Purchasing STR in Oklahoma with Future Bookings - How to transfer (Cancel/Co-host)

[Amanda Parks]

Hi. We are looking to purchase a STR in Oklahoma that has future Airbnb and VRBO bookings through the end of the year. I've been researching and it seems like we have two options.

1) Have the seller agree to let us co-host on the listing from the closing date through the end of the year/when the future bookings end while advertising the new listing for any new bookings. This would help prevent canceling any bookings and losing them when asking to re-book.

Has anyone done this? How have you handled the transfer of all deposits/payments received and the remaining payments received after closing on those future bookings?  Was it written into the sales contract?

2) Work with the seller to cancel the bookings and re-book under the new listing.

[Jeff Langley]

I’m not a fan of #1 because then the reviews will be left for the other account and not yours. I’ve found it best to start over from scratch but maintain the old listing title and cover photo for a short period of time to get any potential guest transfers. Unless you know the previous hosts, I’d much rather vet guests using my own criteria and pricing adjustments.  

[Andrew Steffens]

Unfortunately #2 is the way to go.  Just prior to close build a new listing and block existing booking dates.  Once closed contact Airbnb and tell them the situation, having all reservation codes ready.  Airbnb will cancel and provide guest new property link.  Make sure pricing matches.  Note they are not under obligation to rebook you, they could rebook another property.

[Collin Hays]

Trying to transfer reservations is a huge undertaking and rarely works out well. Just let all of the reservations cancel and start over.  Although you can call the existing reservations and give them a heads up and link to the new listing.

[Kumar R.]

@Amanda Parks Transferring the reservations is the way to go. Work with Airbnb to rebook them all. 

[Brendan Harrison]

Definitely #2! Good luck.

[Amanda Parks]

Thanks, everyone! Seems like #2 is definitely the best way to move forward. 

[Garrett Brown]

#2 for sure! Good luck! 

[Sarah Kensinger]

You could do #1 since we have done that with self-managed properties. Since this is a seller, you would need everything in writing that was signed at closing stating you would take control of the listing. It's not ideal but depending on how many bookings are on the old listing, it might be a good option. Also, if you do number one, make sure to delist the old listing as soon as the new listing is live.