I was sooooo nervous when I started. I thought everyone was going to kill me at night and steal everything. I misplaced my grandmother's quilt once and emailed the last three quests to ask if they "accidently took it" . I found it in my old truck one morning, forgetting that I brought it with me for a picture shoot of my truck.
I think you will be nervous at first. It takes about 3 guests to get into your grove.
I googled "Airbnb American phone number customer service" and I call occassionally to ask questions. They have always been very helpful and will call the guests if something needs attention.
Be you! I am a nurse and caring for people, socializing comes natural. Advertise that!! That is the kind of people you will draw to your home. I will never draw the business man in a suite because I have a vintage camper with birch walls in my frontyard/driveway. I advertise that I am one mile from the interstate and offer a safe place to sleep or a neighborhood for walking. There is a park two houses away. I advertise the amenities I have...this is camping!
And, the few things I was nervous about (someone from Saudi Arabia) quickly diminished once they were here and I met them. I also advertise that drivers licenses will be verified upon arrival. I photo copy or write down their number and put that paper in a file folder labeled Airbnb.
Just be wise. Advertise that ONLY registered guests may stay on the property. No others may show to "hang out"!! That will prevent a TON of problems. And, if you live on the property, the likelihood of the guests interacting and "behaving" goes up.
I am a host and stayed at a place recently in Miami. When the lady making breakfast for the family offered coffee I accepted. The host spoke to her in Spanish and then told me, "I am sorry. We don't have coffee". I have thought about that experience over and over. That is NOT the way I handle my guests. I offer them (if I am also making it and have it available) coffee or grits, etc. One group ate shrimp boil with us and friends on the deck of the pool. Each guest will be uniquely different and your human experience between each guest will be special. -Start a journal for your guests. Leave it at the bedside or on a table. Ask them to write something. I have had guests write in Arabic, Korean, etc.
My motto in the house is to treat people like I do with nursing.....it's kind of a natural thing for me.
Enjoy the experience. The benefits are soooo beyond money!
