Are you thinking about jumping into the world of short-term rentals? Earning passive income and having an asset that increases in value are ideas that draw many people to investing in real estate. If you want your short-term rental to be a ‘passive’ investment, then you will have to hire a professional property management company. And, with that, you will also give away a percentage of your earnings. This makes sense – if you hire someone to do something for you then you will have to pay them. There are many Airbnb hosts that choose to go the DIY route when it comes to hosting in order to maximize earnings. Is being a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Airbnb host the right path for you?
***QUICK NOTE! Once you are ready to set up your Airbnb Host profile, please reach out. I can provide you with a referral link that you can use. I will get some money for the referral and, best of all, you will also get some money from Airbnb for using a referral code. Win-win-win. 🙂***
Understanding the DIY Airbnb Hosting Role
At its core, DIY Airbnb hosting is about managing every aspect of your rental property personally. This includes listing the property, communicating with guests, handling emergencies, and coordinating cleaning and maintenance (or potentially handling those tasks on your own.) It’s a hands-on approach that offers greater control and potentially higher profits – but it also requires more time and effort from the host (that’s you).
Assessing Your Suitability for DIY Airbnb Hosting:
- Time Commitment: Evaluate your daily schedule. DIY hosting requires a larger time commitment than hiring a management company. However, my experience is that it really does not require a ton of time – especially if you hire someone to do the cleaning. The vast majority of our clients do not need anything from us during their stays. With this type of guest, we make sure the house is ready for them to arrive, they come and stay, they check out, and then we get the house ready for the next guest – no communication beyond check-in and check-out messages. However, there have been times when something pops up and it was important for us to be available. So, take some time and think about the flexibility of your schedule. Can you take time out during the day or evening to deal with potential issues at your property?
- Customer Service Skills: As a host, you are the face of your Airbnb. Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential to ensure guest satisfaction and earn those 5-star reviews. If you are doing the hosting with a partner, you can divide this part of the process depending on schedules and personal strengths. For example, my husband is more patient than me so he usually communicates with guests who seem to need a lot from us. I am typically more available time-wise so I take care of checking on the property, re-stocking supplies, etc.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Can you handle unexpected issues like last-minute cancellations, maintenance emergencies, or guest complaints calmly and efficiently? Are you willing to take the steps needed to learn the things about hosting you don’t know? There are times we had to get creative when problems arose between guests. For example, our internet went out and the technician was scheduled to come before out next guests arrived. Minutes before the scheduled appointment they called to say they couldn’t make it. So, we had about two hours to figure out an alternative internet source for our guests. I hunted down a few different options before I finally found something that worked – a fellow host had a hotspot they let me borrow for a couple days until the technician could arrive.
- Marketing and Pricing Strategy: Do you have the knack for creating attractive listings, taking great photos, and setting competitive pricing based on market trends? If not, you can still be a DIY Airbnb Host with a little help from Stay Success. 😉
- Does the Idea of Running an Airbnb Get You Excited?: The question that really matters when it comes to assessing your suitability for DIY hosting is, ‘Are you excited about the idea of running an Airbnb yourself?’ If this idea lights you up, it will be much easier to figure out all of the logistics of making it happen.
Advantages of DIY Airbnb Hosting:
- Increased Profit Margins: By managing the property yourself, you save on management fees which directly impacts your revenue.
- Personal Touch: DIY hosts often provide a unique, personalized experience for guests, which can lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.
- Complete Control: You make all decisions regarding your property, from design choices to guest selection. In our situation, we have an attachment to the house and the neighbors, so having control is important for us.
Challenges Faced by Those Who Choose DIY Airbnb Hosting:
- Time-Intensive: The commitment can be overwhelming, especially if hosting interferes with other responsibilities or full-time jobs. When we started our Airbnb, my husband worked out of town half the time but I worked from home. My job provided me with the flexibility I needed to handle everything related to running the Airbnb. Can you check guest messages during the day? If something goes wrong, can you stop what you’re doing and handle the issue? If you want to handle the cleaning and lawncare on your own, it will require an even larger commitment of time.
- Stress and Burnout: Juggling multiple roles, from housekeeper to customer service, can be stressful. If you are truly trying to do everything yourself – even the cleaning – it can get stressful. (My advice is to find a professional to clean your property. That will help significantly with the stress of being a DIY Airbnb host.)
- Inconsistent Income: Unlike traditional rentals, Airbnb income can fluctuate based on seasonality and market demand. This means that you will likely face slow times. However, you will also have busy seasons that bring you in significantly more than you would have with a long-term rental.
Balancing Act: Tips for Effective DIY Airbnb Hosting:
- Automation Tools: Utilize online tools for booking management, automated messaging, and pricing optimization. Right inside of the Airbnb app you will find options for setting up automated responses to guests which can save you time and help you avoid missing important messages. There is a whole list of tools and strategies you can utilize in the Airbnb app to streamline your hosting responsibilities. If you need help with the tech side of hosting, sign up on the form below to get on the waitlist for my course on running your Airbnb from your phone.
- Building a Reliable Network: Establish connections with local cleaners, handymen, and other service providers for efficient property maintenance. I have two cleaning crews for my property. This helps prevent a situations where no one is available to clean the property when needed.
- Continued Learning: Stay informed about the latest trends and regulations in the short-term rental market. Check back here often – and check out my YouTube channel – for updates on all things related to running your short-term rental.
Deciding to become a DIY Airbnb host requires a careful evaluation of your time, skills, and resources. It can be a rewarding venture if you enjoy hospitality and hands-on management. However, it’s essential to be realistic about the demands of this role. If you’re ready for the challenge, DIY Airbnb hosting can be a fulfilling and profitable experience, offering the chance to host people from around the world while growing your entrepreneurial skills.
Are you considering becoming a DIY Airbnb host? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and let’s explore this exciting journey together!
If fear or the negativity of others are holding you back, check out my video where I share some of the advice I wish I had years ago to encourage me to get started.