There is nothing like getting listed with your local tourism board. These organizations know the importance of quality listings. If you are a superhost providing a top-of-the-line experience, tourism boards will want to include your property in tourist guides and directories.
Hello there. Bob Liddle with CohostBob .com I consult with hosts and potential hosts all around the country. Today I am going to talk about the 3 reasons potential hosts are reluctant to list their house. I try to work with them and help them through the process.
Becoming a first time host on Airbnb is a scary venture.
There are three main reasons that scare a potential host
- People are living in my home.
- Is it legal for me to rent my home
- Will my house get trashed
Someone will be in my house!!
Yes, this is a scary proposition, you may be renting a shared space, or your whole house, and someone you do not know is going to be there.
How do you get past that? Keep in mind there are a lot of good people out there. People just like you. They will be staying in your place, making memories and enjoying life. You are sharing your experience with them. There are three things you can do.
- Look at their reviews. See what other hosts have said about them.
- Screen them. To me the screening process is key. Ask them questions about why they are coming and what the occasion is. Get a feel for how they interact. You can start this via messenger.
- If you are still uncomfortable, Pick up the phone and give them a call.
- If you are still uncomfortable you can decline. Airbnb gives you a few opportunities to decline annually.
Is it legal for me to do this?
Check with your local laws to make sure. Check with your HOA, Home Owners Association. Look on Airbnb and VRBO and see if others are renting in your area.
Will my house get trashed?
Unfortunately there is a chance that will happen. You can do some things to prevent this
- Screen your guests as seen above.
- Tell your guests about your place, give some history, try to make it personal so the guest will buy in.
- Take a video of your place before guest checks in, and let your guest know you have done this. Our messaging says. We are so glad you are coming, the place is cleaned and we just finished our pre-arrival video of the house, everything is in great shape.
I remember my first guest. I was a nervous wreck. Check out was at 10:00 am, and I walked in the door at 10:01. The place was in great shape, and I felt a whole lot better.