4 Things I’ve Learned Becoming an Airbnb Host

Sixteen. 

That is how many Airbnb’s used to be in Billings less than two years ago. And the reason I know this is because when I was contemplating going the month to month route or the air bnb route, I wanted to do ALL the research. 

Now there are 286. 

That number has 18x’d in less than two years. 

There is no doubt that Airbnb + VRBO properties have caught on like wildfire and I don’t know about you, but I was a little intimidated at first. But I was committed to learning about each of the industries & what is a better way to learn…than to do.

These are some national overall statistics. I think 87% for an occupancy rate on an airbnb is very high compared to the research I’ve found. Billings seems to have a 60-70% occupancy rate, which is actually really good according to data sites. 

Here are 4 things I learned while hosting Airbnb 

First things first - The prep is no joke. You have to think of every little detail. 

Cooking utensils, spices, coffee, coffee appliances, body wash, soap, dishwasher tabs, toilet paper…..

I tried to model after some of my most favorite airbnb’s that I stayed at. One of my absolute favorites had all the extras. I was willing to pay a little more to come and stay here and it was always worth it. The owner actually left cinnamon rolls each time as well. 

So when you’re prepping, try to think about what you would want in an airbnb and start there. I have left treats or wine in the past depending on the guest and it was always well received. 

People will use what is available so just be prepared for that. Don’t put it in the house unless you would like it to be used - and this leads into my next point. 

Having an “Owner's Space” is 100% the way to go. 

I blocked off certain things with locking mechanisms and magnetic cabinet locks. It was very convenient to have a space to store items that can be locked away from guests. Extra toilet paper, paper towels, extra towels, cleaning supplies, etc. 

I actually locked off access to the garage & that was a PERFECT place to store personal and back stock items. 

When it came to bedding,  linens + towels I learned very quickly that having multiple sets of sheets & towels was the way to go. That way when one set is being washed, you don’t have to wait to ready the property. Check in + check out days are where this particularly came in clutch. 

I created a “Welcome Book” that has been a big hit. It’s full of local favorites for eats & shops, it has a manual for all things “house” as well as house rules, check in and check out instructions. I would highly recommend creating one for your airbnb. 

Once your rental is prepped and ready to go - you’ll want to list it on airbnb. This is really really simple. It’s very user friendly and takes no time at all. I received some great advice to make the house as “instagrammable” as possible. You want the photos to be direct reflection of the property while also being nice to look at. Professional photography is a must. You only have so long to keep that renter considering your rental & with the rise in growth, you’ll have more and more competition as time goes on. 

So you got your first booking! WAHOO! 

Communication is KEY. The quicker you can set expectations + give them all the information they need the smoother their stay will go. I wanted to get reviews as quickly as I could so I definitely priced a little lower than my research supported - but as you know - reviews are everything on airbnb. Play the long game and it will come back to you. 

One of the biggest lessons I learned came from a late check in, like middle of the night, 1 AM check in. 🥴

They couldn't find the property and I never thought to send written directions. 😩

Luckily we were able to connect the next morning, smooth it all over, and they completed their stay but it was absolutely a lesson learned. 

The day before anyone checks in, I send them a message with check in instructions. After that, I’ve always added step by step instructions to the property. Since then, we haven’t had another issue. 

Last but not least, checking out & cleaning in between. 

I chose to manage myself because I wanted the full experience of what it was like, mostly for my own experience. It seems that management companies charge any where from 20-25% to manage the airbnb. After my late check in fiasco, that didn’t sound half bad 😂I might look into it in the future. 

I used to think airbnb’s who had specific check out instructions were wound a little tight…..now I know 😂 The more you can think through the process of what exactly needs to be done, the more you can ask your guests to help out. 

For example: I ask them to strip sheets and pile in the laundry room per the bed size. This might seem like overkill, but honestly it saves me so much time not having to sift through what sheets go where. 

Garbage is another one! I will also ask them to fill and start the dishwasher. That way when I get there, I’m not waiting on a full load of dishes to be cleaned. 

Here’s the thing….not everyone will follow these rules. For the most part I’ve had very kind, respectful guests but I also think its all about the expectation that you set. We have some very strict policies and if they aren’t followed the guest is asked to leave. I’ve only had to do that once, but I felt so supported because Airbnb backed my play 100%. And it was because I had specific outlined rules and expectations. 

Take the time to think them through - it will be worth it! 

All in all, I’ve actually loved being an Airbnb host. The conversations had on the app with guests are actually really fun! They come to you for all sorts of recommendations that you actually get to play “host” which just makes my heart so happy because connecting people is one of my most favorite things to do! I would recommend trying it and seeing if it’s for you! Like anything…it’s what you make it.