All Forum Posts by: Karina Busch

If sellers can prove income you could probably get a DSCR loan. Or explore short term owner financing if they would do that for 1-5 years.

 I also hate switching out Duvets, it's a huge PITA IMO, so that's why I have steered away from that method bc I would hate to be the cleaners switching them out multiple times a week. So to clarify your triple sheet method, you put fitted sheet, 2 flat sheets, comforter, then another flat sheet on top? 

 I was quoted 22-30% of nightly rate with onboarding fees from $800-1500. So I'm continuing to self manage. This was in Sedona AZ. 

Thank you. I feel like duvets are great (and have them at home) but putting them on is always a PITA so I use a thinner comforter than can be washed easily and have extra blankets if the guests need them. 

 Same! I use thinner comforters and have extra to rotate out. 

That is what I do. I have extra comforters and wash/rotate them every guest. We have a new STR in a different area and the cleaner said her other customers don't and that shocked me! So I'm also trying to get a feel for what is standard but I plan to continue my current plan of washing every time.

Curious about how often you are washing comforters on beds in your STRs?

This is great advice, thank you! We have one Airbnb and are getting our second set up in a different area. I also want to remind people to think about what does (or could) set your property apart from the competition. Amenities, location/proximity, unique decor, great outdoor space, etc. For example, we live on a farm, so I emphasize the animals that are there, which is a big driver of our bookings. Personally, I have selected stays that are farther away than I wanted because they had cool quirky decor, a unique environment, or a great patio. 

We stay at a lot of BnBs when we travel and when I search it is amazing to me how many of them have bad descriptions, cheap looking generic or mismatched decor, and crappy photos. I remember one that had decent photos and was a gorgeous home but was REALLY close to a major attraction and it wasn't even mentioned. The description was practically "it's great, you're going to love it" lol. If good writing is not your strong suit, enlist a friend, family member, smart coworker, other host, or even AI to help you. And don't make it too long or too short. People want to know what's offered but nobody wants to read 3 pages of solid text. 

I am still figuring out pricing models and have just been doing it myself but am interested to hear which pricing and management platforms everyone likes best, especially now that I will be having 2-3 to manage before the end of the year. Thanks for all the insights!

I have only listed on Airbnb so far and have been very happy with it but have only been at it a couple months. When you list on both platforms does it automatically communicate and block off dates that are booked or you have to do it manually? Or do you have to use a 3rd party site to keep them updated and then spend more? 

 Awesome ideas, thank you!