This is my first time hosting and not sure what to do besides what I've got posted

[J-D-6]

Brand new host looking for startup advice and tips.  

Big house, lots of space.  Expensive.

[Quincy]

Hi @J-D-6, welcome to the community and hosting!

How did you find setting up your listing?

Since you're a new host, I would recommend that you take a look at our guides board as there might be a few helpful guides that could help you with getting started.

You can find the Host Guides board by clicking here👈

Additionally, I would also recommend that you ask the Community for a listing critique as it could be very helpful to receive feedback from fellow Hosts. Read more on how to ask listing critique by clicking here👈

I hope this helps!

[Kia272]

@J-D-6  Really, a gorgeous property! You've done a great job, and have great reviews so far. I'm going to give you a few recommendations that are my personal opinion only. You'll obviously do whatever works best for you. 

I highly recommend NOT having your capacity so high, particularly contributing to that with the bedroom that has 4 queen beds and two trundles. Think about who you are going to attract with that kind of set-up, which is probably work crews. I'm not saying anything against hard working people, but yours is more of a luxury property, and you're probably better off targeting higher-end guests with a large family, or two families/extended family on vacation together. No adult wants to share a room like this, so at best, it could be a teen room with fewer beds. 

Think about who your target market is and model your property towards attracting that. It might even do well as a work retreat for a small group, given all of the separate little sitting rooms and the mini-kitchen/bar setup.

Make absolutely clear that one of the bedrooms is off the master bedroom. Does that mean guests have to walk through the master to get there, or is there separate access? Guests don't always read, so it's crucial to make things obvious, and repeat them over and over. 

Your dining room table appears to only seat 8. Where are the other 8 going to sit and eat? Same with your living room. How many people can comfortably hang out in there? I'm not seeing 16. 

Next, you have WAY too many pictures. Curate those pics, and add more captions to effectively show what's in each room. Nobody is going to look through 113 pictures. 

Last, you've allowed only 4 hours between check-out and check-in, which is fine if you've allowed for a gap day in between reservations. If you haven't, then I don't see anyone being able to turn over a property that size in 4 hours. 

You have an amazing property, and I think you'd do well in targeting the type of people who can afford that kind of stay. Some other hosts will likely chime in and offer some advice.

Good luck!

[J-D-6]

Great comments!  Many thanks.

JD