With backgrounds in real estate, both Chelsea and her husband Luke had experimented with just about every type of investment, from lot development to rehabilitating properties bought at auction. In 2017, they decided to pivot away from the flipping game and get into short term rentals. With their love for hospitality it was a perfect fit! From one property in small-town Washington state, they've grown their management company, Digs Co, to 12 properties across the west, six of which they own.
Explore the Digs Co properties:
Roslyn Digs, Roslyn, WA,
Moonshine Digs, Ronald, WA
ShinDigs, Cle Elum, WA
SunCountryDigs, Cle Elum, WA
DesertDigs, Mesa, AZ
Driftwood Digs, Ronald, WA
The remaining Digs Co. managed properties can be viewed here.
Chelsea also offers co-hosting and consulting services to other hosts, so please inquire on her site if you'd like to learn more!
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: Those reviews or comments from guests that are heart-warmingly appreciative and filled with how much they loved staying with us are what give me LIFE! It’s easy to get caught up in reviews in a negative way, by being afraid of the negative ones (yes, they happen to the best of us!) But 99% of the time, guests can FEEL the love, care and attention that we pour into hosting them.
Q: What are your biggest pain points as an STR owner?
A: Our biggest pain point is ensuring that our respective communities for each home understands that we are professional operators who are hoping to add value to the communities. For too long, short term rental operators have developed poor relationships with neighbors, communities, and municipalities. This may be a result of large companies operating and not having a personal investment in the community. Or, perhaps, it’s the absentee owner who views the home as a cash cow, rather than the hospitality opportunity that it is. We are actively trying to partner with local businesses and be involved in neighborhood HOAs or discussions. While communicating these goals to our guests, we have been fortunate to have the most amazing guests visit!
Q: What is the #1 most important thing for STR hosts to get right, in your opinion?
A: Always be your own guest. Stay in your home. You need to experience what you guest will experience. And NAIL that first impression by trying to appeal to the 5 senses. A beautiful welcome gift with a snack or beverage, pleasant (and not overwhelming) smell, something soft to cozy up with like a blanket or comfy couch, maybe soft music playing, and of course, a cohesive design aesthetic!
Q: What product(s) do your guests love the most?
A: Our guests love the Public Goods soaps that we buy wholesale and bottle in our own branded bottles. The scents are subtle, but nice and they are good quality.
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands?
A: We love RTZN for snacks! They offer unique snack options for our welcome baskets. For furniture, our go-to options lately have been Article and Castlery. And, of course, Public Goods!
Q: What's your favorite aspect about partnering with Minoan?
A: I LOVE the ability to track orders in real time and have all of our properties with their own profiles. The customer service is unmatched too!
Q: Do you have any other tips for your fellow hosts?
A: Never stop learning. There is so much to learn in this industry that’s changing fast! Try new things. Be transparent and forthcoming with guests. And just be authentically YOU!
Would you like to be featured in our host spotlight series?
Email us at partnerships@minoanexperience.com
