Managing your Listing

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

Think Different

There are many new members in our Facebook group who might have questions about Houfy. Below we hope to clarify some of them. Houfy doesn't earn any money. Houfy will earn money in the future by selling advertising, services and licenses.

https://www.houfy.com

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:

1. Here are some sample Rental Agreements hosts are welcome to use.
2. Reasons why it's a good idea for guests to sign a rental agreement.
3. Reasons why it's a good idea to verify ID of the credit card holder.
4. Why it's a good idea for guests to sign and acknowledge your cancellation policy.
5. 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:

1. Stripe and Square: Which Should You Use?
2. How do I connect Square or Stripe to Houfy?
3. FAQ: How do payments work with Houfy?
4. How does a traveler reserve my property and make payment?

5) How can I set up a damage deposit on my listing?

How do I set up my damage deposit?

1) Go to Edit>Pricing>Rates & Fees

https://www.houfy-beta.com

6) Final and most important step when listing on Houfy

How Do I Announce to My Guests I Am Now Listed On Houfy?

If you have any social media following, the quickest way to bring awareness for them to use Houfy is to make a simple announcement. Your followers will pay attention when they read something like this! The Vermont Cottage Lake Amherst Plymouth, Vt. is now listed on Houfy's book direct market network.

https://www.houfy.com

**** 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.***

Test Booking on Houfy

I would like to do a test booking on Houfy to see what it looks like for a guest and for the owner.

https://www.houfy.com

Get started marketing your Houfy listing with these easy tips

Easy Tips for Marketing Your Houfy Listing

Once you've completed your rates and synchronized calendars, it's time to get started on promoting Houfy! This is a simple step-by-step guide in basic marketing of your Houfy listing.

https://www.houfy.com

Join our Facebook groups:

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.

Join our Houfy Vacation rentals Group to advertise your availability to travelers or post ISO (in search of) requests.

The caution message will disappear once your pricing and calendar are perfectly up to date.

1. Log in
2. Menu (top right)
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar
5. Make sure your Calendar is updated and synced with VRBO, Airbnb and or others. (If fully available: you can manually block one day in the far future)

For more information about synchronizing calendars please review this article.

The message will go away using one of the options below:

• Synchronize your calendars with Airbnb, VRBO or with a channel manager.
• Block a date sometime in the future at your calendar. (This for hosts with completely open calendars)

We use automated programs to flag listings for the follwing reasons:

• The host does not respond within 24 hours to an inquiry
• The host has not updated his or her calendar
• The pricing on the listing is outdated.

Please e-mail us at info@houfy.com to reactivate the listing(s) once your pricing and calendar are completed and correct.

Contact us at: info@houfy.com and please provide us with your listing number to be duplicated.

Yes, we can transfer the listing to the new owner account. There is no need to start from scratch.

We will need proof of ownership which can be provided by a deed or an insurance policy or new bill.

If you have more questions, please join our facebook member group

• Click the plus menu (+) and select "Marketplace Listing."
• Import Listing from Airbnb or VRBO :

1. To import a listing from Airbnb or VRBO, simply paste the public URL into the "listing URL" field.
2. Once you've entered the URL, check the "agree" box and click Import to begin the import process.

• To add new listing manually:

1. select Lodging and click Get started.
2. Next, fill in the basic listing information and click Continue.

Create one custom link for all your listings or all your listings with map:

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Scroll down the page, add the custom link for all listings, and click on Save.
3. You can copy the link and share on social networks or on business cards.

Create a custom link for an individual listing:

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select edit > Overview and click on Property Details.
3. Scroll down the page and add the custom link, and click on Save.

There are several reasons why the price comparison might not be working:

1) Your dates are blocked on VRBO or Airbnb and available on Houfy. Make sure you correctly syncronized your calendars.

2) Your have hidden or removed your Airbnb and or VRBO listing for their platforms. Please re-activate them or remove the url's at Houfy:

• Edit listing > Reviews
• Edit listing > Settings >Contact
• Edit listing > Verifications

3) You have not added your Airbnb or VRBO url to Houfy at:

• Edit listing > Reviews
• Edit listing > Settings >Contact
• Edit listing > Verifications

4) Make sure you have not added short URLs. 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

Remove inactive URLs from your edit listing and add the correct URL at any of the 3 places mentioned above.

Note: Price comparison shows after you select check-in and check-out dates.

Here more information on how to find your Airbnb url or VRBO url.

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.

• Log in to Airbnb
• Go to your listings
• Select the listing you need the url from
• Click on preview icon (top right - next to the calendar icon)
• Copy the url from your browser address or Click on Share and select "copy link"
• Paste at Houfy (Import/Reviews/Pictures)

Your listing address bar may display your long URL link. If the long URL doesn't work try deleting ALL TEXT after and including the ? symbol.

• Log in to VRBO
• Go to your listings
• Click on the left top picture of your listing
• Click on Share or copy the url from your browser (Control + Command C)
• Select Copy link
• Paste at Houfy (or Control + Command V)

Your listing address bar may display your long URL link. If the long URL doesn't work try deleting ALL TEXT after and including the ? symbol.

Please e-mail us the urls you need to clear from our system. This process can take up to 24 hrs. You can send an e-mail to: info@houfy.com

If you have more questions, please join our facebook member group

1. Menu
2. Manage Listings
3. Property Details
4. Scroll down to Listing Name

I have two bedrooms that are set up with twin beds in each (2 twin beds in each).
I selected "Single/Twin" as the bed type, but it will not allow we to change the number for "Sleeps" to 2. Technically this room sleeps two. Any thoughts?

You can add another Single/Twin (Sleeps 1) to the room A

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select edit > Overview and click on Property Details.
3. Scroll down the page and click on + Room Details.
4. Fill in the room details such as the room name, beds, and comment, and then click on Save.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Overview from the left menu and click on + Room Details.
4. Click on "Add Bed Type".
5. Fill in the required information, such as the bed types and the number of sleeps and click on Save.

