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Posted January 2012
Rooms to let? Still time to cash in around Super Bowl.
Some will cash in on Super Bowl by renting out residences. Ashley Petry
As Super Bowl Sunday draws closer, rumors have swirled that homeowners can rent out their homes to tourists for $5,000 or even $10,000 per night.
The truth: Reports of rental windfalls have been greatly exaggerated. But that doesn't mean you can't still make a few bucks -- or even a few thousand.
"It is a once-in-a-very-long-time opportunity to make a nice chunk of money out of renting your house for a very short time," said Jon Gray, vice president of HomeAway's North American division.
At HomeAway, one of the nation's largest vacation-rental websites, the average price for a rental property is $1,750 per week. During periods of heavy demand such as the Super Bowl, a realistic price might be $3,000 per week, Gray said.
Bob Hayes, owner of Sports Event Rentals, said high-quality four-bedroom homes near Lucas Oil Stadium might rent for $1,000 to $2,500 per night.
Hayes said one rental agency is "notorious" for posting yellow signs in Super Bowl cities promising up to $10,000 per night, which he said is "just unrealistic."
Indianapolis resident Shelley Crawford, whose home is about 10 minutes from the stadium, said she signed a deal with a California tourist for $2,500 a night for three nights, but she sweetened the deal by offering to chauffeur the renters around town.
Variables that affect the rental price include the home's size, proximity to the stadium, amenities and overall quality, as well as the appeal of the listing itself.
Major sporting events such as the Super Bowl almost always create spikes in demand for vacation-home rentals in those areas, Gray said.
The HomeAway site, which has 260,000 listings worldwide, saw a 157 percent increase in Indianapolis searches during the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.
About 90 percent of the Sports Event Rentals site's current traffic is related to the Super Bowl.
When Crawford listed her home for rental, friends expressed concerns about theft and damage. But Crawford said she didn't expect any problems.
"Anybody spending that kind of money is not going to tear up your house," she said.
All the same, she requested a refundable $1,000 security deposit.
Security deposits are common practice for home rentals, said Emily Glossbrenner, author of "How to Make Your Vacation Property Work for You" and blogger at FullyBookedRentals.com.
"The idea is to have a significant amount of money that the renters would want to make sure they get back, so they are motivated to take good care of your property, to not have a wild party and break the lamps and the television set," she said.
Although policies vary widely, homeowners probably can file claims on their homeowner's insurance for such damage or theft, said Suzanne Trainor, an office manager for Nationwide.
She said homeowners concerned about liability might consider purchasing short-term event coverage -- the same policy an organization might get for a weekend festival. Such policies, which start at about $250, are separate commercial policies rather than supplements to homeowner's insurance.
Another option is to list with a rental company that reimburses homeowners for damage. Airbnb, for example, offers up to $50,000 in coverage.
Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO are among the nation's largest services for vacation rentals, but smaller sites such as Sports Event Rentals cater specifically to sports fans.
Posted January 2012
Super Space for Rent… By Kris Kirschner
By all estimates, the Super Bowl is a potential windfall for downtown businesses hoping to cash in on the frenzy of the 100-thousand-plus visitors.
The city itself claims it comes with an economic impact of somewhere between $125 million and $400 million.
But there is also money to be made by the savvy Hoosier—-willing to give up hearth and home for a little cash in hand. In other words, renting out their homes to fans wanting a place to stay while in town for the big game.
I’ve often asked myself—-(and my husband)—-whether we could open our doors to complete strangers during Super Bowl week. The financial benefits (up to $10-thousand a day if you believe the signs) seemed tempting. But could I put a pricetag on my privacy?
It was during one of these discussions my husband mentioned a nephew who would indeed be offering his very attractive (and just two miles from Lucas Oil Stadium his very convenient) home to rent for the Super Bowl.
Greg Cummins is a talented, intelligent young professional (and a really nice guy) who lives in one of the historic districts near dowtown Indy.
He tells me it was an easy decision to rent his house for the Super Bowl—-having done business in rental properites in the past.
And it’s that previous experience that helped him come up with a rental agreement that also gives him peace of mind.
For instance says Greg: “ There won’t be time to do credit checks so I am requiring full payment, upfront via a money wire or overnight cashier’s check or money order.”
He also plans to remove anything of value. (That was actually my biggest deterrent. The thought of having to remove all my personal effects, including clothing–seemed too daunting a task).
And under his contract, he can make daily onsite visits.
To start the process, Greg tells me he did simple searches on the Internet to see what company or companies got the most hits. He decided on www.sportseventrentals.com
“It costs only $49 to post an ad on the site, but that is all they do. I am still responsible for communicating with the renters, collecting money and come up with a contract which I found online and simply modified. I also decided to list it on Craig’s list. It works in my favor that the Colts are not in it this year which means more out-of-towners looking to rent. ”
He took photos of his home and through creative writing, came up with an attractive description. See what you think:
“My home is architecturally interesting with bamboo floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and many bells and whistles like a garden tub, outdoor grill and heater. “
He says you really need to emphasize the bells and whistles or you’ll “just be another home for rent.”
Who am I to argue?
Afterall, shouldn’t a renter paying $2000/night with a four night minimum feel they are getting their money’s worth?
According to this Super opportunist, “The Super Bowl is cash cow and if you really put your mind to it, there are lots of ways to ake money from this event.”
So Super Bowl XLVI may indeed deliver on its promise to pay off.
At least for people like Greg: willing to take a gamble—-banking on a big payout no matter who wins the game.
Posted January 2012
Hundreds of houses available as
Super Bowl rentals By Scott Olson
Hundreds of Indianapolis-area residents remain hopeful they’ll cash in on the Super Bowl by renting their homes to
visitors willing to fork over thousands of dollars for a place to stay.
As of Friday morning, about 350 listings were posted on Phoenix-based SportsEventRentals.com and 63 listings were on the
website of Phoenix-based MajorEventRentalz.com. Several homeowners have posted on both sites. The companies, though based
in the same city, are not affiliated.
MajorEventRentalz.com began blanketing Indianapolis last summer with enticing signs advertising
the chance to fetch rent payments of up to $10,000 per day.
But, so far, daily asking rates are falling well short in the days leading up to the game on Feb. 5. Listings for places
ranging from downtown apartments and condos to an 11,500-square-foot mini-mansion are falling between $1,800 and $6,500, usually
with a mandatory five-day minimum stay.
MajorEventRentalz.com promoted the $10,000 figure based on one home in Dallas during last year’s Super Bowl that brought
a daily rental rate of $15,000, said Mike Smith, an advertising agent with the company.
Smith declined to divulge how many homeowners have been successful by using the website but said the company is pleased with
the results. Homeowners pay MajorEventRentalz.com a $595 flat fee to promote their homes on the website whether they rent
it or not.
“The response we’re receiving is excellent,” he said, citing the 700 daily page views the website is receiving.
“Our houses are priced to move.”
MajorEventRentalz.com started in 2009 and advertises home rentals for other events, including the Kentucky Derby, the Masters
Golf Tournament in Georgia and the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York.
The company sends a photographer to homes of potential renters to create on online virtual tour. It provides a standard contract
for landlords and homeowners to use but doesn’t act as a middleman between owners and renters unless they request assistance,
Smith said.
