Home Sharing w/ Kids, Holistic Hosting & Backyard ADUs with Amanda Coleman

The world of mid-term rentals is evolving rapidly, with many individuals and families seeing the potential for both financial gain and personal growth. Amanda Coleman, a seasoned landlord, shares her journey, strategies, and insights into the industry, offering a wealth of knowledge for those considering diving into this lucrative market.
Amanda's Deep Dive into Mid-Term Rentals
Amanda Coleman's venture into mid-term rentals is a testament to how personal experiences can shape business decisions. Her journey began not just with the idea of generating an additional income stream but also with a genuine need to align her family's values and lifestyle choices with the environment they created within their home.
The decision to rent out a portion of their home was not taken lightly. Amanda and her family were keen on setting clear boundaries and expectations with potential tenants. This was especially crucial given the family's holistic health choices. These choices weren't just about a preference; they were deeply rooted in personal experiences that had a profound impact on their lives.
The turning point was when Amanda's son, Dawson, faced significant health challenges at the tender age of nine months. A routine doctor's visit and a subsequent shot led to a series of health complications for Dawson. This unexpected turn of events was a wake-up call for Amanda. She dove deep into understanding the potential triggers, which led her to the world of chemicals present in everyday products. The more she researched, the more she realized the adverse effects these chemicals could have, especially on young children. This revelation was a game-changer. It steered the family towards a fragrance-free lifestyle, eliminating potential harmful chemicals from their daily use of products.
But Amanda's commitment didn't stop with her immediate family. She realized that if she were to rent out a part of her home, she had to ensure that the same standards were maintained. This meant that tenants had to adhere to specific requirements, like using particular laundry soaps or cleaners that aligned with the family's fragrance-free lifestyle. While this might seem stringent to some, for Amanda, it was about ensuring the health and well-being of her family, especially Dawson.
This approach to rentals is a refreshing change from the usual landlord-tenant dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of personal values in business decisions. For Amanda, her rental space wasn't just a property; it was an extension of her home, her sanctuary. Every decision, every rule, and every interaction with potential tenants was a reflection of her family's journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Guest House Dream: Amanda's Vision and Execution
The ambitious project of building a second unit on her property marks Amanda Coleman's entry into the mid-term rental market. This wasn't just another brick-and-mortar project; it was the realization of a long-held dream.
Origins of the Dream
For Amanda and her family, the idea of having a guest house had been brewing for a long time. They had aspirations of owning land in Oklahoma and building a cabin there. These dreams, intertwined with their current property aspirations, were often met with skepticism, with some viewing them as mere daydreamers. However, for Amanda, it was a vision she was determined to bring to life.
From Dream to Reality
The process of turning this dream into reality wasn't instantaneous. Around 2017, Amanda and her family considered moving into an apartment and renting out their main house as a strategy to save money. Although this particular plan didn't materialize, it sowed the seeds for what was to come. By 2018, they had begun the planning phase for the guest house.
Finding the right contractor was crucial. Amanda emphasized the importance of trust in this relationship. Their chosen contractor wasn't just a project manager but an advocate, ensuring that every aspect of the construction was up to standard. Their association with him wasn't just professional; it was personal, having known him from their church group. This relationship proved invaluable, especially when issues arose post-construction and the contractor stepped in to rectify them.
Financial Strategy and Success
The financial aspect of this project was meticulously planned. They managed to put down 25% of the cost upfront and take out a mortgage for the remaining amount. Their contractor's flexibility allowed them to undertake some tasks themselves, saving money in the process. With a combination of strategic financial planning and the income from the guest house, they achieved a significant milestone: paying off the mortgage. This accomplishment came just last month, a remarkable feat considering the relatively short time since the guest house's completion in October 2019.
The Power of Personality Matching: A Deep Dive into Amanda's Innovative Approach
In the world of mid-term rentals, finding the right tenant is more than just about timely payments and lease agreements. For Amanda Coleman, it's about ensuring that the tenant's personality aligns with her family's values and lifestyle. This belief led her to develop a unique and innovative approach: Personality Matching.
Understanding the Color-Coded System
Amanda's system is based on four distinct colors: Blue, Red, Yellow, and Green. Each color represents specific personality traits:
Blue: typically outgoing, adventurous, and the life of the party. These individuals are often extroverted and bring vibrant energy wherever they go.
Red: driven, goal-oriented, and often seen as the go-getters. They are passionate and can sometimes be intense in their pursuits.
Yellow: compassionate, empathetic, and go-with-the-flow. They are often seen as peacemakers, bringing a calming presence.
Green: detail-oriented, organized, and sometimes resistant to change. They value structure and order.
Amanda identifies herself as a mix of Green and Red. She's organized and detail-oriented, but she also has that fiery drive. Through her experiences, she realized that having a tenant with a similar personality could lead to clashes. Hence, she tends to gravitate towards those who identify more with the Blue and Yellow personalities. These individuals are more flexible, relationship-oriented, and can easily adapt to the holistic lifestyle Amanda's family leads.
