All Forum Posts by: Byron Umana

Quote from @Michael Baum:

So first thing I call them short term rentals. I put my short term rentals on AirBNB and VRBO.

I don't automate guest communications. Bots sound like bots. I personally interact with each and every guest.

We respond to every guest inquiry in less than 30 minutes. Anytime of day. Just today I got a booking request at 3:30am here in WA state. Guest was on the east coast. I set my phone to a super annoying and loud notification and off to the races!

I completely agree that personal interaction can go a long way in building rapport with guests, especially when you're trying to create a memorable experience. Responding quickly, like you do, definitely makes guests feel valued and reassured.

I think the choice between automation and personal interaction depends a lot on the host's availability and scale. For someone managing multiple properties or with a busy schedule, automating some parts (like initial messages) can save time while still allowing room for personal touches later.

It’s inspiring to see your dedication to responding so quickly, even at 3:30am! How do you balance being available around the clock with avoiding burnout? For me, finding that balance was one of the trickiest parts when starting out! 

Starting your first Airbnb? Here are a few do’s and don’ts that saved me time and headaches:
✅ Do invest in professional photos.
❌ Don’t ignore guest communication—automate it!
✅ Do research your local market before setting prices.

What questions do you have about getting started? I’d be happy to share more advice!

Starting out can be overwhelming, but I’ve compiled a step-by-step guide specially for beginners. If you’d like details on where to find it, send me a message!

Quote from @Brandon Weis:

In your opinion, as you are starting out at 0 reviews, do you think it is a must to beat the competition on price to overcome customer's hesitancy or lack of trust with no reviews?

Or what are other tips to start gaining traction from the beginning?

Great question! Starting with 0 reviews can definitely feel challenging, but I wouldn’t say beating the competition solely on price is the only or best way to gain traction. Here’s what I recommend instead:

Offer Value Beyond Price: Rather than just lowering your rates, focus on adding value to the guest experience. For example, include thoughtful amenities like a welcome basket, free snacks, or local guidebooks. These small touches can create a memorable stay and encourage positive reviews.

Create a Standout Listing: Invest in high-quality photos, write an engaging and detailed description, and highlight features that set your property apart. This can help build trust even without reviews.

Run Promotions Strategically: Offer introductory discounts or perks (like free early check-in or late check-out) for your first few bookings. Position these as limited-time deals to attract budget-conscious travelers.

Be Responsive and Personable: Guests often book based on their interaction with a host. Respond quickly and professionally to inquiries to show you’re reliable.

Leverage Airbnb's New Listing Boost: Airbnb often prioritizes new listings in search results for a short time. Use this period wisely by ensuring your calendar is open, pricing is competitive, and your listing is optimized.

Encourage Reviews: After hosting your first guests, politely ask them to leave honest feedback. Reviews are crucial for building trust and gaining momentum.

Ultimately, while price can be part of the equation, it’s the combination of a welcoming, value-driven approach and strategic marketing that will help you stand out and build trust faster. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make your Airbnb listing stand out? As someone who has spent years in the real estate industry, I’ve learned that success on Airbnb isn’t just about listing your property—it’s about strategy.

From pricing tips to guest communication, I’m happy to share insights that can help you maximize your income. Plus, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process step by step.

What’s your biggest challenge as a new host? Let’s discuss!

Quote from @Shelby Blanco:

What is the best strategy in your opinion to niche down on a target audience in any given market? For example how do you identify with confidence that your market attracts more professionals vs. families vs. bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc. and therefore how you'd know which amenities to offer?

That’s a great question, and identifying the right target audience is key to maximizing bookings and optimizing your listing. Here’s how I approach niching down to a specific audience:

Analyze Your Market Demographics

Start by researching your market to identify who is booking short-term rentals in your area. Tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, or even Airbnb itself can provide insights into guest demographics. For instance:

• If your area has many corporate offices or conference centers, you're likely to attract business travelers.
• Family-friendly suburbs with parks and schools often attract families.
• Downtown locations near nightlife are popular for groups and parties.

Review Competitor Listings

Search for successful Airbnb listings in your area and study their target audience based on:

• The language in their descriptions.
• Their reviews (guests often reveal the purpose of their stay).
• The amenities they offer (e.g., desks and Wi-Fi for professionals, cribs and baby gates for families).

Evaluate Your Own Space

Your property’s layout, amenities, and location may naturally cater to a specific audience.

• A cozy 1-bedroom apartment downtown might be ideal for professionals or couples.
• A 3-bedroom house with a yard might appeal more to families.
• Proximity to nightlife might cater to party groups.

Experiment and Adjust

If you're unsure, start broad and monitor who books your property. Pay attention to reviews and guest feedback to refine your audience over time. For example:

• If families frequently comment on the lack of child-friendly amenities, adding a crib or high chair could increase bookings.
• If professionals mention the need for workspace, consider adding a desk or ergonomic chair.

