Advice Column
When you're just starting out with short term rentals, it seems there are endless decisions to make. At first you'll fumble around, but eventually you'll gain confidence as you find out what works and what doesn't. I'll share my tips with you, and what I've learned along the way. Be sure to follow me on Houfy to read my latest Stories.
Mill Spring, NC, USA
Industry: Lodging
Category: Other
Carl And Bridget
Carl and I have lived in the Lake Lure/Mill Spring area for more than 20 years. We now call the mountains our home. Woodworking aficionados are sure to appreciate Carl's craftsmanship while staying at the cabin!
This is the perfect home base for guests who stay a week:
- 20 minutes to Tryon International Equestrian Center
- 13 minutes to Chimney Rock State Park
- 1 hour to Biltmore Estate in Asheville
- Easy access for taking day trips
- Close to ziplining, hiking, water activities, wineries, and much more
Read more
Lives in Mill Spring, NC, USA
Speaks English
ListingsSee all
Posts (20)
Do you currently thank your guests upon departure for staying at your property? It's always good business practice to send your guests a departure thank you. A simple text is plenty sufficient, especially if you send nothing at all now.
This sample template is not any kind of legal advice. Make sure your attorney reviews any rental agreement you create.
Feel free to use any/all parts of these refund policies:
Guests are going to have accidents. Sometimes it's just the cost of doing business, and other times it's pure negligence. But one thing is for sure–damages are an inevitable part of running a vacation rental. Whether you charge a refundable damage...
If you have any social media following, the quickest way to bring awareness about Houfy is to make a simple announcement. Your followers will pay attention when they read something like this:
A traveler is ready to book your property on Airbnb. But first–recalling advice to always perform a "google search," enters your property's name into google.
Absolutely! Book direct is all about open communication. Phone numbers and emails on inquiries are never blocked nor hidden. This means you and the traveler can freely communicate all you want prior to finalizing a booking.
Travelers are tired of paying excessive service fees. They often google the property name to compare rates across platforms. Can your Houfy listing be found when someone searches using your property's name?
New hosts often wonder things like:
A common question hosts have when setting rates, is whether or not to charge a cleaning fee. After all, hotels don't charge one...right?
Not only do pet-friendly rentals generally earn more in revenue, they often attract more travelers as well. Guests expect to pay for the convenience of bringing Fido with them on vacation. It's also understood housekeeping will likely need to tend...
Requesting an ID from guests is actually quite easy, and one of the benefits of booking direct. Remember, this is your business and you have every right to know who is renting your property. First, let's clear up a common misconception hosts have...
While most reservations will go smoothly as planned, there may be times when you'll be asked to produce a signed Rental Agreement. Even hotels have you sign an agreement at check in, at the same time they ask for your ID and credit card. Agreements...
When stocking the kitchen for your guests, you're likely wondering if they'll expect, appreciate, or even be disgusted by leftover condiments. Many of us hate the thought of throwing away perfectly good food...right? I know I do. Well, there's no...
Travelers often like to plan and research things before beginning their vacation. Nearby restaurants, grocery stores, hiking trails, local attractions, and the weather, are just a few of the things travelers commonly ask hosts about.
Four years ago, not a week went by when I didn't read a forum comment like this: "Let's all band together and form our own site that's for the owners, and kick these OTAs to the curb! How dare they not allow me to communicate with MY guests. Who do...
Ask yourself this:
Listing your property for FREE on Houfy! - a book direct market network. No commissions. No traveler service fees.
New hosts often ask if Airbnb or Vrbo is the better site to list on. Everyone's short term rental market is different. So my advice is to test out both platforms. Caveat: Be sure to read the fine print of their rules and policies very carefully.