First Time Renting Condo Help

[Katherine1242]

What would be your advice for first-time renting a condo to get the business started? The location is on the ski mountain, do you think the warmer weather seasons are not as attractive to rent? 

[Joan2709]

@Katherine1242 

A bit confused as the property attached to your profile is a large home in Vermont. I have added some suggestions below for that.

If you are referring to a new listing that hasn't been published yet (Condo), then typcially, if the location is "ski-in, ski-out" it will do better in winter than summer. The timing of initial listing is critical for seasonal properties, as they will naturally do better initially in their optimal season (skiing spots launch just prior to ski season, beach locations locations launch for winter getaways and summer vacations, summer seasonal launch in March). 

Your Current Listing - Home in Vermont

I noticed you are missing a lot of information on your listing. For example, you are missing alot of amenities. Airbnb says you don't offer Essentials like: towels, linens, TP, shampoo or private entrance?  You also haven't added the bed size for each bedroom and how many beds? This is done on the Bedroom photos under "sleeping arrangements".  Not having the listing completed could be deterring guests from booking.

I would take care of completing your listing first. Here is a Guide with Tips for new Hosts:

Guide for New Hosts - Tips

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/A-Guide-For-New-Hosts/m-p/2073093#M2346

You can then alter your title (include best amenities like Hot Tub, Pool, Pets Allowed), description and photos for each season:

1. Winter emphasize skiing, hot tub
2. Summer emphasize hot tub, pool hiking, things to do in the area
3. Fall emphasize changing colors, hiking

Pricing

Right now you should be priced 20% lower than your competition in order to get 5 bookings with good reviews and qualify for Guest Favorite

In slow season, try using Custom Promotions to get more eyes on your listing in guest searches. New listings are not eligible initially for Custom Promotions, but I suggest you reduce your price manually for now. Then use Custom Promotions to reduce your price when able:

Create Custom Promotions

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2982

Get Professional Photos - Captions

For a property this size, professional photos ARE A MUST! Please get those done ASAP with a photographer experienced with shooting Airbnbs. Professional photos will pay for themselves with one booking and usually can be written off as a business expense. Put captions on all your photos. Gets need to know what the space is and what they can do/enjoy in the space depicted.

[Silver-Wolf-Stays0]

Hello Katherine, I would like to connect with you to see how I can help.

[Helen3]

The easiest way to help is by posting your advice on this community. 

that way everyone on the community can benefit. 

@Silver-Wolf-Stays0 

[Joan2709]

@Katherine1242 

You can continue to get great advice here for FREE. You can also consider hiring an experienced Co Host or Short Term Rental Consultant to assist you with creating and optimizing your listings, even if for just a few months.

Find the Right Co Host

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/find-the-right-co-host-on-airbnb-695

[Alex]

Hi @Katherine1242! 

Hope everything is going well. Congratulations for your first steps in the hosting journey. I'm sure everything is going to go well amazing. I see you've got a lot of comments so far from other hots in the community, did you have the time to check them?

Let us know of you have more doubts! 

Best, 

Alex