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

1. Go to Manage Listings and select your listing
2. Under Overview, go to Location
3. 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. 

• Go to Manage listings and click edit
• Select Photos from the left side menu
• Click Edit for the photo you want to add to scenic views.
• Check scenic view checkbox to add the photo to scenic view.

Each listing requires a minimum of 5 photos. Users can upload an unlimited number of listing photos.

Our most-booked listings have 12+ photos

The higher the quality, the better

Guests are looking for photos showing:

• Front of property
• Living room
• Kitchen
• Bedroom(s)
• Bathroom

Yes.

1. Open your computer files.
2. Click on the first photo you want to upload.
3. Hold down your computer keyboard's Shift key.
4. While holding down the Shift key, click to select all the other photos you want to upload.
5. Click to upload them all at once.

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

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Photos from the left menu and click on Re-Import Photos.
4. Select the listing website, paste your Airbnb listing url and click on Re-Import.

This is not possible. You will first need to save the photos on your computer and then drag the pictures into Houfy.

Log in > My Listings > Edit > Pricing

Please be advised: We have 3 ways to set pricing; unlike most other marketplaces.

• Base price
• Seasonal Pricing
• Calendar Pricing

Seasonal Prices override Base Prices and Calendar Prices override both, Seasonal and Base Prices!

Houfy shows exact pricing calculations when guests inquire with selected dates

Pricing, as well as your Pictures, Name & Description of your listing, are THE 4 MOST IMPORTANT factors for getting bookings or not.

Have you been to a fruit market lately? Which banana do you buy? The discounted older looking one or the good looking perfect bananas for the right price? How does your property show on Houfy? Is the picture perfect or is it outdated/too small? It is the first impression guests have! How about the price? Is your place correctly priced? Or too expensive/cheap? Filter properties around your place and check your pricing.

Did you know the market across the street has great bananas for an even better price? It is the same price as going to the banana dealer direct. Houfy wants to be this new market for properties across the street.

Pricing:

A) Base price: $100 a night (You researched places around you and noticed the prices are around this price for places with similar options/amenities)

• You could consider giving a discount for a week by setting a weekly price: $630 (90$ a night)
• The same for the month (We calculate 30 days): for example: $2550 (85$/Night)

Be advised: Houfy calculates the weekly rate for stays of 7 or more nights, the same is true for monthly rates.. (A guest who wishes to stay for 32 nights will pay $85 in above example..)

B) Seasonal price: (These prices will override the base price)

• Summer season: June 15th - September 1st: $125
• Winter season: December 15th - April 15th: $150

Currently, they are set for specific years only as the calendar is used to create them. The seasons expire and you have an option to get an e-mail notification to adjust the season once expired. (Just keep the season and edit the days/price)

C) Calendar price: (These prices override both the seasonal price and the base price)

This can be useful for offering discounts or last minute specials or when there is a special event you could increase or decrease your pricing in a very simple way.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Click the Yes button and complete the required fields below:

• Pet Fee
• Taxable
• Per stay/Per pet
• Charge per night
• Maximum number of pets allowed.

You can change the minimum night requirement at:

• Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Pricing > Rates & Fees
• Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Pricing > Seasons if you have any seasons
• Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Calendar > Select dates and change the min. nights.

If you are connected with PriceLabs or Host-tools, please update your minimum stay there and sync pricing to Houfy.

Please select pricing at edit listing and select or remove the checkmarks..

How to set a base changeover for check-in and check-out?

An example, If I want to allow the guest to check-in and check-out only on Saturday and Sunday. It can be set that as below. :

How to set a seasonal changeover for check-in and check-out?

Navigation: Edit listing -> Pricing -> Seasons

To set a seasonal change-over, you need to add a season and select the change-over for check-in and check-out.

How the listing calendar will look like?

As I have set the seasonal changeover of Sunday for both check-in and check-out, guests will able to select only those days for their selection.

Once your calendar starts to fill, rates/min. night stays might need to be adjusted. (It's common for owners to lift minimum night restrictions, as to minimize 1-2 night calendar gaps). To do this, you can:

1. Edit each season's beginning/end dates and/or rates.

OR

2. Override the seasonal rates with calendar pricing.

When editing one season's start/end dates, often the preceding/subsequent seasons will need to be adjusted as well. This can be time-consuming if you don't use a channel manager or dynamic pricing software.

A general (not literal) view when comparing seasonal and calendar pricing is:

• Seasonal rates = set it and forget it
• Calendar rates = manual dynamic pricing

But most hosts use a combination of the two, as they tend to overlap.

For example, in the Outer Banks, Jersey Shore, and Cape Cod it's common to require weekly reservations only, with a weekly designated changeover date. If each week was created as a separate season, then the host just edits the rate of each season as supply/demand fluctuates.

But in markets where the minimum night stay varies: reservations may range from 1 to 14 nights, calendar pricing is probably more convenient.

How do I add calendar pricing?

1. Go to the calendar view in your dashboard: Manage listings > Calendar
2. Highligh the calendar dates that need to be edited
3. Adjust rates and minimum night stay in the left pop-up window.

You can also choose to display or hide the seasonal rates table on your listing's homepage.

1. Log in
2. Menu (top right)
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Pricing > Rates & Fees

Members with connected payments will have two options:

• Charge through Houfy
• Collected by Host.

Members who collect payment outside of Houfy will only have the Collected by Host option. You will invoice your guest directly the same way you invoice them to collect the rental rate/cleaning fee, etc.

Owners who have Square or Stripe connected will see this option.

Note: Only members who use the Charge through Houfy option will see "At Booking" in their drop down menu.

If you prefer to collect outside of these options, you can set up the damage deposit as a fee.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. To complete the security damage deposit, fill in the required details and click Continue.

You can edit this setting at:

1. Log in
2. Menu (top right)
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Pricing > Rates & Fees
5. Scroll down to the securit deposit part and select show or hide.

