Interview with Olivier Bel, agency director in Paris

What motivated you to get involved in the management of vacation rentals?

I am a real estate investor and real estate agent in PARIS. I see that the seasonal rental market is booming because the Olympics represent a fantastic profitability opportunity for landlords and I will be happy to support them.

Why did you choose the city of Paris to set up your business?

The Olympics and PARA-JOs in July, August and September in PARIS have a worldwide reputation and influence and it is therefore the right time to be present and accompany the owners and tourists in these great moments. During the year, demand remains very strong and provides high returns for landlords and investors, with lower risk compared to a classic furnished investor.

What places would you recommend to a traveler wishing to explore this city?

Paris offers a large number of unique, beautiful and charming places, to delight young and old, from 7 to 77 years old: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Montmartre or the Latin Quarter... without forgetting the walks on the Seine or to the department stores or to Disney by the RER.

What benefits do you find in working in rental management?

I can apply my taste for human relations, my experience and my know-how in real estate, sales and rentals. I have done many sales and rentals and hope to have many connections with my previous clients to offer them this new market. Finally, I appreciate the less time-consuming and lighter formality compared to that required in traditional rental and management, furnished or not: diagnostics, DPE, rental permits, etc.

What are the essential qualities in your profession?

Rigor and integrity are essential, without forgetting good organization, attentive listening, high availability... and a smile. Facilitator and trainer talent necessary for relationships with suppliers, partners and technical and administrative teams.

Why did you choose to join the YourHostHelper Group?

Chance did things well first on the Internet then with the trainer and a few calls as a mystery shopper. The site is well constructed and makes you want to take advantage of the procedures and training to succeed in this activity. This will undoubtedly save me from numerous errors, approximations or waste of time.

Can you describe for us the daily life in your job?

Busy schedules because they are focused in the morning on prospecting for new customers and in the afternoon on visits and administrative tasks. Without forgetting the team meetings, meetings with notaries, brokers and business providers or craftsmen.

What can we wish you the best in this new adventure?

The courage and pleasure to undertake and restart a new activity without getting discouraged. I think I have certain commercial assets to succeed but the difficulty will undoubtedly be cohabitation with my current activity as a real estate agent. Fortunately the period seems good for furnished rentals given the slowdown in traditional sales and rentals.

What was your background before joining YourHostHelper?

Banking, insurance, real estate in Paris and Rhône Alpes for 10 years in Saint-Etienne, Lyon and Annecy. A bit of team sport from Paris for Waterpolo, squash as a facilitator and very long distance hikes from France, Spain and Turkey

Why did you choose to start with this network? What elements particularly appealed to you?

The procedure guide, the clarity of the site's argument, the time devoted to training, the impression of a strong desire for development give the impression of being well received and expected.

How does the concept meet an expectation of Airbnb apartment owners and others?

These are wishes to save time and money, to increase the value of the property also for resale. Need a trusted, available and efficient concierge service.

How were you supported during your business creation and launch?

Interesting, progressive and methodical training. I felt a good mastery of the profession, complete, precise and experienced.

How do you see the future within the network? What are your goals ?

I have 5 years ahead of me to best develop a portfolio of landlords committed to the long term and with apartments of all sizes and well suited to the activity. I do not yet have a precise idea of ​​my objectives to achieve in the first quarter of 2024 because I do not yet understand the volume of contacts and prospects contributed by the franchise. In the meantime, I think that a stable monthly minimum of 3 to 4 apartments is necessary to amortize the monthly fees.

What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities to succeed with YourHostHelper?

Dynamism and organization to recruit, train, monitor and motivate local teams. Available and mobile for schedules and travel in PARIS or SAINT DENIS ET PANTIN

What advice would you give to a candidate who wants to embark on the YourHostHelper adventure?

This is the right time to approach this market with a serious, motivated and enterprising partner. View and analyze the site, learn about market developments then move forward with confidence since the success of the franchise depends on your own!

The YourHostHelper team thanks Olivier for taking part in the interview! Do you own a seasonal rental in the Paris, Saint-Denis or Pantin area? We invite you to find Olivier and his services by clicking on the links below, sector by sector:

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