what is airbnb management?

The first step toward successful Airbnb management is to set up the property in a way that is both attractive to potential guests and functional. If you have a keen eye and interest in interior design, this may be a fun project for you to start out with, or you may decide to hire someone for the job. Through this process, it’s important to keep in mind what your market is looking for and keep a good balance between aesthetics and functionality.    

Quality, professional photographs that show off and enhance the main strengths of your property are a key marketing tool and essential for any successful Airbnb listing. Images are the most noticeable part of the listing and most likely will determine whether the potential guest will choose to delve into the details and descriptions of your listing or not. We suggest that a significant investment for this step is highly worthwhile.

After the photographs have captured the attention of potential guests, quality content with strategic description and details will need to be written with the goal of guiding readers toward the final booking. It may be helpful to think of your listing as the primary marketing piece for your product (i.e. short-term rental of your property) and create your listing with an understanding of what your audience is looking for.

Good Airbnb management requires continuous maintenance and updating of your listing. To optimize income, the Airbnb manager must keep an eye on how the market is moving and changing so adjustments can be made to your rates on a continual basis. It is also important to follow the movements of similar properties on Airbnb and other platforms to ensure you remain competitive within the market.

If you want to maximize your income potential by listing on multiple rental platforms, it will require some calendar synching tools to ensure there are no double bookings or conflicts. Although short-term rental platforms deal directly with auto-payments for the most part, keep in mind that there may also be other financial exchanges based on cancellations, damages incurred, or other unforeseen circumstances that may require additional work.

The last thing you want is to have rowdy guests who cause disturbance in the neighborhood and leave your property in less-than-desirable condition. Airbnb property management also involves screening for quality guests to ensure that the condition of your home is well maintained. It you don’t live within earshot of the property it is also a good idea to look into ways of monitoring noise.

You will need to think about how you want to handle the guest check in and check out processes. For the most part, a lock box system will work well while requiring minimal time investment. Keep in mind though that many guests expect 24/7 concierge services, so you will need to be accessible to answer questions, provide information about the home and neighborhood, and receive complaints.

These are key elements of successful Airbnb property management. Quality housekeeping for short term rentals not only involves cleaning of the property but also laundering and restocking of linens and other restockable items such as toiletries or dish soap. Keeping an accurate inventory of such items is a good idea to ensure guests are never left without and also to gauge ongoing expenses.

As with any rental property, there will be maintenance and repair needs. The difference with a short term rental is that there are many times when the maintenance or repair will need to be performed within a small window between guests which can be difficult to coordinate unless you are able to perform them yourself. If damage was caused by a guest beyond regular wear and tear, you will also need to receive payment for damages.