You can easily show or hide the security deposit on your listing by going to:

Menu > Manage Listings > edit > pricing

Scroll down to: security deposit > edit > Show or hide from your listing.

• Go to My listings
• Select Edit
• Click on the Pricing tab: here you can include or exclude the security deposit into the total payment due.

2) At My Listings > edit > settings > Payment information you can request a reservation deposit. This can be a small amount of the total rent due and can be a fixed $ amount or a percentage of the total.

There has been a lot of interest in how I use PayPal to do security deposit authorization holds. So I am posting the instructions on how to do that. Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback!

They are automatically is lifted (no sending it back) when a claim isn't made within 29 days. My original post has more information about the benefits of doing this. Processing fees are only collected for the specific amount that you make a claim on. If you don't make a claim and the hold expires there are no processing fees!

How to Set Up a Security Deposit Credit Card Authorization
1. Set up a JotForm account. The free version is what I use
2. Set up a business PayPal (not sure if this works with PayPal Personal)
3. On JotForm press Create Form
4. Press Start From Scratch
5. Select Classic Form
6. On the left select Add Form Element. You will need the following elements:
a. iFrame embed (under widget tab)
b. Full Name
c. Short Text
d. Paragraph
e. Email
f. PayPal Standard (under payments tab) PayPal Commerce works as well but will show Standard as it might work with PayPal Personal but PayPal Commerce only is for PayPal Business
g. Unique ID (under widgets)
7. Go to Houfy and get the link for your photos iframe. You will find this under the photo section of your listing. Click Embed Photos and copy just the https link (where it says src= in quotes). Go back to JotForm and select your iframe. Select the wizard wand (widget settings). Paste this url into Frame URL. Select the gear (properties) and adjust width and height as desired. Drag it to be above your header so it functions as a banner
8. Select the Header and change the text from Form to Security Deposit. If you have named your place add it to the subheader
9. Select Full Name. Click on the gear (properties). Change question text to Booking Name. Optional – make it a required field
10. Select Short Text. Click on the gear (properties). Change question text to Houfy Confirmation #. Optional – make it a required field
11. Select paragraph. Click on the gear (properties). Change question text to include “This will put a 29 day authorization hold in the unlikely event that damages occur during you stay. Check-in instructions will be emailed to you when the hold is authorized” and any other information they need to convey
12. Select Email. Click on the gear (properties). Change the question text to What Email Should Invoice Be Sent To? Make this field required
13. Select Payment Standard. Click on the wizard wand (Payment Settings). Input your PayPal account email. Payment type should be Sell Products. Under Additional Gateway Settings:
a. Enable Users Can Select Multiple Products
b. Enable Show Total Price on the Form
c. Enable Authorization Only
d. Change Pending Payment Email to Notifiers and Autoresponders so both you and the guest get an email stating the payment didn’t go through
e. Press continue
14. You should be redirected to the products tab. Press create new product. Change name to “Security Deposit”. Change price to what you charge for a security deposit. Enable required so it’s automatically selected and cannot be removed. Press save product. If you charge additional deposits like for events or pets add them but do not make them required. But do add in the paragraph above that if they aren’t selected then the pet may not come or the event may not take place until rectified.
15. Optional – select the invoice tab and enable the invoice creation
16. Select Unique ID. Click the gear (properties). Under prefix input “# INV-“. Either select Sequential Numbers or Random Numbers depending on how you like to see invoice numbers.
17. Change from the Build portion of the form to Settings at the top
18. Change Title to Security Deposit
19. Select Emails
a. Click Notification 1 (the emails you will receive when a guest submits)
i. Edit email subject. From the drop down list select any of the fields you set up earlier to make it easier for you to identify the booking
ii. Under recipients. Change sender name to the guest name option or leave it as JotForm
b. Click Autoresponder 1 (the emails the guest will receive when submitting)
i. Edit Email subject as desired using drop down menus of the fields you added earlier to customize and/or by manually typing
ii. Delete the default email content. Change it to your custom welcome letter. Also include that an invoice (if you opted for this) and the check-in instructions are attached
iii. Under recipients. Change sender name to your name and/or your property Name
iv. Under advanced
1. Optional – enable the PDF attachment so the guest gets a copy of their submission
2. Upload your check-in instructions under Attach a File. Now the check-in information is automatically provided but only after everything is in order with the security deposit
3. Change sender email to your email so that guests can email you back with any questions. To do this you need to select add an email in the drop down menu. Under email type select verified. Then go to the bottom and add your email. Make sure to confirm the email address with the verification code
20. Select Thank You Page
i. You have two options to choose from
1. Show a Thank You page. You can edit and change what they provide to provide them with additional information and/or to remind them to check their email for the check-in instructions
2. Redirect to External Page. You can alternatively redirect them to your guidebooks on Houfy. Just input the link
21. Select Publish at the top. Edit your link using “security-deposit”. Now you and your guest can see what it’s for just by looking at the link. Press apply then copy the link for your records so you can easily send it as part of your “I’m so excited to host you next week you can get the check-in information by authorizing the security deposit at this link” message

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Click on Additional fees then click on Add fee Button.
5. Please select the Optional fee check box and provide the required information. Then, click on Save.

Note: Your guest needs to select the optional fee on the listing page.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Click on Additional fees then click on Add fee Button.
5. Click on the checkbox next to the Per Person field and select the number of guests, then click on Save.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Click on the Base price section to open it,
5. Charge additional guests fee - Check this checkbox and select or fill the details:
1. Additional guest fee amount
2. Per night/Per stay
3. Charge above how many guests?

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Scroll down to additional fees and add fees such as linen, pool heat or other optional fees. After adding the fees, click on Save.

It depends how badly you want to encourage travelers to book direct on Houfy. Keep in mind, one of the major reasons travelers are drawn to direct book is to bypass the high rates and fees charged on the other platforms.