Why Personality Matching Matters
The concept of personality matching goes beyond just ensuring peaceful coexistence. It's about creating an environment where both the landlord and tenant feel understood, valued, and respected. By understanding the tenant's personality, Amanda can tailor her interactions, ensuring clear communication and setting mutual expectations.
For instance, a Blue personality tenant might appreciate spontaneous check-ins or casual chats, while a Green personality tenant might prefer scheduled meetings and written communication. By understanding these nuances, Amanda can foster a positive relationship, leading to longer tenancy periods and mutual respect.

The Benefits of Compatibility in Mid-Term Rentals
Mid-term rentals are unique in that they are longer than short-term stays but shorter than traditional leases. This means that the landlord and tenant will interact more frequently than in a typical rental scenario. Compatibility becomes crucial in such situations. A harmonious relationship can lead to:
- Fewer conflicts and misunderstandings
- A higher likelihood of lease renewals
- Positive reviews and recommendations boost the landlord's reputation
- A sense of community and belonging for the tenant, making them feel more at home
Harnessing the Power of Furnished Finder: The Tenant Tracking Feature
One of the standout features of Furnished Finder that Amanda frequently highlights is the tenant tracking system. This tool is not just about keeping a list; it's about organization and efficiency. With multiple tenants over time, it can become challenging to remember specifics about each one, especially when considering longer-term stays.
Amanda mentioned how, in the past, she struggled with recalling move-out dates or even specific deposit amounts. The tenant tracking feature alleviates these challenges by providing a centralized system where she can quickly access vital information. This not only saves time but also ensures accuracy, reducing potential conflicts or misunderstandings with tenants.
Affordability: Maximizing Returns without Compromising Quality
In the world of rentals, platform fees can quickly eat into profits. Amanda was vocal about her appreciation for Furnished Finder's cost-effective approach. Unlike other platforms that charge exorbitant fees, Furnished Finder offers its services at an annual rate, ensuring landlords like Amanda can maximize their returns.
Amanda even drew a comparison with platforms like Airbnb, emphasizing the value she gets from Furnished Finder. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality. The platform provides a plethora of tools and features designed to make the rental process as smooth as possible, from listing properties to interacting with potential tenants.
Building Trust through Reviews
Another aspect of Furnished Finder that Amanda touched upon was the review system. In today's digital age, reviews play a pivotal role in building trust. Amanda's strategy revolves around ensuring her tenants have a positive experience, which in turn leads to glowing reviews. She actively encourages her tenants to leave feedback, understanding the weight these reviews carry for potential future tenants.
Furthermore, Amanda appreciates the platform's proactive approach, with tools that remind landlords to seek reviews. This not only boosts the property's online reputation but also provides valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
Building Trust Through Positive Feedback
For potential tenants, reviews serve as a window into what they can expect. A series of positive reviews can instill confidence, assuring them of the quality of the rental and the reliability of the landlord. Amanda's consistent five-star reviews on Furnished Finder are a testament to her dedication to ensuring tenant satisfaction. These glowing testimonials not only validate her efforts but also serve as a magnet, drawing in more potential renters.
Garnering positive reviews is rooted in relationship-building. Amanda believes in establishing rapport with her tenants from the outset. By setting clear expectations, addressing concerns promptly, and maintaining open communication, she fosters a sense of trust and mutual respect. This relationship-centric approach ensures that even when issues arise, they can be resolved amicably, leading to positive feedback.
Proactive Problem-Solving
A standout aspect of Amanda's strategy is her proactive approach to potential issues. For instance, when faced with an ant problem in her rental, she didn't wait for the tenant to complain. Instead, she communicated the situation, assuring the tenant that measures were being taken to address it. This proactive communication not only prevents negative reviews but often leads to positive feedback, as tenants appreciate the transparency and prompt action.
Tiny Homes: The Next Big Thing
Amanda's idea of introducing a tiny home on a trailer to her property is not just a novel concept but also a reflection of the changing preferences in the housing market. Tiny homes have gained immense popularity in recent years, symbolizing minimalistic living, sustainability, and flexibility. By considering this addition, Amanda is tapping into a trend that appeals to a wide range of potential tenants, from millennials seeking sustainable living options to older generations looking to downsize.
A Haven for the Next Generation
Beyond the potential financial benefits, Amanda's vision for the tiny home also stems from a personal place. She envisions it as a possible residence for her children as they grow older, especially during their college years. Given the escalating cost of living, especially in cities like Fort Worth, having a space like this could offer her children the freedom to save and live affordably. It's a thoughtful blend of personal foresight and financial prudence.
Adapting to Market Needs
Amanda's plans underscore the importance of adaptability in the rental industry. By staying attuned to market trends and emerging housing preferences, landlords can ensure their properties remain relevant and in demand. The tiny home concept, while trendy now, also represents a broader shift towards space-efficient, sustainable living. By considering such additions, landlords can cater to a growing segment of renters who prioritize these values.