All Forum Posts by: Rachel Hughes

@Bernie Cesareo Thanks for your feedback! I've toyed with the idea of adding a deposit but none of competition do so. To your point I do think I was one of the lower priced options for an entire house in my area. I went ahead and increased my weekend minimum so hopefully that helps. 

If I continue to have issues I may add a deposit. 

I reiterate several times both in my listing and in my automated messages that smoking and parties are not allowed. I also mention that I live on the property. It is amazing to me that someone still thought they could get away with throwing a party. 

@Michael Baum I haven't reach out to Airbnb yet. Trying to let the dust settle. I was able to get most of the smell out but I had guests checking in two days later so not much time for anything else. Current guests haven't mentioned anything so hopefully it's all good.

I've heard that VRBO guests tend to be more respectful. I haven't had much luck with it yet. Glad to hear Airbnb cooperated with you in the past!

I'm averaging $40/hr grocery shopping for other people via Instacart. 

Putting my engineering degree to good use!!

I was hoodwinked by a guest with what I now presume was a fraudulent photo & home city - she had 4 positive reviews too!

Long story short... I live in a unit attached to my Airbnb. I could smell the weed through my AC vents. I could also see the people pouring in through my Ring doorbell. 

The good news is they vacated immediately when I asked them to. No damage to my place other than the lingering smell of weed. 

How do you prevent guests with bad intentions from booking? Since the covid outbreak I have seen a huge influx of locals trying to book my place for "game night" or to "play cards". Maybe some of them are genuine, but it's not a risk I'm willing to take out of respect for my neighbors. 

Interested in viewpoints from other hosts. 

Thanks everyone. I've implemented all your suggestions. I put a storage self in the dining room to hold most of the items from the kitchen counter tops. It looks much better. Just need better pictures for my listing!

@Leora Merrell I hadn’t thought of that thank you. Will reorder my images.

Hi Jingru, 

Sounds like a cool business model. I know of a local investor who owns a large building downtown and last I spoke with him (several months ago) he was looking for investors to turn portions of it into Airbnbs. I believe it is the same type of model you are talking about. He is not on BP but if you private message me I can provide his contact and share more about what I know. 

I recently got my first Airbnb up and running in Memphis and am actively looking for my next. I am happy to share my knowledge on the local market. Memphis is tricky but I believe there is a lot of opportunity. 

Rachel

@Carolyn Fuller Thanks! I’m new to hosting and the wording of the automated message is a bit misleading.

@Chris Gottshall Sounds like we’re all in the same boat. All of my March/April reservations have been cancelled as well...I’m hopeful that things will improve by May though. 

@Chris Gottshall Ahh I see. Maybe the guest was just trying to make me feel better. Thanks!