Smith expects demand for Indianapolis-area homes to increase after Sunday’s two football games determine who will play
in the Super Bowl. A dearth of available hotel rooms should help as well, he said.
Robert Hayes, CEO of SportsEventRentals.com, agreed. The company was launched four years ago and charges $50 a year to list
properties for several sports events around the globe. For the Super Bowl, daily rental rates range from $700 to $9,000 for
a 12,000-square-foot mansion.
"Starting Sunday, our Web traffic will increase 500 percent," Hayes said. "They'll get interest because
there is no place to stay, and if there is, it's very expensive."
The NFL estimates Indianapolis will draw between 100,000 and 150,000 visitors over a 10-day span for the game and affiliated
activities.
Steve Hamilton, who listed his condominium in the downtown 3Mass building for $3,900 a day onMajorEventRentalz.com, said
he's optimistic about finding a renter at his price.
“I’m pretty confident, once the two teams are set this weekend, and with the limitation on hotel rooms,”
he said. “I know of three friends who already have rented properties, so I don’t think we’ll have a problem
based on our location downtown.”
Hamilton’s confidence is bolstered by two “legitimate” inquiries received so far, including one from California.
He’s also wary about failing prey to potential scams. Hamilton said he’s received three e-mails similarly written
in broken English from couples claiming their company is paying for their wedding and honeymoon, and that they are interested
in staying at his condo. The e-mails further said their companies would send certified checks once dates are set.
Hamilton ignored the e-mails but his online research revealed the scam usually involves a certified check sent in an amount
greater than the rental rate of a home. The senders of the e-mail follow up by saying they mistakenly sent the wrong amount
and ask for the difference to be returned. The catch is that the original check they send will bounce.
Bill Thomas, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana, said the consumer watchdog has not received complaints
about MajorEventRentalz.com. But he urged residents who list properties on the site to be mindful of potential cons.
“Just do your homework and check your options,” Thomas said. “If anyone asks you to wire them money, that’s
when you should be cautious.”
Shad Tidler, who’s attempting to rent his apartment on West Market Street for $3,500 a day, has received no unscrupulous
e-mails but he’s fielded about five inquiries.
If he’s successful, Tidler plans to use the money toward a down payment on a home.
“I thought we might have it rented by now,” he said, “but it only takes one time to get your investment
back, and then some.”
Top Stories | Posted January 2012
FOOTBALL FANS LOOK LOCALLY FOR SUPER BOWL ACCOMMODATIONS By Aleasha Sandley
The hotels and motels are booked, but people still have a place to turn for lodging for the Super Bowl — your house.
Visitors to central Indiana who need a place to stay, or who would rather spread out more and have lodging that’s a little more like staying at home have several online options. These guests can find a place to stay with a number of companies that assist central Indiana homeowners in renting out their homes for Super Bowl week. One such company, www.SportsEventRentals.com serves as a posting service where those looking to rent out their homes can post an ad on the site for $49, which allows them to use the site to advertise their home for up to a year, Sports Event Rentals co-owner Bob Hayes said. “We don’t take a cent if your home rents; there’s no commission, and we don’t automatically renew,” Hayes said. “You can immediately upload your home. Our listing is pretty comprehensive and cool because it shows all the photos that you take, a large description and a Google map. That’s all user generated. “It’s very comprehensive, what we believe is fool-proof. It takes two or three minutes, and you can list your home in every single event within the state or area. You can choose to show your contact info or have the website email you.” This year’s Super Bowl will be Sports Event Rentals’ third since launching, and Hayes said Super Bowls generate the most web traffic for the company. “After each big event, we will email people and ask their experience,” he said. “Most are the people who put a fair price on their home. We’ve had people call and say, ‘I’m upset. My home didn’t rent.’ But maybe they didn’t post photos, or maybe they didn’t post their listing at all.”
Hayes said traffic to his website has grown by 350 percent over last year, and already in January it has had more than 56,000 page views. Hayes expects that to grow exponentially in the next few weeks as the NFL playoff picture changes. Indianapolis Super Bowl rentals are outpacing those in previous Super Bowls in Miami and Dallas, even though Indianapolis is a cold-weather destination, Hayes said.
Although some people might have reservations about renting out their homes, it can be an entirely safe process if renters and rentees use common sense, Hayes said. “This isn’t something new; it isn’t a fly-by-night process of people now just staying in people’s homes,” he said. “I do it, and my family does it because I’d rather stay in a nicer home when I go on vacation than stay in a hotel. It’s a growing thing.” Those looking to rent out their homes should do their research on all listing companies and not set unrealistic expectations, Hayes said. “If you’re look at renting your home, don’t do it unless you really think you’re going to get an amount of money to make it worth leaving your home for a particular number of days. Take your time, take nice photos, explain what you’re offering,” he said. If you’re looking to find a home to rent, talk through the deal with the person renting out the house. Include your expectations and ask a lot of questions, Hayes said.
Kim Hobbs and her friends went in together to offer their three houses, all in the Legendary Hills subdivision in Martinsville, as one package to rent for the Super Bowl. Alternatively, interested renters could use just one of the three spaces. Hobbs and her friends also have decided to offer add-ons, such as transportation to and from Super Bowl events, home-cooked meals and extra nights, if renters are interested. “Obviously people have economic means or they wouldn’t be coming to the game,” Hobbs said. “Groups and corporate housing will be looking for opportunities, and pretty much all the hotels in the Indianapolis area are sold out. (With houses) you get the most bang for your buck. You have living rooms with big-screen TVs, a full kitchen, laundry service.” Hobbs said one person so far has expressed interest in her and her friends’ houses. She expects plenty more interest once the two Super Bowl teams are decided. Besides the obvious economic opportunity, Hobbs said, renting out her houses will give guests a chance to see Indiana and Martinsville hospitality. “I would love to rent my house to someone who says this is a great experience, you have a really great home, Martinsville is a great town,” she said. “I see maybe a repetitive opportunity. It’s also showing our Hoosier hospitality. I think that’s one thing the whole state comes away with. I think people have a negative slant on Hoosiers, and I hope they come away with, ‘Those people are just the most kind, generous people ever.’” Hobbs, who was born and raised in Martinsville and returned to the city eight years ago, advised renters and rentees to do their homework and execute a contract for the rental. “Use your own gut feeling when talking to a person,” she said. “Make certain you have a legal document in place that both parties sign and a way to do a background check or have them provide references. People are people, and you don’t really know what you’re going to get. “I think it’s just using your intuition and just being prudent in your business affairs with these individuals.”
Top Stories | Posted December 2011
Super Bowl could bring big bucks to Indianapolis homeowners By Heather Smith
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WAVE) - Indianapolis is set to host its first Super Bowl in February. Hotel rooms are selling out fast and a lack of housing is becoming a big problem.
Managers at downtown hotels like the Omni say they have been booked for the Super Bowl weekend for months.
Now some homeowners are looking to rent out their pads to eager fans.
The owner of sportseventsrentals.com says owners could make a bundle in just a few days. "If you're fortunate enough to live next to a huge event like this, most people don't realize that their homes are a small gold mine," said owner Todd Brenneman.
