Bought a vacation STR, plan on using Airbnb, any tips/ advice?

Question

Recently bought a condo in FL, plan on using it for Airbnb STR. Anyone with experience have do’s/dont’s or tips on how to raise occupancy rate while avoiding nightmare visitors?

Neil Henderson · Answer

Learn the art of Revenue Management, not Occupancy Management. We actively try to stay at about 85% occupancy. If we are higher than that, it typically means we aren't charging enough.

Compete on value not on price and you should weed out a lot of the worst guests. If you're competing down in the weeds with the rest of the bargain basement properties, your likelihood of drawing a problem guest is increased.

I wholeheartedly agree with @Sean McDonnell, if you have a guest who's asking questions that are clearly spelled out in the listing, don't be afraid to turn down the booking.

Lastly, don't be afraid to turn down a booking.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Nolan C., I would list it on both AirBNB and VRBO/HomeAway and probably Trip Advisor. Not listing your property on several sites limits your exposure and it will take longer to get it full.

Sean McDonnell · Answer

Put a lot of detain into the listings. Answer all the questions before your guests even have to ask them..

If you have a guest that asks you 20 questions that are answered if they just read the listing, do not let them book!

Luke Carl · Answer

@Nolan C. how much time do you have lol? Read through this forum you’ll find hours of education.

Collin Hays · Answer

Nightmare guests are almost non-existent to me, going back to 2005. I would pick Airbnb or HomeAway - stick with one for your own sanity.

Ken Latchers · Answer

booking.com is superior to Airbnb for me

Ken Latchers · Answer

in my area, cannot speak for others, i get multiple booking.com at a higher price than airbnb. i just add the 15% commission on as an admin fee

Daniel Purcell · Answer

@Nolan C.

If you’re out of state take time to find a property management company that can take a lot of the day-to-day off you. Unless you commit full time to this, you’ll be dealing with issues constantly.

Michelle Barlow · Answer

Something that helps is putting an minimum age to book the place. My minimum is 25 years.

Nick Rutkowski · Answer

@Nolan C.

Get a lock box. It’s the one time saver I’m glad I invested in. That way you don’t always have to meet your guests at the door if you live far away and they have the flexibility to arrive when they please.

Bought a vacation STR, plan on using Airbnb, any tips/ advice?

Most Popular Reply