Are you thinking about listing your property on Airbnb? If so, you’re not alone. In recent years, Airbnb has become one of the most popular vacation rental platforms, with millions of people using it to find unique places to stay worldwide. However, this doesn’t mean that the platform isn’t competitive.
Airbnb is part of the short-term rental service of the overall real estate industry. Much like many services in real estate, it’s in great demand. Because it’s in demand, more people are planning to join it this year. It’s estimated that about 88,000 short-term rentals will enter the market in 2020, and many more are planning to participate in the future.
If you want to be successful on Airbnb, you need to do more than list your property. You need to create an experience that guests will love and remember long after they’ve checked out. Here are the three main principles of creating the perfect Airbnb property.
Create a Comfortable and Inviting Space
The first step to creating the perfect Airbnb property is to ensure it’s comfortable and inviting. Remember, you’re not just renting out a room—you’re renting out an experience. Your guests should feel like they’re staying in a home away from home, not just a sterile hotel room.
To make your space more comfortable and inviting, start by paying attention to the little details. For example, ensure that the sheets on the bed are clean and crisp and that there are plenty of fluffy towels in the bathroom. Add personal touches, like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit, to make your guests feel welcome. And be sure to provide all essentials, like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper.
You should also take care of any big-ticket items needing updating, like old appliances or worn-out furniture. Not only will this make your space more comfortable for guests, but it will also help you command higher nightly rates. If you don’t know where to start, follow these maintenance tips:
Clean and Maintain Your Property
An important factor in creating a successful Airbnb property is ensuring it is clean and well-maintained. This means regular cleaning, upkeep, and addressing any repair or maintenance issues as soon as they arise. Guests are much more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your property to others if they have a good experience with it. Additionally, ensure that you replace these fixtures from time to time:
-
Moldings:
Your property’s moldings depreciate the fastest. Replace them with robust laminate moldings from brands like Versatrim. By doing this, you can drastically decrease the need to replace them in the future.
-
Carpet:
Carpets are the most likely to get dirty and need replacement. Get carpets professionally cleaned before guests arrive, and if they start to look worn out, consider replacing them with a modern low-maintenance option.
-
Light Fixtures:
Light fixtures can improve your property’s aesthetics—but not if they’re not working correctly. Replace any broken or flickering light fixtures, and consider installing energy-efficient LEDs for a more modern look.
Think About Your Guests’ Needs
When creating the perfect Airbnb property, it’s essential to consider your guests’ needs. What are they looking for in a rental? What amenities will make their stay more enjoyable? The better you understand your target market, the easier it will be to create a space that meets their needs—and exceeds their expectations.
For example, if you’re targeting business travelers, you’ll want to ensure that your space has high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of work surface area. If you’re aiming for families with young children, on the other hand, child-friendly features like toys and books will be essential. And if you want to attract groups of friends or large families, extra beds and sleeping arrangements will be necessary.
By considering your guests’ needs before they even step foot in your rental, you’ll be able to create a truly tailored space that they’re sure to remember long after they check out.
Make Your Property Unique
Finally, when creating the perfect Airbnb property, don’t forget to think about what makes your property unique. What can you offer guests they can’t find at any other rental property? It could be something as simple as a great view or a cozy fireplace. Whatever it is, ensure it’s prominently featured in your listing so that guests know what to expect when they book your property.
Creating a successful Airbnb property takes more than just listing it on the site. You must consider many factors for success if you want to attract guests and get positive reviews and recommendations. By following the principles above, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Airbnb property for your next vacation rental business venture!