Took the plunge in my first STR, let me know your thoughts

[Kwame Koom-Dadzie]

Hello , Just set up my first STR , was real learning experience(still is ) , thanks for the folks here @Leslie Anne Morris, @luke Carl, @Michale baum. Please open to  critique & how set myself apart in this crowded field  

https://airbnb.com/h/houstontx...

[Adam Bartling]

Oh no!  You have blue and red chairs!!!

Jokes..

Fantastic!  Talked to another retired Army guy today and he is trying to get his start... And here you did!!

[Kwame Koom-Dadzie]

haha,@Adam Bartling yes I went the red & blue route 

[Leslie Anne Morris]

Nicely done! I am a huge fan of the clean white wall look, so I love it. Making me want to visit Houston. I'll be in Austin in June - I am speaking at the STR Forum conference. Only feedback I might give you would be around the title of the listing. You don't need to put the name there, you might fill in all the characters with something that will jump out when travelers are scrolling. Like what makes it special or what amenities it has. Here's an example of one of my listings:

Hot Tub + Amazing Views | Huge Game Room

[Dave Stokley]

Not bad, looks like a beautiful property but kinda generic if I'm being honest. What makes it different than the competition? Why is the backyard empty?

[Collin Hays]

Great job!  Nice looking place!

[David Bilandzija]

Quote from @Dave Stokley:

Not bad, looks like a beautiful property but kinda generic if I'm being honest. What makes it different than the competition? Why is the backyard empty?

 Agree with Dave.  Try adding features that make it standout.  

[Kwame Koom-Dadzie]

@Leslie Anne Morris. Good point & noted

[Kwame Koom-Dadzie]

@Dave Stokley, Tnx for feedback, back yard got a lil delayed, however we had to list

[Dave Stokley]

Quote from @Kwame Koom-Dadzie:

@Dave Stokley, Tnx for feedback, back yard got a lil delayed, however we had to list

How hard is it to put a fire pit and some chairs? Corn hole board? Give me SOMETHING to do back there other than looking for the shrunken kids.

[Dave Stokley]

Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

Nicely done! I am a huge fan of the clean white wall look, so I love it. Making me want to visit Houston. I'll be in Austin in June - I am speaking at the STR Forum conference. Only feedback I might give you would be around the title of the listing. You don't need to put the name there, you might fill in all the characters with something that will jump out when travelers are scrolling. Like what makes it special or what amenities it has. Here's an example of one of my listings:

Hot Tub + Amazing Views | Huge Game Room

With all dues respect for Leslie, who is clearly an experienced investor and host, I HATE the clean white wall look. It looks like my house. Which is not what I'm looking for on vacation. Just my perspective. :)

[Michael Baum]

You need more color splashes on the wall. More artwork in the bedrooms for sure IMHO.

[John Underwood]

Looks very good.

I would have a table and chairs in the backyard instead of that claustrophobic area by the fence.

Add some art to the bedroom walls.

[Ray J.]

@Kwame Koom-Dadzie Great job! The property and pictures came out fantastic. My only recommendation would be since you have such a nice backyard you should also highlight that more maybe with a fire pit area and chairs, or a table, umbrella, and chairs. Good luck!

[Glenna Wood]

Awesome modern design and it looks bright and spotlessly clean but the bedrooms are leaning toward sterile. Add some patterned duvet covers for pops of color. There's room to add a nice bedroom size chair to the BRs too. Don't skimpy on nightstands and put one on each side of the beds. You're off to a great start! All the best. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Kwame Koom-Dadzie:

The white walls are great, but I would add splashes of color to break it up. You also have a lot of empty wall space that could use some artwork, otherwise it just looks empty and cold.

I would consider a covered patio in the back yard so guests can enjoy that space, with or without kids. I propane fire pit and a BBQ grill would be nice.

[Leslie Anne Morris]

Quote from @Dave Stokley:

Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

Nicely done! I am a huge fan of the clean white wall look, so I love it. Making me want to visit Houston. I'll be in Austin in June - I am speaking at the STR Forum conference. Only feedback I might give you would be around the title of the listing. You don't need to put the name there, you might fill in all the characters with something that will jump out when travelers are scrolling. Like what makes it special or what amenities it has. Here's an example of one of my listings:

Hot Tub + Amazing Views | Huge Game Room

With all dues respect for Leslie, who is clearly an experienced investor and host, I HATE the clean white wall look. It looks like my house. Which is not what I'm looking for on vacation. Just my perspective. :)

That’s why I said it…because a lot of people will say they don’t like it. White walls don’t do well in the Smoky Mountains. 

[Jonathon Howell]

Looks great! I would change the first photo as I don’t feel like that’s the best photo you got. I like photo 5 for instance you could always post a couple of photos and let people vote in here on which one is your top photo. Do you have a coffee bar? We have one in every property it’s a huge hit but I didn’t see one so you might want to consider that. Also if there is a yard I would definitely include photos of it. Your color scheme is great maybe just try adding a pop of abstract or something that stands out. I know someone that hangs local art in their Airbnb and guests love it. I would also include a couple photos of attractions that are close by at the end.  

[Travis Timmons]

So. Much. Feedback. Great job! I know how hard and expensive it is to get a place up and going. You'll optimize and improve as you go. Your guests will be your best educators as well. They'll let you know what you need or what is missing, and if you listen, your place will keep getting better.

The dopamine hit from that first booking is one of the greatest feelings ever! Seriously. Up there with some major life events...perhaps it's just me but we gave our first STR everything we had and hoped it would work. It's so validating and rewarding when it actually does.

[Dave Stokley]

Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

Quote from @Dave Stokley:

Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:

Nicely done! I am a huge fan of the clean white wall look, so I love it. Making me want to visit Houston. I'll be in Austin in June - I am speaking at the STR Forum conference. Only feedback I might give you would be around the title of the listing. You don't need to put the name there, you might fill in all the characters with something that will jump out when travelers are scrolling. Like what makes it special or what amenities it has. Here's an example of one of my listings:

Hot Tub + Amazing Views | Huge Game Room

With all dues respect for Leslie, who is clearly an experienced investor and host, I HATE the clean white wall look. It looks like my house. Which is not what I'm looking for on vacation. Just my perspective. :)

That’s why I said it…because a lot of people will say they don’t like it. White walls don’t do well in the Smoky Mountains. 

Ahhh got it! 

[Tony Ngo]

Very nice.  You done a good job.  

[Matt Owens]

1.Add something else to the title to stand out.

2. Put a photo of the bedroom within the first five pictures (I’d go with photo number 37).

3. The backyard needs to stand out more. Consider adding a fire pit with four Adirondack chairs or a volleyball or badminton net, cornhole, etc. if you add these items, then put this picture in top five of the order. 

4. Fill out your host profile so guests can get to know you. 
5. Consider a drone photo to give an aerial shot of the property in proximity to other things in the area that are attractive.

6. Your description is structured well, and just enough to not lose me. Good job.

7. Is there a reason your calendar is blocked off after the first week of August? Open that up a few more months and just set the prices higher.

good luck!

[Kwame Koom-Dadzie]

Thanks all for the great feedback 

[Hamp Lee III]

Awesome to see you taking your first step in real estate investing! Congrats to you!

The house is nice. The only feedback is considering a matching color scheme and furniture that seem more cohesive, maybe a specific theme. 

As is, everything seems to be a separate piece.

I wish you all the best.