A Better Way to Vacation
Kansas State University alumni and delightful college sweethearts Mark and Jodi Esfeld are seasoned travelers who cherish their vacations. As serial entrepreneurs juggling multiple businesses and schedules, time away with family and friends is a top priority for this busy couple.
Prior to their investment in Equity Estates, vacations involved hotels and short-term rentals through VRBO. With three children, Jodi found securing adjoining hotel rooms and negotiating sleeping arrangements with the kids detracted from the joy of vacation. And after a remarkably bad experience with a VRBO home, Jodi and Mark realized they needed a better way to vacation.
Investing in a Return on Memories Made
After much research, Mark and Jodi agreed the distinctive Equity Estates model was the way to improve their travel. “We were spending nearly $15,000 a year on vacation rentals. With Equity Estates, we have a chance to recoup our investment rather than put it in other homeowners’ pockets,” said Mark. “Instead, we are the homeowner, and we are assured every home is in the best location in each destination.”
When asked what surprised them most about the investment, Mark said he didn’t quite grasp just how impressive the local hosts would be. “Every local host is better than the last,” said Mark. “Not only are hosts truly exceptional at their job but they take such pride in the care of the house.”
Quality Furnishing and Well Stocked Consumables
Jodi said she’s been nothing but thrilled with every home. With a keen eye for interior design, Jodi appreciates the quality of the home décor and access to superior amenities and consumables / necessities that are always well stocked. Mark is delighted that for no additional cost, he saves three hours of vacation time because the local host does the grocery shopping. Mark and Jodi turned over much of their trip planning to their dedicated service team. “And it’s always spot on,” Jodi said.
Family Favorites
The Esfelds have a few family favorites. The kids loved learning to make gnocchi in Florence with the teaching chef found by the local host. They toured the city via scooters and Europe via train, extremely pleased with the spaciousness and location of their “absolutely
stunning” home base with its gorgeous interior design and artwork.
Another property at the top of the list is Wine Country with its impressive grounds, gardens, and pool. “When you walk into the house, every turn is breathtaking for different reasons,” said Jodi. No stranger to the best wineries in Napa County, Mark enjoyed inviting their friends on vacation and treating them to private winery tours off the beaten path.
Access To Experiences not Available in other Models
Whether it’s a weekend in New York City, a family ski vacation or time at the beach, one of Mark’s favorite parts of being an Equity Estates investor is having access to experiences and connections on site that aren’t available through short term rentals or hotels.
Mark and Jodi have a few years of travel under their belt and offer some great tips for newer Equity Estates investors including being flexible with the lotteries (which they’ve won) and planning milestone trips months in advance. Their next vacation includes Jodi’s entire extended family, so they appreciate access to homes in multiple locations that accommodate such a large multigenerational group.
Entertaining Guests in the Same Level of Luxury as Home
“We like to entertain at home,” said Jodi. “It’s awesome to be able to entertain and be hospitable no matter where we are knowing the house is going to be the same level of luxury we have at home… but with all the amenities.”
Mark is dreaming about a relaxing romantic getaway to Paris with his wife, and Jodi has Belize on her vacation vision board. They both look forward to their first trip to Big Sky to take in the fresh Montana air and star gaze any time of year.