Tailor Your Listing Description

Once you’ve identified your target audience, write a listing description that speaks directly to them. Highlight features and amenities they care about most. For instance:

• Professionals: "Equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and conveniently located near the business district."
• Families: "Spacious backyard, kids’ play area, and just minutes from the local zoo."
• Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: "Steps away from the city’s hottest nightlife with plenty of space to celebrate

Quote from @Joel Oh:

Quote from @Byron Umana:

Quote from @Joel Oh:

Hey Bryon! What do you think is the best amenities for Airbnb in ROI value?

Hi Joel, that’s a great question! The best amenities for Airbnb in terms of ROI often depend on your target audience and the location of your property. However, some amenities consistently deliver high value because they attract more bookings, increase nightly rates, or result in better guest reviews. Here are some top amenities that have proven to offer excellent ROI:

1. High-Speed Wi-Fi: This is essential for both leisure and business travelers, especially in today’s remote work culture. It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.
2. Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.
3. Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.
4. Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.
5. Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.
6. Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.
7. Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.
8. Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.

If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market. Look at the amenities offered by top-performing properties in your area and aim to meet or exceed their offerings.

Thank you Byron! That is quite interesting. I see a lot of amenities you recommended as amenities that increase the quality of stay which leads to a higher guest satisfaction but doesn't really affect my return. (Of course, there is a factor that higher rating will increase my booking but that is not just coming from adding one or two amenities) Besides item 5 and 6, I am not sure how much other items will attract more guests to my business. How do you calculate the ROI of your amenities to say these are the best amenities for ROI? I am very interested to see experienced host's perspective.

That's a great point, and I completely agree—many amenities are more about enhancing the guest experience, which indirectly impacts ROI through better reviews and repeat bookings. However, there are also specific ways to measure the ROI of certain amenities more directly. Here's how I approach it:

1. Understanding Your Target Guest: Not all amenities provide the same ROI for every type of guest. For instance, if your target audience is business travelers, adding a desk, ergonomic chair, and fast Wi-Fi might significantly boost bookings because it meets their needs. For families, amenities like a crib or high chair can make your property stand out.
2. Tracking Booking Impact: When adding a new amenity, I monitor changes in my booking volume, nightly rate, and overall revenue over a 2–3 month period. Comparing these metrics before and after the addition helps identify if the amenity is driving more business.
3. Increased Rates: Some amenities allow you to justify higher nightly rates. For example, a private hot tub or pool can command a premium in most markets, which directly impacts ROI.
4. Cost vs. Return: I consider both the upfront investment and maintenance cost of an amenity. For example, a coffee maker costs very little but is consistently mentioned in reviews, which leads to higher satisfaction and potentially more bookings. On the other hand, a hot tub might cost more but could yield a higher ROI in competitive or high-demand markets.
5. Data-Driven Insights: I also use tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs to analyze local trends. These platforms can show which amenities are most sought-after in my market, helping me make data-backed decisions.

ROI can sometimes be intangible, but even amenities that don't immediately show a monetary return (like higher satisfaction) often lead to long-term benefits, such as more positive reviews and increased visibility on Airbnb's algorithm

Quote from @Rachelle Bertumen:

Hello, My name is Rachelle, newbie investor. Just bought my first rental in Indy last year and wanted to start my airbnb business. So much to learn for sure. But if anyone can recommend a book, a podcast, a youtube on how to start in AirBNB will be so much appreciated. I was thinking of maybe getting into Lake Tahoe since its only 3 hours away and so I can learn the ins and out of the business by managing it myself. But with the zoning regulations, the pricing of houses seem so impossible to achieve. Would love to hear from anyone who have success stories and I am open to suggestions.

Hi Rachelle. Getting started with Airbnb can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming! The first thing to focus on is understanding your target guests and tailoring your property to their needs. Make sure your photos are professional, your description is engaging, and you’ve set competitive prices based on your local market. A few small touches, like high-quality linens and a welcome guide, can make a big difference.

Quote from @Joel Oh:

Hey Bryon! What do you think is the best amenities for Airbnb in ROI value?

Hi Joel, that’s a great question! The best amenities for Airbnb in terms of ROI often depend on your target audience and the location of your property. However, some amenities consistently deliver high value because they attract more bookings, increase nightly rates, or result in better guest reviews. Here are some top amenities that have proven to offer excellent ROI:

1. High-Speed Wi-Fi: This is essential for both leisure and business travelers, especially in today’s remote work culture. It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.
2. Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.
3. Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.
4. Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.
5. Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.
6. Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.
7. Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.
8. Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.

If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market. Look at the amenities offered by top-performing properties in your area and aim to meet or exceed their offerings.

Starting your journey as an Airbnb host can be both exciting and overwhelming. As someone who has helped many new hosts get started, I’ve compiled all the essential tips and strategies into a simple step-by-step guide. Whether you're setting up your first property or looking to optimize your current listing, this resource is designed to save you time and help you avoid common pitfalls.

If you're a new host or just curious about how to set up a profitable Airbnb listing, drop your questions here!