All Forum Posts by: Andrew Street

Hey Josh - Updating photos occasionally can help, especially if you’ve added new features or want to highlight seasonal touches. If your current photos are performing well, you don’t need to change them often—just refresh when there’s something new to show!

Let me know if you need more ideas, I'd be happy to connect! 

Hey Jerry - Congrats on your first STR! It's normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. To get started, focus on creating an appealing listing with professional photos and a detailed, guest-focused description. Offer a great first-stay experience with thoughtful touches like welcome gifts and clear communication to earn those initial positive reviews.

For Big Bear’s rules, stay on top of local ordinances—maybe even connect with other hosts for advice. If you’re worried about exposure, consider running promotions or competitive pricing early on to attract bookings. Take it one step at a time—you’ve got this!

If you're looking for more ideas, I'd be happy to connect! 

Hi Spencer! Rental arbitrage can be a great way to start with Airbnb if approached carefully. It’s all about securing the right agreements and understanding the rules. 

Would love to hear your thoughts—happy to connect!

Hey Marc - Offering free Netflix can be a nice bonus for guests and make your property more appealing, especially for longer stays. It’s affordable and easy to set up, but not essential. If you don’t want to provide it, you can let guests log into their own accounts instead—it’s entirely up to you!

I'd be happy to connect for more ideas! 

Hi Trevor! Kissimmee remains a strong market due to its proximity to Disney and other attractions. While prices have risen, there are still opportunities with the right approach. Start by researching local regulations and working with an agent experienced in vacation rentals. For property management, choose a company with a good track record in STRs and transparent fees.

Happy to connect with anyone looking to share insights!

Hi Thanh - Managing a single STR can be manageable, but as your portfolio grows, hiring a vacation rental company can be a game-changer. They handle everything—guest communication, pricing optimization, cleaning coordination, and maintenance—allowing you to focus on scaling or other priorities.

While you pay a percentage of your revenue, the time and stress saved often outweigh the cost, especially with larger portfolios. Plus, professional management companies often have tools and strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue, which can offset their fees. It’s a smart choice if you want to streamline operations and ensure a consistent, high-quality guest experience without being hands-on 24/7.

I'd be happy to share more ideas. Let me know! 

Hi Joy - Service animals can’t legally be restricted due to landscaping concerns, but you can include a note in your listing to inform guests, such as:

"The front yard has decorative shells, and the backyard is turf. If your pet has sensitive paws, we recommend taking precautions."

This keeps the listing inclusive while giving guests helpful info. Let me know if you’d like help updating the wording!

I'd be happy to connect for more ideas! Let me know. 

Hi Rereloluwa - Congratulations on becoming a Superhost—it’s a great milestone! You’ve taken strong steps by hiring a reliable cleaner and listing the property across multiple platforms. To further boost occupancy and revenue, consider revisiting a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs, as it works best with more time and data to adjust rates competitively. Focus on attracting midterm renters through platforms like Furnished Finder, especially during slower periods. Enhancing guest experience with small touches, like a welcome basket or local guide, can lead to better reviews and repeat bookings. If you haven’t already, professional photography can help your listing stand out in a crowded market. Offering discounts for weekday or longer stays could also help improve occupancy. Keep building on your progress and leveraging your Superhost status to attract more guests. Best of luck!

I'd be happy to share more ideas, let me know! 

Hey Jonathan - I usually start by checking what similar properties are charging in the area, considering things like size, amenities, and location. I adjust pricing based on demand, like raising rates during peak season or local events, and lowering them in slower months to stay competitive. I also watch occupancy rates and adjust if bookings are low. For seasonality, I take into account holidays and local events that might drive demand.

I'd be happy to connect for more ideas! 

Hey Thanh! Setting up direct bookings is a great way to avoid platform fees! To vet guests, you can use a pre-booking form, ask about their plans, and require an ID and signed agreement. For payments, tools like Stripe, PayPal, or booking software like OwnerRez work well.

Happy to connect if you’d like to chat more or need additional tips!