All Forum Posts by: Mike Grudzien

I agree with Michael Baum.  Too many people jumped on the bandwagon with overpriced properties, high monthly payments to amortize and saturation in some markets.  Of course there's the surprise that this is a people-focused, quick response, hospitality business that needs a certain level of business acumen.  Even with management software, you still have to run a business and be as good as or better than your competitors.

Work with an OFFICIAL Airbnb SuperHost Ambassador 

(beware of private consultants that you have to pay.) 

Airbnb started this program over 3 years ago. Airbnb pays vetted, established SuperHosts with years of successful experience to act as consultants to new Hosts. The Ambassador will work with the new Host from starting their page set-up, all the way to their first booking. When the new Host completes their first booking, the relationship ends and the Ambassador is paid by Airbnb (with no cost to the new Host)."

"I've worked with over 500+ new Hosts and I'm happy to help you. Click the Airbnb link and we're connected. No obligation, but lots of free advice and guidance. You will have up to one year to finish your Listing and get a booking before the connection expires. (copy and paste the link into a browser)

www.airbnb.com/r/mgrudzien1

Here's some information from Airbnb about this program: https://www.airbnb.com/ambassadors

 Trent,

That's an unfortunate experience and definitively a one-off!  I guess there's "one bad apple" in the batch.  The Airbnb Ambassador Program has been highly successful and I'm sure that 99.99% of the Ambassadors are highly dedicated consultants.

It can be helpful to work with an OFFICIAL Airbnb SuperHost Ambassador.

(beware of private consultants that you have to pay.) 

Airbnb started this program over 3 years ago. Airbnb pays vetted, established SuperHosts with years of successful experience to act as consultants to new Hosts. The Ambassador will work with the new Host from starting their page set-up, all the way to their first booking. When the new Host completes their first booking, the relationship ends and the Ambassador is paid by Airbnb (with no cost to the new Host)."

"I've worked with over 500+ new Hosts and I'm happy to help you. Click the Airbnb link and we're connected. No obligation, but lots of free advice and guidance. You will have up to one year to finish your Listing and get a booking before the connection expires. (copy and paste the link into a browser)

www.airbnb.com/r/mgrudzien1

Here's some information from Airbnb about this program: https://www.airbnb.com/ambassadors

Somes like Airbnb, but by the room.

Word to the wise: initially manage yourself to understand the full scope and responsibilities of good management.  Then you will know what to look for in property management and how well they do a "good job".... 

I agree with Michael Baum.  Do a search, in Traveler mode, looking for a property like yours.  You will see all your competitors, their pictures, amenities and most importantly: their pricing.
That is your hyper-local intel.

Wisdom: you have to know how to do the job yourself before you hire someone else to do it.....

I like to preserve my karma and grow my business.  If I get the cancelled dates rebooked, then I refund half and offer a standing credit of the other half for whenever they book in the future!  And this has worked and I gave the credit.

Kind of "have your cake and eat it too".....

Amit,

Not a list, but a key first item: wherever you intend to buy: check with the state, county and local municipality regarding any rules, restrictions or ordinances regarding STRs.  Usually, a seasoned, experienced real estate agent or broker could also provide insight to current market rules and the local sentiment regarding STRs that might influence future changes.

Some markets have no restrictions.  Some require only registration with the city.  Some allow only 28 or 30 day minimums.  Some have already or are getting ready to ban or restrict.

Mike