Hello! New in central Mass, United States.

[Jeff3157]

After using Airbnb successfully over the years in the US and abroad, I have been itching to be a host myself. I have finally done it. Excited for the journey. I would love advice from successful hosts on where to focus my energy and where to not waste my time.  I have focused on clean, unique and simple for now. 

[Trude0]

Welcome! 

If you search this forum, you’ll likely find lots of threads with tips for new hosts. 

But one piece of advice I can think of, is ”manage expectations”.

It is vital that your first reviews are 5-star and with glowing comments. Therefore, make sure you have texts and photos that show guests a realistic picture of what to expect - and more importantly, what NOT to expect. Don’t oversell. You want to avoid having guests arrive and be unhappy/semi-happy with the place - better to lose a booking.

If you receive a request to book, and have a feeling your place might not be a good match for that particular guest, then handle this in messaging before approving. 

For instance, my tiny house has a low ceiling sleeping loft with a steep ladder. And to get to the city centre from my place without a car, you go by a combination of bus and train. When relevant, I remind potential guests about this, in case the haven’t noticed. Most book anyway, but a few thank me, and say they will look for something that will suit them better. Which is better, for both of us. 😀