Introducing "The Adobe Ridge" – Our Newest Vacation Rental: How Automation Made It Possible

As a vacation rental host, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with seeing a new property go live on Airbnb / MakeMyTrip / Booking.com / Agoda But what if I told you that, with the right systems, processes, and a great team, you could launch a new property without even stepping foot inside it? That’s exactly what I’ve done with The Adobe Ridge, our newest listing, and I’m excited to share the journey with you – from acquisition to bookings.

The Power of Automation and the Right Structure

Before we dive into the details, let's take a moment to appreciate the key ingredient behind this project: automation. The entire process of getting The Adobe Ridge live for bookings, from securing the property to finalizing the photos, was mostly automated. It’s all about having the right systems in place, working with the right people, and having structures that allow you to step back and focus on growth.

So how does this all work? It’s a mix of negotiation, delegation, and optimization.

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Leasing Deals

The journey to launching a new vacation rental always begins with finding the right property—and this is where our Property Acquisition Manager comes in. For The Adobe Ridge, this first step was handled entirely by our acquisition manager, who takes on the crucial task of negotiating leasing deals with homeowners.

In our business model, acquiring properties for vacation rentals is more than just a transaction—it’s a long-term strategy. We’ve set up a system where our Property Acquisition Manager is incentivized based on the number of properties they bring in. This keeps them motivated and aligned with our growth goals, ensuring that our portfolio continues to expand at a steady pace.

The beauty of this process is that once the deal is signed, the ball really starts rolling – and it’s not just about the property, it’s about the systems we’ve put in place.

Step 2: The Design and Operations Phase

Once the leasing agreement is in place, the real work begins. First, I personally draft and review all contracts, making sure they align with any existing agreements we have. Avoiding repeating past mistakes is key – I’ve learned that the hard way. But that’s just part of running a business.

After the contracts are sorted, the design team steps in. The design phase is where the magic happens. The designer works on creating a concept and theme for the space, considering both aesthetics and functionality. They send over the design proposal, including a cost estimate, and once approved, the clock starts ticking.

Here's where delegation comes into play. The design team is responsible for the aesthetic aspects of the property, and the operations team takes over all the practical, behind-the-scenes tasks. This separation of duties is crucial. No task should fall back on me or any other team member outside their designated responsibilities. If the design team misses a deadline, they know their payments are affected – that’s a key part of holding everyone accountable.

The operations team ensures that everything is in working order, from managing maintenance to setting up essential utilities. Anything that’s outside the design scope – like stocking supplies or handling any maintenance issues – falls into their hands.

The best part? Once the design is complete, the operations team takes over full-time to manage everything on a recurring basis. This division of labor means there’s always a clear process, and no one is overburdened.

Step 3: Photography and Listing

Once the design team has completed their work, the final touch is photography. We work with a professional photographer who takes stunning photos of the property the very next day. When those pictures land in our inbox, it’s game time – the listing goes live, and The Adobe Ridge is officially available for booking.

In a matter of days, what once was an empty unit has transformed into a beautiful, fully-functional vacation rental. And thanks to the hard work of our team, we’re able to manage the property remotely.

Automation in Action

By the time The Adobe Ridge goes live for bookings, the entire process has been automated. There’s a clear blueprint, deadlines are set, and each team knows their responsibilities. While I oversee and manage the larger operations, I don’t need to micromanage the day-to-day tasks. And because we’ve set up everything with the right systems and structure, the next property will be just as seamless.

This is the power of automation and delegation in vacation rental management. It’s not about doing everything yourself; it’s about having the right people and processes in place to ensure everything runs smoothly.

You Can Do It Too in the vacation rental business

If you’re a host looking to scale your vacation rental business, this process is something you can replicate. Start by finding the right properties, negotiate strong leasing agreements, and build a network of trusted partners. Once you get the right systems in place, you’ll find that managing multiple properties becomes almost effortless.

Remember: business is all about optimizing processes, learning from past mistakes, and continually improving. With the right foundation, you too can create a business that practically runs itself.

I hope you find inspiration in our journey with The Adobe Ridge. If you’re considering expanding your vacation rental portfolio, now is the perfect time to put these strategies into action.

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out with any questions!