I’m pretty risk averse and didn’t go into this thinking I’d be across the country from my property but as it turns out it has worked out just fine. I’ve been running an Airbnb from 3000 miles away and these are some tips I’ve found to be key to my success and how I’ve maintained Superhost status since I’ve started.
1. Find a Cleaner. A GOOD ONE.
This is basic but has to be said: Make sure your place is **spotless**. Don’t be one of those scammy Airbnbs that are absolute garbage and don’t expect your previous guest to clean up for your next guest…..That’s naive and absurd. Everyone has a different level of cleanliness so you can’t expect a guest to clean It’s not sustainable.
Find a professional cleaner and if your model allows it work around their schedule. If you have to have a full day between guest to have a cleaner come it’s worth it. Risking a bad rating due to poor cleaning is bad for business overall. If you’re able to build a level of trust with your guest and consistently deliver spotless accommodations you’ll rank higher on the platform and maybe even build a list of repeat clientele. That’s a much more sustainable model than having your listing pulled because of low cleanliness scores.
2. Have a back up plan for your back up plan
Guest will lock themselves out. PLAN FOR THIS. I replaced the traditional lock with a keyless entry lock that contains a door code that I send to them prior to arrival. Guest don’t even have to use a key if they don’t want to. On top of that I provide 2 physical keys. If they manage to lock themselves out in that situation I have an additional hidden key lock box on the outside of the house ( that isn’t included in the initial instructions) that I will give them the code to over the phone or through the Airbnb app. I’m 3000 miles away….I can’t run over to the house to let them in. In the 3 years of having my Airbnb this system hasn’t failed me yet (knock on wood)
3. Pick your guest
This tip is a little less expected especially for a newer host but let me explain. You should have an idea of who your clientele is and isn’t AND your prices should reflect that. You should absolutely ignore Airbnb’s suggested prices-they’re drunk lol. People are more than willing to pay $20-40 more for a higher quality Airbnb than the average and plus, guest who are willing to pay that surcharge are waaaaaaaay easier to deal with.
The worst guests are always the ones who booked when I lowered my prices. They are the ones who complain about the most mundane things and want to text every hour about nonsense. If you’re in another state you don’t have time to deal with the drama. Weed these people out by setting your prices slightly higher than the average your area.
4. Be a good neighbor
Again, don’t be a scammy a**hole. Respect your neighbors. My Airbnb is a townhome sandwiched between two other townhomes. I have strict rules around noise and parties. (If you follow tip number 3 you should have guest who respect that) My neighbors even have my phone number and out of 100+ guest I’ve only gotten a call once….because I didn’t follow tip #3 🤦🏽♀️.
Additionally follow any rules required in your neighborhood ie. tell guest where they can park and where they can’t, tell them when trash day is and when the can needs to be of the street. Keep your exterior clean and tidy.
5. Be a good host
This one should be obvious but it’s important you have some level of hospitality. Write an guidebook with at least 15 recommendations for your city. On Airbnb you can attach it to your listings profile but I also printed one out and put it in my house manual that I leave on the coffee table. If you aren’t familiar with the city your Airbnb is in, go on yelp and research the areas top restaurants and attractions and put it in a guidebook for your guest. If they ask you a question about the area and you have no idea…..google it! It’s free :).
Another thing you can do to be a good host is to add a “thoughtful touch”. Have your cleaner put a few fresh water bottles in the fridge and a couple of snacks out in the kitch. This “thoughtful touch” cost maybeeee $1. But guest LOVE IT! Your guest have been traveling all day sometimes getting in late and wow they didn’t even expect it but they have some cold water in the fridge and snack.
I hope you found these tips useful. Let me know if you’d like to know more about how I run my Airbnb and what lessons I’ve learned by commenting down below!
