

Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | STR Revenue Management
Jasper Ribbers
Get Paid For Your Pad is the definitive show on Airbnb hosting, packed with tips & tricks on how to improve your Airbnb listing as well as real life experiences from Airbnb hosts from all around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2019 • 25min
The Airbnb Way
More than 500 million people have stayed in an Airbnb since its inception in 2008. And a mind-boggling 350 people check into an Airbnb every minute. So, what makes the short-term rental (STR) platform so successful? And what do the best hosts do to deliver an exceptional experience that makes every guest feel welcome?Joseph Michelli is the New York Times bestselling author of several books about world-class customer experience providers, including the Ritz-Carlton, Starbucks and Zappos. A sought-after keynote speaker and business consultant, Joseph has been recognized as one of the Top 10 thought leaders in the realm of customer service by Global Gurus, and his most recent title is The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth Through Loyalty, Community, and Belonging.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Joseph joins me to explain what prompted him to write The Airbnb Way and discuss the book’s major themes around how the sharing economy has changed the hospitality industry. He walks us through the five sections of The Airbnb Way, describing how Airbnb hosts deliver belonging and what we can do to cultivate trust with our guests. Listen in for Joseph’s insight on how Airbnb promotes the idea of enlightened hospitality, fosters a sense of community, and empowers its hosts to improve their lives!Topics CoveredWhat prompted Joseph to write The Airbnb WayWork with Ritz-Carlton on book in 2008Saw changes in how travelers experience hotelsThe major themes of The Airbnb WayHow Airbnb came to be, what makes it greatWhat Airbnb and hosts do to drive belongingHow Joseph thinks about BELONGINGCreate safe physical + emotional environmentOffer sense of what it’s like to live in cityThe concept of enlightened HOSPITALITYChip Conley brought mindset to AirbnbAnticipate needs, create personal connectionJoseph’s insight around cultivating TRUSTDemonstrate genuine care for guestLive up to claims made in listingHow Airbnb EMPOWERS its hostsLeverage asset to unlock what’s importantProvide housing security, power to travelHow Airbnb fosters a sense of COMMUNITYSupports communication among hostsActivate to protect rights of home sharersThe values Airbnb guests and hosts have in commonGlobal citizensPositive view of peopleConnect with JosephThe Airbnb WayResourcesThe Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and Belonging by Joseph MichelliChip Conley on GPFYP EP024Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow by Chip ConleyGet Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit from Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa KapadiaNews Story on Airbnb Halloween ShootingSTR Legends MastermindSTR Profit AcademyEmail jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comSponsorHostfullyTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 2019 • 29min
The “Airbnb Mother-in-Law” Strategy Explained
You’ve probably heard of the mother-in-law apartment, a small suite on the same lot as a single-family home, where an in-law (or other family member) can live while maintaining their own privacy and independence. But what if you want to list an in-law property on Airbnb? Is it wise to list two units on the same lot as short-term rentals (STR)? Or is there a better way?Kyle Stanley is an avid real estate investor and experienced STR host. He is also the host of the Fearless Flipping Podcast, a show dedicated to helping listeners learn to flip houses and earn passive income with real estate. After buying a property with a secondary unit onsite, Kyle created the mother-in-law model to earn money on Airbnb and provide a unique opportunity for his long-term tenants.