Critique my listing - Rachel in Knoxville TN

[Rachel3322]

Hi! I'm new to short term rentals and would love some experienced insight on my new listing.

I've been doing mid-term (30+ day stays) for about a year, and just got my short-term rental permit to start listing for shorter stays.

I know I need better photos for sure. I've got a mid-term tenant in there right now who moves on out December 3rd, and I'd like to arrange for photos then. 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1535713812182482428?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=00cb9382-bc5...

@Quincy - it says I don't have permission to upload images. Can you help me with that so I can add a photo to this thread? 

[Quincy]

Hi @Rachel3322, thanks for notifying me! I've now added a photo to your post, and I am also tagging a few very experienced members who might be able offer a few tips @Joelle43 @Joan2709 and @Patricia2526 😊

[Rachel3322]

Thank you! Excited that we've already had 2 bookings for the spring. 

Very open to suggestions and ideas for making my listing more appealing. 

And also totally new to pricing on air bnb (I've only done mid-term up until this point)

[Malika148]

im an outdoor person.. outside besid the stairs maybe put few pots with plants ot give some colour, i know there are some plants with yellow / orrange leaves, it would give a bit more welcoming look. 

Something on the outdoor table too 🙂 

[Quincy]

That's so exciting to hear @Rachel3322! I could see that your topic has received many replies from fellow hosts 😊 Have you had a chance to seen them? 

[Rachel3322]

Diving in now! Great feedback here - thank you for tagging peeps in too 🙂

[Tom4801]

Hi Rebecca, Tom reaching out about your listing. I support a property in a beach town in southern New Jersey and the competition is fierce. Listing all the extras you offer is key to attracting more attention like available parking, access to any other amenities like outdoor spaces, grills etc. all add up. A mention of closeness to transportation, shopping and restaurants are nice mentions especially if you are looking for shorter bookings. short-term guests do not want to cook. 

I like the idea you plan new pictures, I know that a great clean bathroom picture is also a key to more bookings. I also leave cold water, 1/2 dozen bottles, to help make the guests feel at home. If you can be flexible with early or late checkins/checkouts, that makes you stand out too. 

Good luck, let us know how well you do, Tom

[Rachel3322]

Great advice Tom. 

Do you list all those extras like free parking in the description itself?

I have them check as 'amenities' in the amenities feature but tried to keep the description fairly short. 

[Melissa3002]

It's a beautiful unit. I would add rockers to the porch along with the potted plants for curb appeal for the front as well as the patio area. You could add string lights around the patio area. 

Your listing is very detailed but repetitive. It may be an unpopular opinion but sometimes less is more so it doesn't lose the key details. Some of the info could be listed in your welcome guide so the listing isn't overwhelming. 

I hope you have great success with this charming unit!

[Rachel3322]

Great idea. We are currently finishing the renovation on the front unit (which is why it looks a bit bare on the front porch) then I'm excited to fit out the porch.

love the idea of rockers - would give some southern charm here in Knoxville

[Gernide0]

Hi Rachel3322, 

Tips from My Experience as a Host in Jacksonville

Hey there, welcome to hosting!

I’m GeGe — I manage a few short-term rentals in Jacksonville, FL under my brand GeGe Palace Group.  I’ve learned that how you present your space and care for guests really makes a difference.

You’re already doing great starting with mid-term stays — that experience gives you a strong base for short-term hosting. Here are a few things that have worked well for me:

📸 Get professional photos (Airbnb can help!). Airbnb actually offers a photography service — I used it for my All property specially at my property at 148 W 6th St, and the photographer did an amazing job. The photos came out bright, welcoming, and true to the space — and I definitely noticed more bookings after that!

🕯️ Keep your home photo-ready. Guests love when the home looks exactly like the listing. I send my cleaners photo references before each turnover so everything stays consistent and styled.

💬 Make your listing warm and inviting. Highlight the vibe of your space — mention what type of guests it’s great for (like professionals, nurses, or families) and any local highlights nearby.

🎁 Add your personal touch. I love leaving a welcome basket for my guests with small goodies or self-care items, and sometimes a discount code from my shop, DazzlingBeautySolution Guests really appreciate the gesture and often mention it in reviews. It’s a simple way to make them feel special and connect your brand with your hosting style.

You’re doing all the right things — once those new photos are up and your listing has that personal warmth, you’ll start seeing results. You got this! 🌟

— GeGe

GeGe Palace Group 

[Brian3564]

Honestly, the images look amazing to me. The space seems cozy and that is one thing guests love the most. I have always tired to keep my place looking the same but definitely make changes based on the different seasons to add a little more touch. 

I try to offer special rate during certain seasons as well based on traffic and how much persons express interest in the listing too. But over all just be positive and try to offer your guests the best experience. They remember even the smallest things and sometimes that right there really makes a difference. 

[Morgan857]

Great location for short term rentals. East TN, North GA and West NC are driving distances from major metro areas.  When times get tough people don't stop vacationing. They might not do the Bahamas, but they will look for closer, more affordable options like cabins. 

We noticed traffic in North GA slows down around May and picks back up in September.  If you can manage a longer tenant in that time frame that might be ideal.  However, traffic never goes away entirely. We hav never gone more than three weeks without a guest. 

With photos, try to get the elements that capture the emotion of the stay - edison lights in the night time.  It's not just the home, it's the experience. 

[Laura8323]

Hi Rachel.   

I think your description is very good and detailed.   The pictures are good, but I would add one of the sofa bed when it is open so people can see the size.   I kept looking at the pictures first the second bed and then read that it was a sofa pull-out.   Other than that, I think it’s great!  

Good luck!

Laura 

[Rachel3322]

Good idea Laura - I didn't even think to pull out the sofa bed.