7 tips for first-time vacation rental hosts

Payoneer Community

November 1, 2015

Renting your home for short-term vacationers on Airbnb can bring in considerable extra income. Whether you’re renting the whole place while you’re out of town or leasing a spare bedroom on a more consistent basis, use these tips to make your place more attractive to renters and to increase your chances of success.

1. Fix Up Your Home

All those annoying quirks and quibbles you’ve endured for years because you didn’t feel like hauling out the toolbox should be fixed before you post your home on Airbnb. Walk through your home as though you were a vacationer seeing the place for the first time. What stands out as an annoyance or inconvenience?

2. Hire a Professional Photographer

The first thing potential renters see when looking for homes in your area is the collection of photographs you’ve posted. They’re looking at the space from the perspective of a guest. Does it serve their needs? Is it visually attractive? Hire a professional photographer to capture your home in the best light possible.

3. Accrue a Few Amenities

Unlike a landlord, you serve as a short-term host to renters on Airbnb. While you don’t need to install a minibar or provide your guests with free passes to the local gym, consider developing a few amenities. For example, you might allow guests to use your bicycles if you live in a bike-friendly city. Alternatively, greet guests with complimentary bottled water and crackers when they arrive from their journey. For more on amenities, please read 6 Amenities Every Travel Host Should Offer.

4. Provide Written Instructions

Help your guests navigate your home by providing written instructions for operating appliances and electronics, such as the microwave or bedside alarm clock. Write the instructions on small notepad paper or sticky notes and tape them near the appliance in question. Guests will appreciate that you’ve taken the time and will leave better feedback. Leaving a list of helpful hints on the kitchen counter works, too. For example, you might tell guests where to find the linens or how to get to the nearest supermarket.

5. Select a Convenient Payment Method

Airbnb offers several options for payment processing. Follow their instructions on setting up a payout method so you’re sure to receive your first payment quickly and easily. When deciding how much to charge, survey Airbnbs and other vacation rentals in your geographical location. Compare them based on the types of properties, size, location, and convenience level.

If you want to accept global payments international accomodations companies like Airbnb, HomeAway or PandaBed, sign up for Payoneer today!

6. Free Up a Few Plugs

Some people like to unwind on vacation without the intrusion of our faithful electronics, but others need to check email, work, or surf the web. Free up a couple of electrical outlets in each room so that your guests don’t have to trace cords and figure out what they power.

7. Highlight the Advantages

Write a detailed, appealing description of your Airbnb property for the website. Highlight the biggest attractions, such as your central location in your city’s downtown district or the big lap pool in your backyard. Focus on the attractions that set your home apart from others in your town.

As a first-time Airbnb host, you want everything to be perfect. If you prepare to welcome your first guests with all the items they’ll need to enjoy themselves, you can start a lucrative side business.

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