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Kyle joins me to explain how he came up with the mother-in-law model, discussing how it can be a win-win-win for long-term tenants, Airbnb guests and property owners alike. He describes how to find willing onsite managers for mother-in-law units and the challenges of relying on an individual rather than a business. Listen in for Kyle’s insight around the current real estate market and learn whether the mother-in-law strategy makes sense for your STR business!Topics CoveredHow Kyle got into the STR spaceUnexpected expenses with first house in ScottsdaleFriend introduced to idea of renting room on AirbnbHow Kyle expanded his STR businessMoved back to California for dad’s health in 2016Airbnb guests generally in town for business or familyDiscovered income potential of renting whole houseIncreased portfolio to five listings in FresnoHow Kyle came upon the mother-in-law modelNervous about listing two houses on one lot on AirbnbIdea to make one long-term rental with reduced rentServe as onsite manager/cleaner of Airbnb propertyThe advantages of Kyle’s mother-in-law strategyWin-win-win for tenant, STR guest and ownerIncreased profits from $1500 to $2500/monthFinding a tenant who is willing to serve as onsite managerStay-at-home moms + individuals looking for low rentConsider fair wage laws, track time and offer bonusesHow guests respond to having an onsite managerMake clear on listing to attract right peopleGuests inclined to break rules unlikely to bookThe challenges of using the mother-in-law strategyRelying on person vs. businessBackup plan in place for emergencies, tripsKyle’s tips for replicating the mother-in-law modelChoose onsite managers you trust 100%Ensure that model makes financial senseKyle’s insight around the current real estate marketLikely 12-18 months away from downturnAll-in on special terms and arbitrage modelHow to approach a property manager about AirbnbUse FORM sales formula to make friends firstExplain how differ from other tenants (pros + realities)One of every nine will say YESKyle’s best advice for GPFYP listenersAccess likeminded people and informationDo research to expand mindseConnect with KyleFearless FlippingSponsorHostfully 2019 ReportTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2019 • 33min
How to Theme Your Space
Between HomeAway and Airbnb, there are 3,155 cabins in Pigeon Forge, a popular Tennessee tourist destination near Dollywood. To book up, you have to STAND OUT. But how? How do you create a pattern interrupt among all the rustic spaces decked out with plaid comforters and bear figurines? One strategy is to theme your space, surprising potential guests with something they’ve never seen before.Jeff MacIntyre is an Emmy-winning television producer, long-time real estate investor and creator of Theme My Space, a platform designed to help short-term rental (STR) hosts transform their vacation rental into a unique experience guests will love—and share on social media. Jeff is also the only Airbnb host in Pigeon Forge with a pirate-themed cabin, complete with wall-mounted cannons and a figurehead from the bow of an old ship!On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Jeff joins me to explain how learning about the Pigeon Forge market drew him to the STR space. He discusses why he chose the pirate theme for one of his cabins, sharing where he got his aargh-infused artifacts and how he incorporates pirate slang in his listing. Listen in for Jeff’s insight on branding your Airbnb and learn the top five benefits of theming a STR space.Topics CoveredHow Jeff got into the STR spaceLearned about Pigeon Forge through Rhonda BlueBig profit potential in hot family travel marketJeff’s first STR property in Pidgeon ForgeTraditional cabin positioned as honeymoon spotReturns blow away long-term rental propertiesWhy Jeff chose the pirate theme for his second STRPopular pirate-themed shows for touristsAargh-infused cabin to stand out in marketWhy Jeff is a fan of smaller 1BR + 2BR propertiesFewer problems with guestsEasier to test out theming theoryWhere Jeff got his pirate-themed artifactsSwap meets, eBay, Craigslist and FacebookScroll Pinterest for ideas re: fabrics for bedroomJeff’s insight around branding your STRCreate sharable custom experienceSee yourself as dealer of DELIGHTJeff’s familiarity with pirate slangLearned for Tipsy Captain YouTube channelInclude in listing captions, cabin manualThe other benefits of theming your STR spaceIncrease attention and bookingsOpportunities for local partnershipsTargeted marketing (e.g.: Facebook ads)Work with social media influencersEarn more by selling merchandiseJeff’s advice for promoting a themed listing#PirateRidge decals by photo-worthy décorSelfie basket + frame with cabin nameConnect with JeffTheme My SpacePirate Ridge on AirbnbAlpine Dreams on AirbnbResourcesBiggerPocketsRhonda BlueDollywoodRealtor.comeBayCraigslistPinterestTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 21, 2019 • 21min
Investing in an STR Business in Mexico
