All Forum Posts by: Ariel Smith

I would check out airdna.co. They have comprehensive data on Airbnb listings in many areas including Southern California. I would also research your local laws as @Kurt K. mentioned. These can make or break your business if they limit your ability to rent nightly. 

Hi @Wilson Davis is your property currently furnished and being rented as a vacation rental or is this company proposing to take your unfurnished unit at a higher price and furnish themselves and manage through Airbnb?

Hi @John D. thanks for the insight - I'd love to connect. I'll send you a PM!

Hi @Pratish Halady welcome! Bigger pockets is a great way to learn more about investing. Best of luck!

@John Underwood @Monika Haebich thank you! I will research your suggestions.

@Account Closed the property is licensed as the property management company took care of that before they would take it on. I guess they were good for something!

@Andrew Grieb yes, Airbnb's calendar syncs to additional calendars (even a google calendar) so it is easy to maintain one and have it update both. @James Carlson is correct in how it works.

@Jeff B. good to know! I will make profiles on VRBO and HomeAway as well. Seems like these cater more to guests in the area.

Hi BP,

I just started managing a friend's home in Indio, CA remotely. He hired a property management company and is under contract with them, but they have failed to bring him any bookings thus far. He doesn't have the time to manage the inquiries/listings, so I have offered to help to get some experience on my own for when I plan to buy.

I work for HomeSuite, and have the property listed there, but we don't really have much demand in this area yet. I am also listed on Airbnb.

My questions are:

- Does anyone have experience managing vacation rentals in Indio or the Palm Springs area? 

- What are some tips for managing listings remotely? (I already have a cleaning team hired and keyless entry set up)

- Do you prefer to list on Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, (any others?)

Thanks in advance!

@Andrew Grieb I'd say use both. From my experience, there are different types of tenants that book with each platform, so you want to market to all potential guests. The more breadth of visibility you have for your listing, the more likely you are to stay booked.

I also prefer the commission per booking structure as opposed to a membership fee, simply because you never know what traction your listing is getting. Much better to pay 8% on each booking for 2 bookings than pay $400/year and only receive 2 reservations. Once you see how your property performs, you can do the math and consider going for the membership if it makes sense.

Best of luck!

@Aaron Cooper yes, that's true. There seems to be something about actually putting money down for a security deposit that can make tenants treat a property better.