Airbnb Host and short term rental

[Dayana Castellon]

• Fellow Airbnb hosts, what’s been your biggest challenge with managing your property? Whether it’s keeping up with guest communication, adjusting prices, or just finding time for all the details, I’d love to hear your experiences!

[Mike Shemp]

In the beginning most of our challenges were just making sure we were following all the guest communicaton cadence, but that was when we did everything manually.

We use Hospitable, and it has helped with all of that so really the only piece left for me to automate is rental agreement automation, but I think Hospitable is working on that too.

Mike

[Dayana Castellon]

Quote from @Mike Shemp:

In the beginning most of our challenges were just making sure we were following all the guest communicaton cadence, but that was when we did everything manually.

We use Hospitable, and it has helped with all of that so really the only piece left for me to automate is rental agreement automation, but I think Hospitable is working on that too.

Mike

 how is going for you? you have gained experience during the years or what is still difficult?

[Garrett Brown]

I think the biggest challenge is making sure you have systems and operations in place early on. The more automated and systematized we have become, the more time I have had for revenue-driving opportunities. Hiring the right people is key. I was nervous to bring more help on full time when growing but it has given me room to expand more easily. 

[John Underwood]

It's all pretty easy honestly.

Vrbo and Airbnb makes it easy to manage.

[Michael Baum]

Same as @John Underwood @Dayana Castellon.

We don't just use AirBNB but VRBO as well and get about 60% of our overall bookings from VRBO.

Having said that, 2025 is booking out now and all are VRBO people.

[Madri Koppe]

In the beginning mainly figuring out logistics for turnaround between guests and dealing with any issues, particularly, for out of state. Once you get your process in place it becomes more manageable and can run fairly efficiently depending on your process. 

[Trent Reeve]

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Same as @John Underwood @Dayana Castellon.

We don't just use AirBNB but VRBO as well and get about 60% of our overall bookings from VRBO.

Having said that, 2025 is booking out now and all are VRBO people.

im in Panama City beach. I would say im more than 50% booking from VRBO, 25% direct and 25% Airbnb. I am not seeing any bookings yet for 2025. In fact, i dont have any bookings in October-Jan. Not complaining though, i did well during the prime spring/summer months. 

[V.G Jason]

The biggest challenge for our super high end clientele is there's always something they complain about. Always. And I'm four lines of communications away, yet still hear about it. I got a property manager, an STR assistant, and a portfolio wide assistant.

[Sarah Kensinger]

We haven't really had any problems managing a property, unless you count cleaner issues, etc. as part of it. 

[Eric DeNardo]

@Dayana Castellon, managing cleaners to consistently set up and clean the Airbnb worth a 5-start rating. It's a hard job and there aren't many great ones out there. 

[Andrew Steffens]

At 65 doors it is quality control and managing guest expectations.

Yesterday someone threw a fit we do not provide snacks as they checked in at 4am and were hungry...

[Madeline P.]

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

At 65 doors it is quality control and managing guest expectations.

Yesterday someone threw a fit we do not provide snacks as they checked in at 4am and were hungry...

 I'd love to hear what your response was...

[Andrew Steffens]

Quote from @Madeline P.:

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

At 65 doors it is quality control and managing guest expectations.

Yesterday someone threw a fit we do not provide snacks as they checked in at 4am and were hungry...

 I'd love to hear what your response was...

 "We are sorry your check in experience fell short of your expectations.  We do invite you to review your reservation confirmation email sent on 8/27/2024 that does outline all processes and procedures as well as what consumables are included.  We thank you again for your stay and hope you enjoy your time here!"

[John Mason]

Worthwhile keeping a  few fresh fruits  lying around? Or even canned ones?

[Kerry Baird]

My biggest problem is ongoing currently: neighbors in the municipality are being rude to my guests. They have called the police on guests (in the middle of the day, for parking over a sidewalk in the driveway, for noise when guests were playing dominoes by the pool and on and on)…one neighbor yelled obscenities at my guests (in front of children), saying, "We don't want tourists!" and so forth. The police are supporting the neighbors. I have put up security cameras out front because of the neighbors. My municipality has turned from being STR friendly to STR hostile. It is a risk that I didn't expect.