The bad news: These 3 mistakes are the most common mistakes Airbnb hosts make. And they’re hurting your profit due to 1) lost bookings and/or 2) not being able to achieve rental premiums.
The good news: With a little resourcefulness, these mistakes are all very easy to fix.
#1: Having sucky photos
Which of the above photos looks more appealing? The cluttered, blurry mess on the left? Or the light, bright, clean room on the right? You may think this is an extreme example, but these are real photos taken from the Airbnb site.
How to fix it:
Ideally, have a professional photographer take photos of your house. They will know how to stage the image so that it looks the most aesthetically pleasing as well.
#2: The room is too cluttered
Would you want to stay in a room filled with your host’s overflowing wardrobe? Or a unit that is clearly just their dumping ground for old furniture? No.
How to fix it:
If you’re struggling with how to decorate your room, remember that less is more. Take a clean, minimal approach. You want guests to feel relaxed and calm during their stay. A few prints or books is fine if they add to the aesthetic (like the image on the right) but don’t go overboard. Go for a simple colour scheme, and maximise and enhance natural light (a well-placed mirror or two can work wonders).
#3: No detail in the description
You could have the best photos in the world, but if you haven’t gone to any effort in your description, you could be putting a lot of guests off.
How to fix it:
Sit down and write a list of everything you would want to know about a hotel or apartment if you were going to be staying there. Is there wifi? Is there unlimited internet? Are shampoo and conditioner provided? Is there a hairdryer? Is there a laundry? If not, where is the closest laundromat? Is there an iron and ironing board? You get the idea.
Our advice?
The rule of thumb for investors using Airbnb as part of their strategy is simple: Don’t get the basic stuff wrong.
Learn how an effective investment strategy could boost your results
If you’re an investor considering Airbnb as part of your property investment strategy, head along to a Property Investor Night near you.
At this free investor education night, you’ll learn the mechanics of investment, and find out how you can build a strategy that will help you achieve your financial goals.
Image Credit: unsplash.
Disclaimer: All information provided is of a general nature only and does not constitute professional advice. Seek advice from licensed professionals to see if advertised results are possible for your situation.