New Host!

New Host!

Hello!

 

I listed my home for the first time as a host in January and have had a steady flow of guest and am now a super host. June has no bookings yes (🥴)… hoping you experts could kindly take a look and tell me what I could be doing better. I’m open to feedback as this girl just wanted to rent out her home and see where it went. Now ready to put in some extra effort. Thanks in advance!

 

👉 Home in Clermont · ★4.93 · 3 bedrooms · 5 beds · 2.5 private baths 

12 Replies 12
Elisa
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi @Massiel28 😊

Welcome to the Community Center, and thank you for asking for a listing critique here.

 

Where are you hosting from?

 

I’m tagging a few hosts who might like to share their advice with you: @Lydia544@Blessing61@Miguel1423@Alberto3@Stanja0@Hubert--J0 and @Lazmee0.

 

Thank you in advance, everyone!

 

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Please follow the Community Guidelines //Merci de jeter un oeil aux Principes du Community Center

Hi Elisa, 

 

I know this may seem silly but with my home, since it is summer, people love to envision themselves lounging in shaded areas. I would suggest retaking pics with the table umbrella open instead of closed with some tropical drinks in the photo and then by the lake, at least put a bench or two chairs and a table by the lakeside. As a guest, I have to envision where I will sit by the lake, etc. So even a picnic blanket lakeside or similar. Also, on the porch, put a plug in or solar fan by the lounge chair. Hope this helps~

Hi @Massiel28

 

I also have a listing in Florida (Fort Lauderdale). Summertime is always slow, but this year it has been slower than usual, even with the FIFA games being held just 15 minutes away from my place.

 

Florida is very seasonal. Normally, we have great months from January through April (with everyone escaping the cold), and sometimes May is pretty busy as well. From my experience, the slowest months are September and October.

 

I would suggest — and this is what I currently do — adjusting your rates depending on the season, since high-season rates will differ from low-season rates.

 

So far, it’s been pretty slow for us as well.

Once you complete a full year, you’ll have a better idea of when to adjust your rates according to the different months.

 

Good luck!

Lovely Home! 

I love it .. I would even book it for myself. Do you have kayaks or a small boat in the back? This would be wonderful and make sure to leave life jackets near the kayaks 🙂 hint* 

I also live in Florida half the time and as like in the Caribbean, we are very seasonal. Your pricing also needs to adjust with the season and times. That's my only point to raise. Everything else is perfect! Yes, get those kayaks please 🙂  

Hi Massiel, 

 

I’d highlight the best features of your place in the title. I’d also use fewer pictures.. the pictures from 25-35 are of great quality. Try rearranging them. Research your area and see if there are any major events/activities happening in June and highlight how your location would be a good fit to attend said event/activity. 

happy to discuss further! 

Best, 

Alanoud 

Hi @Massiel28! Welcome to the hosting family, and a huge congratulations on hitting Superhost and Guest Favorite status so quickly since January! That is an incredible milestone, and looking at your beautiful, peaceful lakefront views, it’s easy to see why your guests love it so much. 🤍 Please don't let a quiet June discourage you at all. As @Alberto3  and @Hubert--J0  beautifully pointed out, seasonal shifts are completely normal, and it just takes riding out your first full year to get a feel for those natural rhythms. Your 'About this space' description is already so cozy and inviting! I love @Alanoud2 suggestion about rearranging your photos to put those stunning lakeside views right at the very front to capture immediate attention. And Hubert is totally onto something if you ever decide to add kayaks or a little boat to that dock down the line, that would be the ultimate dream for travelers!

You are doing a wonderful job, and your dedication shines through your listing. Sending you so much positive energy for a wave of last-minute June bookings to come your way very soon!

Congratulations on becoming a Superhost so quickly—that’s already proof you’re doing many things right.

Having no bookings in June doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your listing. June can be a slower month in many markets, and seasonality affects even highly rated hosts.

A few things I’d recommend checking:

  1. Pricing: Compare your nightly rate to similar listings in your area with comparable amenities, ratings, and occupancy.
  2. Cover Photo: Your first photo has a huge impact on click-through rate. Make sure it’s bright, professionally composed, and showcases the home’s best feature.
  3. Calendar & Discounts: Consider adding a small last-minute discount, weekly discount, or early-bird discount to increase visibility.
  4. Listing Title: Make sure it highlights what makes your property unique instead of just describing it.
  5. Photos: Reorder your photos so guests immediately see the most attractive spaces within the first 5 images.
  6. Competition: Check what similar listings that are currently getting bookings are doing differently in terms of pricing, photos, amenities, and descriptions.

If you’ve had a steady stream of bookings since January and maintained a 4.93 rating, I wouldn’t panic. Focus on improving your presentation and visibility rather than assuming something is wrong. Sometimes a few small optimizations can make a significant difference.

I would hire a photographer to do some pictures and emphasize the outdoors more.  I would add a bigger gas fire pit.  People like easy and wood burning is not easy.   Also 5 star your linen setups in your bedrooms.  Market as a couples retreat in off season.  

Congrats on being a Super host!  Your home looks beautiful, modern and clean.  The views, breathtaking!  Have you considered a flexible/variable rate (a setting Airbnb offers that compares your rate to others in the area and availability?) which may help entice some last-minute vacationers.  Do you have a flexible cancellation policy?  An outdoor gas firepit on your private deck may also be a nice add-on. Finally, you mention at a high-level some things to do in Clermont; but are their specific upcoming events you may want to highlight?  (I've just added your home to my list of places to stay!) 

The presentation is excellent, and you've gotten terrific reviews.  I don't know your pricing and it's probable your lakeside retreat is not price-sensitive.  But I'm guessing you could look at comps (if you can find them) and see if your pricing is in line with your competition.

 

Outside of that, everything looks terrific!

 

Gary McAuley

Try lowering the price in evening , it’s better to earn something than. Nothing. 
thanks

Beautiful!

-remove pics that are repeats

-lighten or remove dark pics

-turn fire on for picture

-open sun umbrella

-in the main areas..add some color …flowers?

-turn tv on to nice scene in every picture

-bedroom references king bed, but picture is of the lake

-bedroom two pic highlights the …dresser?

 

Good luck, it looks like a special area for a family to gather.

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