2022 Hosting Goals!

[Laura2592]

 What are your goals for 2022?

More or better quality bookings? Better screening of guests? More income? Less time spent turning over between guests? New amenities? Improving your space? Taking more breaks?

Let's hear them!

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Laura2592 Its not really a goal but we just hope that we will have a normal year next financial year (starts April 6th). We started listing 3 years ago and between Covid and a need to put a neighbour up due to their house burning down we haven't had a 'normal' year since we started and would just like to know what one is like!

[Laura2592]

@Mike-And-Jan I don't know what normal is either with some of the experiences we have had!

[John5097]

@Laura2592 

I'll be installing a mini-split heat pump on the 11th and 12th. The rental unit is already connected to the central heat and air, and has its own baseboard heaters to guest can adjust those in the winter, but with the mini split they can adjust it for the rest of the year. Its even very warm outside now and in the spring and fall it gets tricky. I'm excited and can' t wait to install it! I got to order a bunch of new tools and always really immerse myself into a project like this. The following week I'll also rebuild a little housing unit for an irrigation pump that's close to guest entrance. I'll inch up in nightly rates. All in all I think this will be a nice improvement, but otherwise got things dialed in so no other real changes. 

I've already installed the stand for the outdoor unit, power supply, and disconnect box. 

PS.. and going to replace the other line set cover that has started to rot at the bottom. 

[John5097]

Finished installing the mini split. Whew that was a lot of work, but fun project! Still need to paint the wood outside. 

Works great but stays 2 degrees warmer than set temp. Guest checking in this afternoon. 

[Ann783]

Limiting stays to one week. Raising rates. Putting finishing touches on basement renovation

(we will have an additional bedroom and bathroom). Looking forward to welcoming guests in the spring after a hiatus.

[Debra300]

@Laura2592 

We usually only go to the US just twice a year for 6-8 weeks, and even during those time periods we still take vacations elsewhere.  Our goal is to add a new STR listing for our primary living space in our Atlanta home (we had already converted the master bedroom into a separate STR apartment) to supplement the St. Lucia guesthouse income that hasn't yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.  Based upon the booking history and earnings of the apartment, which almost pays about 90% of the mortgage, the additional rental income should cover both ATL house and the St. Lucia guesthouse.  This is significant considering that due to government regulations, we weren't allowed to be open from March 2020 until July 2021.  Although there is a great desire for people to get back to traveling internationally, the ever-changing COVID testing and isolation/quarantine requirements back in the source markets makes it very difficult to forecast the guesthouse's bookings and earnings.

[Huma0]

@Laura2592 

- Better quality bookings would definitely be nice! I've not hosted many guests since the pandemic started and most have been great, but the majority of enquiries/requests/IBs I've been getting lately have been problematic. I wonder if there is a way I can A). better attract the type of guests I want and B.) better screen the guests who contact me.

- Be more productive during quiet periods, e.g. decluttering, reorganising, doing repairs and decor/interior design updates. I'm very good at planning the last one and then not getting on with it! One of the things I really want to tackle this year is better insulating my house (especially as energy costs are soaring).

[Linda3345]

Great topic! I’m 3+ months into doing this, and trying to project ahead. 
Improvements planned:

1. Adding a floating, tethered dock to our pond. 
2. Replacing all the gutters on the house. 
3. Possible AC upgrades. 
4. Painting one bedroom & a long hallway. 
5. Installing picket fence out front. 
6. Maybe

adding gate to backyard fence.

Pricing: 

Pricing is set a bit higher, beginning next May, and we are already getting bookings. 
Greeting guests: 

I started by greeting guests in person, then stopped because I thought some people looked nervous, but have now decided to go back to greeting in person, but be sure to keep the interaction focused on the guests, and keeping it fairly brief. 
Financial: 

I wish I could predict! My first goal was to earn back money spent furnishing & preparing AirBnb. I need to determine if I have hit that yet. 
Other goal is for AirBnb to be able to pay the mortgage for the next couple of years. 
I need to learn more about accounting & business plans. Anyone have good resources for that? 
Personal Goal: To continue enjoying hosting as much as I am already! 

[Laurelle3]

@Linda3345 I was writing my list as you were writing yours. Our cottage is 2 years old so there is less maintence at this stage. We are always touching up paint on the walls, doors when they get knocked. I find it easier to do this at the time as I do the cleaning and see it .

My accounting, I save all receipts for items bought. Then photocopy them and put  the information on a spread sheet fot the accountant. Including trips to shops which correlate to shopping dockets. I do the washing and put the number of washing loads and dryer loads if wet weather. Along with half the rates, insurance,electricity-water and gas is calculated to number of people to number of nights.  All of this is part of negative gearing in Australia for earning money on properties as this all adds up to payless tax.

Yes I agree with you to continue to enjoy hosting and meeting guests. When I  have stopped enjoying this it is time to take a break or stop hosting altogether.

[Laurelle3]

@Laura2592 my aim is to stick to 24 -48 hr block between guests because I do the cleaning of cottage and I am finding it is a bit of a rush to give a 100% clean and restock to a high standard. (my standard). 

2. Spend more time in the garden and move garden shed to make a more direct pathway to cottage.

3. Which means more laying of  pebbles for path.

4. Widen parking area/driveway with more pebbles.

5. Investigate and install outdoor shower.

6. Make new cushion covers for lounge and outside chairs.   

7. Make check lists for husband so he can help more ( to make it easier to communicate as we are in this together). Mainly what has to be cleaned and checked. What goes in linen tubs, replacement stock baskets. Take photos of drawers for layouts for him. (It all in my mind).

8.Update guidebook.

9. Update assessability for cottage with photos.

8. Take time off in the off season and do a little travelling myself.

I often write a list but whether I complete them is another thing, But it gives me something to aim for.

[Marg11]

Has anyone discovered where to find cleaners? We need a cleaner for 2 hours on changeover days but respondents to our ads only wanted regular work. Our guests can book stays between 2 and 30 days. Already added cleaning fee with no reduction to our 97.4% occupancy.