Guest wants to walk through property before booking

[Jodi13]

Hi everyone. I might have my first booking and was just curious if it is normal for a guest to walk through your property before booking. The reason I ask is because I have about 20 pictures posted so I'm not sure what more they would want to see. I live alone and want to make sure this is not a scam or a dangerous situation. Is this normal?

[Josipa2]

Hi Jodi , this is not a common practice. During these 2 years of my Airbnb experiences, I had few requests from possible to see the apartment before booking and I refused - politely, saying this is not a common practice on Airbnb, that we are advised from Airbnb not to give our address or bring people over to our house if they did not booked through Airbnb because of possible danger and just say you are sorry, but that's the policy. Tell them that photos shows everything and if they have any addiotional questions or requests - to ask you. 

[Jodi13]

Thank you. That was sort of my feeling as well.

[Anita1]

We host in Bali and constantly receive requests to see the property before bookings.  Now we use a standard reply;

I'm sorry.. but we are no longer doing showings for several reasons. Firstly, Airbnb discourages showings and blocks all address and phone numbers for this very reason.

Secondly, you will appreciate that for your safety and security we have to be very careful about allowing unknown persons on the property prior to booking.

Finally, I have many listings and I’m very busy all day with the hospitality of guests who have already booked.

With many listings I could not possibly do my work.if I spend my days showing properties. Sometimes people don’t show, are very late, get lost, so I waste time, lose other business, lose money and waste petrol and then guests do not book. I also find that most people are just looking to negotiate a lower price and pay directly to avoid the Airbnb fees.

But I understand sometimes people want to see the house. I work very hard to keep a good reputation with over so I offer 3 options eliminate unethical applicants from serious guests;
 
1. I charge showing fee Rp 200,000 which will be applied to the rental price if you book, or
2. If you book online and find the description and photos inaccurate I will waive the cancellation policy and refund you all nights you do not stay or,
3. If you are considering longer term stay, I suggest you book online for shorter period.  If you like the property and want to extend, then I will apply the payment you made to weekly or monthly rate so you don’t lose any money.

Remember, even if you see a villa, there are many things you can not experience like noise, traffic, dogs, chickens, neighbours, pests, water, toilet, electricity, AC, wifi etc. So it is better you rent for a shorter period because most owners will not refund you if you have problems.

I hope you appreciate my position and I look forward to working with you.

Thank you...Anita