Wish you could create space in your life to explore new things? To spend more time on creative interests or pursue the hobbies you love? Shawn Laidlaw is leveraging Airbnb to do just that, investing in a short-term rental (STR) business in Mexico that gives him the time freedom to live life on his own terms.Shawn Laidlaw is an investor and STR host in Villas de Cerritos Beach near El Pescadero. He purchased land in an existing development there and built a three-unit property on the site, allowing him to rent the units on Airbnb and live there himself for six months of the year. Shawn is also a photographer, writer and avid surfer.On this episode, Shawn joins me to discuss how he came to invest in an Airbnb in Mexico and explain the process of buying and developing land in the country. He shares the perks of running a STR business in a development with an onsite staff, the cost of doing construction in Mexico, and the mindset difference when it comes to scheduling work. Listen in for insight around what it’s like to host a vacation rental in Mexico and learn how Shawn is leveraging Airbnb to live a simpler life—and do a lot of surfing!Topics CoveredShawn’s journey to MexicoMoney from sale of property in Victoria, BCHouse sitting in California for friend in real estatePresented with development opportunity‘Open to whatever life brought meWhat it looks like to buy property in MexicoForeigners can’t own outright within 50 km of coastSole beneficiary of third-party trust (fideicomiso)99-year term on lease hold constructionThe benefits of buying in a ‘gringo development’Fit Shawn’s goals for lifestyle and investmentStaff onsite for cleaning, reception + securityHow much it cost to build in Mexico$20K for 10x12 m of land$100K for construction of three unitsHow Shawn’s property is structuredTwo bachelor suites on first level (open air kitchens)700 ft2 unit on second level, hang out on roofHosting on Airbnb in MexicoPlatform collects sales and regional taxesShawn focuses on vacationers vs. business clientsThe pros and cons of building in MexicoBuilders in place in existing developmentsThings move slowly (mindset difference)Shawn’s experience of managing units remotelyLeverage onsite reception, cleaning staffSchedule through online booking portalHow much Shawn charges for his units$55/night during busy season in winter$40/night in summerDiscounts for weekly, monthly staysThe occupancy rates on Shawn’s units30% to 40% throughout yearBooked solid through MarchFewer tourists in summer (10% to 15%)Shawn’s advice around investing in MexicoTake leap when opportunity presents itselfAmazing people, rich culture and surfingShawn’s minimum income experimentCreate balance among lifestyle, investing and simplicityIntent to live off rental income, stay in Mexico full-timeConnect with ShawnShawn’s BlogShawn’s WebsiteShawn on InstagramShawn on AirbnbTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 2019 • 29min
How to Create Unique Hospitality Experiences
Does your Airbnb have the delight factor? The most successful short-term rental (STR) hosts surprise their guests with unique hospitality experiences. They leverage the playful headspace we’re in when we travel to create quirky spaces that keep people coming back.Amy Gilbert is the creator of Givingtree Hospitality, an STR property management firm out of Blue Mountain, Canada. An Airbnb host since 2011, Amy has a special talent for turning unlikely spaces into popular and profitable vacation rentals.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Amy joins me to explain how she creates unique hospitality experiences with quirky listings like the Lovable Karma Cabin and the Retro Airstream Glamping Retreat. She shares some of the delight factors that make her listings special and discusses how she pitches cohosting clients with the prospect of making more money—by working less! Listen in for Amy’s insight on running with your fun ideas and learn how to turn imperfections into features that guests will love.Topics CoveredHow Amy got into AirbnbStarted as traditional bed and breakfastUse Airbnb as marketing tool for guest cabinAmy’s insight on creating a listing with soulPerfection not necessary to attract guestsLeverage quirks with travelers (playful headspace)What makes Amy’s glamping listings specialBBQ pit and s’mores kitInstagram-able, off-grid experienceAmy’s Beehive women’s retreatUnique space with no square cornersCater to bachelorette parties + bridal showersWhat Amy offers as a cohostHelp clients take listing to next levelRebrand with services, extrasHow Amy finds owners to work withGot start on Airbnb cohosting marketplaceNow word-of-mouth and cold callingAmy’s advice for aspiring short-term rental hostsDon’t wait for things to be perfect to startTurn imperfections into featureBe honest about being new hostAmy’s tips for successful hosting on AirbnbInvest in tasteful décor + curate experienceBe generous and infuse ‘delight factor’Anticipate guest needs, run with fun ideasAmy’s take on listing photosUse professional real estate photographerInclude photos of real guests using spaceConnect with AmyGivingtree HospitalityGivingtree on InstagramResourcesSTR Profit AcademyGet Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit from Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa KapadiaHow to Promote Your Listing on Instagram on GPFYP EP302Mark SimpsonShort Stay Summit BarcelonaTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 2019 • 30min
