Listing content
If you accept credit cards on other platforms, you should consider offering on Houfy as well. New guests that don't know or trust you yet, will be hesitant to use any other method. And with Houfy's direct deposit via Stripe or Square, you will get paid right away. View this link to learn more about accepting payments with Stripe or Square
If you list your property on Houfy and other websites, you can prevent multiple guests from booking the same dates by syncing yourHoufy calendar with your other calendars. Learn how to sync your calendars here.
Ensure that guests see the most up-to-date reviews and know that your listing is current. If you haven't imported your reviews to your listing, you can learn how to import them here. Then stay current when you use this link to pull in new reviews periodically.
Having a rental agreement in place helps formalize expectations for both hosts and guests. Here are several rental agreement templates provided by our Wonderfulhoufies.
Create a Facebook Business Page and add a Book Now Button for your Houfy listing. Then post and share with friends and friends of friends. A great way to get friendly, new rentals.
Thank you,
The Houfy Team
Log in to Airbnb - Go to your listings and select 1 - Click on preview
Click on Share
Copy
Paste at Houfy
Your listing address bar may display your long URL link. Below is an example screenshot of the long url you may see. If the long URL doesn't work try deleting ALL TEXT after and including the ? symbol.
Listing your property for FREE on Houfy! - a book direct market network. No commissions. No traveler service fees.
Here are a few reasons why you should join Houfy:
- Communicate directly with your prospective renters via phone, text, or email so you can vet them before booking; no hidden phone numbers or emails. Set your own rules; Houfy does not override your cancellation policies.
- Create FREE local guidebooks that you and your guests can share on social media.
- Houfy is a great tool in addition to your own website. We offer calendar, quote, reviews, and pricing embed tools.
- Use your Houfy listing as a website to link to your Google My Business Listing or Facebook page & be found on Houfy for travelers who google your property to avoid paying service fees. Have your repeat guests book for FREE on Houfy!
FAQ About Houfy
Want to save time?
Before creating your listing, send a quick TEST INQUIRY as a traveler to this listing. It will save you a ton of time during set up since you will have already seen the process of a traveler booking: where they are presented your policies, where they agree to them, what the message field prompt says, where the credit card field is, and what notification the traveler receives on their end. NOTE: This listing has Square or Stripe connected so is online bookable. Those without one of these processors connected will only receive inquiries instead of "booking requests."
1) Import or manually add listing to Houfy
Adding your listing is extremely simple! You can do this by using our import tool if you have a VRBO/Airbnb listing OR just manually add your listing. After clicking the link above, be sure to scroll down to use the import tool. The import tool adds your listing to our network in less than 10 seconds. This will import you entire listing except for the Calendar and Rates.
How do I find my Airbnb url?
How do I find my Vrbo url?
2) How do Rental Agreements work on Houfy?
Hosts can add a rental agreement or choose not to use one at all. Travelers will "click to agree" to your policies before booking or sending an inquiry. Hosts can require guests to return a signed agreement along with ID if they wish.
Tips for creating a rental agreement:
- Here are some sample Rental Agreements hosts are welcome to use.
- Reasons why it's a good idea for guests to sign a rental agreement.
- Reasons why it's a good idea to verify ID of the credit card holder.
- Why it's a good idea for guests to sign and acknowledge your cancellation policy.
- Here is where travelers view your rental agreement during the booking process.
3) How do lodging taxes work on Houfy?
Does Houfy collect, file, and remit my lodging tax?
4) How do payments work on Houfy?
Follow these steps to allow your guests to pay online easliy just like they would on Airbnb or Vrbo:
- Stripe and Square: Which Should You Use?
- How do I connect Square or Stripe to Houfy?
- FAQ: How do payments work with Houfy?
- How does a traveler reserve my property and make payment?
5) How can I set up a damage deposit on my listing?
6) Final and most important step when listing on Houfy
**** Be sure to do test inquiries in order to become familiar with the platform. You may need to have a family member or friend test with another email address and go through the entire booking process, as owners cannot book their own properties.***
Join our Facebook group:
Our Facebook Member Group is currently the quickest way to receive customer service/tech support. Also receive the latest insights and updates. Houfy uses powerful programs which can easily be changed to any of your wishes/suggestions.
Houfy help center
****Join our Houfy Vacation rentals Group to advertise your availability to travelers or post ISO (in search of) requests.
