All Forum Posts by: Nene Osia

This was my similar situation while working/living in Midland Texas. I decided to rent out my two additional rooms on Airbnb. I couldn’t rent out the entire house as I still lived there even though I traveled frequently; and my belonging were still in the home. I made enough to pay my mortgage and have additional money left after utilities. This was a lot more than if I had a roommate. Plus my home was always cleaned and the guests were hardly home.  I set up cameras in shared spaces and made sure it was stated in the listings. I did this for two years and didn’t have a problem. They were mainly oil field workers who were also hardly ever around. The most important thing is to have a system and good cleaners. Someone also mentioned to check if there are any restrictions. I also made sure I could Airbnb in my specific community. 

I lived in my first property, 3bd/2ba, and rented the other two bedrooms on Airbnb. The cash flow was great and allowed me to save up and buy another property. I was able to move out of that property and rent the entire home after buying another. I didn’t have to deal with leases or someone not wanting to pay rent. Guests were hardly home therefore the bathroom shared between the two rooms wasn’t a problem. I also had a cleaning person come on weekly to ensure the bathroom was clean. I do agree however four people sharing one bathroom maybe a stretch. As well as being four completely different people. But then what if each room has two occupants? Would you have a limit on the number of people in each room? If not there could be 8 people sharing a bathroom.   It would work if you could get college student in there but overall given the climate it maybe difficult. Good luck!

@Tochi Ajiwe I would not recommend purchasing a townhome with a HOA. It's not about it being risky but they can stop you from Airbnb. If you choose to Airbnb in a home that has an HOA, make sure to get the HOA bylaws if possible to see if it specifically states that you can't Airbnb. In deciding which home make sure to see how your competition is doing? Which area is booked further out on Airbnb? Given the current climate how much are they charging? Are the homes in said area new or older and how does your option compete? Hopefully this helps, feel free to reach out to me if you have any additional questions. Good luck!

@Rachel Hughes I require almost every verification, especially an ID before a guest can book. I also have on the listing that there is surveillance cameras in front of the home for their safety. This has recently deterred someone from booking for the weekend which I’m fine with. There is also a minimum night stay. I bounce between two and three nights.  I also mention no parties or overnight guests as part of the house rules. So far I haven’t had any problems. 

@Ken Latchers I am currently a superhost on Airbnb and I decline often.  I decline if someone demands a discount; wont upload my required documents; or asking to bring extra guests. Airbnb allows you to give the host and airbnb a response as to why you declined. I recently also declined someone that wanted to bring 3 large dogs.  Later that day it was booked and for a much longer period of time.  In others cases I dont do anything other than archiving the message as well as making sure its not blocking my calendar.  But if your really worried, do nothing as its just an inquiry.

Hello I am investor here in Houston, TX

@Jeff Oberts I am in that position with my second property as it is not fully staged exactly how I would like, as it will take months.  However, with my first property I listed it making sure the essentials are there; I had a discount due to it not being complete.  Turns out alot of guests didnt mind and some even gave me feedback of what they would like in the rooms and home.  This was great as I had a few return and they appreciated seeing their suggestions in the home.  I will mention in the listing that the home is not complete hence the discounted price.  As I get more bookings I can then use that money to properly finish decorating exactly as I like. 

@ Dakota Co

@Account Closed theres a company called Havenly.  I go there to get design inspiration.  They have designers post projects with the estimated costs for every aspect of the home.  Theres no real formula but more of what is your budget.  If you dont really have one then you can furnish any way you like.  However if you do have one then I typically search items similar to that on the site to find lower available costs.  I also google search, specific images like gray wall white couch or blue wall gray couch.  From that I also search for items similar to those photos and design from there.

@Leora Merrell I dont drink coffee however I got a second hand Keurig and pods from Sams club,which my guests do really enjoy having.  I think it helped one of my guests continue to book my place for his monthly visits.  I had to realize it was more about what would make them more comfortable and keep coming back.

@Tylor Gray I use the app "LetGo" and will mostly use "Task Rabbit" when I am in a pinch.  I was able to find a new cleaner through a friends neighbor. So also try asking around.