How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Listing
As the short-term rental (STR) space gets more and more competitive, hosts are looking to promote their listings beyond Airbnb. Joshua Hittinger leverages Instagram to generate buzz around his vacation rental and engage with potential guests. So, how can YOU use social media to market your listing?Joshua is a new Airbnb host in northwest Arkansas. He and his wife relocated to the area near the Ozark Mountains 14 months ago and purchased an A-frame cabin with the intention of listing on Airbnb. After a year spent renovating the space and documenting the journey on Instagram, they are enjoying 85-90% occupancy just two months into their hosting career—in the off season!On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Joshua joins me to explain how he is using Instagram to promote his listing, turning followers into guests and growing his audience organically. He walks us through the process of finding and renovating the cabin and documenting the journey on social media. Listen in for insight around telling the story of your listing in the first five photos and learn how you might promote your vacation rental outside the Airbnb platform.Topics CoveredThe story behind The Lost HausRelocated to NW Arkansas (potential for Airbnb)Found A-frame cabin for $140KMoved in and spent year doing renovationsHow Instagram has helped Joshua’s listingTurns followers into guestsRank quickly on Airbnb front page85-90% booked in off-seasonThe process Joshua followed to host on AirbnbUsed FHA loan for first home ($6K down)Renovate room by room + document journeyPut up listing 2 months before finishedHow Joshua made interior design choices for the listingDifferent theme for each roomChoose things WE loveHow often Joshua posts on Instagram2X per day to keep engagement highTake pics at turnover, post through weekHow guests help grow Joshua’s following on InstagramAsk to tag @thelosthaus, use # in postsIntroduces listing to guest’s followersHow hosting on Airbnb has changed over timeUnderstanding search algorithm used to be enoughProvide unique experience, promote beyond AirbnbWhat Joshua might do to improve his listingInclude photos of nearby lake, historic townPictures of people EXPERIENCING listingMost attractive pic of each room in first 5Use quotes from reviews as photo captionsConnect with JoshuaThe Lost Haus on InstagramJoshua’s Airbnb ListingResourcesGet Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit from Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa KapadiaOzark on NetflixTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 2019 • 33min
STR Opportunities in Small Towns
Think you need to operate in a major metropolitan area to run a successful short-term rental (STR) business? Think again! As STR hosts in larger cities are faced with more and more competition and mounting regulations, Airbnb property managers in small towns are thriving. So, how do you identify a small community with BIG potential in the STR market?Christian Gissing is the CEO of True North Property Management, Northern Michigan’s short-term rental experts. TNPM is dedicated to building strong relationships with clients and providing memorable experiences for guests. In 2018, Christian and his team expanded to Mexico, Barbados and the UK, and today, they manage 100-plus units around the world. TNPM is a VRBO, HomeAway and Expedia Premier Partner, and the company has been recognized by Airbnb, TripAdvisor and Booking.com.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Christian joins me to share the romantic story of how he got into STR property management in Traverse City, Michigan. He offers advice on optimizing your listing (no matter how many units you manage) and making your guests feel special with extras like a free bottle of bubbly or gym access. Listen in for Christian’s insight around how to handle seasonality and learn the benefits of operating your STR business in a smaller city!Topics CoveredHow Christian got into STR property managementMet woman on vacation in Traverse City, MIDecision to stay + look for investment propertiesHuge opportunity in STR, expand to other’s unitsTraverse City triviaPopulation 14,674 according to 2010 censusCherry Festival attracts 500K annual visitorsThe