Get started marketing your Houfy listing with these easy tips
There are 3 different types of rates:
- Base rates
- Seasonal rates (these override base rates)
- Calendar rates (these override seasonal rates)
Using the example below, a base rate of $299 a night with a 3 night minimum stay already exists (not shown). There is also a seasonal rate called Memorial Day Weekend. (See below).
There is also calendar rate of $350 a night with a 4 night minimum stay. (See below).
So let's say you want to remove the above Calendar rate.
- Select the first calendar block of the date range to bring up the left window.
- Select the correct first and last dates.
- Clear out the price in the Price per night field. Do not enter $0 as that will change the calendar rate to $0. You need to make sure the field is blank.
- Click Save.
Calendar rates have been removed now. And the calendar has defaulted to the seasonal rate of $325 with a 5 night minimum.
When would a host use calendar pricing?
Create memorable links to use for social media & business cards
Hosts can create a personalized web address to direct people to their vacation rental listing with a custom link.
A custom link gives you a better chance your guests remembering and finding your listing in the future. As a result, you can capture more repeat bookings and grab the attention of new guests.
- 1 Listing: Log in > My Listings > Edit
- Multiple Listings: Log in > My Listings
We are aiming to create a perfect marketplace with updated listings and hosts who respond to inquiries with correct availability and pricing.
- Please make sure your pricing is updated.
- Availability: At Houfy you can sync calendars from VRBO/Airbnb and other sites offering ics. Once synced the message will disappear.
- Alternatively you can manually block dates on your calendar.
Houfy is currently showing guests when viewing listings the savings they might receive by booking directly on Houfy compared to Airbnb or VRBO once dates are selected.
Houfy does not charge service fees and should therefore be cheaper than most Online Travel Agencies.
Price comparison will not show on listings where Houfy does not have access to Airbnb or VRBO listing information/urls.
Hosts can easily add their Airbnb or VRBO url at their listings at:
Manage listings > Edit listing > photos or at edit listing > reviews
Please make sure:
- Airbnb/VRBO link added on Houfy is active and publicly viewable.
- Edit listing > Reviews
- Edit listing > Settings >Contact
- Edit listing > Verifications
- Make sure you have not added short URLs.
Remove inactive URLs from your edit listing and add the correct URL at any of the 3 places mentioned above.
Google Analytics lets you measure your advertising ROI as well as track your Flash, video, and social networking sites and applications. We have connected Houfy for you to track analytics for all your Houfy activity. (Including post/guide/listing views etc.)
The process is really easy. Please review these screenshots.
For price comparison to show on your listing, you must have an active Airbnb/VRBO/Homeaway link added at edit listing > reviews or at edit listing > Settings > contact person > Homepage/Social sites
If you think you have added Airbnb or VRBO URL and the price comparison does not show on your listing, make sure you add an active and correct Airbnb/VRBO link.
Note: Price comparison shows after you select the check-in and check-out dates.
If you have added an in-active or expired link remove it and add it again at edit listing > reviews or at edit listing > Settings > contact person > Homepage/Social sites
It does not work if you add short URLs like "airbnb.com/h/abcd", you must have an URL with listing # like airbnb.com/rooms/1212313123
Location is just one factor travelers use when choosing a place to stay. Be sure to meet your guests' expectations by accurately displaying your property's location.
Scroll to the bottom of your listing's homepage to view your Google Maps data as a traveler. Then determine if you need to make changes to any of the map information.
To edit your listing’s address
- Go to Manage Listings and select your listing
- Under Overview, go to Location
- Move the Pin to the exact location or edit your address in the address section
Don’t forget: You can also answer any questions guests might have about location in your message thread.
- Show exact location: This allows travelers to use Google Maps for directions to your property. Select No tab to hide this information from Houfy.
- Show Street view: (street view is only shown if it's available on Google Maps)
Scroll to the bottom of your listing. The circle indicates your property's general location, and notice (if you chose to hide your location) the map directions option is no longer available.
What should I do if Google Maps displays inaccurate data?
Resolve the issue with Google Maps. If you are unsuccessful, email info@Houfy.com and request Houfy override the data to show correct location/address.
My Listings > Edit > Photos - To add photos, just drag and drop..
Reordering photos
To reorder your uploaded photos, select a photo and drag it where you'd like it to go. It will automatically save your new order.
The first three photos are the most important, since they'll be prominently shown on your listing. Your first photo will appear in search results and will be the largest image displayed at the top of your listing.
