When does the anxiety go away?

[Julie1525]

We are in a rural area that seems more remote than it is. Probably our 1/2 mile dirt/gravel lane makes it seem like it's in the middle of nowhere. We are just 4 miles from town and 9 miles either direction to somewhat larger towns.

Being "remote" has caused me quite a bit of anxiety in a couple of ways. Because we are in wine country, many people come here for that, but we are 9 miles from the nearest "wine central". I suppose some people feel that's too far, but there aren't that many Airbnbs that are less than the cost of a hotel room in that community. So my anxiety on the one hand is why isn't my place being booked more? I'm wondering if my listing is flawed.

The other concern with being out of town is personal security. We are right at the end of the road, and all the other people in the other 6 houses on our road work. Often I'm here alone. So I worry that a bad apple might come through that's like a wolf in sheep's skin, out to do harm.

I'm thinking that the challenge has been fun to get my place all spruced up, and the people have generally been wonderful, but I worry my place won't be successful . How was your first year, if you are in the same situation as me? 

[Lisa723]

@Julie1525 we are in a very similar situation, except we offer a private guest suite rather than rooms in our shared space. We haven't had any bad experiences in 4 years of hosting. Your place looks lovely and you have many great recent reviews. I think your business will continue to grow.  Bookings will come. Lots of people don't plan far in advance. One thing to check, if you haven't already, is whether your homeowner's insurance is OK with your new business.

[Sarah977]

@Julie1525My place is also rural, and most guests fly in to the airport and take the bus to my town, an hour from the airport. So they don't even arrive with transportation. I'm quite clear in my listing that it's a 20 min. walk to town and the beach (more or less, depends on how fast one walks, but that's the average, it's about 2 km.) and I reiterate that when they book,  just to make sure they read that part.

I also market towards the type of guest that will be a good fit here, and so far, that's what I've gotten.

All my guests have been lovely, for the almost 3 years I've been hosting. I'm a single woman living alone renting out a private room/bathroom and no guest, male or female has made me feel scared in any way.

But if you feel nervous having strangers in your home while you are alone there, get yourself a can of mace or bear spray. I'm sure you'll never have to use it. And put a friend's or neighbor's phone number on speed dial.

[Julie1525]

@Sarah977 , I guess I'm not sure how to market to people that wouild feel like a good fit--people that don't feel the need to be in the middle of all the action. Maybe if i hired a massage therapist to help them (or me) relax!  Just kidding!!! I haven't turned anyone down yet. Even the young couple who were obviously VERY different from us! But when we got to visiting, they were very much like my oldest grandchildren.

[Julie1525]

@Lisa723 , yes I checked with homeowners insurance. It doesnt cover it, but I've since received an offer that is just barely more than what we currently have, and it does cover ABB--if I have a 2 night minimum. THanks for the reminder that I need to call on it.