All Forum Posts by: Sarah Kensinger

What about taxes, furnishing the properties, monthly supplies, and would you be self-managing or hiring a PM? Also don't forget Airdna includes the cleaning fees, so those numbers should be added when analyzing a property with Airdna projections.

Part of the deal with Airbnb not working well with hosts, is because they have far more hosts than guests using their platform. The number of guests is growing each year, but they don't want to lose a possible guest so they always side with them. This is why as hosts we have to get smarter than the system and learn how it works!

Is no smoking one of your rules and do you have proof they smoked in the cabin? If a guest breaks a house rule Airbnb is more likely to remove the review. Unfortunately, a case like this is bound to happen once or twice to every listing. As hosts we have to get smarter than the system by learning how Airbnb works. Before you decided to change OTAs check your area and see what the most popular OTA is, so your bookings aren't negatively affected.

You can check out mine...the link is in my bio. It's more for clients then guests though since we don't offer direct bookings yet.

If I was closer, I would offer you my services! We have some STR connections in the Nashville area, I'll reach out and see if they can recommend a photographer for you.

Honestly, I won't look at possible STR property or even take on a STR co-hosting client unless the property has a 20%+ COC return. So, I feel strongly that you could do better with another property somewhere else. The STR market is still very much there...it's strong, thriving, and not going anywhere. You just need to know your market, who your serving, and have an experience that guests go home never forgetting. Bookings are coming in more last minute...6-8 weeks before arrival... and it's something a lot of people in our mastermind are seeing. So that could be why you're seeing calendars more open, although summer bookings should be about filled up.

With this property you mentioned, I would be a little wary of all the homes laid out very similar and everyone having the same idea to run a STR. It's possible you could do well but it'll pretty competitive! I'm suspicious that you would benefit from having a larger home in the same area, especially since someone has a 3 possible 4 bed that is making $90k.

To make it in the STR market you have to provide an experience, it's no longer just a place to lay your head for the night. An experience is one of the top 3 things a host needs to offer to have a successful STR. With that said, I would be interested to know the location your STR would be. Sometimes there just isn't enough traffic to an area no matter what you offer.

Yes, mid-term rentals can be a great strategy too, thanks for the reminder! I have also heard a lot lately that you should treat them as a STR in the design and furnishings. People want a nice-looking place to live in, even if it's only for a couple months!

My sister lives about 45 minutes from that area. Yes, it does fairly well but a larger home near or on the lake would probably be your best option.