Your Ultimate Guide to Airbnb Success: A Step-by-Step Handbook for Homeowners

Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out on your hosting journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to maximize your success on Airbnb. From setting clear rules for your home to optimizing reservation availability, enhancing your photography skills, exploring co-hosting opportunities, navigating hosting fees, creating a competitive edge, and infusing your space with stunning design ideas, we've got you covered every step of the way. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your Airbnb hosting experience!

Rules for your home: Decide if you are comfortable allowing children and pets in your home, and determine the maximum number of people your property can comfortably accommodate. Set boundaries on what is feasible and what is not acceptable.

Reservation Availability: Consider the availability of your home for Airbnb bookings throughout the year. Determine how much turnover time you want and the range of booking durations to accommodate different guest needs.

Photography: Professional photography can greatly enhance the attractiveness of your Airbnb listing. While smartphones can capture decent photos, hiring a pro photographer is a worthwhile investment that will help your listing stand out and attract more guests.

Co-Hosting Opportunities: If you cannot manage your Airbnb rental property yourself or live in a different city, consider adding a trusted co-host to assist with support and property management. Choose your co-host carefully and define their responsibilities and permissions.

Hosting Fees: Take into account the costs associated with hosting on Airbnb. Understand the service fees charged by Airbnb for each booking, which typically range around 3 percent but can be higher with strict cancellation policies. Create a budget to cover start-up costs such as insurance, furniture, utilities, décor, groceries, and professional photography.

Your Competitive Edge: Identify unique selling points that make your property stand out from other options in your city. Read reviews of similar listings to understand what guests value and what they may be missing in accommodation. Use this knowledge to highlight the distinctive qualities of your home.

Design Ideas: Explore successful Airbnb listings and take note of appealing features such as minimalist décor, clean paint colors, and special amenities. Make a list of what you like and dislike to guide your own home makeover.

As you embark on your journey towards Airbnb success, remember that every detail counts in creating a memorable experience for your guests. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating your unique touch, you'll be well on your way to becoming a top-notch host. Embrace the opportunities that come with hosting on Airbnb, stay open to learning and growing, and above all, cherish the connections you make with people from around the world. Here's to your continued success as a homeowner on Airbnb - happy hosting!

What is Airbnb's Host Guarantee with AirCover? Do you need additional insurance?

Airbnb has their Host Guarantee Policy and many hosts ask themselves - what is this and do I still need homeowners insurance?

Listing through most booking sites like Airbnb, VRBO or direct bookings, hosts should always require a security deposit or renter's insurance no matter the booking site's host protection. We recommend a $500-$1000 security deposit depending on the valuables and furniture within the home. The reason for this is because filing a claim for damages left by a guest is difficult - to be reimbursed by either having the guest willingly pay guest through the resolution center (a claim center where hosts and guests can send money to each other) or going through Airbnb's host guarantee (insurance).

In order for the Airbnb host guarantee to work, you will need as much evidence as possible to give the claim as great of a chance to be reimbursed by Airbnb if your guest refuses to pay for the damages.

Airbnb Host Guarantee with AirCover, What is it?

The Airbnb Host Guarantee provides up to $1,000,000 in theft or damage caused by a guest during their stay to each qualifying host.

​Follow these steps to make a claim!

You'll have to file for guest reimbursement through the resolution center first before escalating the issue to Airbnb's Host Guarantee (AirCover!):

1. Log into your Airbnb account and go to Airbnb resolution center

2. Select the reservation you would like to make the claim under

3. Under reason, select “damage and conflict”.

4. Click continue and provide proof of damage, i.e. pictures, documentation, etc

Some quick tips and important information regarding this Host Guarantee:

1. You will need to escalate the claim after 72 hours if your guest declines or ignores the claim.

2. You will need to escalate the AirCover Request Claim to Airbnb within 14 days of the reservation in order to be covered. If this requirement is not, Airbnb will not reimburse you through this program and your changes of damages being covered will be impossible.

3. AirCover now covers pets!

Alternatives to Airbnb and VRBO to maximize your rental exposure and income.

Short term rentals are not only limited to the major booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO; are you or your current property manager maximizing the other avenues to revenue?

This article will discuss some of the other rental options that can propel your income in 2021!

Furnished Finder

Furnished Finder is the #1 rental market platform for monthly furnished Travel Nursing (and other traveling professionals!) housing. They offer thousands of rentals by hosts, landlords, and homeowners across the country. If you have a property listed on Airbnb or VRBO, you're already likely to qualify listing on this platform. Here's the one caveat: It is a $99 listing upfront listing fee for an entire year of unlimited rental ability. Unlike Airbnb, you do not pay a service fee for each reservation or monthly rental you book.

If you're located in an area that has many hospitals or a high demand for furnished monthly rentals by traveling professionals, first responders, etc... this is a great option.

Temporary Accommodations

Temporary Accommodations focuses on providing furnished accommodations for families and individuals displaced from their homes due to natural disasters, fire, floods, pest infestations or otherwise. They also work closely with first responder organizations. Income is paid up front and backed by the insurance companies handling the relocation need for families and individuals. This is a great option for hosts looking to make steady, guaranteed income for up to a year long arrangement while helping a family or individual in need of unexpected and emergency temporary housing. It is free to use the platform once your property is accepted.

Send in your property for free approval here,

Houfy.com

Houfy is an up and coming competitor against the major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. They believe in not charging a % service or booking fee, but rather make it free for basic listings or a flat rate fee per month to list for premium listings (pennies in comparison to VRBO's current structure). Because there are no middlemen to be paid per booking, there are also no communication restrictions so hosts can background check, take government ID information, and share contact information without any issues.

This platform will save you money on those expensive service fees that the major competitors charge both the host and guest for using their platform.

If you'd like to be listed on these platforms and more (there are at least 15 other listing platforms proven to perform!) with trusted property management that knows the in's and out's of maximizing profit, inquire with Tender Hosting LLC today!