Jan 25 2020

10 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Gulf Shores Investment Property

With beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine, it’s no surprise that Gulf Shores is one of the most sought-after destinations. Many who visit our serene shores dream of one day owning an investment property here. The real estate market is hot right now, and there are many benefits to owning a rental property in Gulf Shores. However, before you commit, there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before purchasing a Gulf Shores investment property.

If you’re trying to decide if a Gulf Shores investment property is right for you, contact Harris Realty Group. Our expert team of agents would love to help answer any questions you may have about the real estate process. We are happy to share our local knowledge about area neighborhoods, communities, and current market conditions. Call us today at 251-948-3018. We look forward to assisting you with your home search!

10 Questions to Consider Before Buying a Gulf Shores Investment Property

1. Where in Gulf Shores would you like to invest?

“Location, location, location!” We’ve all heard the phrase before, but it truly is the most significant thing to keep in mind when purchasing any home. Gulf Shores is huge and there are many different areas to consider. Are you looking for a beachfront condo, a single-family home in a quiet neighborhood, or a property near all the main attractions? Have you weighed the pros and cons of Gulf Shores vs. a condo investment Orange Beach or Fort Morgan?

Different opportunities present themselves in each location. If you’re unsure of the best place to buy in Gulf Shores, start by familiarizing yourself with the different neighborhoods and communities. Narrow it down until you’ve found the location that aligns with your personal goals. And if you have questions about a specific area, feel free to ask us!

2. What amenities are included?

If you plan to rent your property to future vacationers, you should also consider what amenities might be important to them. For example, guests visiting Gulf Shores may be interested in amenities such as beach access, Gulf views, pools, hot tubs, a fitness room, or pet-friendly accommodations. Write down which, if any, amenities are must-haves and keep this in mind during your search.

3. Are there any Association Fees?

Make sure to ask your Realtor if your property requires Association Fees. Sometimes neighborhoods and condominiums charge these fees, which typically include maintenance and use of common areas, amenities, lawn care, and more.

4. How would you like to invest?

It’s important to identify your exact goals with this investment. Are you planning to make income by renting the property? You’ll need to choose whether to rent it long-term or short-term. Perhaps your goal is to flip a home and resell it in the future. Determine what will earn the biggest return on your investment.

5. When would you like to invest?

You should have a realistic timeline in mind. Whether you’re ready to invest now, in 3 months, or a year from now, knowing when you want to buy is crucial to the planning process. If we know your timeline, our team at Harris Realty Group can help you plan your future investment.

6. Have you done all of your research?

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, you must do your research. Search the web for current housing prices, taxes, school districts, and other statistics. If you’re not local, it’s a good idea to visit Gulf Shores and personally get a feel for the different neighborhoods. You can easily book a Gulf Shores vacation rental and stay as long as you need to scope out the area.

7. What is a comfortable initial investment for you?

Everyone has a different budget when it comes to buying an investment property. Determine the minimum and maximum amount you are willing to spend. Then, decide if the rewards outweigh the risks. Be realistic about your financial goals. After all, you are in this to make a profit!

8. Have you been pre-approved?

Consulting a lendor helps you narrow your search to homes that accurately fit your budget. It’s also important to obtain lender pre-approval because it shows sellers that you are a serious, qualified buyer. Sometimes sellers will not even allow showings to buyers who are not pre-approved. Do you need recommendations about experienced, reputable lenders? We can help!

9. How much of a profit do you expect to earn?

As mentioned earlier, you must determine your financial goals. Gulf Shores is a huge vacation destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. If you want to capitalize on our booming tourism market, find out the rental history of each property you are considering. This will give you an idea of the average rental income in Gulf Shores, AL.

10. Are you working with a Realtor?

Your most valuable tool in your Gulf Shores investment property search is hiring a licensed Realtor. It’s important to find a qualified agent who is knowledgeable about the local area and will listen to your needs. At the end of the day, it will save you plenty of time, money, and frustration!

At Harris Realty Group, it is our goal to help you find the property that best meets your unique needs. From the beginning of your home search to the closing table and beyond, we will work with you every step of the way. We’re here to help you make the best short and long-term financial decisions.

Begin Your Gulf Shores Investment Property Search With Harris Realty Group

Now that you know the right questions to ask, it’s time to begin your home search! Harris Realty Group is ready to help you turn your investment dreams into a reality. Our expert team of agents knows the area better than anyone, and we can assist you with finding the perfect property for your needs and your budget. Feel free to browse homes for sale in Gulf Shores. Our detailed Property Search tool allows you to find homes by the criteria that matters most to you, like price, area, subdivision, or school district. When you’re ready to speak with an agent, give us a call at 251-948-3018. We’d love to help you find your place in the sand!

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Nov 07 2019

Hotel vs. Vacation Rental: What’s the Difference?

With so many available options, choosing a place to stay for your next vacation can seem overwhelming. Some travelers end up spending way too much on a mediocre hotel, while others book the cheapest room they can find and then regret it. If you’d like to avoid these common travel mistakes, consider a vacation rental instead. Offering fabulous amenities, plenty of space, and privacy, you’re guaranteed a stress-free and memorable getaway. When trying to decide between hotel vs. vacation rental, the answer is clear. Vacation rentals are the best option for visitors!

If you’re planning a Gulf Shores getaway and are having trouble deciding between hotel vs. vacation rental, Harris Vacation Rentals can help! Head over to our website to see what sets our accommodations apart from all the rest. Or, feel free to contact us to inquire about your next Gulf Shores getaway. We’d love to assist you!

The Difference Between Hotel Vs. Vacation Rental

When it comes to choosing a place to stay on vacation, you want to find an accommodation that’s affordable, clean, comfortable, in a great location, and comes with top-notch amenities. 10 times out of 10, a vacation rental will offer all of these things PLUS beautiful views, dog-friendly options, and a unique travel experience. Sometimes the vacation rental company will even offer extra incentives such as special offers or discounted activities to enjoy during your vacation.

These are just some reasons why you should consider a vacation home vs. a hotel room. Think of it like this: why stay in a small, generic hotel room when you could escape to a spacious retreat with all the comforts of home? Rather than getting a room that is randomly assigned to you at the hotel, you’ll be able to select the condo or home you want. In fact, vacation rentals are often more affordable than hotel rooms. This is especially true if you book directly on the company’s website and not on sites that charge hidden fees like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Choose Your Location

When you book a vacation rental from Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to select the exact location you desire. We offer an extensive selection of rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Would you like to stay at a beachfront rental? This is a wonderful option for visitors who plan to spend most of their days soaking up the sun and surf. Perhaps you prefer a luxury rental, a pet-friendly option, or a home with a private pool? No matter what you decide, you’ll be glad you chose to stay in a Harris Property. All of our accommodations are just minutes from the best local attractions, dining, beaches, and more!

Select Your Activities

Vacation rentals often offer extra incentives for travelers, which you can use to your advantage. For example, when you book a Harris Vacation Rentals family vacation rental, you’ll receive up to $100 off local tours and activities through TripShock. This makes planning your vacation easy, fun, and more affordable. Save that extra cash, or use it for more activities or dining out with the family. The possibilities are endless!

Book Your Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

When it comes to choosing between rental homes vs. hotels, the answer is obvious. Vacation rentals offer much better value and an experience you simply won’t find at other lodging options. So, what are you waiting for? Experience your Gulf Shores getaway to the fullest when you book your stay with Harris Vacation Rentals! Browse all of our accommodations and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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