Best easy to transition an Airbnb to New owner

[Stephen P.]

I just purchased an active Airbnb. I will close at the beginning of September and there still is a fall season. I want people to continue to book and I want to be able to take over those bookings after I close. What is the smoothest and fairest way to transition? I have seen more people have a new Airbnb site ready to go or they co-host with the old owner. I'm really not sure what to do.

[Jacob Camhi]

hey, that's a great problem to have – buying an active airbnb. the cleanest way i've seen this done is usually by asking the seller to add you as a co-host on the existing listing first. this lets you see the calendar, communicate with guests, and learn the ropes. then, once you close, the seller can officially transfer ownership of the listing to you through the platform's system, or you can create a new listing and they simply block out their calendar from closing date onwards, directing future inquiries to your new one. for any bookings that cross your closing date, you'd just prorate the income based on the nights before and after you take ownership. communication with the seller and guests is key here.