I’m getting ready to purchase my first property for AirBnb so I’m seriously excited about this topic! We recently sold our previous home which had been a rental for 10 years. As it was out of state, it was getting a little too difficult to deal with and we also didn’t have the benefit of using it when we visited our previous state as it, well…had renters in it full time.
Welcome to AirBnB, lol! As I’m shopping for OUR property, I thought I would share hints I’ll be using to make our rental special and profitable with the tricks and tips we use regularly in our Home Staging side of the business!
1. Illuminate Your Listing with Thoughtful Lighting
You may not notice this but lighting, especially when you’re NOT in your home can make a tremendous difference in the way someone feels in a space. Fluorescent lighting, glaring overheads – or worse ONLY overhead lighting or simply not having enough lighting can make your space feel dreary or clinical. Neither is conducive to a full calendar and 5 star reviews. Your renters might not even know or understand why they weren’t comfortable.
Lighting should come in three forms:
Ambient – Light that illuminates the room. Ceiling cans and overhead lighting fit into this category
Task – Table lamps, desk lamps and bedside lamps are all considered task lighting as they are there to illuminate a particular area of the room. But task lighting also adds a much needed warmth to a space that overhead or ambient lighting will not.
Accent Lighting – Under counter lighting, picture lights, a small lamp lighting up a dark corner are all examples of accent lighting. These lights fill otherwise dark or less homey voids in your rooms.
2. Decorate with Your Ideal Client in Mind
We were recently out of town and opted to stay in an AirBnb rather than the ubiquitous hotel. It was close to the folks we were visiting, close to the airport and on a quiet, neighborly street. The guest house was small but well appointed, having everything we needed. From a design perspective it needed a little love (but hey – this is an occupational hazard for me!) but it did check most of the boxes. Number one on my list is always a coffee maker, closely followed by a hair dryer – something that takes up space to pack but needed regardless. The sofa was NOT comfortable but the bed was delightful! In my upcoming rental, and in yours, the furniture that will get used the most – the bed and the sofa should both be comfortable and made with a good stain resistant fabric that will take to regular cleanings! A place to sit at a table, whether for dining or making a zoom call is pretty important as well.
If your rental is in a community with a built-in “theme”, avoid the default kitschy decor in favor of an upscale version.
Mountain cabin? Nix the wood carvings, animal trophies and thematic wallpaper borders in favor of rich wool plaid blankets, soft and warm textures and cozy colors!
Beachfront bungalow? Maybe forgo every surface a nautical theme, sand dollar knick-knacks and tiki decor in favor of natural textures, soft hues and crisp fabrics.
The goal is make your AirBnb stand out in the advertising but being THE upscale version of whatever else is happening in the area. That kind of forward thinking will result in being one of the first to get booked and for the most money!
3. Put All Amenities on Full Display
Quality linens from soft towels to high thread count sheets will probably not show up in the photos but they WILL resonate with the folks that rent from you, leading to repeat business and great reviews! A great coffee maker, cleverly appointed kitchen and stocked bathroom will show your potential visitors that you are ready to accommodate them!
If there is something that is relevant to the community that will be a value added commodity, make sure it’s called out. Bicycles, boogie boards or the latest and greatest in electronic amenities can all be helpful in having your place stand out from the crowd. And don’t forget to put together an area guide-book to help your guests navigate the community offerings.
4. Leave No Room Left Unstaged
Think about being on-trend without being trendy. Where you feel the need to follow current trends is important do it a thoughtful, financially conservative and easily changeable way. For example, there are some really great looking light fixtures that are reasonably priced. A few of these will give your rental a great updated feel and in 2-3 years when styles and trends change, it is an easy and inexpensive thing to update!
Paint is always an easy update and as it needs to be refreshed regularly anyway, using paint colors on the walls is a wonderful way to interject some current trending colors, know that in a few years you’ll need to repaint regardless!
Bedding – sheets and towels and area rugs – are another item that will need regular replacement so it’s perfectly okay to go a little trendier with these.
For your countertops, cabinetry, flooring and backsplash, focus on timeless choices that will last for decades!
5. Understand the Power of Good Photography
The number one thing to remember is it’s all about the pictures! While the reviews are important (and they are!) the first thing that will capture the attention are the pictures. Quick little snaps with your camera phone are NOT going to cut it! Either invest in professional pictures (preferred) or if you’re going the DIY route make sure you’re following some basic guidelines to take really great photos. If the photos are terrible, you’re not going to be able command top dollar for your rental.
Your photos should be taken in natural light and from several angles. Also? Do not infer there is a view or quick access to a local hotspot if it’s not true! Take photos of the exteriors, the bathroom, and if there IS a view out a window? Make sure it features prominently!
Decorating you AirBnb is marketing! It’s not JUST about making it nice for your guests – a welcoming, neighborhood appropriate styling of your project will net you a better rental, better reviews and the best ROI you can expect! If you’re interested in a little help and need an AirBnb consult, let us know.
If you would love a staging professional’s help taking your Airbnb listing to the next level (or price tier), let’s chat!
Xoxo,
Pamela
