Listing is live but does not appear in search on available dates

[Sara11296]

I just listed my home with only a handful of dates available (it's my personal home to be rented it out during local events). I have sent the listing to a couple people I know, and they have confirmed that they can see my listing as well as the dates it's available. However when they do a search in my area for those dates and corresponding number of guests, my listing does not appear in search.

There are only a few airbnbs in my neighborhood, so I'm thinking it's not to do with being crowded out by more popular listings. Does anyone have guidance or ideas on what may be going on? Thank you!

For reference, we are trying to search Iowa City, IA from August 29-30, 2025 for 8 guests. 

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Sara11296 

Welcome!

Airbnb delays showing your listing to guests for 24-72hrs so Hosts can finish completing the listing. There is a lot more information to add after publishing. You are missing a lot of information on the listing. For example, a listing this size should have at least 50 amenities? You are missing a lot of amenities you probably do have, so you need to go to the Amenities section on the Listing Editor and add every amenity you have. For example, Airbnb is saying you don't have standard amenities like hot water, Essentials (TP, towels, linens), TVs, heating, AC, etc.

You have also selected that only Experienced First Guests can book your first booking, so anyone that searches for your listing that doesn't have 3+ Airbnb stays with good reviews will not see your listing appear in search results:

Suggest you read through the New Host Guide and add all the additional information you are missing to your listing before guests can book:

A Guide For New Hosts

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/A-Guide-For-New-Hosts/m-p/2073093#M2346

[Joan2709]

@Sara11296 

Just a few things to clarify....

Looks like you have a 2night minimum stay, so anyone searching for a one-night stay (Aug 29-30) as mentioned above will not see your listing appear. I was able to find your listing when searching for Aug 29-31/8 guests and you appeared in the number 4 position (very good).

I was incorrect to say since you chose Experienced First Guest the listing would not appear in search results if the guest doesn't have at least 3 stays with good reviews. The listing will appear, but can't be booked unless the guest has the 3+stays on their profile. 

Amenities

I see you updated your amenities; but are still missing "Essentials" according to Airbnb. Essentials is under the bedroom/laundry category in Amenities:

Also, many of the text edits indicated by the pencil icon are missing on your amenities? These all count towards listing completeness by Airbnb and helps you in search rank. After you add all your amenities go back and choose the edit button and the pencil icons appear indicating addl information needs to be selected. 

[Emilie]

Hi @Sara11296, 

Congratulations on your new listing! I'm not familiar with Iowa City, what are some of your favourite sites to visit or activities to do in nearby? 

Joan has shared a lot on insights with you regarding how you appear in the results, once you've had a chance to look through it all, please let us know if you have any more questions ☺️

Thanks, 

Emilie