If you own a short-term rental or lodging property within a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), you’re likely familiar with the financial and operational challenges it brings. While being near city limits offers proximity to tourists and city infrastructure, ETJ properties are often burdened with city regulations, including the costly Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)—without the benefit of city services.
Removing your property from the ETJ is a game-changing move that can significantly boost profits, simplify operations, and increase your property’s value. Using Free My Property’s Comprehensive STR Solution, many lodging owners have transformed their businesses and unlocked new opportunities. Here are their stories—and why ETJ removal is a smart decision for property owners like you.
1. Mark’s Journey: Expanding His Short-Term Rental Portfolio in Dallas Fort Worth
Mark, an experienced property owner, manages six short-term rentals in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Unfortunately, all six were located within a city ETJ, subjecting him to HOT payments and restrictive zoning rules.
The Challenge:
- Paying HOT (7% of nightly revenue) reduced Mark’s profits.
- City restrictions limited his ability to add amenities, renovate, or expand his properties to meet market demands.
The Solution: Mark turned to the Comprehensive STR Solution to remove his properties from the ETJ. The Free My Property team handled every step of the process, from preparing the petition to communicating with city authorities.
The Results:
- Mark saved thousands annually by eliminating the HOT.
- He gained complete freedom to grow his short-term rental portfolio without city interference.
Quote: “Freeing my properties from the ETJ was a no-brainer. The savings are substantial, and now I have the flexibility to grow my business on my terms.”
Mark’s success highlights the powerful ROI from ETJ removal, especially for short-term rental owners seeking growth and independence.
2. Vivek’s Transformation: Reinvesting Hotel Savings in Dripping Springs
Vivek owns a 42-room hotel in Dripping Springs, TX, and was struggling with the financial burden of the Hotel Occupancy Tax and city-imposed operational constraints.
The Challenge:
- The HOT cut deeply into Vivek’s revenue, limiting reinvestment opportunities.
- City zoning rules restricted his ability to update and improve his property.
The Solution: Vivek used the Comprehensive STR Solution to remove his property from the ETJ. Within 37 days, his hotel was free of city restrictions.
The Results:
- Vivek reinvested HOT savings into property updates, higher wages for employees, and enhanced guest amenities.
- His improvements led to higher guest satisfaction, increased bookings, and improved revenue.
Quote: “In just over a month, Free My Property transformed my business. I’m now reinvesting in my team and providing a better experience for my guests.”
Vivek’s story illustrates how ETJ removal allows hotel owners to redirect funds into meaningful upgrades, driving long-term success.
3. Janet’s Smart Sale: Maximizing Her Hotel’s Value
Janet owned a 16-bedroom hotel she was ready to sell. However, her realtor warned that being within the ETJ was lowering the property’s market appeal and sale price.
The Challenge:
- ETJ restrictions discouraged buyers due to zoning limitations and HOT obligations.
- Potential investors saw the property as less profitable and flexible than comparable options.
The Solution: Following her realtor’s advice, Janet used the Comprehensive STR Solution to remove her property from the ETJ.
The Results:
- Janet’s hotel was freed in less than 90 days, removing HOT and zoning restrictions.
- The property sold for $120,000 more than initial estimates due to its ETJ-free status.
Quote: “Removing my property from the ETJ made all the difference in attracting buyers. It was the smartest decision I made before selling.”
Janet’s success demonstrates how ETJ removal not only simplifies operations but also enhances a property’s market value, making it a crucial step for owners looking to sell.
Why Lodging Owners Are Choosing ETJ Removal
The success stories of Mark, Vivek, and Janet showcase the transformative benefits of removing lodging properties from city ETJ restrictions. Here’s why more owners are taking this step:
- Financial Savings:
- Eliminate the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), saving 7% of revenue annually.
- Redirect those savings into property improvements or business growth.
- Operational Freedom:
- Enjoy full control over your property without city-imposed zoning or operational restrictions.
- Expand, renovate, or customize your property to meet market demands.
- Increased Property Value:
- ETJ-free properties are more attractive to investors, offering greater flexibility and lower costs.
- Command higher sale prices due to improved profitability and reduced liabilities.
- Streamlined Management:
- Reduce time spent navigating city regulations and focus on running your business.
The Comprehensive STR Solution: Your Key to Success
Free My Property’s Comprehensive STR Solution is specifically designed to help lodging owners achieve their goals. Here’s what makes it the best choice:
- Complete Process Management: We handle everything—from petition preparation to dealing with city officials—so you don’t have to.
- Guaranteed Results: Your property will be freed in 100 days or less, or we’ll continue working at no additional cost.
- Tailored for Lodging Owners: Our solution is built to maximize profitability for short-term rentals, hotels, and vacation properties.
Lodging Owners: Start Your Success Story Today
If you’re a short-term rental or lodging owner tired of paying unnecessary taxes and facing restrictive regulations, it’s time to take control of your property. Removing ETJ restrictions eliminates the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), unlocks operational freedom, and increases your property’s value—all while simplifying your management process.
At Free My Property, we’ve helped countless owners like Mark, Vivek, and Janet achieve success. Now, it’s your turn.
Ready to start maximizing your profits and securing your property’s future? Contact Free My Property today and let our Comprehensive STR Solution guide you to financial freedom and operational independence.