New Host...help!

[Joy1956]

Good morning. I am very new to this. Could you please look at my listing and give me some suggestions. I believe that the listing needs improvement. Thank you sooo much!  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1594223988135879281?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e396b497-8ac...

[Tom4999]

Hi @Joy1956 , welcome to HELL.... I mean hosting lol. You have done the hard part in getting the bricks and mortar right, now just a few small tweaks to the listing, this is all just my opinion and I am by no means a pro at this. Firstly I would sharpen up the description here is a suggestion

Peaceful & Private 2BR Apartment Near Lakebottom Park

This private two-bedroom apartment offers a quiet, spacious retreat designed for comfort and privacy. Located close to Lakebottom Park, it’s ideal for couples, professionals, or small families looking to relax and recharge.

The apartment is attached to a single-family home but fully self-contained, with a private entrance, keyless keypad access, and complete separation from the main house.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

• Large primary bedroom with queen bed, walk-in closet, seating area, and private en-suite bath

• Second bedroom with a full bed and its own private bathroom

• Two bathrooms total, both with walk-in showers and stocked essentials

Kitchen

• Exceptionally large, bright, and fully equipped

• Full-size appliances, cookware, dishes, and dining table

• Ideal for longer stays or guests who prefer to cook

Privacy & Access

• Private entrance through the carport

• Small shared foyer used only for entry

• Separate locked keypad doors for guest suite and owners’ home

• Owners do not enter the guest apartment

Outdoor & Parking

• Shared backyard access

• Two very friendly dogs may be present in the yard (not inside the suite)

• One designated parking space near the carport

Kitchen Notes

• No stovetop frying (no vent hood) — air fryer provided

• Use one small appliance at a time

• Unplug appliances when not in use

Quiet, clean, and comfortable — a peaceful place to feel at home.

Next I would pay for professional photos, Yes it is an investment but it will pay for itself after 2 bookings. The property is beautiful and you have obviously spend a lot of time and money on it but it is not showing in the photos. For right now change the main (hero) photo to the main bedroom (photo 4) this is a much better picture to attract attention.

Lastly a more optimized title  Peaceful & Private 2BR Apartment Near Lakebottom Park

And a question, you state "no stovetop" but there is one in the pictures.

I hope this helps.

[Richard3413]

Hi @Joy1956 , 

Looks a good listing but the photos seem to be rather dull. Are they taken at night? I worked in Real Estate for many years and first impressions are the most important to

capture interest. There are so many listings so you have a small window to grab a guest’s attention. 

My listing doesn’t have professional photos, home cameras and mobiles take some great images so try that first. 

I don’t know pricing for your area but keep an eye on the local competition and also any similar hotels that guest may also consider.

Good Luck

[Joy1956]

@Richard3413 Would you mind looking at my listing again with the new pictures I posted?  I feel they may still be lacking but definitely an improvement.   I greatly appreciate your feedback.

[Mark3018]

@Joy1956 IMHO, they still don't look great and don't make me want to book as a guest. I would get professional photos taken. I've had that done on my properties and it makes a huge difference. 

[Joy1956]

Thank you.  I am going to do that.

[Robert-James0]

Hi @Joy1956 

I have been doing this a little over a year and find it to be a good way to keep an eye on my property. It is also fun!

I think you did a pretty good job listing amenities  the property offers.  I would add more pictures. If you can get clearer pictures with more light I think that would help.  They appear dark and a little distorted. I noticed you put some captions on some of the pictures.  Maybe add more of those?  Maybe show  the separate entrance and yard areas that are included.  Those are the things my guest look for.  Is the place kid friendly? Do you accept inside animals?  I would list that if you do or don't.  Keep in mind service animals are a different story.  Is the property handicap accessible at all?  If so take pictures of the areas so they can see how many steps and if there are grab bars things like that.  Give it time.  Make sure your pricing is competitive with other properties in your area.  I have found that letting Airbnb do the pricing works well for me.  I offer special local treats and a few spices and  things like that as well. I have a house book for my guest full of local things to do and information about the house.  I also have a comment book for my guest to sign letting me know if they had a good stay.  Other guest read those and it encourages positive feedback.

I think this is  the link to my property. You are welcome to check it out.  I am happy to help!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/894332353391208612?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=5152bfab-e4de...

[Joy1956]

@Robert-James0 What a beautiful space.  This gives me some great ideas!   I defnitely need to add more pictures for sure.  I retook them with sunlight but am not sure if they look better.  Would you mind quickly looking at them?  

[Naomi208]

Hallo Joy,

Welcome to the team of hosting.

Conglatulations for taking bold step.

1.Please correct your description, it indicates 0 toilets 

2. Please engage with the professional photographer for high quality photos.

3. Improve on your images in house arrangements.

We all started that way and improved with time.

Wishing successful Hosting 👏

Naomi Ogamba-Kenya

[Marie1733]

Hi @Joy1956 

I’ve looked at your listing. I second and strongly agree with what Tom4999 had suggested below.  Additionally, If you want to maximize your listing without having to do all the below, you may want to get a cohost in your area. They usually have relationships with photographers or are skilled at taking optimal pictures. You can also ask around your community host clubs for recommendations for photographers or cohosts. 

let me know if I can help assist 

[Shawn1049]

Hello @Joy1956 

Welcome onboard. I am new just like you and I am still a learner too. But I’ll give you my take. Firstly, I think @Tom4999 nailed it and I see that you have incorporated some of his advice. Good looking. 

In regard to your photos, If you are on a budget, you can still take them by yourself with a good phone. Your angles are pretty good. But you have to retake them with better lighting. Aim for early hours when the sun is just rising and bright. Ensure your main sunlight sources are wide open too. When you are done retaking the photos, go on Fiverr and hire a professional real estate photo editor. There’s a lot of them with fast turnaround and they are very affordable. You can have those 17 photos edited for $20 or less. 

You are more than welcome to click on my profile and check out my listing. I took the photos myself using my iPhone 14 Pro. And then hired a professional, to edit them. So far, they seem to be working pretty well. 

Hope this helps. Wishing you the best in your hosting journey.

[Joy1956]

Great advice.  I will definitely try that.

[Regina1113]

@Joy1956 Hi. Just sharing you my experience. If you are new to Airbnb try to market your place by not competing price. Give smart pricing to attract guest. I hope this will work for you. Good luck 😊

[Joy1956]

I used the Smart pricing.  i believe it is priced on point now.  With this there is no difference between weekend and weekday prices, is there?  It changed my price to be every day the same.

[Robert-James0]

@Joy1956 The pictures look much better!