Vantage Point Talks: ‘Airbnb’ and utilising it’s full potential

So you’ve heard the hype and you’ve heard the horror stories. You’re tempted by the promise of higher rental income and greater flexibility offered by listing your property on Airbnb, but you don’t know where to start. If only there were a local, tried and trusted company who could answer the big questions you have and advise you on all the aspects of becoming an Airbnb host…

Vantage Point is on hand to answer those frequently asked questions.

‘Airbnb’; what’s all the fuss about?
Airbnb is the world’s leading marketplace to list, discover and book unique, local accommodation. Accessible online via tablet or smart phone, Airbnb is the easiest platform for people to monetise their property and showcase it to an audience of millions. Listing a property on Airbnb enables hosts to reach a much wider pool of potential guests.

Who can be an Airbnb Host?

There are 3 types of Airbnb host; homeowners with a spare room to rent who want to make a few extra pounds with their available space, holiday homeowners who want a stable secondary source of income, and property investment landlords who want to build a serious Airbnb business that will eventually become their main source of income.

How does Airbnb work?
Airbnb hosts list their properties – which can be anything from studio apartments, right through to penthouses, moored yachts or even entire houses – on the Airbnb website. It’s free to create a listing and hosts decide a nightly, weekly or monthly rate and set out cleaning charges, house rules and other booking conditions.

Each listing allows hosts to promote properties through snappy titles, detailed descriptions and enticing photographs. Guests can search the database of properties at any time, but must have an Airbnb profile to book a stay. Guests can contact hosts and can submit a reservation request online. Once a reservation is agreed payment details are entered via a secure payment system.

I have heard horror stories about guests who cause damage, how can I avoid that?
Perhaps the biggest concern for hosts is that there is a potential for their property to get damaged. Whilst the majority of booking transactions occur without incident, there are occasionally stories in the media about homes being damaged and misused.

Hosts can help limit risks by using Airbnb features to restrict instant booking and by insisting that guests meet minimum requirements including Verified ID, comprehensive profiles, good reviews etc. By engaging in discussions with the guest before accepting their booking, and by utilising the secure payment platform and the Host Guarantee you can easily limit the risk.

Above all, instructing an experienced property manager to handle bookings and greet guests is the best way to avoid pitfalls.

Isn’t becoming a host a huge commitment?
There is a lot of work involved in becoming a super host. It takes time and effort to earn great reviews, which you will rely upon to boost your bookings. It a lot of consideration when it comes to properly present your property and creating a fantastic listing that will stand out and attract guests. You will also have to be on hand daily to answer questions from potential guests, to accept reservations and provide directions, recommendation and information about the local area and all this even before checking in and checking out, cleaning and linen changeovers!

This is when you need to speak to Vantage Point South Ltd , to discuss their full range of Airbnb Management and hosting services. From preparation to listing, guest communications to reservations, check-in to check-out, cleaning, linen and maintenance; we do everything you don’t have time to do. If you have any further questions, or would like to book a free rental appraisal for your property, please call our offices on 01202 619868 or visit our website www.vantagepoint-uk.com

t. 01202 619 868
e. jon@vantagepoint-uk.com
w. www.vantagepoint-uk.com 
a. Vantage Point, 93 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5RT

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