If you’re like most Airbnb hosts, you probably value your privacy and don’t enjoy the idea of handing over control of your home to guests. But you might not realize how much money this can cost you in lost income. To maximize the value of your Airbnb listing, here are five tips to maximize the value of your Airbnb listing while still enjoying your own space and privacy during your guest’s stay!
Hudson Valley Realtor and Vacation Rental Manager Xiomara Marrero Shares Top 5 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Airbnb Listing – Presented by ALLUVION Real Estate
1) Professional Airbnb Photography
Professional vacation rental photography sets you apart from other Airbnb hosts. If potential guests can’t see themselves living in your home, they probably won’t rent it. To make sure your place looks its best online, enlist a professional photographer for a few hours at most. Then, use high-quality photos to showcase your space—and potential guests will be drooling over your Airbnb listing. Be aware that Airbnb does have some requirements regarding pictures; you’ll want to review their guidelines before taking any snaps yourself, or better yet – find a professional company that can deliver great results. Check out alluvionmedia.com and review their portfolio of the best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
2) Seasonal Decor and Nature Wall Art
If you have a home for rent on Airbnb, then you may want to consider adding some touches of decoration that are seasonally appropriate. Photos and nature canvas photo prints on an otherwise-empty wall can be just enough to make your listing stand out without being overwhelming or tacky. If you want to add more decor items, but also don’t want them to become a distraction, be sure they flow with your general aesthetic. For example, if you have a rustic cabin feel in your Airbnb listing, it might not be wise to place a modern sculpture in front of it. Instead, opt for something like a fine art nature photo print that depicts a closeup of natural elements like pinecones and twigs. Or if you live near any bodies of water, try hanging up some seashells as décor—they’re both pretty and functional!
3) Share Accurate Information
First and foremost, be sure that you’re giving guests an accurate description. Include dimensions for each room, bathroom, and more. Also, make sure that your listing is a place where people want to stay. Use professional photography (with images from multiple angles) so that it attracts the attention of prospective guests. And, finally, spend time optimizing your Airbnb listing; search engine optimization is important in helping increase your home’s value while booking rates.
4) Manage Carefully
ALLUVION Media offers an Airbnb Optimization Service for $500 that allows hosts to get a consultation from a professional interior designer, licensed real estate broker, and Hudson Valley’s best hospitality experts—services that can increase your bookings by more than 20 percent. If you’re a little strapped for cash, host on off-peak days and weekends to decrease fees; remove personal items; maximize natural light; take high-quality photos and videos; use a calendar tool like Hola!
5) Optimize Everything
When it comes to setting up your Airbnb listing, don’t leave anything to chance. Get a professional Airbnb photographer who knows how to properly light and shoot spaces (as well as how to retouch photos). Make sure that each image you use is clean, clear, and conveys a sense of space. Take lots of photos—and if possible, make use of videos. Additionally, start working with a professional and licensed vacation rental manager like myself, so that they can help you optimize pricing and hospitality experience in order to maximize your vacation rental income. ALLUVION Vacations (Poughkeepsie, NY) is the first and only Hudson Valley Vacation Rental Management Company that provides property management services by licensed real estate property managers, so reach out to us at 845-518-2750 and elevate your Airbnb guest experience and income potential to the next level!