Necessary to include photos of the exterior of the property?

[Marc Shin]

I have an older 1920's duplex, and the outside looks just ok, but not great.  Is it necessary to include photos of the exterior of the property for Airbnb?  Or can I get away with zero exterior photos? 

[Dennis Bragg]

Hey @Marc Shin

Look, I’ve been at this for a couple of decades now, and I still remember this small bungalow I fixed up in Hillcrest back when I first got my start.. it was a 1920s place too, a bit rough around the edges. One friend of mine had a client who recently tried running an Airbnb in a little Craftsman duplex near North Park. After some back-and-forth, they ended up snapping a dusk photo that softened the imperfections and capturd a charming glow from the front porch light. To their surprise, bookings actually ticked up a bit.

You dont have to highlight every detail of your exterior if it’s not your property’s strongest suit. But I’ve found that a well-chosen angle or a unique architectural detail can give guests a mental anchor point.. something that says, “Yes, this is a real place with character.” In more established markets like Austin or Omaha.. from what I’ve heard in Bloomberg, guests value transparency as much as good rates. If you truly can’t find a flattering angle, consider ading a small touch: maybe a new house number plate or a couple of potted succulents by the doorstep. These minor tweaks won’t cost you much, and I’ve seen them help properties in Phoenix and Chicago stand out, even when the paint is a tad faded.

So what’s your take - do you think guests these days actually prefer a hint of authenticity over a picture-perfect exterior?