A behind-the-scenes look at the unexpected issues that come with managing a beach house, from power outages to leaks.

I just got back from a quick trip to my beach house, and let me be honest, it wasn’t all ocean views and morning coffee. The power went out in the back rooms, the refrigerator stopped working, and a plumbing leak showed up at the worst time. When I got to the Sea Casa, the back rooms had lost power. No lights. No working outlets. Not great, especially when it shut down the coffee station. It turns out that the problem was in an old, rusted junction box from a previous addition. 

It took some work (and a night in a hotel), but we got it fixed. It was a full 24-hour sprint, but I’d still do it all again. Despite the headaches, owning a vacation rental has been one of the best financial decisions I’ve made.

Real estate builds wealth, but it takes real work. This trip was a reminder that real estate ownership isn’t always neat or predictable. Sometimes, everything breaks at once, and you’re the one who has to figure it out. But if you can handle the repairs and the occasional scramble, you’ll come out ahead. The long-term value of owning property (especially vacation rentals in high-demand areas) is hard to match. Once the repairs were done, I stocked the house for the rest of the summer and added new shelving in the laundry room to help our cleaners stay organized. It’s these small systems that make a big difference when you’re running a busy rental.

"Real estate ownership isn’t always neat or predictable, but it’s worth it."

Managing a short-term rental is like running a business. Every detail counts. Guests expect more than just a place to sleep; they want a smooth, well-stocked experience. That’s why we have a fully loaded coffee bar, fresh towels, paper goods, and hand soaps ready at all times. It’s not about perfection, it’s about being prepared and consistent. Treating your rental like a business keeps it booked and profitable, even when things go wrong behind the scenes.

Thinking about buying a vacation rental? Let’s map it out. If you’ve ever considered owning a short-term rental (at the beach, in the mountains, or anywhere in between), I’d be glad to help you think through what it takes and whether it’s the right move for you. I’ve been in this space for a while, and I can guide you through the steps, risks, and potential rewards.

Call or text me at 512-587-4050, email [email protected], or visit savvyreg.com. Let’s sit down and figure out how you can build something real through real estate.