[Lori Thomas]

Hey fellow property owners!

I’ve been a property manager and has been managing my units through Airbnb. I must say that it’s been a rollercoaster of coordinating bookings, handling guest inquiries, and keeping the place spick and span between stays. But you know what they say, with challenges come opportunities!

I’m all about squeezing every last drop of rental income out of these properties and making sure they’re booked solid. So, I’m itching to hear from fellow property managers and hosts about their tips and tricks for attracting guests and maximizing that sweet, sweet rental income.

Got any strategies that have worked wonders for you?

[Lori Thomas]

to add: I just hate it when there’s a guest complaining and getting a full refund at the hosts expense. The plot of the story is usually about an innocent host being taken advantage of by a dishonest or unreasonable guest. Has this been your experience?

[Abe Roberts]

@LoriT I feel you! Managing a property- although is rewarding – can be a nightmare!

The fact that you need to be prepared to deal with unexpected maintenance issues and repairs, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

To add, the vacation rental market can be highly competitive, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
This means that you’ll need to be strategic in your pricing and marketing efforts in order to stand out from the crowd and attract bookings.

And of course, there’s always the risk of negative reviews or guest complaints, which can impact your property’s reputation and prevent future bookings. 🙁

[Samantha Morell]

Running properties through Airbnb definitely has its highs and lows, but you learn to roll with the punches and turn challenges into opportunities.

Managing bookings and keeping things neat and tidy can feel like a whirlwind at times, but the satisfaction of seeing those bookings come in makes it all worth it. Dealing with guest complaints and refund requests can be a headache, but it’s just part of the game.

One thing I’ve learned is the importance of setting clear expectations upfront. Having detailed house rules and a thorough listing description can help prevent misunderstandings down the line. Providing top-notch customer service and staying on top of guest inquiries also helps nip potential issues in the bud.

When it comes to maximizing rental income, I’m always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience. Whether it’s adding personal touches to the space or running special promotions, anything that makes my property stand out is a win in my book.

Afterall it’s all about finding that sweet spot between providing a fantastic experience for guests and protecting your investment as a property owner.

[Jack Jenkins]

You may call me impatient but I would personally suggest for someone to manage the properties for you.

Managed by another company:

Pros: You can rake in a nice income from your Airbnb and VRBO place without lifting a finger to manage it yourself.

Cons: You’ll have to shell out for a management fee; your listing might not get the highest ratings, and your stuff could get banged up often, even though you’re getting plenty of bookings.

Manage it yourself:

Pros: You could pocket a tidy sum from a listing with top ratings and glowing reviews. Plus, you can keep your amenities safe by being picky with guests. You’ll also learn the ropes of hosting on Airbnb and VRBO and meet folks from all over.

Cons: It’ll take your time and energy to run things smoothly. You might hit bumps in the road and deal with a few headaches along the journey.

[Gerard Nielsen]

I have a condo in a British Columbia ski area, while I live in Washington State about 300 miles away.

My place is listed on Airbnb and also managed directly by a local company. They handle specialized advertising and oversee tasks like receiving deliveries, which was especially helpful during the COVID border shutdown.

They’re also there to deal with any issues that crop up, like clogged toilets.

If you’re nearby and don’t mind the occasional interruption, it’s fine to manage it yourself.

[Elias Guerrero]

Having high-quality and appealing photos of your space is essential. Guests want to see what they’re getting, so make sure your photos showcase your listing in the best possible way.

Next, having a detailed and accurate description of your space is important. Be specific about the amenities, features, and unique aspects of your listing. This helps guests understand what they can expect during their stay.

Another factor is setting a competitive and reasonable price for your listing. Research similar listings in your area to get an idea of the market rates and adjust your pricing accordingly.

Additionally, providing excellent customer service and being responsive to guest inquiries can make a big difference. Promptly answering questions and being accommodating can help build trust and confidence with potential guests.

Lastly, positive reviews from previous guests can greatly impact the success of your listing. Encourage guests to leave reviews after their stay and strive to provide a memorable experience.

By paying attention to these factors, you can increase the chances of attracting immediate bookings

[Jamie Myricks]

This is what I personally do

First off, make sure your place is well-lit and clutter-free. Nobody wants to trip over stuff in the dark!

Take some pics showing off any security features like locks and motion-sensor lights. It helps guests feel secure knowing you’ve got their safety in mind.

If you’ve got a security system, include simple instructions on how to use it. It’ll give guests peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands.

Keep your place spick and span! A clean space goes a long way in making guests feel cozy and relaxed.

Snap some high-quality photos showing how clean your place is, and don’t forget to highlight any safety stuff like a first-aid kit or fire extinguisher.

And remember, safety isn’t just about physical stuff—it’s about feeling at ease too. Add some personal touches like a welcome note or local snacks to make guests feel right at home.

So, take the time to prep your place and show off its best features. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and you’ll ensure they have a great stay.