@Kathryn94:
Congratulations on your new purchase. It looks like you are new to Airbnb. If so, take a couple hours and read through some of these threads. (https://community.airbnb.com/t5/forums/v3_1/forumtopicpage/board-id/new-host/page/1/thread-id/20384). Also, memorize the cancellation policy, but to sum it up: NEVER cancel on a guest. Period.
Now to your actual question. If you included the old Airbnb account as part of the sale (hopefully you did if the ratings were good) and have access to the admin panel of the previous host then update your profile. Have the old host contact each guest that is arriving and explain that you are the new owner, but (if it is true) they have been working with you and that you will be continuing their great service and amenities as well as offering new and exciting amenities that will be in place before the guest arrives. Be upbeat and positive.
You may exprience a couple cancellations, but remind people that they are coming for the accommodation which will remain the same or even improve as you replace items and bring in new amenities.
If you are using the old host's account then you will also need to contact Airbnb to provide your new banking details unless the account was included in the sale (hopefully it was).
If you must use a new Airbnb account then keep access to the old account but block all days on the calendar. You can't snooze the listing or it will automatically cancel your booked guests. Open a new listing with Airbnb, move all of the pictures and information over or add new as desired and immediately block out the dates you are already booked BEFORE you put the listing live. After the last previously booked guest leaves then you can cancel the old listing.
In your new description you can put that you are new owners but that the property has been an Airbnb for a while and here is what previous guests have said, then provide quotes from the old Airbnb profile to help build you up because you will start with no reviews.
That is the majority of first things. Next settle back and enjoy your new business! Us hosts are always here should you have questions, but search through this forum. It contains a wealth of information and you can quickly learn from other people's mistakes!
Good luck!