Reordering Collections
Similar as with photos: drag the collection to the desired spot. Menu > Collections
Reordering Posts in a collection
Similar as to with your photos on your listing: drag the post within your collection to the desired spot. Go to Menu > collections > Click on the collection you wish to change > Edit > Select a post and drag / move up /down
When you go shopping at your local market and need bananas, which one do you choose?
Why? Does the fresh one look better?
Which banana do you think your potential guest(s) will choose?
Really?
Imagine Houfy: Someone searches, selects dates and gets 2 results? Do you think the potential guest will choose the listing with the "outdated" picture or the listing showing the bathroom as primary picture?
I don't think so.
Have you checked on your pictures lately? I understand you are very busy and you will do this later, as you planned to do last year as well, and the year before too. Did you know you can take great good pictures with your phone?
Getting the professional photographer in requires you to tidy up, get prepared etc. Something you planned to do last year.. In the mean time, use some of your phone pictures and make your place sellable to guests, it is the first thing they see!
Oh, I'm sure the fruit dealer will remove the banana on the right from its inventory the moment it starts looking worse.
Reordering photos
To reorder your uploaded photos, select a photo and drag it where you'd like it to go. It will automatically save your new order.
The first three photos are the most important, since they'll be prominently shown on your listing. Your first photo will appear in search results and will be the largest image displayed at the top of your listing.
Thanks for updating your pictures! Julie
No. Owners and property managers with listings in the U.S. should follow their federal and state laws. Service animals are not considered pets. Laws vary around the world and each host should follow their own local country/city laws.
It is highly recommended owners and property managers consult with an attorney for interpretation of their own laws. If you are an owner/property manager in the U.S. consult with an attorney for guidance of how the Federal Housing Act and/or the American Disabilities Act may impact your business.
Go to Manage Listings > Edit > Settings > Payment & Polcies. Check off the cards you accept.
Note: You will not see anything that says "Stripe" or "Square" because it wouldn't make sense for your listing to show the payment processor you use. Travelers just want to see the credit cards you accept. Saying you "accept Stripe and Square" may just confuse travelers since they aren't credit cards.
In this section you can select which credit or debit cards you as a host accept.
Square and Stripe are payment processors. Hosts can create accounts with Square or Stripe to process credit card payments online.
Houfy is connected with both companies for hosts to easily accept/decline payments from guests.
Guests use credit cards to make payments: For example:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Amex
- Discover
Hosts use payment processors to collect/refund payments:
- Stripe
- Square
Here are some ways houfy members collect a damage deposit:
- They collect it via Venmo, Zelle, etc. and return it via the same method.
- Do an authorization hold via Stripe using a channel manager such as OwnerRez or using a software like freetobook
- They just eat the cost when collecting a damage deposit with Stripe.
- Collect and refund via Square even though it's against their terms and conditions.
- Charge a non-refundable damage deposit policy through a 3rd party company. They require this on each reservation.
- Don't charge a damage deposit at all and just request guests report damage.
- Do an authorization hold through PayPal with jotform.
You can add any fees you want to your Houfy listing:
Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Pricing > Rates and Fees
Adding a percentage fee applies to the nightly rate only.
Percentage fees do not apply to turnover preparation fees, pet fees, additional guest fees, etc. So please set those rates accordingly.
The reason people are drawn to booking directly on Houfy is to bypass all the fees on the platform, consider including the fee in your nightly fee.
Here are some reasons why some Houfy hosts choose to offer their most attractive rates on Houfy.
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.
Voila! Booking on Houfy will save $500 in service fees. The traveler excitedly agrees to the house rules, cancellation policy, rental agreement, writes a message to describe the group, and clicks SUBMIT. That's was easy!
But wait...not so fast. The traveler has second thoughts...
"I don't think I made a reservation. Did I miss the payment screen? When will the owner reply? It's after midnight now.
Ahhh...I see Zelle, Venmo, and check are accepted. Why can't I pay with credit card like on Airbnb? I heard scammers like Venmo. I don't even have a Venmo or Zelle account.
It was a pain to get everyone to agree on this property! What if someone else books it on Airbnb? Everyone will blame me. Sigh..
That's strange...the last review is from 2019. What if the listing is copied and not legit? My credit card protects me from fraud. Hmm...ten of us splitting $500 in service fees won't be too painful. Better safe than sorry. I better book on Airbnb before I go to bed."
