Has anyone had any experience in leasing / versus Airbnb?

[Troy Leinster]

Hi everyone,

Six months ago I purchased a three-family home in Jersey City. I have leased one apartment, the second I reside in, and I'm considering my options for the third. 

Has anyone had any experience in leasing / versus Airbnb? Are you finding either more lucrative long-term?

Many thanks in advance.

[Nathan Gesner]

@Troy Leinster I've managed both. In my experience, in my market, a long-term rental requires far less effort and generally produces a better return.

Many people brag about how much they make with their vacation rental but they fail (or refuse) to share the complete numbers. There is a cost associated with furnishing the home and replacing consumables. You have to market, pay fees to the city or county, pay city/county/state taxes, pay AirBnB fees, credit card fees, utilities, landscaping, internet, and more. Then you have to account for your time spent answering inquiries, booking guests, coordinating cleaners, telling people for the 27th time how to operate the remote control or air conditioner, etc.

When you make a complete comparison, the AirBnB option may not produce a much better return and it can be a lot more work.