Experts warn about the possible risk of renting a home and suggest collecting security deposits and get the full payment at the time of check in.
Top Stories | Posted December 2011
Hoosier Homeowners Cash In On Super Bowl Rentals
INDIANAPOLIS -- Some Indiana homeowners are hoping to cash in on Super Bowl 2012 as thousands of out of town football fans scurry to secure housing for the big game.
Event organizers said more than 100,000 guests are expected in Indianapolis during the first weekend in February, and some Hoosiers have decided to turn their homes into rentals.
Homeowner Bobbie Mock, who has a vacant three-bedroom home near downtown Indy, said she’s considered renting it during the Super Bowl, RTV6's Eboné Monet reported.
“People who have lived here before have been real pleased with it,” Mock said. "I have thought (about renting) but not a lot of thought. Partly, I worry about the noise bothering the other tenants and damages. Although, a large deposit can protect me from that."
Mock said her daughter has already listed her home for rent and tried to convince her that her vacant home on Talbott Street is a prime spot for fans attending Super Bowl activities.
"I think a lot of young professionals like to live in this area because they can get to the night life downtown,” Mock said.
Some websites listed homes for rent in the Indianapolis area for thousands of dollars a night, but because Mock’s vacant home is unfurnished, she said she was unsure she’d get any offers.
“People don't want to come in and sit and sleep on floors. Or maybe they might for the right price,” she said.
Real estate experts said there’s still a huge demand for Super Bowl housing and that the prices vary depending on the house itself and location.
Managers at downtown hotels said their rooms have been booked solid for months.
Todd Brenneman, owner of Sports Events Rentals, said the booked hotel rooms could mean big bucks for homeowners.
“If you're fortunate enough to live next to a huge event like this, most people don't realize that their homes are a small gold mine,” Brenneman said.
Experts warned about the possible security risk of renting a home and suggested that homeowners collect security deposits and get renter’s insurance before guests check in.
Top Stories | Posted February 2011
Home rental could be a Super Bowl money maker. Emily Longnecker/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Whether you care about football or not, you may be interested in ways to make a buck - or a few thousand - off next year's Super Bowl in Indianapolis.
Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium is only a year away and all the action surrounding the game is already well underway. For homeowners like Julie Brooks, the week of the Super Bowl in 2012 could be about more than just entertainment.
"I think there's significant money to be made," said Brooks, who lives downtown.
It could be about cashing in on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living area just minutes from the stadium, Brooks, an F.C. Tucker real estate agent, holds in her hands the keys to some prime real estate and the potential to make thousands of dollars in just days next February.
But she isn't thinking about selling her home - just renting it out to someone coming to the Circle City for the big game.
"Because it's cold here, people are going to be spending a lot of time at these events going on surrounding the Super Bowl, not necessarily outside sunbathing," Brooks said. "I think it's going to be really important to be close to downtown and be able to get in and out."
The reason home rentals may bring in major cash is because it's hard to book a hotel right now. The NFL has put thousands of hotel rooms on hold downtown, so people looking for a sure thing may look elsewhere.
Websites like SportsEventRentals.com match up homeowners in cities hosting major sporting events and would-be renters.
"It's just a great opportunity to make some money," said the site's creator, Todd Brenneman.
That's what North Texas homeowners near the site of this year's Super Bowl found out, Brenneman said.
"Homes, on the average, from the low end, would be going from anywhere from $1,000 a night up to, there's a few on there that are going for over $5,000 a night," he added.
Some of those homes are nowhere near as close to Cowboys Stadium as the downtown Indianapolis homes are to Lucas Oil Stadium.
"Homes are renting that are 25 and 30 miles away, that's much farther than our suburbs even," Brooks said.
That means suburban homeowners - miles away from the stadium - with the right set up could jump on the bandwagon, too, with the potential to cash in as much as homeowners downtown.
"If you have a particularly great house for entertaining, if you have a theater, a home theater, they will all add to the particular value," said Joe Everhart, The Sycamore Group.
But renting out your home for the Super Bowl means a lot more than just putting out clean towels for house guests.
"They want to feel like they are getting some value for that dollar. So you definitely want to have as comfortable accommodations and as pleasant as possible," Everhart said.
Not to mention other incentives that could sweeten the deal.
"I think you're probably trying to sell, 'I can drive you into the Super Bowl,' so you don't have to deal with the fact that taxis may be hard to come by on that day," Brooks said.
That's only part of the work involved if you're thinking about renting your home out to strangers.
"Make sure you know who you're talking to and who you're talking with," Everhart said.
That could involve doing a credit check on possible renters.
"Check with your insurance provider, make sure they understand completely what you're doing and make sure you have enough liability insurance to protect you," Everhart said.
Everhart says clearing out of your living space, perhaps for more than a week, may not be for everyone.
"You gotta consider if you have the temperament to be out of your home. Where are you going to stay? Hopefully you have friends that will put you up for the weekend and attend a Super Bowl party with them," Everhart said.
And when it's over, and your Super Bowl house squatters have gone home, there might be some cleaning up to do - but you could be thousands of dollars richer for your trouble.
Top Stories | Posted January 26th 2011 2:14PM
Did Jets' Loss to Steelers 'Steal' Super Bowl Rental Booty?
BY CANDY EVANS
Who is going to spend $22,000 to lease a home just for Super Bowl weekend? Joseph Mannino, apparently. The New York-area businessman -- he is the senior vice president of sales for the Collegebound Network -- was planning on a pricey, but fun-filled weekend in Dallas on February 6.
"We had a group of ten guys all ready to rent a super duper high end house near Cowboys Stadium, split the house rental, the entire weekend cost us maybe $17K per person including game tickets before partying," says Joseph.
But that was before Sunday's defeat in the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will meet the Green Bay Packers on February 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas for Super Bowl XLV.
The home Mannino and friends was going to lease is still available from SportsEventsRentals.com. It is located about ten minutes from the stadium, which was a top priority for this group, and it is loaded: 8,600 square feet, plus an additional four-bedroom home on the property; six bedrooms, five with separate dressing areas and private baths, media room, game room with pool and poker table, second kitchen; and because it might be nippy in early February for that outdoor pool, an indoor diving pool with hot tub and bay window overlooking the total lake view. The guys might have fought over that "Joan Crawford" master shower, all done in marble with 8 shower heads, pre set temperature control, and electronic start. Of course there's home audio throughout in case you just want to stay in and listen to the game. Bring your racquets: The grounds include a tennis/sport court, outdoor kitchen, enormous deck with fire pit and attached jet ski/boat dock overlooking the lake. The home is also way secluded with a long front drive which means plenty of privacy.
The owners are also offering a Hummer and/or Mercedes as transportation, for an additional cost. Mannino thinks Dallas-Fort Worth may be the biggest loser now that the Jets are not playing in Super Bowl XLV, because he knows a lot of friends who were planning on spending major bucks -- more, even, than he and his pals -- to head up to the game.
"The tickets are from $2,000 to $20,000, and a lot of guys I know were planning on getting houses," says Mannino, "and we'd all be coming up in a private corporate jet."
