Seacoast Vacation Rentals Merges with LeanBnB – Homeowner Q&A
Who is LeanBnB? LeanBnB is a local full-service short-term rental company, like Seacoast Vacation Rentals, that specializes in hosting guests in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region. They are a technology driven and innovative short-term rental manager helping owners maximize the income from their rental properties. Their philosophy is simple, “A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all”, a philosophy that deeply resonates with us at Seacoast Vacation Rentals.
What sets LeanBnB apart? What sets LeanBnB apart from others in the industry is their industry-leading focus and implementation of the most innovative technology, tools and systems, which helps maximize marketing, home security, revenue management, noise-control and streamline hosting. As a result, homeowners earn more income, guests have safer more enjoyable stays and properties are safeguarded and maintained to reduce wear-and-tear. Tech partners include:
Why is Seacoast Vacation Rentals Merging with LeanBnB? Sean Bakhtiari (Founder of Seacoast Vacation Rentals) and Chris Petzy (Founder of LeanBnB) both envision bringing the best possible short-term rental service to homeowners and guests. With Seacoast Vacation Rentals’ local brand awareness, marketing and client experience, combined with LeanBnB’s innovative technology, tools and systems, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring both businesses together in order to further elevate the short-term rental experience of both homeowners and guests. Sean and Chris are both short-term rental owners themselves and understand the time and investment it takes to attract and retain quality guests. With the merger, our new and unique business model requires that we keep properties in premium clean condition at all times, because quite frankly if we don’t, we won’t attract quality guests and won’t attain quality reviews. Our success is based on the success of our properties and our property owners.
Is Seacoast Vacation Rentals changing their name or brand? No. The merger does not change the name or brand of Seacoast Vacation Rentals.
How does this merger affect homeowners? The merger affects owners in two ways:
(1) Enhanced Service: Homeowners will continue to receive market leading full-service property management to ensure that they can stress less and earn more income, all while their properties remain well-maintained. The merger brings new tech, home security, systems and safety to homeowners:
Smart pricing (PriceLabs) – Increase your income and decrease your vacancies
WiFi smart locks / controlled access (Yale Assure)
Security camera (Ring)
Smart thermostat (Nest)
Smart smoke alarm (Nest)
Noise reduction sensors (Noiseaware)
Enhanced guest screening (Government issued ID, Photo matching their ID, Verified email address, Verified phone number, List the number of guests, and reason for their trip. We look for guests with positive reviews from other hosts).
Enhanced Marketing & Revenue Management (Guesty) – Your home will continue to be promoted and marketed on the most popular online booking channels (AirBnB and VRBO) along with Seacoast Vacation Rentals’ website, growing social media presence and community involvement.
(2) Cost:
Management fee: All current Seacoast Vacation Rental clients will be “grandfathered” in to their current rental management fee. There will be no change for current clients... All new homeowner clients will pay a management fee of 25%.
Tech Fee: In addition to the management fee, all current and new homeowner clients will pay a monthly $100 “tech fee”. This tech fee allows us to implement innovative technology, tools and systems that accomplish two things: (1) increase the amount of income your home earns and (2) keep your home secure, safe and well-maintained.
One-time onboarding fee: All current and new homeowner clients will be asked to pay a one-time “onboarding fee” which covers the physical purchases of your home’s smart WiFi lock, Ring doorbell security camera, smart thermostat, smart smoke alarm and noise reduction sensor. This cost is about $779. We are happy to purchase and install these items on your behalf and simply invoice you. Again, this is a one-time onboarding cost that sets up your rental for a lucrative and safe operation.
Despite these costs, homeowners should expect to earn more net income (after management expenses) due to superior pricing, less vacancies, 5-star guest reviews, and better communication.
Do I, the homeowner, need to subscribe to all these technologies? We prefer you do, but you don’t have to. However, at the very least, all properties must have the (1) Yale Assure smartlock, (2) Guesty PMS, (3) Ring camera and (4) PriceLabs smart pricing.
What if I don’t want you installing the new equipment/technology in my home? We genuinely believe this tech can only help your property remain better maintained and safer. If you use the property yourself from time to time we can “unplug” any tech at any time.
Do I have access to the cameras/noiseaware equipment (I.e. can I see guests enter the home and get alerted of noise or is that for the property managers)? No, only Sean & Chris (the Managers) have access to the Ring camera and noiseaware system. Part of being a "full-service" operator is giving homeowners complete peace of mind. We do, however, share any information if/when necessary. And when asked, we always provide updates for all of our homeowner clients. We’re a partnership, working to make your rental a success.
Is the tech fee invoiced or taken from my monthly payment? The monthly $100 tech fee is automatically withdrawn from your monthly payments.
Sean Bakhtiari, Owner & CEO
Chris Petzy, Owner & COO