254. 9 Crucial Steps to Buying an Existing Short-Term Rental | Avoid Costly Mistakes!

If you’re looking to buy an existing short-term rental, it's essential to understand that it’s not as simple as transferring ownership. There are several critical steps involved in making sure the property you're purchasing will continue to perform well.

This episode will walk you through the financial due diligence process, how to handle existing reservations and Airbnb reviews, and the potential challenges of dealing with third-party STR management. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate investor or just starting your Airbnb business, these tips will guide you through the complexities of buying a property that's already operating as a short-term rental.

One of the most important aspects of this process is ensuring that the financials of the property are accurate. It’s not enough to rely on the seller's numbers—you'll need to verify the income with actual bank statements and use tools like AirDNA, PriceLabs, or STR Insights to get accurate estimates of the property’s revenue potential.

But beyond finances, there’s also the question of what's included in the purchase. Are the photos, furniture, and even the Airbnb account being transferred? If not, you’ll need a plan for how to manage existing bookings and recreate the property’s online presence. We’ll dive into these details so you can avoid the pitfalls that come with buying an existing short-term rental.

Episode highlights:

• Financial Due Diligence: Verify all income claims with actual bank deposits and use tools like AirDNA and PriceLabs for accurate revenue estimates.

• What’s Included: Ensure the purchase agreement clearly specifies what’s included in the sale—furniture, photos, and the Airbnb account.

• Airbnb Account Transfer: Learn about the challenges of transferring an existing Airbnb account and reviews, and what to do if the seller won’t transfer the account.

• Managing Existing Reservations: Understand how to manage and honor existing reservations, or how to reschedule or cancel them if needed.

• STR Management Tips: If the property is managed by a third party, know what to expect regarding the transfer of bookings and control of the property’s listings.

I hope this episode has provided some clarity on the process of buying an existing short-term rental. There’s a lot to consider, but if you take these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and protect your investment. Whether you're handling Airbnb reviews, existing reservations, or setting up new listings, the key is to stay organized and informed. 

Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help.

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