New mixed Use Building

[David7194]

Hi Guys

We have a new Mixed Use Building in Cape May County, New Jersey and this is our first foray into airbnb. 

The property is a Cape Code style home on a main street about 10 minutes from several vacation beach towns. We want to use it occasionally as a satellite professional office and rent is lightly on airbnb too at times we are not using. We would NOT be onsite when renting and we would rent the full house when renting it, but keep the one small office room locked. 

Any suggestions on getting started, how to find good renters, and anything particular to our mixed use setup??? Thanks so much for the help.

Regards

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@David7194 A few random ideas

1) Make sure you price the property properly. By this I mean not too low or you will attract poor guests. Linked to this is ignoring all Airbnbs price suggestions.

2) Whether its true or not imply in your listing that you are nearby so people don't think they can get away with parties etc.

3) I wouldn't mention the mixed use - if a room is locked off its irrelevant to the guest. Our listing has a whole bedroom we use as a storage cupboard!

4) Instant book is hated by many. We use it as we live next door to our apartment and hence are on hand for any issues. Also by Ealing IB we can cancel up to 3 bookings per year if we don't like the look of them based on their reviews.

5) Don't allow 1 night bookings. In high season I suggest a 7 day min with only 1 day per week allowed for check in/check out/ Low season perhaps a 3 night minimum will help to stop party bookings

6) We don't price per person but for the whole place. Perhaps this loses us some bookings but again helps to stop someone booking for 2 and sneaking 6 in.

7) Be prepared for issues - Ring doorbells seem to be good ideas (as long as they are disclosed). Also consider what would happen if you saw a party taking place. Would your local police department care or should you line up a private security firm/large friends to deal with any parties.

seven should be enough for now

Good luck

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@David7194 Just looked at the listing:

I love the law sign - That should help get better guests.

I think the beds description does not match the description which says the sofa/pull out beds are downstairs.

In your listing you say you are their sometimes - This does not match what you said in your forum post

Finally _ Are you really doing the FULL covid cleaning thing without any cleaning fee? You could get a 1 night reservation for $200 wish (I see prices in £) and have to launder all the curtains etc. It can't make commercial sense.

And very finally - You need more photos - lots more photos.