benefit of operating STRs in small citiesLess competition, fewer regulationsCharge higher rates (huge demand)Respectful guestsHow Christian navigates the challenge of seasonalitySwitch to six-month lease in wintertimeAdvertise on Airbnb, Craigslist, FacebookChristian’s insight around diversifying across platformsAirbnb and HomeAway primary in his marketAdjust rates to accommodate platform feesChristian’s advice for optimizing results on one listingFind amazing photographer + stage unit wellCharismatic writing for descriptionsUse dynamic pricing (base on hotels, AirDNA)Personal touches to make listing stand outChristian’s top ideas for making guests feel specialFree bottle of bubbly or local wine tastingCherry-themed gift bags and spa discountsPartner with local gyms (guests use for free)How Christian thinks about dynamic pricingServices like PriceLabs use compsStill need to modify yourselfChristian’s tips for hosts facing regulation in metro areasConsider managing units remotelyScope out small cities with < competitionConnect with ChristianTrue North Property ManagementChristian on LinkedInResourcesVRMA International ConferenceTraverse City on WikipediaArticle on Millennial MillionairesAirDNABeyond PricingWheelhousePriceLabsSTR Legends LiveTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24, 2019 • 33min
The Million Dollar Host
In under three years, Julie George went from listing her one-bedroom apartment on Airbnb to running a successful property management company that turned over $5.5M. So, how did Julie scale from one to 130 units in 19 months? And how can you follow in her footsteps to become a million-dollar host?Julie George is the founder of Host My Home, Queensland’s top short-term rental (STR) property management company. She leveraged her background in hospitality, marketing and real estate sales to help property owners replicate the success she had hosting on Airbnb. In June 2019, Julie sold Host My Home, and today, she travels the world and runs Million Dollar Host, a consulting platform designed to help aspiring Airbnb entrepreneurs grow their business. Julie is also the author of Million Dollar Host: Julie’s Airbnb Portfolio Earned Over a Million Dollars in Her First Year … Yours Can Too!On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Julie joins me to share her Airbnb origin story and explain how she built, scaled and sold Host My Home. She offers advice on optimizing your revenue as a STR host and walks us through her process for onboarding a new property. Listen in for Julie’s insight on maintaining total control of the listings you manage and learn how YOU can get into the Airbnb property management game!Topics CoveredJulie’s Airbnb origin storyTenant moved out of 1BR apartmentList on Airbnb (from $240 to $600/week)Help others with property managementWhere Julie’s STR business was locatedCairns, Queensland, near Great Barrier ReefTourism hub w/ demand for accommodationsJulie’s journey to building Host My HomeHelp property investors buy vacation homesEstablish self as local expert through articlesHire cohosts in January 2018 (up to 15 STRs)Scale to 130 properties, $5.5M by June 2019How Julie sold her property management companyWriting Million Dollar Host generated buzzTook offer from Hometime, sold June 2019Julie’s tips for optimizing revenue on AirbnbUse fresh photos + floor plans, good contentOffer extras (e.g.: coffee machines, bicycles)Keep minimum nightly stay low to fill 100%Keep eye on competitors, research ratesJulie’s process for onboarding a new propertyEstablish realistic expectations IN WRITINGCover what clean entails, consumables, etc.The opportunity to get into the management gameNovelty wears off quickly for new hostsGet message out re: services you offerHow the STR landscape has changed since 2016More competition means work harderAdditional education, support availableJulie’s advice for aspiring property managersMaintain total control of listing (vs. cohost)JUST DO ITConnect with JulieMillion Dollar HostEmail julie@milliondollarhost.com.auResourcesMillion Dollar Host: Julie’s Airbnb Portfolio Earned Over a Million Dollars in Her First Year … Yours Can Too! by Julie GeorgeGet Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit from Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa KapadiaHost My HomeFloorplannerHometimeHost 2019STR Legends LiveTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 17, 2019 • 46min
Lead Generation for STR Property Managers