Many hosts keep rates the same across all platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo, and Houfy. They prefer their most attractive rates to be on Houfy. And since they have to pay Airbnb and Vrbo 3%, they consider the 3% to Stripe or Square the cost of doing business. Not to mention, they get paid sooner when a traveler books on Houfy.

Here are some reasons why hosts choose to have the most attractive rates on Houfy:

1. Airbnb can refund guests on day of arrival, even after holding the calendar for months. Some hosts consider this policy too risky.
2. They prefer guests recommend Houfy to friends and family versus their Airbnb listing. When travelers book on Airbnb, it gives Airbnb even more leverage than they already have.
3. Airbnb bookings tend to be time-consuming. Navigating the red tape and dealing with runarounds is something they want to avoid if possible.
4. Airbnb is not host-friendly when it comes to allowing hosts to get signed rental agreements or ID. On Houfy, they can easily do this.
5. Hosts with pet-free listings worry about guests bringing emotional support cats.

Many hosts refuse to open their prime calendar weeks on Airbnb. Instead, they only list their shoulder weeks or off season dates. And they increase rates by at least 10%, just to make up for the hassles of Airbnb policies.

Here is one way some hosts reduce credit card costs:

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. Here is how to set this up on Houfy:

1. Go to Manage Listings > Settings > Payment & Policies.
2. 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 this as well.
3. Select your reservation deposit amount. This can be a fixed $ amount, or a percentage of the total booking, such as 15%.
4. Set the final payment due date.
5. 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 your 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.

If you do want to charge more on Houfy, I highly suggest not charging a separate percentage fee, but increase your rates instead. Remember, the host still pays the credit card fee even if it's a separate line item. It's just semantics to say the guest pays it. The only time the guest pays the fee is when they have a choice to choose a lesser rate.

You can charge extra fees on your Houfy listing: Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Pricing > Rates and Fees.

You can add any fees you want to your Houfy listing:

Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Pricing > Rates and Fees

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.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Select the fee that you want to remove and click on Delete.

To find out what your tax rate is please review Avalara's website

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Rates & Fees.
4. Click on Taxes and enter the required information, such as tax name, percentage or amount, and type. After entering the information, click on Save.

You can add this info within the tax section of your listing, and travelers will be able to verify if you have a legal accommodation.

1. Log in
2. Menu (top right)
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Pricing > Rates & Fees

Note: only new reservations will reflect the change. For existing reservations, you either need to collect directly from the guest, or pay the difference out of your pocket.

1. Click top right arrow to display Drop-down menu>Manage Listings>Edit>Prices>Rates & Fees
2. Check the Future tax rate change box. Enter future rate percent and select starting date.

1. Go to Listings and click the listing you want to change
2. Pricing > Rates & fees, scroll down to taxes section
3. Click on taxes to edit them and click show more
4. You can select 'per stay' or 'per night' in the dropdown.

Seasonal rates allow hosts to set rates based on specific times of year, certain holidays, etc.

For example: if you are in the U.S., your property's peak season may run from Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend. For others, their peak season might be in the middle of winter ski season, with their slowest season during the hot summer months.

Many hosts will create a "season" for the busy and slow periods.The might name a busy period: "Peak Season" or "Prime Season Dates."

No. Houfy offers seasonal rates to give owners more control and flexibility with their pricing. You can skip right over the seasonal rates section.

The only rate you have to set is a base rate. Many hosts set their base rate to their highest holiday rate, just in case they forget to set their holiday rates in advance.

Yes. For example, let's say your base rate is set at $350 a night, and your Seasonal Winter Rates are $300 a night. If a traveler enters dates that fall within your "winter season" the quote will be at $300 a night.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Seasons.
4. Click on the Show button to display expired seasons.
5. To edit the season, modify the dates and click on Save. (Make sure dates do not overlap with other seasons)
6. To remove a season: Select the expired season, click on Delete, and click on Remove to permanently remove it.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Seasons.
4. Then click on Yes to Hide Seasonal pricing.

Houfy shows ranges when guests search without dates.

Adding seasons to your listing will show the highest and lowest rate per night when users search without selecting specific dates.

No seasons added

Lowest and highest nightly rate show

To create seasons: Log in > My Listings > Edit > Pricing - seasonal pricing

• Manage listings > Select the listing and click the Calendar
• Click on any date and select or drag to select the dates.
• Click on the Discounts tab on the left side
• Set the discount percentage and click save

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Discounts.
4. Click on Length of stay discounts.
5. Enter weekly discount and click on Continue.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Discounts.
4. Click on Length of stay discounts.
5. Enter monthly discount and click on Continue.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Pricing from the left menu and click on Discounts.
4. Click on Coupon Discounts, then click on + Add a coupon button.
5. Fill in the information such as coupon code, discount, check-in, check-out dates, minimum nights etc, and click on Save.

You create a discount code and only give it out to the person you want to have it. It is not visible to the public. It’s only visible on your listing if you add it to your description.

To export reviews go to:

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Reviews
5. Click on export

This will export your reviews to a csv file.

We frequently see the one of the following errors occur:

1. The listing on Airbnb or VRBO is hidden/inactive
2. The url points to a calendar ics url.
3. The url is custom. Houfy needs the actual publically viewable url.
4. 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

You can manually add guest reviews received from other websites.

Not if you already imported the review. Once the review is imported, any replies cannot be imported later.

Not if you already imported the review. Once the review is imported, the reply cannot be imported later. Finalize review replies on other platforms before pulling reviews into Houfy.

No. You can only reply to Houfy originated reviews. Replies to Airbnb and Vrbo reviews must be done via their respective platforms.

The process only takes a few seconds. Be sure replies to reviews are finalized before pulling the information into Houfy. You will not be able to pull these in at a later stage.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Reviews

Message us at info@houfy.com to request a review to be removed.

