What Does it take to have a Good Vacation Rental/Airbnb?
When I went on my honeymoon, we only stayed in Airbnbs. Most were pretty great but one compelled me to take photos of it and plot when we can return. What makes an Airbnb so memorable that you want to start following them on social media and can’t wait to plan your next trip?
Decor: The best Airbnbs don’t look or feel like a hotel room. You want them to be clean and to have all the amenities you might find in a hotel, but unique and special features separate a good Airbnb from a premium Airbnb.
Communication: Even if you don’t meet the host personally, you want quick and clear communication. You want your host to be your local expert that can tell you the best little restaurant or shopping spot. If you have an issue, you want it to be dealt with quickly.
Location: A really, really special airbnb can become a destination in itself but to get the reviews to propel you to that level, you need to be somewhere that people want to visit. This doesn’t mean you have to be in the heart of a big city. People use Airbnbs for all sorts of things from a place for family to stay for a holiday, to a local festival, to a need to get away and have a staycation.
Value: This may be one of the trickiest parts of starting your airbnb. How do I know how to price it? If you price too high, you don’t get bookings. If you price too low, you often get people staying at your property that don’t feel compelled to take good care of it. Finding that sweet spot is essential.
Should you consider becoming an Airbnb host? Take this quiz and see!
With years of experience as a realtor, I have helped people navigate these same basic principles as they are either looking to buy and/or sell their home. And this experience has helped me quickly identify what works for an Airbnb. With four Airbnbs that I either host or co-host in three different states, I have encountered many of the challenges that Airbnb owners will experience. Airbnb has also designated me as an Ambassador and I have helped numerous people start their Airbnb. If you are intrigued by the idea of having your own Airbnb, take this quiz to see if it might be a good direction for you.