Is There A Criminal In Your Vacation Rental?

Right now, someone you have never met could be walking through your vacation rental. 

Most owners never think to ask who that person is. That's worth fixing before it turns into a problem.

Who Has a Key to Your House?

Cleaning crews come and go all season long in a busy Red River rental. They have access to your home and all the items in your home. If you can't say who is allowed to hold a key, you're trusting a stranger by default.

Don't Assume Someone Ran a Background Check

Here's the assumption I hear most often: the cleaners work for the management company, so somebody must have checked them out. Not necessarily. Every company operates differently, and plenty of them aren't running background checks at all. Nobody is going to volunteer that information unless you ask for it.

The Question to Ask Before You Sign

Ask any property management company you're considering whether every person who enters your home has cleared a background check. At Red River Nightly Rentals, every single person who cleans your home has been through one.

When you shop management companies on price alone, you're not comparing apples to apples. You're comparing apples to oranges, and this one question shows you the difference fast.

Your rental is an investment and it's also your house. Knowing exactly who walks through the door is basic protection, and it costs you nothing but one question.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

Blocking New Mexico River Access Led To Felony Charges. Update on New Mexico vs Erik Briones

If you own land with water running through it in New Mexico, what you do at the river's edge matters more than you might think. A fence and a sign were enough to put one landowner in front of a judge.

The Background

Back on May 15 I posted a video about the 10th Circuit affirming the public's right to fish every river in New Mexico. In it I mentioned a case where the state had filed charges against a landowner who tried to keep people from using the river. Here's the follow up, and it doubles as a warning.

The Charges

Erik Briones was charged with five felony counts, most of them tied to threatening people with a gun. He was also charged with public nuisance, a misdemeanor, and that's the charge I find most interesting.

Why the Public Nuisance Charge Matters

In New Mexico, part of the definition of public nuisance covers interfering with the public's right to use public property. Briones put a fence across the river and posted a no trespassing sign. Under state law, either one of those can be construed as a violation if it's being used to obstruct a lawful public right of access.

What This Means for Landowners

You don't have to hang a welcome sign. But I'd suggest not doing anything that deters people from exercising their legal rights, especially when it comes to public land or water. All it takes is one person filing a police report to open an investigation or get a citation issued.

If you own or are shopping for land along the water in Red River or anywhere in the Enchanted Circle or New Mexico, find out exactly where your boundaries stop and the public's rights start before you build anything. Defense attorneys are not cheap. 

You Might Also Find These Helpful

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

Make Me Want To Book Your RED RIVER Vacation Rental

Red River and Angel Fire have around 1,700 vacation rentals between them. That is a lot of competition. So when a guest is scrolling through listings, why should they pick yours? Because yours is special. And if it is not special, you need to make it special. 

What Guests Are Really After

Start with the things people actually want on vacation. Pet friendly is a big one, according to VRBO pet friendly ranks number 4. A lot of people consider their pets family and they want the whole family to be together. A fireplace or wood stove sets the mood on a cold Red River night. Comfortable beds matter, and bigger is better. Outdoor living space gives guests somewhere to relax, since they came here to unwind. A full, well equipped kitchen and maybe a game room keep everyone happy and entertained. And do not forget parking. Our guests love their side by sides, so they need room for the extra trailers and toys.

You Do Not Need Every Single Box Checked

You will not always be able to offer all of it, and that is okay. Get as many of these features as you reasonably can. Every one you add is another reason a guest chooses your place over the one down the street.

The goal is to stand out. The more reasons you give someone to book, the more nights you fill and the more you put real money in your bank account. Look at your rental through a guest's eyes, then see what you can do to acommodate them.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• How Much Can You Make Renting Your House as a Vacation Rental in Red River?
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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

KITEC Plumbing Found In RED RIVER Home. This Is A Problem, Here's Why.

A recent home inspection turned up Kitec piping in a home I had listed. If you have never heard of Kitec, here is why it matters and what you should do if you run into it while shopping for a house.

What Kitec Is and Why It Fails

Kitec was used back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it showed up in some local homes here in Red River. The trouble is a high failure rate. The connections were usually the weak point, and they literally started to disintegrate over time. There was also an issue if while during the installation, the pipe was bent at a sever angel, it could rupture the interior lining of the pipe and cause an inline failure. The problem with Kitec was widespread enough that a class action lawsuit ran through about 2020 to help reimburse affected homeowners.

