Between a rock and a hard place

[Uriah D.]

Short Term Rental Pros…

Since November of 2018, we transitioned two of our properties to Airbnb furnished short term rentals. It’s been quite a learning curve, but we’ve been able to reach Superhost status and have great reviews on those two properties. 

There’s a third property we are preparing to bring on as Airbnb, but we have some concerns because of the street it is on. Although it is in a great location in proximity to downtown Raleigh, the houses on either side of the subject property (that will be the Airbnb) are fairly worn down, especially the one to the right including the back yard. 

We don’t believe the area to be unsafe, in fact most of the neighbors are really nice, but it could certainly appear that way. 

My question is - have any of you found success in running an Airbnb in an area of town that is “transitional” and has houses on either side of it that are in obvious disrepair?

How do you communicate your listing for what it is on Airbnb (both with words and images) … to avoid negative reviews about the location or feeling of safety? Is there a way to post a video on Airbnb?

**For reference, there is a house 2 down on the same side of the street that has been through a quality renovation, and the other houses on the street are fairly well maintained, but some are dated.