Houfy is committed to providing the best possible experience for both guests and hosts. We understand that sometimes reviews need to be removed due to extenuating circumstances. If you imported a review from Airbnb or Vrbo and feel it is retaliatory or unfair, Houfy may be able to delete it on a case by case basis.

Please e-mail us at info@houfy.com to request a removal of a review.

On Houfy, you can not directly post a review about the guest, but you can ask them to review your listing and add your reply to their review.

To write your reply to the review:

• Go to the listing page
• Select the review you want to reply to
• Click "Write a reply"
• Write your reply and post it.

You can reply to the review given at:

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Reviews

Your reviews will stay on Houfy once you remove your listing from Airbnb or VRBO.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. Select listing site from drop down menu.
2. Copy/paste your listing URL.
3. Wait for the Fetching Preview message to disappear.
4. Check box to agree.
5. Click Import.

***Don't forget to keep these reviews current by periodically updating them on Houfy.***

1. Manage Listings
2. Edit
3. Reviews
4. Click the Pull in new reviews link

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.

1. Go to your listing
2. 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.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Reviews
5. Click Request a review link

Enter guest's email address. Click Send request button.

Your Guest will receive an email with instructions on how to submit a review.

The Write a Review screen will appear where guests can click Continue to submit the review.

Hosts have the option of requesting a review from guests or guests can submit reviews directly from your listing page. Guests must be Houfy members in order to leave a reviews.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select a listing you want to remove your co-host from, and then click Edit.
3. Click Settings from the left menu and click on Contact Person.
4. Scroll down to Listing co-hosts, and click on Remove.

Follow these instructions below to change the minimum age:

1. Log in
2. Menu (top right)
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Settings
5. Rules: Scoll down to near the bottom to change this minimum age requirement.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click Settings from the left menu and click on Contact Person.
4. Select the Owner of the field-managed property.

1. Log in > Menu > Manage Listings > Edit > Settings > Payment information.
2. Check off credit cards including any you accept through PayPal.
3. 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

Should I use Stripe or Square for credit cards?

https://www.houfy.com

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to edit, and then click Edit.
3. Click on Settings in the left menu, then select Payment & Policies, and choose the credit cards.

Note: The selected credit cards will appear under "Host Info" on your listing.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Settings from the left menu and click Payment & Policies.
4. Fill in the necessary details and click Continue to proceed.

1. Click on Menu and click on Manage Listings.
2. Select listing and click on Edit.
3. Click Settings from the left menu and click Rules.

To view your House Rules, go to your listing page and scroll down Policies and Rules.

1. Log in>Menu> Manage Listings>Edit>Settings>Rules.
2. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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

Vacation Rental Agreement Templates

Feel free to use any parts of the rental agreements below. These are ONLY examples to give you ideas for content. It's best to work with an attorney who is well-versed in short term rental regulations, insurance, etc.

https://www.houfy.com

At Houfy you can set your own payment policies. (Your property-Your rules)

Edit listing > Payment Information

Below an example of 50% due at reservation date with the balance due 60 days prior to arrival.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Settings
5. Payment & Policies

From the drop down menu select the currency or (at top of drop down) select that guests can choose any currency they want.

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.

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

1. They collect the damage deposit via Venmo, Zelle, etc. and return it via the same method.
2. Do an authorization hold via Stripe using a channel manager.
3. They just eat the cost when collecting a damage deposit with Stripe.
4. Collect and refund via Square even though it's against their terms and conditions.
5. Charge a non-refundable damage deposit policy through a 3rd party company. They require this on each reservation.
6. Don't charge a damage deposit at all and just request guests report damage.
7. Do an authorization hold through PayPal with jotform.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Pricing
5. Rates & Fees

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.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Pricing
5. Rates & Fees

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.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Go to Connected payments.
3. From the connected payment methods section, click on the three dots next to the connected payment method
4. Select Make Default from the dropdown.

Starting September 5 2023, New York City began enforcing its rules which require all eligible short- term rental Hosts to be registered with the city, or have Class B status, to continue hosting short-term rental stays.

Under New York City law, the unhosted short-term rental (less than 30 days) of a permanent residential dwelling unit is prohibited.

I. Reporting Law (Local Law 64 of 2020)

The City adopted Local Law 64 of 2020, codified as § 26-2101 et seq. of the Administrative Code of the City of New York (N.Y.C. Admin. Code), and effective on January 3, 2021. The provisions of this statute require disclosure of information to the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (“OSE”) about certain short-term rental (less than 30 consecutive days)transactions by booking services, including, but not limited to: the physical address of the short-term rental; the location online of the advertisement that resulted in the short-rental; information relating to the identity of the host, including contact information; and information related to the scope of the short-term rental transaction.

To comply with the new rules you must:

Register with the city

1. Learn about the registration process on the city’s website and apply if eligible under the new rules. ​​
2. Once you are registered with the City of New York, be sure to add your registration details to your listing(s) on Houfy.
3. Your listing address (what you have entered on your Houfy listing) must match exactly with what is on New York City’s list. If your address is not an exact match, you must contact us at info@houfy.com in order to update your listing address.

OR

Host long-term stays

1. Update your minimum night stay to 30 nights or more.
2. Ensure your calendar availability is up to date.

New York data-sharing requirements

The City of New York requires that home-sharing platforms like Houfy share data about listings and you as a host. Before we do so, we’ll ask for your consent to share this information with the City. If you consent, we’ll provide information about your hosting and listing activity to the City. The amended law (64-2020) requires platforms to share data as of January 3, 2021 onwards.

Here is a list of the information we’ll disclose to the City of New York:

1. Host & Co-Host(s) information:

• Name
• Physical address (street name, street number, apartment or unit number, borough or county, and zip code)
• Phone number
• Email
• Profile ID number
• Profile URL

2. Listing(s) information:

• Physical address (street name, street number, apartment or unit number, borough or county, and zip code)
• Listing's name
• Listing's ID number
• URL of listing
• Type (ex: entire place, private room etc.)
• Total number of nights booked per listing

Relevant information for Hosts

Taxes

New York City and New York State impose multiple taxes that may apply to transient occupancy or tourist use, subject to certain exemptions. Examples of taxes that could apply to your listing are:

• State and City sales tax
• City hotel room occupancy tax
• State and City nightly room fees

Information about state-administered taxes is available on the New York State’s Department of Taxation website.

