California Short Term Rental Multi-home Furniture

[Jessica James]

So, I save the money, I budgeted, I found a great deal, put in my offer, my offer was accepted and I’m getting closer to closing (13 days to go!)... But I need to get people in and get the house ready and staged to take professional pictures and put up my listing on Airbnb. Since it’s a multi house I need to furnish not just one unit but two units. I’ve been hitting up craigslist and have two storage units pool of free furniture etc. but I’m looking at everything I need plus the cost of new countertops and lighting and looking at my bank and was left after I’ve paid my down paymentand I’m starting to get worried on how I’m going to make these places look great and be competitive in my area without having to take a loan. I really don’t want to rent furniture or take out a personal loan. Has anyone else come up with any ideas or has felt the same sort of feelings of being overwhelmed while trying to put their Airbnb‘s together?

[Peter M.]

Yes. We are doing the same as you right now, getting an Airbnb furnished, but luckily its just a SF home. And of course we have a budget for furnishings and we should be close but my wife is pretty savvy with FB marketplace so that's where most of our stuff comes from. Also, not sure if you have Hobby Lobby in CA but they have rotating discounts on their products so she waits until the week that the things she needs are on sale. Other stores do similar things you just have to know the schedule. But you're right, good decor, layout, and photos will make or break your STR so sometimes you just gotta spend more money to make it work