My husband and I have been renting our house out through AirBNB for several years now. Since the beginning we have learned a few secrets that have really boosted our numbers!
Good Linens
At first, I purchased separate linens for each room and bathroom. Since we were doing this for five bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms I am went with a Less expensive option. As we got rolling, and after we visited a few Airbnb’s are self, we have upgraded our linen package. We have even had guests comment on the quality. This has helped with repeat guests!
Give Your Guests Tools
Spending time and fill out your profile completely online. I also then printed off a version of this and put it in a binder on the countertop. This includes our nearby restaurant favorites, nearby urgent cares, things to do, sightseeing near us and much more. Next to TVs and on every level of the house I also have framed signs with her Wi-Fi password. Any other information they may need to operate appliances, TV, or anything else included is great to have out on the counter or in your binder for easy access.
Simplify
I may leave a few pictures on my wall of my kids, but majority of my personal items are taken down. I personally feel more comfortable in a space I’m staying in if I don’t have the owner staring at me from the wall. Try to D clutter as much as possible and put family photos in a frame that is easily taken down.
Ask Questions
When a guest inquires about our home to book, I make sure and ask plenty of questions. If they are coming into the area for the Air Force Academy graduation, I have stocked up on Air Force paper where or even ordered a congratulations cake. We always make sure to keep the fridge stocked with a breakfast for at least their first morning of the stay. Just to try to personalize their stay, with any information they gave you.
Clean the Refrigerator
This is a pain, but it is one of those things that I appreciate afterward. When ever we have guest coming in for three or more days I clean out her refrigerator and put any extras in the second refrigerator in our garage. I also love coming home and seeing a clean refrigerator! If the guest leaves behind anything, it is easy to identify and toss out.
Market Your Home’s Best Assets
I am not quite sure if this is my home is best asset, but it is one of my favorite parts. I have a coffee bar in the kitchen and I make sure it is stocked for guests to use and enjoy. I put pictures in the listing of this and I put signage out for a guest to enjoy. Our guests have commented on their favorite part of the stay as, “Enjoying coffee on the back patio.”
Get Professional Pictures
After our first AirBNB, We decided to continue to rent our house out. To make our listing more appealing we decided professional pictures would help. I hired a local mom who had the right equipment and lenses for interior shots. This made our listing much more valuable! We had several bookings shortly after the new pictures were posted.