Information about City-administered taxes is available on the City’s website.

All hosts listing on Houfy are required to pay a small one time host verification fee to keep our marketplace secure and trustworthy.

The current price for this is set at $5.99 per host.

At Houfy, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy platform for both hosts and travelers. As an advertising platform, Houfy does not collect fees or commissions on bookings. This requires Houfy to focus on ensuring the integrity and credibility of hosts listing on our platform.

The implementing of a host verification registration fee is crucial for several reasons:

Ensuring Platform Security: To safeguard our platform, it is essential for hosts to verify their identities. This confirms their status as legitimate owners or managers of their listed properties.

Demonstrating Commitment: The verification fee signifies a host's dedication to maintaining accurate and up-to-date listings. This includes reliable data, current calendars, and updated pricing.

Platform Development: The fee contributes to Houfy’s growth, allowing us to enhance marketing efforts and improve the services offered to both hosts and guests.

Verification Process:

The verification process involves:

1. Requesting government identification or other verifying documents from hosts, adhering to applicable laws.
2. Conducting checks through third-party databases to ascertain the credibility of hosts.
3. Implementing additional identity verification methods to increase the overall safety and reliability of Houfy.

Please Note: While Houfy actively engages in verifying listings and hosts to enhance platform integrity, it's important to understand that we do not assume liability for the accuracy or integrity of verified listings or hosts. Our verification process serves as an additional form of identification and credibility for hosts but is not an endorsement of any listing or host. Users are advised to exercise due diligence in their interactions on the platform.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can grow Houfy into a more secure and reliable community for all.

• 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 Online Travel Agencies 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)

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.

Listings which are not completed are usually not verified. Please make sure you complete your listing before uploading a utility bill.

To speed up the process of verification, make sure you complete the following requirements:

• Completed Houfy listings (Overview, Base price, pictures and other relevent information)
• Airbnb/VRBO url provided (By import and or added at reviews or at pictures) or homepage url provided.
• Ical Connected - please review this article for help.
• Utility bill provided
• In some cases we will require a deed or insurance bill.

1. On Desktop/laptop:

• Please select menu > Manage Listings
• Select the listing you want to change, and then click Calendar.
• Click on any date or the date you want to change the minimum stay.
• On the left side, you can write the minimum stay and click on Save.

2.`On Mobile/tablet:

• Please select menu > Manage Listings
• Click on the Set Price button
• Select the dates and enter the minimum stay and save.
  

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar
5. Scroll down to the bottom and set the dropdown to Monday.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar
5. Click on calendar name

• Place cursor in Color field to display color options.
• Select a color - keep in mind Houfy bookings will be dark blue.
• Adjust shade.

Note: Be sure guest name (white text) will be visible against shade.

• Go to Edit listing > calendar
• Scroll down to "Allow same day booking"
• Select No

This will not allow to book for the same date.

The "correct" way of Synchronizing Calendars: (assuming 3 sites)

1. EXPORT Airbnb + VRBO and IMPORT into Houfy
2. EXPORT Houfy + VRBO and IMPORT into Airbnb
3. EXPORT Airbnb + Houfy and IMPORT into VRBO

TIP: When doing this, keep the browser tabs open.

Step 1) Export Airbnb and VRBO & Import into Houfy

Calendar importing allows you to automatically keep your Houfy calendar up to date with an external calendar that supports the iCalendar format, including Google, Airbnb, HomeAway or VRBO.

Log in to Airbnb: Select Host > Listings > Select listing (Browser Tab 1)

Select the correct listing and find: Availability Settings

To export a calendar:

1. On airbnb.com go to Host and select Listings > Select Listing
2. Select Calendar and Click Availability settings
3. Scroll down to Sync calendars, select Export Calendar and copy URL.
4. Paste the Airbnb URL into the Calendar address (URL) field at Import at Houfy.
5. Name your calendar. (Airbnb)
6. Click Import calendar.

Scroll down and find "Export Calendar"

Copy the link - Make sure you select the whole link..

Open a new Tab on your browser. (Browser Tab 2)

• Log in to Houfy
• Click on the menu icon top right
• Go to Manage Listings on Houfy.com
• Click Calendar for the listing you want to import.
• Click on the top-right corner of your calendar view, select Import calendar and paste the Airbnb link.

Open a 3rd tab: Log into VRBO and go to owner dashboard. (Browser Tab 3)

Select property > Manage > Calendar

Click on the up/down arrows > Export Calendar

Click on the top-right corner of your Houfy calendar view, select Import calendar and paste the VRBO link.

NOW YOU HAVE IMPORTED AIRBNB AND VRBO INTO HOUFY

Step 2: EXPORT Houfy + VRBO & IMPORT into Airbnb

• Copy the export Houfy link (First one) and go to Tab 1: Airbnb > Select "Import" and paste the Houfy link.
• Copy the export VRBO link from tab 3 and go to tab 1: Airbnb > Select "Import" and paste the VRBO link

Step 3: EXPORT Airbnb + Houfy & IMPORT into VRBO

• Copy the export Houfy link(First one) and go to Tab 3: VRBO > Select "Import" and past the Houfy link.
• Copy the export AIRBNB link from tab 1 and go to tab 3: VRBO > Select "Import" and paste the AIRBNB link

Youtube video:

Houfy - How to sync your calendars

Houfy Help Tutorial: How to sync calendars

https://www.youtube.com/

In the vacation rental industry, Calendar Sync allows reservations from one calendar to be shared with another calendar automatically. Calendar sync is done using a format called iCal. (.iCal is an format just like .pdf / .com & .xml for example)

With Houfy: Calendar importing allows you to automatically keep your Houfy calendar up to date with an external calendar that supports the iCalendar format, including Google, Airbnb, HomeAway or VRBO.