But Mannino and buds will probably be partying in New York on February 6. I'm not going to spend all that money, he says, to see the Steelers.
Top Stories | Posted January 14th 2011 3:59PM
Texas Super Bowl Rentals: Royal Rip Off?
BY CANDY EVANS
Hundreds of North Texans are looking forward to windfall real estate profits leasing their home to strangers during Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Tex., next month. From an affordable $1,000 per night for an ordinary 3-bedroom, 2-bath only five miles from Cowboys Stadium -- "Can almost walk!" -- to a $1.2 million Highland Park mansion that is asking $13,000 per night, North Texas homeowners are seeing dollar signs.
Some locals are putting together elaborate packages with maids, stocked pantries, gourmet meals, limos to the game, and their influence around town to guarantee reservations, like agent Piper Young's interior designer client. But the highrollers have not come out of hiding yet, and many of the over-the-top-priced homeowners are still waiting for the phone to ring.
"They'll start ringing once we know which teams are playing," says Arlington-based Realtor Jamie Adams, who is known as the agent to the sports stars including Nolan Ryan, Daryl "the Moose" Johnston, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Once the teams are determined, says Adams, excitement builds and the bookings begin. He should know: Adams has four lease listings in Arlington for Super Bowl week --one, which is going for $10,000 a night, features a dance studio. Jamie is also negotiating several corporate deals right now for the week.
But it's also possible some of these homeowners may be getting ripped off. The Super Bowl host committee claims there are still plenty of hotel rooms left to be booked for the game, even in Arlington. Still, signs are popping up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area luring homeowners into thinking they can monetize their home for a windfall, like $10,000 a night.
Most rental sites, like SportsEventRentals.com, charge a onetime fee of $49.95 for listing your property. But call Ticket Holder Accomodators, and it's more like they are getting the windfall. Ticket Holder's website is offering to list your home in "packages" ranging from the Platinum package, at $1,495, to the Gold Deluxe at $1,195. The homeowner pays all of it.
And get this: The company says it will hire and send a professional photographer to your home to compile "a breathtaking portfolio" that will help you rent the place. Oh, and that Platinum package includes maid service, transportation and food catering, among other perks for the paying client who rents your home. Of course, there are no guarantees your home will rent, no guarantees they won't trash the place -- so you could be laying out a few C-notes for nothing.
C-notes? One company told the Fort Worth Star Telegram it only takes cash or cashiers checks, which of course cannot be canceled.
Super Bowl XLV is the biggest event ever held in this region, and homeowners may think they'll do what many residents of Augusta, Georgia do during the Masters Golf Tournement: Rent their home, and get out of Dodge.
But that may not be the best idea. Brandon Bennett, code compliance director for Fort Worth, told the Fort Worth Star Telegram that leaving the area or taking a hands-off approach to renting a house, is a train wreck waiting to happen.
Even if you have a formal written rental agreement with a property management company that "protects" you against damage to a physical structure or its contents, the hassle of replacing or repairing everything may not be worth the check you get once you read the fine print. You also may not want to drive your neighbor's batty should the short-term tenants get in the party mood. That, plus many cities have codes regarding rental properties. In Fort Worth, a homeowner is treated much the same way as any property owner renting his house for income. So anyone who rents a home in Fort Worth for events such as the Super Bowl, Colonial golf tournament, NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway, the Stock Show or Cutting Horse competition, has to have an agreement for a minimum of 30 days, inorder to comply with the law. Of course, these events do not last for 30 days. So even if a homeowner rents a house for a week during the Super Bowl, ask for a 30-day rental agreement with the understanding the renter is staying only for seven days.
Todd Brenneman, president of SportsEventRentals.com, said his website alone has 79 listings for Super Bowl home rentals. He divides Super Bowl homeowners into two types: the serious ones who are "comfortable with renting and will be competitive with their price."
These folks, he says, want $1,200 to $2,500 a night, he says. Local Realtors tell me the homes that command the biggest rents prices will be comfortable homes closest to Cowboys Stadium.
The other type of renter, says Brenneman, is just looking to score, and score big. They will only rent if they get their astronomical asking price; and if they don't, they won't rent it. So why are they even bothering? Testing the waters, says Brenneman.
Potential renters will also be more likely to sign on the dotted if the rental home comes loaded with perks, such as use of the family car, hopefully exotic, a hot tub or heated swimming pool. Children and pets are not considered "perks," so Fido will have to vacate the home or get boarded for Super Bowl week.
Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on Feb. 6 is expected to stimulate the North Texas economy, and it appears that a growing number of residents are looking to do the same in their own household.
As the countdown reached 47 days Tuesday, Todd Brenneman, president of SportsEventRentals.com, said that his website alone has 79 listings for houses to rent in North Texas during Super Bowl week. Another popular site, SuperbStays.com, has 46 listings for North Texas.
Prices vary from $1,000 a night to fees ranging from $7,500 to $35,000 for the week.
North Texans may also have begun seeing those yellow signs in the ground that say, "Rent Your Home For The Super Bowl, Up To $10,000 a day."
The phone number connects to Ticket Holder Accommodators, a Phoenix-based website that advertises itself as "#1 in Super Bowl Getaways."
It's not clear, however, if anyone has landed a high-dollar contract.
What choices do potential renters have on these websites?
One listing on SuperStays.com offers a "resort-style home complete with a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Grapevine, 15 minutes from DFW Airport. and less than 5 miles from Southlake Town Center. The house has six bedrooms and 6,100 square feet with amenities such as cable TV/satellite, Internet access, fireplace, pool and security system." The owner is asking $35,000 for the week.
On a more modest level, the owner of a three-bedroom, two-bath home in south Arlington, five miles from Cowboys Stadium, is asking $10,000 for the week, or $2,000 daily.
If you want to walk to the stadium, you might consider this listing on sportseventrentals.com:
"Spacious 3 bedroom, plus sleeping study, in a pretty residential neighborhood. My family usually walks to the stadium from the house, and to the Texas Rangers stadium right next door."
The 2,400-square foot house is renting for $1,000 a night, with the owner looking to book nine nights.
"We ask people to research their area," Brenneman said, "and see what hotels are going for and to be as competitive as possible.
"We don't know an individual's home like they do. If a homeowner wants to ensure that their home will rent, then they need to be very competitive with other listings that are on our site, or any other site that offers similar services."
With a few exceptions, North Texans are new to the process, as the Super Bowl is the biggest event ever held in the region.
Brenneman divides homeowners as two types:
First are those who are "comfortable with renting and will be competitive with their price."
"These people have the higher odds of renting (in the range of $1,200 to $2,500 a night)," he said. "It all depends on the size of the home, how many people it comfortably sleeps, and distance to the event."
The other type of renter, he said, is the first-timer looking to make a big score. He said this homeowner will rent only if he or she gets the asking price.
"If it doesn't rent, then it doesn't rent, and they are not worried about it," Brenneman said. "But it's worth getting it advertised to see if that 'whale' renter will find them."
Potential renters will also look for perks such as the use of the family car or hot tub. Unless a pool is heated, of course, it's not going to be an attraction in North Texas in February.
Some homeowners list a rental price, while others prefer to wait to negotiate until an interested party has contacted them.