How to Spot Kitec Before You Buy

If you are buying a house, keep an eye out for it. Most Kitec is orange, but it was also made in blue, and it will usually say Kitec or Ipex right on the pipe. A thorough home inspection is where this kind of thing gets caught, so make sure yours does not cut corners.

Found Kitec? Don't Panic

Here is the good news. Finding Kitec does not have to be a deal breaker. It can be dealt with and plenty of homes with it have changed hands just fine. The key is knowing it is there so you can plan for it and factor it into your decision.

Kitec is not the end of a deal. It is just one more thing to know about before you sign. Get a solid inspection and ask questions.

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

What Happens When A Septic System Fails Inspection

In New Mexico, a septic inspection is not optional. Every septic system has to be inspected before a property changes hands. So the big question I hear is simple: what happens if that inspection fails?

A Failed Inspection Does Not Kill the Deal

Most people assume a failed septic inspection ends the sale. It does not. The system just needs to be repaired. Under New Mexico's septic rules, the owner of record 180 days from the failed inspection is the one responsible for the repair.

Why Septic Systems Fail

Sometimes the fix is small. Sometimes the whole system gets replaced. The usual reasons for a failure are no existing permit, no risers, a leach field too close to water, or a leaking tank. Every one of these can be fixed.

Who Pays Is Negotiable

Who covers the cost of the repair is up for negotiation between buyer and seller. The important part is that both sides know about it and reach an agreement before closing. When it is handled that way, a failed septic inspection is not the end of the world. It is just one more thing to deal with on the way to the closing table.

Whether you are buying or selling, a failed septic test is manageable when you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really have to get the septic system inspected before I sell?

Yes. In New Mexico a septic inspection is required before a property changes hands. It is not optional, so plan on it as part of any sale.

Will a failed septic inspection cancel my sale?

No. A failed inspection does not automatically kill the deal. The system needs to be repaired, and the sale can move forward once both sides agree on how that gets handled.

Who is responsible for the repair if the septic system fails inspection?

The owner of record 180 days from the failed inspection is responsible for the repair. Who actually pays for it, though, is negotiable between the buyer and seller.

What makes a septic system fail an inspection?

The common culprits are no existing permit, no risers, a leach field too close to water, or a leaking tank. All of these are fixable.

Does the whole system have to be replaced if it fails inspection?

Not always. Sometimes it is a small repair and sometimes the entire system gets replaced. It depends on what the inspection turns up.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• New Mexico Septic Regulations Are a Big Deal

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

Hiring a Vacation Rental Manager? Ask These Questions First

Handing your vacation rental to a property manager is a big decision. The right one can grow your income. The wrong one quietly drains it. Before you sign with anyone, ask a few direct questions. The answers tell you fast whether you have found the right manager or not.

Can They Keep the Calendar Full and Stay Reachable?

Ask if they can run back-to-back rentals. If they can't turn a unit fast enough to book same-day guests, that costs you money during the busy times of the year. Then ask how you reach them. If you can't get your manager on the phone or by text, small problems can turn into big frustrations. Solid local vacation rental management answers both of these without you having to chase anyone down.

Watch the Hidden Costs

Ask where they do the laundry. If they wash linens in your unit, you pay for the utilities and eat the wear and tear on your washer and dryer. Off-site laundry keeps those costs off your books.

Are They Actually Growing Your Income?

A good manager does more than collect rent. Look for an automated system that offers guests add-ons after they book, help with upgrades so your place doesn't fall behind the competition, and a free revenue growth consultation so you know what to improve. If they can also help you set up an LLC, that's one less pro you have to hire on your own.

A lot goes into doing this right. Get every one of these questions answered before you trust anyone with your investment.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

Vacation Rental Location Matters, Here's Why

Yesterday I talked to a vacation rental owner who was confused. He'd heard that a lot of owners that had vacation rentals in Red River saw their income drop this year, but his was up 15% and he couldn't figure out why. I knew the answer before he finished the sentence. It was his location.

A Lot of Buyers Assume Any Rental Makes Money

Plenty of people jump into vacation rentals expecting the income to show up automatically. That's not how it works. The property you buy and where it sits decide more than most people realize. Two similar homes can perform very differently based on nothing more than the street they're on.

Great Management Helps, But It Can't Move a House

If your location isn't great, a good local manager can make up a lot of ground. They know the guests, the pricing, and the season. But there's no way to pick up a house and set it down in a better spot. Location is the one thing you lock in the day you buy, so choose it carefully.