The "correct" way of Synchronizing 3: AIRBNB, VRBO & Houfy Calendars:

TIP: When doing this, keep the browser tabs open.

1. EXPORT Airbnb + EXPORT VRBO and IMPORT into Houfy
2. EXPORT Houfy + EXPORT VRBO and IMPORT into Airbnb
3. EXPORT Airbnb + EXPORT Houfy and IMPORT into VRBO

Houfy says: can NOT import this link?

Most probably, you copied the wrong link, you might have copied the url in the browser. Please read the above document. ALL larger marketplaces have proper synchronization set up through specific export and import links. (.ics files) - These do not show in the browser.

I'm blocking dates on VRBO but they do not show on Houfy?

Please make sure you have VRBO synced into Houfy.

I added a reservation on Houfy ("Add Booking") but it doesn't show on Airbnb?

Did you import Houfy into Airbnb? Please make sure you did. Airbnb can not get any data from Houfy if you did not import the Houfy calendar into Airbnb.

What does the little sync button do?

The little sync button fetches data from the linked website. As far as I know, only Houfy, Airbnb and Tripadvisor have this.Once you have synced your calendars correctly, you should be all set!

How do I delete a calendar from Houfy?

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Select property
5. Click on the calendar you want to remove > Delete

Click on the little update/sync button.

Example: if you get a booking on Houfy. Then Airbnb needs to pull that booking into their calendar. You can pull the reservation block in immed. by clicking on their sync button in your Airbnb calendar dashboard.

You can do the same in Houfy as well. It's called doing a "hard" or "manual" sync. If you get a booking on Airbnb, then go into Houfy's listing calendar section and click on the sync button to pull the reservation into Houfy's calendar.

If you remove a block on Airbnb and want to show open dates on Houfy:

To show unblocked on Houfy:

• Unblock on Airbnb
• Go to Houfy and perform a "Hard sync" at edit listing > Calendar

Houfy is programmed to synchronize every 3 hours. This means Houfy pulls in new data from other calendars every 3 hours.

How can I manually sync?

You can do a "hard sync or manual sync" when you get a booking on Airbnb or VRBO; go into Houfy's listing calendar section and click on the sync button to pull the reservation into Houfy's calendar.

If you get a booking on Houfy. Then Airbnb or VRBO need to pull that booking into their calendar. You can pull the reservation block in immed. by clicking on their sync button in their calendar dashboard.

It's up to Airbnb or VRBO to pull in Houfy's new calendar info. So you should find out how often Airbnb "syncs/pulls in data" with other sites. It is our understanding Airbnb syncs every 2 hrs and VRBO up to 6 hrs.

This process of syncronzing is fairly easy and only needs to be done once.

Step 1: Export your Airbnb calendar and Import it into Houfy.

To export the Airbnb calendar: (Browser Tab 1)

1. On airbnb.com go to Host and select Listings > Select Listing
2. Select Calendar and Click Availability settings
3. Scroll down to Sync calendars, select Export Calendar and copy URL.
4. Paste the Airbnb URL into the Calendar address (URL) field at Import at Houfy.
5. Name your calendar. (Airbnb)
6. Click Import calendar.

Open a new Tab on your browser. (Browser Tab 2)

To Import the Airbnb calendar into Houfy:

• Log in to Houfy
• Click on the menu top right
• Go to Manage Listings on Houfy.com
• Click Calendar for the listing you want to import.
• Click on the top-right corner of your calendar view, select Import calendar and paste the Airbnb link.

Step 2: Export your Houfy calendar and Import it into Airbnb.

• Log in to Houfy
• Click on the menu top right
• Go to Manage Listings on Houfy.com
• Click Calendar for the listing you want to export.
• Click on the top-right corner of your calendar view, click Export calendar annd copy the url.

To import the Houfy calendar into Airbnb: (Browser Tab 1)

1. On airbnb.com go to Host and select Listings > Select Listing
2. Select Calendar and Click Availability settings
3. Scroll down to Sync calendars, select Import Calendar and paste the copied Houfy URL.
4. Name your calendar. (Houfy)
5. Click Import calendar.

To set a booking cut off date go to:

• Manage listings
• Calendar
• Scroll down to booking cut off date (Set date or choose months from today)

By leaving this date blank you'll have the option to accept a booking at any future date

This means you're taking responsibility to keep your rates up-to-date. (e.g. with a Base Rate set high enough that you won't be disappointed if someone inquires to book a high season date far in the future that you haven't updated)

Example: a guest wants to book a special anniversary in two years when you haven’t set a rate. Please make sure your rates are updated.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar
5. Scroll down to the bottom and select:

• Cut off date by date or
• Cut off date by months from today

Please note: you can only choose 1 of these options. If you wish to set by a date you will need to remove the cut off date by months from today.

How do I block my calendar on my Houfy listing?

On Desktop/laptop:

• Manage listings > Edit listing > Calendar
• Click on any date
• Select "Blocked" and click Save

On Mobile/tablet:

• Right menu > Manage listings > Edit listing > Calendar
• Click on "Set Price"
• Select "Blocked" and click Save

Houfy offers two import options: Reservations Only and Everything

EX: if you block dates on XXXX platform, but want them to remain bookable on Houfy, select to import "Only Reservations" instead of "Everything."

Menu > Manage Listings > Calendar > Import tab

• Edit listing -> Calendar -> Navigate to the blocked dates or booking
• Click on the booking to see details
• Scroll down the left section to see the "Remove" button
• Click on Remove and confirm "Yes" to remove the blocked dates or added booking

Note: Remove button will not be visible for paid bookings on Houfy. In case you want to cancel it, the host needs to cancel the booking and refund the payment as per agreement between the host and guest.