"For example, if a normal party of six to eight fans are interested, the price point might be lower than if a large 'company' calls asking about a corporate rental," Brenneman said. "Corporate rentals tend to fetch much higher rental costs because the company has a bigger budget."
The advantage of renting a house instead of staying in a hotel is "flexibility," Brenneman said. If several couples or a group of fans share a house, the cost can be less per person than a hotel room. Renters can buy food and drink at local stores, cook their meals, and have the amenities that come with staying in a house.
The downside is, they will have to make their own bed and they can't hope aboard the hotel shuttle to get to Cowboys Stadium.
Homeowners beware
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is potential property damage or an injury suffered on the premises by a renter.
That's why officials in Arlington, for example, are urging residents to stay in hotel rooms, which are still available, instead of in private houses. "Hotel room space is more than adequate," said Trey Yelverton, deputy city manager in Arlington. "Home rentals will be far and few between. I do not expect any significant demand."
Arlington homeowners should also note that property rental management services are not regulated by the city and that property owners are liable for city and state hotel occupancy taxes if they do rent their house.
Marcia Dent, chairwoman of the Arlington Board of Realtors, has recommended that homeowners use a real estate company to smooth the process and ensure that they are covered by insurance.
A real estate agent would receive a commission, of course, reducing the homeowner's windfall. But for some people, peace of mind is worth a smaller take.
"Homeowners with higher prices are weeding away the rougher 'party animal' type people from renting their home," Brenneman said. "The theory is, if someone can afford $1,500 to $5,000 a night, most likely they will be respectful-type people and nothing in the home will get harmed or destroyed."
Brenneman's website is offering North Texans an option to keep their listing "live" even if they rent their house, allowing them to attract potential renters for 2011 events such as the PGA Tour Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, the Byron Nelson in Irving and the two NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway. Pete Alfano, 817-390-7985
When it comes to the Super Bowl, the three most important words in real estate apply: location, location, location.
With nine months to go before Super Bowl XLV, a number of North Texas residents have already listed their houses on rental Web sites such as superbstays.com and sportseventrentals.com, with asking prices anywhere from $325 a night to $30,000 a week.
And the shortage of hotel rooms near Cowboys Stadium might help Arlington homeowners benefit the most. Six of the current listings on the sites are in Arlington.
Home rentals are common for major sports events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics, as well as for annual sports events, concerts and even parties. But the Super Bowl represents the first big event-rental opportunity for North Texas.
The game and ancillary events are expected to draw more than a half-million Texans from outside the market area and 147,000 non-Texans, according to an economic development study commissioned by the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee.
"Event renting is very new here, and people are seeing green," said Martha Dent, chairwoman of the Arlington Board of Realtors. "They think it looks easy until they get into it. You can make good money, but you may come back and have to renovate your property because of damage."
Giving the keys to the house to a stranger can be risky business.
Sharon Whittington said she almost rented her southeast Arlington house to a California woman for the NBA All-Star Game weekend but backed out because she had a feeling she might be getting scammed. One red flag was that the woman never called from the same phone number twice, she said.
In retrospect, she said the offer was probably legitimate, but she didn't want to take any chances.
It hasn't discouraged her from trying to rent her four-bedroom house, which is about 41/2 miles from Cowboys Stadium, during Super Bowl week.
Whittington is asking $1,200 a night and $8,000 for the week for her home.
"I'm new to this," she said. "At first I was asking $120 a night, but I did some research and saw what others were asking, so I raised it by a thousand. I don't want to rip anyone off, but I think my price is still pretty low, a bargain."
Paulette Francis, who lives with her three children in a four-bedroom house six miles from the stadium, said her 21-year-old son suggested renting for the Super Bowl, but she had to give it some thought before agreeing to list for $12,000 a week.
"I'm not going to lie: The money is important and will pay a big chunk of my mortgage," Francis said. "But my main reason for renting is to be part of history. It's the first Super Bowl here and something the kids will remember."
She said she has done due diligence and consulted with her insurance company and a friend who is a financial adviser.
"My kids are excited, but at the same time a little leery," Francis said. "We're doing research, and we'll do background checks. We want to make sure we rent to the right people who won't burn our house to the ground."
Protecting the neighborhood
Mayor Robert Cluck said Arlington is concerned about disturbances and worse, such as a renter accidentally setting a house ablaze.
"You don't want problems with the neighbors," he said. "You might rent to a couple, and then they have a hundred people over for a party. But we have to be careful about freedom of choice. I can't tell or suggest what homeowners should do."
Cluck said he would not rent out his house.
"This is not the mayor's opinion, but a personal one -- I wouldn't do it," he said.
"I've been to Green Bay [Wis.], where homes around the stadium are rented for every game, and the risk to homeowners is that when they get their house back, it is frequently in shambles.
"Items are broken or stolen, and the house often needs an extensive cleaning. You can make nice money, but expenses and things not covered by insurance can add up to a lot of money."
Dent recommends that homeowners use real estate professionals, "a company that sets guidelines and boundaries and has a bona fide real estate agreement."
A real estate agent, of course, would get a commission, which would reduce the homeowner's take. She said there is no standard percentage on event rentals.
Todd Brenneman, who founded sportseventrentals.com, suggested that homeowners speak to the prospective renters and meet them if possible.
"I've rented my home a few times and could tell right away if the people interested were the type I wouldn't want in my home," he said.
His Web site launched in November, in time for the Super Bowl in Miami. He charges $99 for a listing.
He said one way to calculate how much a homeowner should charge is to check hotel room rates. And he encouraged homeowners to list their property early.
Among the 30 people who rented their houses on his site for the 2010 Super Bowl, most listed three to four months before the game.
"Since we're new at this, we're still figuring it all out," Brenneman said. "When people list, we give them a follow-up call to get a feel for how they are doing and make sure they don't get scammed."
The possibility for scams has given pause to novices in the renting game.
Donna Williams, whose family lives in a 5,300-square-foot house in Carrollton, about 19 miles from Cowboys Stadium, prefers a corporate renter and is asking $30,000 for Super Bowl week, or $5,000 a night.
"We're cautious and wary about it," she said. "I'm not going to rent to the first person who calls or wants to write a check."
Dickey Shrum has listed his 4,400-square-foot Flower Mound house for $25,000 but concedes, "I'm just flying by the seat of my pants, and I haven't talked my wife into it yet."
The former season-ticket holder at Texas Stadium has, however, won over his 15-year-old daughter.
"I promised her we'd go on a trip to Cabo for a week," he said.
Posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Feel at "home" away from home at your next PGA event
By Golf Gal
The Olympics are only a few days away and Vangroovy is buzzing! Okay, they have to truck snow to Cypress Mountain for the snowboarders (it’s been so warm, there’s no snow up there), but other than that, things are moving along pretty smoothly.
Hmmm… maybe not so smoothly for some folks who thought they would be floating pretty on the Norwegian Star during the Games – a cruise ship that was going to be a floating hotel for spectators.
Looks like that ship has sunk under economic hardship. Yikes! Time for the lifeboats for the guests who signed up to stay on board!
