All Forum Posts by: Calvin Baughman

Looks like someone's using Turno haha. I use it too. Of all the cleaning platforms I've tried, this app is the only one that has met my expectations on that matter. And yes, the personalized cleaning checklists with photos are the best! It's good to see more people using technology to improve and organize their work and increase the overall quality of STRs. There's any other apps you use on your properties? Keep the good tips coming hehe!

 Yes, I try to keep the highest level of cleanliness on my property, even if I'm not around. In addition to working with extremely reliable cleaners, I leave very detailed instructions, ask for photos of the work done, etc. Trust and clear communication are the key to having high standard cleanings in your property.

I agree with what you said about colors, a tasteful choice can do wonders for your property. But if you don't have much time to do it yourself or money to hire someone, the best option is to keep your personal taste out of it and go with a neutral palette.

I’ve been doing this for a while, and even though I have a lot to improve yet, I had some insights about how to make guests feel more comfortable in my property. I think sharing it might help a few people and maybe you can also give me your feedback and exchange experiences!

In the dynamic world of short-term rentals, the level of satisfaction your guests experience directly influences your reputation, brings them back, and determines how well your gig does overall. Your place's vibe has a big influence on your guests' satisfaction.

Guest satisfaction starts with keeping your place spick and span. Cleanliness is the first thing guests clock when they step in, and a squeaky clean vibe makes an instant good impression. Lots of folks pick Airbnb for that homey feel, so meeting or beating those expectations with a tidy spot is key. And when it comes to reviews, cleanliness can make or break your Airbnb game.

You can also make a breakfast basket, or other kinds of treats and gifts for your guests. Maybe include a guide of the best restaurants around your property, or other places with attractive landscapes or good activities for your guests.

In the Airbnb hustle, creating a space that appeals to a wide range of guests is a big deal if you want your pad to reach its full potential. One slick move is going for a chill decor scheme that's both classy and appeals to pretty much everyone.

Think basic with colors like whites, grays, and beige, and get some solid, neutral-colored furniture. Classic pieces give your place a comfy and stylish feel without going overboard, making it appealing to all sorts of people. Also, don't go nuts with art and stuff, keep it simple with a few pieces that match the chill color vibe, nothing too wild.

Reviews are the secret sauce for your Airbnb listing's success, so make sure you're on top of your guests' well-being. Keeping your place crazy clean and organized can be a bit of a mission, especially finding reliable folks to help out. That's why keeping things clear with your cleaner and setting realistic cleanliness goals is super important. Luckily, tech's got your back with apps and platforms that make this stuff easier. Check them out to level up your vacation rental game.

Some tools I'm all about:
• Guesty: for reservation management, communication, and payment processing.
• Turno: for finding cleaners, organizing and automating cleanings and cleaners’ payments.
• Personal Capital: for budgeting, investment tracking, and retirement planning features. It also provides insights into your overall financial picture.
• KeyNest: simple and secure key exchange solution, it helps to improve the guest check-in experience.

Oh, I hear you! Cleanings are a sensitive topic of STRs. Guests are very demanding about it and anything that doesn't meet their expectations can result in a bad review. You need to find a reliable, dedicated and experienced cleaner to look after your property, and this can be a difficult endeavor. But today it's easier to organize and pay for vacation property cleaning, there are several apps that make this job easier. I particularly use Turno. It schedules the cleaning of my property automatically according to my Airbnb calendar and the cleaner receives payment as soon as a project is completed, without me having to do anything. Also, all cleaners go through a background check process, so that made my life very easier when finding the perfect fit for my property. Probably I just enjoy the craft of running STRs hehe.

Yeah, I have an STR already, but I'm considering buying another property, and I'm still evaluating the pros and cons of making it STR as well. I mean, it's fine if it does not make tons of money every month, this is not my primary income source. But I wonder if it's not best to grow a business in the same area since then if I want to make this my main job some day... I guess I have to redefine my goals in order to make this decision.

@Andrew Steffens 
Thanks, Andrew. That's a very detailed and helpful answer. I already have an STR, but my wife and I are thinking of buying one more property, and we were discussing about making it LTR or another STR. Those topics are very clear examples of pros and cons!

This must be a commonly asked question here, but I'm seeking updated opinions, from People who are daily operating in those markets. Could the profitability of Short-Term Rentals outweigh the stability offered by Long-Term Rentals in today's dynamic real estate landscape? What key factors contribute to the financial advantage or stability between these two rental models, and how do market fluctuations impact their respective profitability over the long term?

Short-term rentals have become a popular avenue for property owners and investors. So let's delve into the critical aspects that drive success in the STR industry. Whether it's exceptional guest experiences, effective marketing, property management, cleaningless or something else. What holds the greatest importance in achieving success with short-term rentals? Share your insights and expertise to help fellow hosts and property owners thrive in this dynamic market.

I'd consider Personal Capital, YNAB, Quicken, EveryDollar, or CountAbout (which supports Mint data imports). Evaluate these options to find the one that best suits your needs, there's no perfect choice, that's for sure!

I just love Turno. Found great cleaners on the platform and asked all my cleaners to download the app so we could improve the organization of our work. It has saved me a lot of time since then. The personalized checklists are really something!