If you want new travelers (not just repeats) to book on Houfy AND be able to book online; consider making your listing online bookable: connect a Square or Stripe account to your listing.
If the traveler books on Airbnb, you'll pay 3% anyway. With Square/Stripe, you'll get paid immediately after the guest books. No middleman involved.
And, if you're a great host (I am sure you are), the traveler will remember a "great stay with Airbnb." It's a win for Airbnb as it helps make their brand stronger.
But let's say you're not heavily reliant on sites like Airbnb. Maybe 80% of your bookings are repeat clients who send checks. And Houfy only needs to supplement 20% of your income.
Allow a small reservation deposit by credit card. Require the balance by check. The traveler won't worry about losing dates, and your calendar won't be blocked while waiting for payment to be made.
Checks need time to clear so this works best for properties that book at least 45 days in advance. How do you set this up on Houfy?
- Go to Manage Listings > Settings > Payment Information.
- Describe your policy in the Payment Policy section and note when the check payment is due. If you allow the balance to be paid by credit card (if the guest pays the fees), note that as well.
- Select your reservation deposit amount. This can be a fixed $ amount, or a percentage of the total booking, such as 15%.
- Set the final payment due date.
- Update your rental agreement to reflect any changes. Consider reiterating the check payment in the cancellation policy and house rules as well.
The more places noted, the less chance policies will be overlooked. If the person just left Airbnb, your Houfy listing might only be skimmed. Note: Always check your state's laws before charging consumers credit card fees. Some states make it illegal.
Airbnb has scared travelers to fear not using a middleman. It's ingrained in Americans to never wire money to strangers. If you dislike Airbnb's controls, make it easy to be booked on Houfy. Keep your reviews up to date. Most U.S. Houfy members can connect their listing to Stripe or Square.
I often hear hosts say "it costs me 3% either way. It's the traveler saving money, not me." Think long term. Because you'll likely be paying Airbnb 15% in the future. And this is on top of their imposed policy controls and final decisions.
You want today's travelers telling friends and family they had a "great stay with Houfy," not with Airbnb. Make sure to use a unique property name so travelers can google search your property.
Please review your Houfy listing to see if you have a green checkmark
- Add your Airbnb or VRBO url at Menu > Edit listing > Verifications - We do not show these links on your listing, they are ONLY used for verification purposes.
- Click here to find to find your Vrbo url.
- Click here to find your Airbnb url.
80-90% of VRBO/AIRBNB listings are verified. No need for Houfy to ask for further docs
- Or: Add your homepage/Facebook/other link where we can match your name.
We do NOT accept links from other marketplaces for verification purposes..
If you believe you should have been verified, please e-mail us: info@Houfy.com with your listing number. We might need further information (Latest utility bill or other)
At Houfy we verify new listings a few times a day. This is not an automated process and can take up to 24-48 hours.
If you did not get verified please send us your latest utility bill to: info@houfy.com
We only accept the following marketplace site urls for verification purposes:
- Airbnb
- Expedia sites: Homeaway, VRBO and others.
- Booking.com
- Tripadvisor
Verification at any of the above marketplaces does NOT necessarily mean you will be verified on Houfy. In some cases we require additional proof of ownership.
I created a “things to do” collection and I’m trying to create one “post” a day 5 out of 7 days of the week but how do I put the post in the collection?
View the post and click on the 3 dots (top right) -> Select Save
You will see a pop up and select the collection you would like to show the post in or create a new collection.
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.
Guests also appreciate knowing what to expect upon arrival, how to check into the property, and what items will or won't be supplied. Help your guests prepare and pack accordingly by creating welcome digital guest collections on Houfy.
All you have to do is send your guests your Houfy collection URL. The guest doesn't have to download anything. And they don't even need to create an account. And best of all, it doesn't cost a thing! Houfy collections and Houfy listings are free for members.
What kinds of collection topics can I create?
Below are the most common topics Houfy hosts write about. But you can write about anything.
- Check-in Instructions
- Departure Checklist
- House Manuals
- Appliance instructions
- Local attractions and activities
- Restaurant recommendations
- Insider Tips
- Upcoming Local Events
Examples of collections on Houfy:
Is there a limit to the number of collections I can create?
No. You can create an unlimited number.
Do I have to list my property on Houfy in order to utilize this free service?
No. Anyone can write collections on Houfy. Travelers can write about their travels and create their own collections as well.
Can I send these collections to anyone?
