retiree guide to hosting airbnb: Retiree Guide to Airbnb Hosting: According to Airbnb’s most recent annual survey, approximately 35% of hosts worldwide host to help cover the rising cost of living. Retirees are part of that group, and with the current state of the economy, an increasing number of retirees are choosing to rent out their properties on Airbnb.
You might be nervous if you’ve never hosted on Airbnb before. After all, you’ll be inviting strangers into your home. While you should do your research before listing your property on the platform, becoming an Airbnb host can be rewarding in ways other than boosting your bank account.
Greg and Teri Gault, owners of Vasquez Mountain View Ranch in Agua Dulce, California, and Airbnb hosts, have never looked back since they began hosting.
“At first, we were concerned about having strangers on our property, but all of our concerns have been completely alleviated,” Teri Gault said. “We decided to take the plunge and list our Airbnb just three days before New Year’s Eve, and we’ve been completely booked since.” Every guest is welcome to return at any time, and we’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people, dogs, and even cats from all over the world.” Here’s what new retirees should know about hosting on Airbnb.
Understand What Makes a Listing Successful
“If you’re thinking about listing your property as a retiree on Airbnb, there are a few things you should do to ensure your listing is successful,” Kym Tolson, LCSW, CSAC, aka The Traveling Therapist, said.
“First, browse other listings in your area to get a sense of what guests are looking for.” Then, take clear, well-lit photos of your space, emphasising any distinguishing features. Then, include any relevant amenities and nearby attractions in a detailed and accurate description of your property. Finally, set a reasonable price that reflects the worth of your listing. You’ll attract guests and earn top ratings on Airbnb if you follow these simple tips.”
Prepare the Kitchen
“Stock the kitchen with essentials such as coffee, cream, sugar, vegetable oil, spice rack, napkins, paper plates, toothpicks, and salt and pepper,” Gault advised. “List the items in your amenities so your guests don’t have to overpack.”
Prepare the Bathroom
“Stock the bathroom with shampoo, body wash, and conditioner and [list those items] on the amenities,” Gault recommended. “Put a sign inside the medicine cabinet that says, ‘Forgotten something? ‘Take it, and keep it.’ Stock up on new, unopened items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and so on. No one has ever depleted our supply, only taking what they require.”
Make safety your number one priority.
“First and foremost, thoroughly vet all potential guests in advance,” Tolson advised. “This includes reading previous stay reviews and conducting your own background check.”
Be aware that Airbnb conducts background checks on guests prior to their stay as long as an accurate first and last name, as well as a birthdate, are provided.
“It’s also a good idea to have a solid understanding of your insurance coverage in case of any damages or accidents that may occur during your stay,” Tolson added. “Finally, leave detailed instructions for your guests on how to use any amenities in your home, as well as any safety features such as fire extinguishers or carbon monoxide detectors.” You can help create a safe and welcoming environment for all of your visitors by taking a few simple steps.”
Set expectations for your visitors.
“Hosts should absolutely expect guests to keep a rental space relatively clean, behave themselves, and keep noise levels down,” iPropertyManagement CEO Leonard Ang said. “Do not be afraid to impose restrictions on things like parties, alcoholic beverages, or renting to people attending specific events such as sporting events.”
If necessary, make yourself available to your guests.
“As hosts, expect to be available at all hours of the day to deal with queries and problems,” said Amy Stride, longtime Airbnb host and owner of Oakwood West Holidays. “Some guests will be completely self-sufficient, while others will expect you to be available at all times to assist them.” If you are renting out your home while travelling, you will need to deal with an agency or a local representative. This cost must be factored into pricing. If you rent out a portion of your home, you must consider the impact of being on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Stride advises giving your guests as much information as possible ahead of time to reduce the need for them to contact you during their stay.
Prepare to give your visitors privacy.
“Offer contactless check in and check out,” Gault advised. “Be aware that some people will want to keep to themselves. Other guests, whom we’ve enjoyed getting to know, may initiate conversation. Many people return on a regular basis, and we’ve become friends. However, once again, let your guests initiate further contact.”