Well, thankfully, I discovered a solution which could help a few of these stranded spectators – SportsEventRental.com.
I learned about this company about a week ago. They are listed on Mike Perez's website. Apparently one of their founders, Todd Brenneman designed Mike's new site, which is looking pretty cool. Small world, eh?
When I visited Sports Event Rental, I was impressed to see that they are offering homes for rent in Vancouver during the Olympics. When I dug a little deeper, I discovered they also rent homes, condos, apts and even yachts at tons of sporting events throughout the year, including the entire PGA Tour (you wouldn’t expect me to write a non-golfing post, now, would you? :)).
To test it out, I decided to check out the Accenture Match Play Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona in February. Just for fun, I looked at the price of a single room at The Ritz during the event – the cheapest was 559.00 (USD) per night. Not fun! Then I took at look at what Sports Event Rental could offer. There were more than a dozen homes listed in the area; one 4 bedroom house was 10-15 minutes from the event and was renting out at only $150 per night! No, that's more like it!
I wanted to learn more about this company, so, as I am known to do, I talked to one of the founders (Robert (Bob) Hayes) by phone to get the skinny on how it all works. Check out his interview... (Click Here for interview)
Well, I am very happy to announce that after our chat, Bob Hayes and his team got together and added the LPGA majors to their list of events, with plans to add more LPGA events. Cool, don’t you think? Ask and ye shall receive, as they say.
For you home owners looking to rent out your place, you should check their rates. From what I can tell, they are much more affordable and flexible than VRBO (about $300 cheaper) and they don’t charge commissions that VRBO is rumored to be adding to their fees.
I know I'm going to check out SportsEventRental.com the next time I plan a trip to a golf event. Actually, the Senior Men's US Open is at Sahalee in July. Hey, Bob! Can you put that event on your site too! I'll be there.
And what about the 2010 U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay in August? I'm thinking of going there as well!
Keep them coming guys! I think you've got a winner!
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010
Renting out your home for Super Bowl
is no sure win.
By Doreen Hemlock
Vacation rentals require work, face tough competition.
Renting out your home, timeshare or yacht for the Super Bowl may sound like a way to make a quick buck, but property owners beware: it's not as easy as it might appear.
Besides advertising on Web sites or elsewhere, owners face a host of tasks: ensuring their condo board or homeowners association allows short-term rentals, screening renters, obtaining a security deposit, removing personal items from the home, stocking up with goods that renters need, setting conditions for use and checking those conditions are met, among others.
"It's not like lending the house to friends or relatives for a few days," said Hollywood resident Valerie Galsky, who works year-round on vacation rentals and is offering two properties for the days around the Feb. 7 championship football game. "This is a business."
About 120,000 visitors are expected in South Florida for the Super Bowl this year, but business conditions have changed radically since the last time the area hosted the game in booming 2007.
Back then, area hotels commanded an average $499 a night for the bowl, a premium over their usual winter rates. About 7 percent of visitors opted to stay outside hotels, said Kathleen Davis, president of Sport Management Research Institute of West Palm Beach.
But rates are less buoyant in today's weak economy - down roughly 20 percent last year from 2008 levels, according to Smith Travel Research. And more homeowners now see rentals as relief from recession.
"For hotels and rentals, the key word now is value," Davis said. "You have to be cost-effective, reasonable and competitive."
Many people listing South Florida properties for the Super Bowl have yet to find takers.
Retired engineer Mark Kavanaugh thought he'd have a contract by now on his two-bedroom timeshare condo in Pompano Beach. He's listed it online for four nights at $880, with half paid upon reservation.
He hopes interest will pick up when people know which teams will play, but he's not holding his breath."I'm kind of thinking I may not be able to rent this," Kavanaugh said from his home in Michigan.
Tammy Domanico and her husband also are waiting to find renters for their three-bedroom, two-bath waterfront home in Pompano Beach, complete with a heated pool. They're moving to their second home to offer the luxury spot as a permanent vacation rental, helping supplement income they've lost in the recession. They're seeking $4,800 for Super Bowl week – or at least $1,000 a night for the big game, more than other times of year.
To prepare for visitors, Domanico is busy readying her other house to move in and preparing to take out family photos and other personal items from the current one. "It's a lot," said the hospital pharmacist. "But it makes sense for us. This house is more rentable."
Even yacht owners are looking to charter their boats rather than have them sit idle during Super Bowl this year.
Entrepreneur Malcolm Cohen wants to rent out his 90-foot yacht that usually docks in Lighthouse Point. He's offering the four-bedroom, four-bath vessel with nine flat-screen TVs and other perks for $40,000 for five nights docked in Miami Beach, closer to parties. The ship comes with some crew, but not a chef, food, gas or tips.
Cohen won't accept just anyone with cash either. Besides background checks, he requires a "very strong contract" that includes no smoking aboard, no pets, limits on the number of people on the yacht and those dockside for parties, plus a default clause-- in case of violations.
"You have to be very selective who you charter to," said Cohen.
To promote their properties, owners are turning to a range of websites, both free and paid. One gaining ground is sportseventrentals.com, a Phoenix-based company that charges a $99 flat fee per calendar year, with no commissions or percentages. People who see listings on the site deal directly with owners by email or phone.
Robert Hayes, chief executive for the listing company, said the Super Bowl definitely ranks as the most popular event on the rental site, but "until we know who's playing, we won't know how big the traffic will be."
Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Web site for traveling sports fans
Hotel occupancy rates (and prices) shoot way up during a big event like the Super Bowl, Olympics or World Cup. One alternative is renting an apartment or house for a few nights. A new Web site — sportseventrentals.com — helps traveling fans do that. It lists places available at more than 300 major sporting events worldwide. This cute Cape Town guest house (at left) is going for $100 a night when South Africa hosts next year’s World Cup. Property owners can post their digs on the site for a flat fee of $99 a year.
This cute Cape Town guest house is going for $100 a night when
South Africa hosts the World Cup in 2010.
Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Rent your home during spring training
New Web company offers listings in Fort Myers. SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY
Sports Event Rentals, a Phoenix, Ariz.- based company that connects property owners with fans looking to rent private homes, condos, apartments and even yachts during major sporting events, announced it is offering Fort Myers homeowners the ability to list their homes for rent during the upcoming 2010 spring training season for a $99 flat fee with no commission. Full Story
Posted Friday, December 18, 2009
Web site offers listings of short-term rentals for visiting sports fans BY Chris Casacchia
Texas Christian and Boise State university fans who want more spacious accommodations for the Fiesta Bowl can scroll through a new Web site that lists short-term rentals during their stay.
SportsEventRentals.com, which launched three months ago, includes about a dozen listings for the BCS game, ranging from condos at the Hotel Valley Ho to four-bedroom ranch homes in the West Valley.
Co-founders Robert Hayes and Todd Brenneman, childhood friends from Chicago, expect their venture to scoop up market share in a sector dominated by Austin-based Vacation Rentals by Owner.
“We can take a small margin away from them,” said Hayes, who developed the idea with Brenneman during Super Bowl XXLII, which was played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The annual Fiesta Bowl also is played there.
At press time, more than 75 homes, apartments, condos and resorts were listed on SportsEventRentals.com. The site has been built to accommodate listings in more than 150 cities and 27 countries, so the owners expect it to grow.
