Barbara Oskam

by Barbara Oskam

If you’re a homeowner who loves to meet new people from around the world and likes to earn extra income, then become a host by listing your property for rent on Airbnb. The San Francisco-based company connects leisure and business travelers to short-term apartment, house and room rentals in more than 190 countries. Here are seven tips to becoming a winning host.

First Impressions Count

Get some great shots of your place to make your property stand out. Not experienced at photography? Airbnb will connect you with professional photographers in your area and even help with uploading the photos to your listing. When guests arrive, have a binder available with info on the house rules, Wi-Fi password, local restaurants and attractions. Provide extra linens, toilet paper and trash bags for a comfortable stay, and include items such as a hair dryer, iron, coffee maker, microwave, dishes, utensils, pots and pans.

Set an Appropriate Price

Airbnb provides a suggested price based on the details of your listing and local rental pricing. For first-timers, Airbnb recommends starting below the suggested rate so you can attract guests and build up positive reviews.

Clean Sweep Reviews

Unless you’re ready to give your home the white-glove test on a regular basis, hire a professional cleaning service to stay on top of this task. Keeping your home spotless and linens freshly laundered will help you get rave reviews and outshine the competition – anything less may derail your Airbnb biz.

Play It Safe

Go keyless with digital locks, allowing you to create a personalized code for each guest. This also translates to a faster check-in/checkout process, no lost keys, plus remote host access and rental options. And secure the proper home insurance, or check out Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance program.

Screen Guests

Get to know your guests by reading reviews of them on the Airbnb site and messaging them via the platform. Although there have been stories about renters damaging apartments or homes, most are respectful houseguests.

Always Be Prepared

You never know when foul weather or emergencies will make an unexpected appearance, so take precautions and place a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-find spot, install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and include a first-aid kit in the bathroom. If you’re located in a cold-weather region, have shovels and ice melt ready. Keep a flashlight, weather radio and nonperishable food in stock. Then rest easy.

Guest Extras

Anticipate your guests’ needs. If you live near the beach, provide beach chairs, boogie boards and a cooler. For a lakeside home, offer outdoor seating, lighting and a firepit. Leave a welcoming touch, whether that’s a bottle of wine or a basket of crackers, cheese and chocolates – a thoughtful gift will be appreciated.

If Airbnb is in your plans, follow these steps to be better prepared and become a five-star host right from the start.

Written by Jennifer McGuire (see link)

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

by Barbara Oskam

We all want to spend as much time as we can outside during the summer months. There’s nothing quite like a relaxing summer day in the backyard with friends, hosting a barbeque or enjoying an evening under the stars around the firepit. Summer is made for chilling and breathing in the fresh air and just unwinding after a long day. So this month, ramp up your outdoor space and bring your indoor style right to your backyard.

Bonus Living Spaces
More and more, people are treating their backyard spaces as an extension of their living space. From outdoor pergolas to string lights, trendy rugs and comfy, weatherproof sectionals and lounge chairs, homeowners are creating stunning open-air outdoor living spaces. You don’t even have to have a huge space, you can add smaller pieces to your deck or patio to create a relaxing, cozy sanctuary. Whatever your indoor style is, you’re sure to find similar outdoor pieces.

Inspirational Botanicals
The right plants, flowers and planters can make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm, inviting and colorful outdoor space. With so many stylish planters available, you can easily find ones that match your style and fill them with a variety of herbs, flowering annuals, cactuses, plants and shrubs. If you live close to a farmers’ market, be sure and check them out as they typically have a huge variety of cost-effective flowers, plants and herbs to fill your yard, patio or balcony.

Small Space Solutions
There are tons of creative ways to transform a small space and make a big impact. Start with some lively décor, potted plants, outdoor pillows, candles and small scale furniture. Consider a vertical garden where you can plant your favorite herbs and vegetables. Adding string and solar lights can also help make a space feel extra cozy. And when it comes to furniture, think about a bistro set for casual dining, foldable and stackable chairs or a small loveseat and ottoman. There are tons of creative ways to make a big impact in a smaller space.

If you’re limited on outdoor space, don’t let that stop you from creating the perfect outdoor oasis. Infusing your personality and style to your backyard, balcony or back porch is the perfect way to gain more living space and enjoy a place where you can enjoy more fun in the sun all summer long.

Have a great summer!

Written by Jennifer McGuire

(see link)

7 Tips for Listing Your Home on Airbnb

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space