1. Go to Listings and click the listing you want to change
2. Click Calendar from the left meu
3. Select Yes in the Export past reservations section.

Log into Houfy and select Menu > Manage Listings.

1. Select calendar of the listing you wish to export
2. Click Export calendar and copy the url (Select only Houfy reservations)

Log into VRBO and go to owner dashboard.

1. Select the property to sync > Select Manage > Select Calendar at the drop down menu
2. Click on the up/down arrows on the right side > Select Import Calendar
3. Paste the FULL HOUFY URL in the pop up

How often does your VRBO or Airbnb calendar sync? VRBO and AIRBNB calendars usually take a few hours to update. Airbnb usually within 2 hours and VRBO up to 6 hours. There's a chance that a guest could book on one platform, and another guest could book the same dates on another platform in the time it takes for your calendar to update. To avoid problems you can always "hard sync" on Houfy and on Airbnb.

To find out how to "hard" sync, click here

Log into VRBO and go to owner dashboard.

1. Select the property to sync > Select Manage > Select Calendar at the drop down menu
2. Click on the up/down arrows on the right side > Select Export Calendar
3. Copy the FULL URL in the pop up
4. Uncheck (Incl. Tentative Reservations)

Log into Houfy and go to My Listings.

1. Select calendar of the listing you wish to update
2. Click Import calendar
3. Paste the copied VRBO Calendar URL

Log into Airbnb.

To export the Airbnb calendar:

1. On airbnb.com go to Host and select Listings > Select Listing
2. Select Calendar and Click Availability settings
3. Scroll down to Sync calendars, select Export Calendar and copy URL.
4. Paste the Airbnb URL into the Calendar address (URL) field at Import at Houfy.
5. Name your calendar. (Airbnb)
6. Click Import calendar.

Log into Houfy.

To import a calendar into Houfy:

1. Menu and select Manage Listings.
2. Select calendar of the listing you wish to update
3. Click Import calendar
4. Paste the copied Airbnb Calendar URL

1. Go to Listings and click the listing you want to change
2. Click Calendar from the left menu and click Clear pricing
3. Click on Clear Pricing again to confirm the removal of prices.

Example: Your Houfy calendar is synced with Airbnb. You get a booking on Airbnb. Houfy normally syncs (pulls in other calendar info) every 3 hours.

Let's say you don't want to risk your Houfy calendar being open that long for the possibility of a double booking. So you do a hard sync (pull in Airbnb's calendar info immediately).

• Manage Listings
• Calendar
• Click the calendar sync icon on the far right

Note: Some other platforms allow this as well. For example, log into Airbnb and do a manual sync of Houfy's calendar info. And Airbnb will pull in bookings from Houfy right away.

1. Please select menu > Manage Listings.
2. Select the listing you want to remove the co-host, and then click Edit.
3. Click Calendar from the left menu and click on any dates.
4. Click create a new rule-set , enter the rule name for ex. "Weekends rule"
5. Enter the Price per night in Nightly/Weekly/Monthly(28 nights) section
6. Click Pricing by the days of the week and enter the weekend price for desired weekend days for ex. Friday, Saturday.
7. Click Save.

How to apply the rule for the dates?

1. Select any dates in the calendar, you can chanage the dates from datepicker.
2. In the Rule-sets dropdown, select the rule you wanted to apply.
3. Click Save.

• Log in
• Menu
• Manage Listings
• Calendar
• Scroll to the bottom and enter in the last day guests are able to book.

1. You might have created a block. Remove by scrolling down in the left side and click remove.
2. At calendar, scroll all the way down and remove the cut off date or set the date for a future date.

Menu > Manage Listings > Calendar > Booking Cut Off Date

What is the booking cut-off date?

This is the furthest date in the future that you want to accept bookings

By leaving this date blank you'll have the option to accept a booking at any future date

This means you're taking responsibility to keep your rates up-to-date. (e.g. with a Base Rate set high enough that you won't be disappointed if someone inquires to book a high season date far in the future that you haven't updated)

1. Log in to your Vrbo account and select the property for the calendar you want to export. Note that you can only export your calendar if your listing is live.
2. From the property page, select the Calendar tab.
3. In the Calendar tab, select Import & Export.
4. From the Import & Export page, select Export Calendar.
5. In the Export Calendar window, select Copy URL and follow the instructions provided by your external calendar to import the Vrbo calendar.

Note that you have the option to include tentative reservations in the export by checking the "Include tentative reservations in this export" checkbox. However, this may cause issues with payments for those dates if you have also set up an import from that calendar to your reservations calendar. It is recommended to only include tentative reservations when exporting to a private calendar, not when exporting to another booking site like Houfy.

Log into your dashboard/calendar at VRBO:

1. Select Export Calendar
2. Select the ICS file and copy

• Log into Houfy
• Manage listings
• Calendar
• select IMPORT and paste the selected link from VRBO, name the calendar (for example VRBO) and save.

Do not copy url's from the browser. These will not work.

1. Go to: Manage Listings>Calendar
2. Click & select the dates you want to unblock.
3. Click Remove Block on left menu.

You can also send a flat rate special offer instead.  

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar

Once you click Save, the Share Special rates Pop-up window appears.

View of discount when shared on facebook. Traveler can click to view quote.

After clicking, traveler will be taken to your listing to complete the booking. Dates will be preselected, and they will need to edit number of guests.

If sharing via email, you can add a message. Traveler can click View Special Discount to complete the booking.

If you prefer to offer a discount percentage instead, you are able to do that as well. Your guest needs to be a Houfy member in order to book through the link.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit >Calendar > Select dates and change rates

After saving the new rates, preview your listing as a traveler. Enter in dates and number of guests.

Copy URL or use the Share button.

The dates are pre-selected and the guest can complete the booking.

1. Log into Houfy
2. Click your profile picture in the top right of Houfy
3. Manage Listings
4. Edit > Calendar
5. Select the site you want to remove.
6. Delete