The site is a portfolio company of Brenneman Interactive Co., a Phoenix-based firm that designs, manages and monetizes more than 50 Web sites for businesses ranging from nightclubs to retailers. The rental portal charges a one-time listing fee of $99 that gives clients 365 days to list their properties under multiple events. The company is targeting corporations, sponsors and athletes, as well as sports fans and vacationers.
Nic Jones, director of revenue for the Hotel Valley Ho and Sanctuary Resort, has three properties listed for the Fiesta Bowl and has received about 20 calls from interested parties. The listings are not standard hotel rooms, but rather private residences on the property.
Jones said SportsEventRentals.com is cheaper and more user-friendly than VRBO, which charges nearly $300 for its listings, plus additional fees for extra photos and prime placement.
Jones has used Craig’s List for personal trips and rentals, but said that popular listing service doesn’t have the professionalism of other sites.
SportsEventRentals.com is averaging about 26,500 hits a month as developers boost its search engine optimization capabilities.
“It’s far exceeding our expectations,” said Hayes, who is optimistic it will succeed. “Time will tell.”
Posted Friday, December 18, 2009
Web site offers listings of short-term rentals for visiting sports fans BY Chris Casacchia
Texas Christian and Boise State university fans who want more spacious accommodations for the Fiesta Bowl can scroll through a new Web site that lists short-term rentals during their stay.
SportsEventRentals.com, which launched three months ago, includes about a dozen listings for the BCS game, ranging from condos at the Hotel Valley Ho to four-bedroom ranch homes in the West Valley.
Co-founders Robert Hayes and Todd Brenneman, childhood friends from Chicago, expect their venture to scoop up market share in a sector dominated by Austin-based Vacation Rentals by Owner.
“We can take a small margin away from them,” said Hayes, who developed the idea with Brenneman during Super Bowl XXLII, which was played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The annual Fiesta Bowl also is played there.
At press time, more than 75 homes, apartments, condos and resorts were listed on SportsEventRentals.com. The site has been built to accommodate listings in more than 150 cities and 27 countries, so the owners expect it to grow.
The site is a portfolio company of Brenneman Interactive Co., a Phoenix-based firm that designs, manages and monetizes more than 50 Web sites for businesses ranging from nightclubs to retailers. The rental portal charges a one-time listing fee of $99 that gives clients 365 days to list their properties under multiple events. The company is targeting corporations, sponsors and athletes, as well as sports fans and vacationers.
Nic Jones, director of revenue for the Hotel Valley Ho and Sanctuary Resort, has three properties listed for the Fiesta Bowl and has received about 20 calls from interested parties. The listings are not standard hotel rooms, but rather private residences on the property.
Jones said SportsEventRentals.com is cheaper and more user-friendly than VRBO, which charges nearly $300 for its listings, plus additional fees for extra photos and prime placement.
Jones has used Craig’s List for personal trips and rentals, but said that popular listing service doesn’t have the professionalism of other sites.
SportsEventRentals.com is averaging about 26,500 hits a month as developers boost its search engine optimization capabilities.
“It’s far exceeding our expectations,” said Hayes, who is optimistic it will succeed. “Time will tell.”
Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Should Have, Could Have Bought a Home Near Cowboys Stadium BY CANDY EVANS
Yes, because then you’d be able to lease it out to frisky fans during high season and, hello, Superbowl XLV. This story ran in the Star-Telegram about a Phoenix based company that specializes in hooking up fans with rentals in the proximity of sports stadiums. (I’m sorry, I just cannot imagine spending a vacation and $7500 a night to stay in a McMansion right close to Cowboy’s Stadium. Give me a ski mountain, give me a beach.) But I checked with Prudential’s Jamie Adams, who takes care of all the big guys’ real estate needs, well Jamie and Rogers Healy, and he says he has already received a lot of calls about this very notion. And stay tuned: supposedly someone is coming up with a website that will only feature celeb/star athletes’ homes for sale.
My workout buddy, Stephen Giles, who’s married to Clarice Tinsley, tells me they enjoyed Sunday’s game after a friend sent over a stretch to pick them up from their Preston Hollow home. (Can I be friends with your friend?) Come Superbowl XLV, Steve says he’ll rent out his guest house, I’ll rent out my entire house! Maybe we can get a deal on the stretch limo…
Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Cowboys Stadium: Cash Cow for Homeowners? BY CANDY EVANS
Who says that living near a major sports stadium will hurt property values and ruin your quality of life? Residents living near the new $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas -- locals have dubbed it "Jerry's World" after the free-spending Cowboy's billionaire owner, Jerry Jones -- may soon be cashing in by renting out their homes to fans.
A Phoenix-based online company now specializes in hooking up fans with homeowners who live near stadiums for short-term rentals. The site, sportseventsrentals.com, has listings for 315 sporting events in more than 150 cities.
But this is nothing new to star agent Jamie Adams, who has offices at The Ballpark in Arlington and a bevy of sports heroes as clients, including Daryl Johnston, Nolan Ryan, Avery Johnson, Dirk Nowitzski, Rick Carlisle, Shawn Marion, Tim Thomas, Matt Carroll, Sergei Zubov and Michael Alford. Jaime says he's received three calls in the last 30 days from people who either want to list their chez Cowboys Stadium home for sale, or lease it to fans. Going rate: $500 to $7500 per night, the latter giving you access to an 8,000-square-foot manse.
"This is only going to heat up the closer we get to Super Bowl XLV (in 2011)," says Jamie. "Especially since the local hotels book up so fast."
Does Jamie think that Cowboys Stadium has increased property values in the Arlington area?
"Yes," he says.
So the next time you are house-hunting, don't turn up your nose at those bright lights and noisy boxes. That stadium just may end up paying your mortgage.
ARLINGTON — There’s a potential upside to living in the shadow of Cowboys Stadium — fans may be looking to rent a home away from home for major sporting events.
At least that’s what the Phoenix-based online company sportseventrentals.com is pitching to residents living near the new $1.2 billion stadium. Company co-founder Todd Brenneman describes his 8-month-old site as a sort of Craigslist where property owners living near stadiums worldwide can post photos and information about their homes in hopes of landing lucrative, short-term rental deals with sports fans who either can’t find or don’t want to book hotel rooms.
So far, the site has listings for 315 sporting events in more than 150 cities in 27 countries, he said.
"If you are not into football, if you want to get out of the area, this is an excuse to escape. You can go on vacation with the money you make," Brenneman said. "You can rent your home, not for an obscene amount, but for a lot more than you could a vacation rental."
Exactly how much the home will rent for is left up to the owner, who pays the company a flat $99 fee to list their property for either one event or for a year. People listing their property also handle the rental agreement and collect the money from renters.
Brenneman said his company is planning an advertising campaign early next year in Arlington, including mailing advertisements to property owners within five miles of Cowboys Stadium, targeting events such as the Feb. 14 NBA All-Star Game and Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
No one is currently advertising their properties for those sporting events or others scheduled in the Dallas-Fort area, including the Bell Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Dec. 30 or the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on Jan. 2, according to the Web site.
