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Depending on your local laws or ordinances, anyone with extra space to share can become a vacation rental owner or host. Do you have an extra room? or a tiny home in the backyard? or perhaps you own a second home that you don't use too often? or just maybe you have decided to expand and purchase a home to rent out!
There are now many different platforms and ways to host your space. You need to decide which works best for you. When I started out, I first chose HomeAway. It didn't work out that well for me for some reason (perhaps I didn't have a good understanding of their platform), but regardless I chose to shut that listing down and focused exclusively on AirBnb. I poured my efforts into learning how to best show off my listing in order to beat out my competition. I studied my competition. I set up social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. I learned how I could get to Superhost (fast)! I made sure the decor was appealing and did everything to make sure the space was sparkling clean every time and that the reviews were 5 stars. I read article after article. I immersed myself. And....it worked. Very well.
Having a vacation rental is very different than other rental properties. This is a a hospitality business, not a rental business. I will continue to repeat this because you will be more successful but also your guests will be more apt to return if you treat it as a hospitality business as well.
So what does it take to be a successful host? Below are my 10 success rules:
Have a hospitable mindset
Have patience
Be able to ask for help
Know how to make guests feel comfortable
Bring in thoughtful details guests will love
Be open-minded
Treat everyone with the same level of respect
Respond to future guests quickly
Never neglect the space/property
Have fun and enjoy it!
If you do these 10 things, you will be well on your way to giving your guests the WELCOMING WOW experience that will make them want to return!