Get a Local Pro Before You Buy

Before you purchase, get someone local on your side who knows real estate and the vacation rental business. Someone who works here every day can tell you which streets book solid and which ones sit empty. That kind of guidance up front saves you from a mistake you can't undo later.

You can fix a lot of things about a rental after you own it. Location isn't one of them. Buy the right spot, and the income tends to follow.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• How to Value a Vacation Rental Investment and Find Money Most Buyers Miss

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

A TOM (Time Off Market) Fee helped The Buyer Get The House He Really Wanted

Multiple offers on the same house can feel like a game you already lost. You find a place you love, and so does everyone else. Here is how one buyer I worked with beat out the competition and landed the little house he had his heart set on.

He Was Up Against Multiple Offers

My buyer really wanted this house, and he was not the only one. Several offers were on the table, and price alone was not going to set him apart. So Kim Leach, one of the associate brokers here at Swan Realty, suggested he make his strongest offer and add a TOM fee.

What a TOM Fee Actually Does

TOM stands for Time Off Market. It is a non-refundable fee paid straight to the seller, not into escrow at the title company. That is the whole point. The seller sees real, upfront commitment instead of just another number on paper. It works differently than earnest money, which goes to the title company and is usually refundable. When you are buying in a competitive spot, that kind of signal can tip a seller your way.

Why It Worked

The seller accepted, and he got the house. That extra commitment gave him the edge over buyers who looked fine on price but brought nothing else to the table.

The right tools, and knowing when to use them, are invaluable whether you are buying or selling. A good agent knows which one fits the moment.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• What Is a TOM Fee and How Does It Work?

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

Don't Leave Money On The Table, Insist On A Proper Valuation When Selling Your Vacation Home

A seller came to me after she had already sold her home through another brokerage. She wanted to know if she had left money on the table. I could not tell her, because no one had prepared a real valuation before she listed. Her agent simply skipped the analysis. If you are selling a vacation home in Red River or Angel Fire, that is one mistake you cannot afford.

What A Proper Valuation Actually Looks Like

When you sit down with an agent, you should not walk away with a number that came off the top of their head. You should walk away with a document. It shows your property valuation based on comparable sold properties, with every adjustment laid out so you can follow the math yourself. Vague references and round numbers are not a valuation. They are a guess dressed up to sound confident.

Why It Matters When You Are Selling

Your home is one of the biggest assets you own, so pricing it is not the place to wing it. A real comparable based analysis shows what buyers have actually paid for similar properties, not what someone hopes yours might bring. That is how you avoid pricing too low and handing money to the buyer, or pricing too high and watching the listing sit.

How To Tell If Your Agent Did The Work

It is simple. Ask to see the valuation and the comparables behind it. If the person you are considering cannot produce one, that tells you what you need to know. Find someone who can.

Do not let anyone guess with your equity. Insist on seeing the numbers before you agree to a list price, and make sure you understand them before you sign anything.

You Might Also Find These Helpful

• Don't Fool Yourself When Selling Real Estate, Price Is Everything

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.

How To Lower Property Taxes When You Buy A Vacation Home

When you buy a furnished home in the mountains, there's a good chance you're about to overpay on property taxes without even knowing it. The good news is that it's an easy thing to fix, as long as you handle it before you close.

The Furniture Hiding In Your Purchase Price

Most furnished homes in Red River and Angel Fire sell with everything inside, and that furniture often gets buried in the real estate price. It's not unusual to have $50,000 to $100,000 worth of furniture in a house. The catch is that furniture is personal property, not real estate. The county values and taxes real property, and those are two separate things. If the whole contract price gets treated as the real estate price, you could end up paying property taxes on a number that includes your couches and beds.

How To Separate The Furniture

The fix is simple. Separate the furniture from the real estate using a realistic value both sides can support. Around here, property taxes run roughly $700 to $900 per $100,000 of value, depending on your tax district. So if that furniture is properly separated from the real estate price, you could save roughly $350 to $450 a year.

A Bonus For Vacation Rentals

If you plan to use the home as a vacation rental, there's another benefit. Furniture and other personal property depreciate much faster than the building, in some cases immediately, which creates another nice tax savings.

Separating personal property the right way takes a little extra paperwork and a conversation with your accountant, but the savings add up year after year. Let's not pay property taxes on furniture.

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Have questions or want to learn more? Give us a call at 575-613-4243. We're happy to help.

Rob Swan | Qualifying Broker | Swan Realty Inc.