City officials say there could be a market for home rentals during sporting events. Since Cowboys Stadium opened last June, Arlington’s hotels have been booked up for almost all of the venue’s events.
Jay Burress, president and CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Arlington homeowners have been contacting his office for information on how to cash in on their proximity to the stadium.
"We’ve had plenty of people call and ask. We know there is a demand," Burress said. "As a CVB, we would encourage visitors to stay in hotels as opposed to home rentals."
Burress said home renters are competition for area hotels, which can hurt the city since hotel occupancy taxes are not collected on nights booked at private residences. Arlington’s hotel occupancy tax is used for things such as promoting tourism and repaying the city’s bonds for Cowboys Stadium.
Burress said he doesn’t believe there will be a shortage of hotel rooms for the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium since the North Texas region has 90,000 rooms available. The North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee has already reserved 25,000 of those rooms for fans, he said. "
Maybe there is an opportunity there," Burress said of home rentals near Cowboys Stadium. "I hate to get anyone’s hopes too high. I think a lot of people see dollar signs."
One of those considering the possibility is George Hawley, who lives on Slaughter Street across from the stadium.
Hawley, whose home borders one of the stadium’s parking lots off Collins Street, said making money off his property could make up for some of the hardships, such as traffic and litter, that he’s endured since the facility opened. Hawley said fans renting homes close to the stadium will experience what residents already do — tailgaters who get a little rowdy after an afternoon of drinking. "
Several of them came over one night and started urinating on my lawn so I called 911 on them," said Hawley.
Brenneman, who said he has rented out his home for sporting events and been a renter, said opening up your home to strangers requires some preparation.
He recommends securing or hiding valuables, setting limits on where they can go on the property and what amenities they can use, and even swapping out the sheets and towels with inexpensive linens.
By Hugo Martín | December 14, 2009
Rose Parade and two bowl games will entice a blitz of visitors Managers of tourist attractions in the L.A. region hope the out-of-town fans will stay and spend. USC fans at the 2009 Rose Bowl game. The upcoming football games -- Oregon vs. Ohio State and Texas vs. Alabama -- is expected to draw more fans from out of town. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times / January 1, 2009)
Within hours after the Oregon and Ohio State football teams march off the field following the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, crews will tear out and replace the turf to prepare for the BCS national championship matchup between Texas and Alabama six days later.
But no one in Pasadena is complaining about the cost of the turf.
This January marks the first time under a new rotating collegiate bowl system that Pasadena will host two major bowl games in a week.
The Rose Parade on New Year's Day and the two bowl games could draw nearly 1.2 million people to the city of roses -- and tens of millions in tourism dollars.
The Tournament of Roses alone could generate about $370 million in direct and indirect spending throughout the region, according to past economic studies. The Bowl Championship Series matchup on Jan. 7 could bring in an additional $34 million in spending.
"I think a lot of people will come," said Paul Little, president of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Assn.
Although football fans and parade devotees will pool around Pasadena for the events, visitors will probably fan out across the region, going to beaches, theme parks, entertainment complexes and shopping malls.
"It really doesn't get any better for Los Angeles than this," said Mark Liberman, president of LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We have four great teams from areas that really have a tremendous fan following for both home and away games."
Already, managers of several top tourist attractions are planning events to get visiting fans to stay and spend.
In Pasadena, the city and the convention center are hosting a tailgate party on Jan. 5 at the Paseo Colorado mall with performances by a live band.
Santa Monica will host rallies for Rose Bowl rivals -- Oregon Ducks fans on Dec. 30 and the Ohio State Buckeye faithful Dec. 31 -- at a parking lot north of the Santa Monica Pier. The city's visitors' bureau expects more than 40,000 fans, players, coaches and cheerleaders to attend.
"We are encouraging the fans to come early and stay late," said Kim Baker, marketing director for the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are trying to get as much business out of this as possible."
Across town, Universal Studios Hollywood has invited the Ohio State marching band to play in the theme park on Dec. 30 and is hosting the Texas marching band on Jan. 6, a day before the Texas Longhorns meet Alabama's Crimson Tide for the BCS game.
"This year will be particularly good for us," said Eliot Sekuler, a spokesman for Universal Studios Hollywood.
Since 1959, Disneyland has invited the two Rose Bowl teams to visit before the game. This time, the park plans to invite the BCS teams to hold news conferences in downtown Disneyland, a shopping and dining district adjacent to the park.
How many fans will visit Southern California for the two games and the New Year's Day parade is uncertain.
The Rose Bowl stadium seats more than 90,000 fans, and both bowl games are expected to be sold out. In addition, Pasadena officials estimate that about 1 million people will attend the Rose Parade and view the floats during the following week.
Though it might be difficult to find a room in Pasadena, hospitality experts say there are enough hotel rooms throughout the region to serve all of the visitors.
In Southern California -- including Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties -- the number of hotel rooms is about 220,000. Pasadena has about 2,500.
Mark Davis, general manager of the Hilton Pasadena, said football fans began making reservations at his 296-room hotel about a year ago. The hotel has been completely booked for the nights before and after the Rose Bowl and BCS games for at least six months.
About two-thirds of the guests who stay at the Hilton Pasadena for the bowl games will probably stay a few extra days to visit tourist attractions in the area, he said.
"There is so much to do in Southern California, so many venues to participate in, that they want to make the most of the visit," Davis said.
Even businesses that rent houses and condominiums in Pasadena are struggling to keep up with the demand.
"We are right now scrambling to accommodate a lot of traffic coming in," said Todd Brenneman, president of SportsEventsRentals.com, a website that advertises rental lodging for major sporting events.
The extra bowl game comes at a time when Southern California's top industry -- tourism -- continues to struggle amid the worst recession in a generation. The hotel occupancy rates in Los Angeles dropped to about 65% in October, down from about 74% last year.
The extra visitors also will land in Southern California during one of the year's slowest months for tourism.
"It comes at a time when there wouldn't otherwise be a demand," said Bruce Baltin, a hotel analyst and vice president for PKF Consulting. "The first weeks of January are usually dead."
In 2005, the UCLA Anderson School of Management estimated $189 million in direct spending and $181 million in indirect spending from the Rose Bowl game and the Rose Parade.
Last year, the USC Sports Business Institute projected the football game alone generates $22 million in direct spending in Pasadena and nearly $12 million in indirect spending. The BCS game is likely to generate nearly as much, experts say.
The USC study noted that out-of-town fans generally stay longer and spend more than locals who can forgo hotel lodging and spend less on food and travel.
Sekuler and others pointed out that all of the four bowl teams have strong followings of fans who are likely to spend several days enjoying Southern California's typically mild weather. In the past, fans from cold-weather states, such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska, spent more and stayed longer.
"When Nebraska was in the Rose Bowl" in 2002, Sekuler said, "there was a sea of red in our park" as fans packed the Rose Bowl wearing their burnt-orange team jackets and accessories.
Who says that living near a major sports stadium will hurt property values and ruin your quality of life? Residents living near the new $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas -- locals have dubbed it "Jerry's World" after the free-spending Cowboy's billionaire owner, Jerry Jones -- may soon be cashing in by renting out their homes to fans. 
