Startup help.

[Olajuwon1]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to hosting in Southeast Austin, TX and am in the process of getting everything set up. I'd love to hear from other local hosts about your experiences and recommendations.

I'm specifically looking for:

• Reliable cleaning services that are experienced with short-term rentals
• Property management companies that provide good communication and guest support
• Any vendors or service providers you've had positive experiences with
• Tips for managing a property in the Southeast Austin area

If you've worked with a cleaning company or property manager that you would recommend (or avoid), I'd appreciate any insights you can share.

Thank you in advance for your help. I'm looking forward to learning from this community and becoming a successful host!

Best,
[Your Name]

[The-Ruma0 · Accepted solution]

Welcome to it! Southeast Austin's a solid area to be in right now. One thing I'll pass on since I wish someone had told me early: when you're interviewing cleaners, don't just ask "do you do Airbnbs", ask specifically how they handle same-day turnovers, whether they'll text you a photo if something's off or damaged, and whether they restock consumables. STR cleaning is a totally different animal from regular house cleaning, and a lot of great residential cleaners just aren't built for the speed and the checklist side of it. The ones who text you mid-clean about a broken glass or a stain are worth their weight in gold.

On the management side, my honest take is look at the rating and portfolio of whoever you are handing it over to for management. A boutique property manager is better than a mass management company as to what Ive heard. I learned the hard way that you can get dinged or even suspended over stuff you didn't realize was your responsibility, so the more you know the basics yourself, the better you can judge whoever you hire or atleast someone who guides you with it. Happy to share what I figured out the painful way if it's useful.

[Emilie]

Hi @Olajuwon1, 

What an exciting project! How is your listing preparation coming along?

In addition to the advice you already received, I wanted to mention a few fellow hosts in Austin who might have more local advice to share: @Alyssa507 @Sam7649 @Erlinda21 @Grace1242 @Shani231 @Jim2668 @Nancy-and-Bill2 @Shaun-Marie0 @Amanda2773 @Amanda3431 let us know if you have any suggestions for Olajuwon 🙂

Thank you everyone!

Emilie

[Felicity117]

Hi Olajuwon, welcome to hosting! Southeast Austin can be a great market if you're set up right.

On the management side, I help hosts handle guest communication, inquiries, screening, and support (before, during, and after check-in), so you're not doing it all solo while you're still getting things off the ground. Happy to share more if that's useful. I have been managing long-, mid-, and short-term rentals for 4 years.

I can also help source a reliable cleaning company for you. We can go through your budget and pick the best. 

Feel free to reach out, or just ask here if you want quick pointers first. I can share my work experience and skills at your convenience.

Wishing you a smooth start!

Felicity