Yes. It does not matter which platform your guests booked through. You can use the Share feature on Houfy or just send the direct collection URL.
Can I attach certain collections to only certain properties?
Yes. For example, you may have a property in Spain and one in France. You can select which collecitons you want to attach to different properties.
Can I attach a collection to multiple properties?
Yes. If you have multiple properties within the same area, you can create one restaurant collection, one for local activities, another for skiing, etc. Then attach all of them to all of your listings. No need to recreate the same collection for each individual listing.
Join the Say Yes to Houfy facebook group for any questions or tech support.
Import your Airbnb or Vrbo listing into Houfy in less than 10 seconds. Or add a listing manually.
We frequently see the one of the following errors occur:
- The listing on Airbnb or VRBO is hidden/inactive
- The url points to a calendar ics url.
- The url is custom. Houfy needs the actual publically viewable url.
- The url goes somewhere into the Airbnb or VRBO dashboard.
Please make sure the url actually shows:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/ number and or https://www.vrbo.com/ number
- How to find your Airbnb url: Click here
- How to find your VRBO url: Click here
- If you imported your Airbnb or Vrbo listing, your Airbnb or Vrbo reviews are already connected to Houfy. Just periodically pull in the latest connected reivews.
- If you use both Airbnb and Vrbo, you can connect reviews from both sites. For example, if you imported your Airbnb listing, those reviews are already connected. You can connect your Vrbo reviews as well. And vice versa.
- If you manually added a property, you can easily connect reviews from Vrbo, Airbnb, or both. It does not matter in which order you do this, as Houfy automatically sorts all reviews by date.
Log in > Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Reviews > Click on the Import Reviews link
- Select listing site from drop down menu.
- Copy/paste your listing URL.
- Wait for the Fetching Preview message to disappear.
- Check box to agree.
- Click Import.
***Don't forget to keep these reviews current by periodically updating them on Houfy.***
- Manage Listings
- Edit
- Reviews
- Click the Pull in new reviews link
TIPS
1) If you are listed on both Airbnb and Vrbo, and only imported reviews from one site, you can import reviews from the other platform.
2) Finalize any review replies on other platforms before pulling reviews into Houfy. Replies cannot be pulled in later.
Please be advised Homeaway/VRBO & Airbnb reviews can be imported into Houfy.
- Go to your listing
- Write a review
Or: Go to My Listings > Edit > Reviews > Add a review
You will be redirected to the screen below, select month, select reservation (If no reservation, please see the 3rd screenshot)
Add reservation - by clicking on "Add booking" (next to import) - Houfy needs reservation information (name/dates) to sort the review properly with other reviews.
Hosts have the option of requesting a review from guests or the guest can submit a review directly on the listing. Guest must be a Houfy member in order to leave a review. It takes just a few minutes to create an account.
Guest can scroll to the top of the reviews section of your listing and then click the Write a review link.
The Write a Review screen will appear. Click Continue to submit the review.
How to Request a Guest Review
- Log in > Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Settings > Payment information.
- Check off credit cards including any you accept through PayPal.
- Type non-credit card payment methods/policies in Payment Policy box. Add anything else you feel is relevant in this space.
Travelers will see the credit cards under the Host section of your listing.
Travelers will see Payment Policy text under Policies and Rules section.
Comparison of Stripe and Square for credit card payments with Houfy
- Log in>Menu>Manage Listings>Edit>Settings>Payment information.
- Scroll down to Cancellation Policy section and enter text.
Traveler can view text in Policies and Rules section of your listing.
The policy will also be presented before traveler can complete an inquiry/booking request. After dates are chosen, traveler will be taken to this screen to view all policies.
Your Cancellation Policy will be presented as a pop-up.
Traveler will agree to all policies before continuing.
- Log in>Menu> Manage Listings>Edit>Settings>Rules.
- Upload Rental Agreement or drag and drop.
Where Does My Guest View the Agreement?
After guest enters dates and clicks "Request to Book," the screen below will appear. Guest can download the agreement for review before checking the "I agree" box.
How do I ask the guest for signature and collect ID?
This final step is not required but highly recommended.
- In your House Rules you can mention a signed agreement and ID of the credit card holder will be required before the booking is confirmed.
- Choose an E-signature service to obtain the guest's signature OR
- Message the guest through your Houfy inbox. Upload the agreement there and ask them to print, sign, and scan back along with copy of ID.
- Email the guest directly. with agreement and your requests