If you’re an Airbnb entrepreneur looking to start or scale a property management business, you need leads! So, what is the best way to find property owners who might be interested in the STR model?Randy Zimnoch is the cofounder and broker-owner of Realty National, an investor-friendly, boutique-style brokerage based in San Diego, California. With more than 13 years of experience in real estate, Randy has flipped 250-plus houses, and his team of agents has done 1,600 transactions since Realty National launched in 2011. His impressive resume also includes seven years as the Acquisition and Sales Director for CT Homes, a residential re-development company featured on A&E’s Flip This House.On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Randy joins me to explain how STR property managers and real estate agents can work together to grow their businesses. He discusses how to provide value for realtors through education, revenue projections and cross-promotional opportunities and offers advice on where to go to start building relationships with agents. Listen in for Randy’s insight around fostering an abundance mindset and learn several strategies for generating lead flow for your property management business!Topics CoveredRandy’s background and experience in real estateLicense to connect with agents as flipperRuns small boutique-style brokerageHow STR hosts and agents can benefit each otherAgents have direct access to property ownersKnowledge of STR makes agent stand outHow property managers can provide value for realtorsEducate around STR industryRevenue projection reports with AirDNACross-promotion opportunitiesWhere to start building relationships with realtorsPractice script on agents at Open HousesReach out to brokers, speak at team meetingRandy’s approach to nurturing agent relationshipsStay in front of database on regular basisOverdeliver (i.e.: gift basket for referrals)Randy’s insight around having an abundance mindsetProvide value to attract opportunitiesFind + serve people who relate to youOther strategies for generating lead flowNetwork with investor communityBuild real estate club with STR focusConnect with RandyRealty NationalRandy on LinkedInResourcesSTR Profit AcademyVRMA Conference 2019Eric MoellerFortune BuildersCT HomesAirDNAHost FinancialTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 2019 • 29min
How to Rent Out Houseboats on Airbnb
Creating a unique experience for your guests leads to five-star reviews and returning clients. And if you live near the water, you can take advantage of this open market for one-of-a-kind spaces by renting out houseboats on Airbnb. So, how is hosting on land different from hosting by sea? What are the special considerations for running a STR that floats?Nicole Young is an Airbnb Superhost based in Norfolk, Virginia, with two houseboat listings on the platform—a 37-foot Holiday Mansion that sleeps two and a 50-foot Gibson that sleeps six. In addition to overnight stays on Airbnb, Nicole leverages Groupon to attract locals for date nights and does a food tasting Airbnb Experience on what she calls her ‘floating bed and breakfast.’On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Nicole joins me to share her experience with listing houseboats on Airbnb. She explains the ‘date night’ concept she uses to increase bookings during the week, discussing how guests book through Groupon and what you can do to apply a similar idea in your space. Listen in for Nicole’s insight around the regulations and legal issues associated with STR houseboats and learn how the little things you do to provide a unique experience create lasting memories for guests!Topics CoveredNicole’s houseboat listings on Airbnb37-foot Holiday Mansion opened in March 2017, sleeps 250-foot Gibson opened July 2019, sleeps 6Nicole’s experience with houseboat bookingsCalendar full on weekends, holidays and eventsAdded ‘date nights’ to attract locals during weekHow Nicole’s date night concept worksOffering on Groupon and Airbnb ExperiencesProvide sensory experience in 3-hour time blocksHow guests book Nicole’s houseboat through GrouponCall to schedule (Airbnb calendar link reference)Convert to overnight if date not availableNicole’s advice around executing date nightsApproval through Groupon Merchant CenterOffer little things to create memories (e.g.: Polaroid)Nicole’s experience with regulations and legal concernsDon’t go out on water for liability reasonsIssues with local government (i.e.: taxes, water treatment)Move to private dock after marina policy changedWhy Nicole recommends hosting STR houseboatsMarket open for unique spacesGood revenue source despite renovation expenseNicole’s very positive reviews on AirbnbGuests comment on fishing poles, view of naval baseWonderful experience leads to returning guestsConnect with NicoleNicole on AirbnbResourcesGroupon Merchant CenterAirbnb ExperiencesTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.