All Forum Posts by: Michael Greenberg

Check out Airdna.co (not .com).  You can sign up for a free account, input your zip code and get a lot of historical AIrbnb market data.

These are ALL great comments.  How did you do your "market research" and what listing sites are you planning to use to market your own property?  You can gauge occupancy and measure pricing using a tool from airdna (d0t) co (not c0m).  I use this tool every so often for market data and you can obtain a free account just by signing up, giving you access by location / zipcode of potential rent, occupancy, etc....  As for cleaning services, I have used a website called Nextdoor (dot) com and asked my neighbors for referrals.  It has turned out to be a great tool for finding reliable, independent services.  Another consideration is how to manage linens/towels and items that require lengthy cleaning tasks.  I have found that buying these items in multiple and rotating them to a laundry service that charges by the pound has been the best solution.  It adds about $20 per stay on average.

Best of luck!

Mike

It allows me to advertise sleeping 10 in 6 beds for one of my properties.  I rarely have 10 stay, but I do think it provides a perception that my place is quite large, and bang for the buck a good deal.  I did purchase a good quality sectional looking sleeper that is quite a comfortable couch with a gel foam mattress (yes they do exist).   I also take the time to really make sure the guest understands the beds and sleeping arrangements.  As for charging more, it varies seasonally but I do charge more for # of guests above a certain number.

Hope that helps!

Mike

Hi Leigh Ann,

I agree, their fees are exorbitant.  I just sent you a colleague request in order to converse via private message as I can advise how I manage this.

Mike

Hi Kyle,

I am not in Phoenix, but do have STR homes in Scottsdale. Happy to connect if you so desire.

Mike

I concur with @Jon Crosby, it supplements my marketing channels to fill gaps and regular guests.  Bang for the buck, the larger sites have huge marketing power far beyond my own to drive guests to my homes.  It has been a worthwhile investment to have this available and I believe it creates a sense of "seriousness" that I am in the business of providing guests with a great experience/stay.  I have built mine in Wordpress from the ground up.  I bit of a learning curve but relatively easy to manage now.  If you're really serious about independence, I would take a look at Matt Landau's site, search VRMB on the web and you'll find him.  He's got a LOT of great resources and information.

Kindly,

Mike

I am able to successfully manage my properties for over two years remotely with just the two resources you have mentioned.  I visit them about 3-4 times per year to check on things as well.  I installed the Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat (made by Emerson) and it's been spot on and and super easy to use.  Unless you can remotely reach your router, I might recommend providing physical access to the router for your guests as I have on occasion had them reset it, especially if you're installing Wi-Fi connected locks.  I have installed them because of the very concern that if the internet goes down it creates other challenges.  I do have Schlage combo deadbolts that can remember up to 16 different codes, they're just stand alone.  When I provide a code to a guest I tell them that it is their "unique" access code for their stay and when I visit my properties every so often I change them.  No issues so far.   As for alarms - I think overkill if you have cameras and your guests are away that they exist.  Final thought - depending upon your location and vetting of your guests, you will ensure that you are hosting quality people.  In the two years I have been doing this I've only had two minor issues.  So be diligent about who you're renting to and you'll be in great shape.

Airbnb's "rules" and policies are part of your listing and I use this tool to describe and secure my property as best I can.  If you describe it and list it Airbnb will support you claim.  If it outside of your listing, they will not.  HomeAway you must create your own, or use a template which I can send you a copy of mine if you want to PM me.  

I have properties in Scottsdale and this is how I go about evaluating them.  Go to airdna.co (not .com) and search for Gilbert, AZ.  You'll see how much activity there is and if you create an account on airdna (free) you can then view rates, occupancy, etc...  It also provides direct links to Airbnb's site so you can view the properties and look for "like for like".  AZ is the first state to legalize VR's so you're in good hands legislatively.  You'll just want to check your local county for tax collection/remittance information.  Best of luck.

Just make sure you are super clear in your description on Airbnb and it will be fine.  Describe the dog, what your expectations are of your guests interacting with the dog, and how well behaved the dog truly is.