Starting an Airbnb Can Be Simple (And Inexpensive)
Getting started with Airbnb can be easier than one may think – and inexpensive! You don’t need a large mansion or a super unique glamping site, a spare bedroom within your home is a great place to begin. In this video, we will walk through my home that started my Airbnb journey, for less than $1,000.
Why I Got Started With Airbnb
My interest in Airbnb peaked when I decided on two things:
- I didn’t want roommates anymore
- I needed a way to help pay my mortgage
What I didn’t know was in 1 month, my room on Airbnb almost immediately covered my mortgage payment, without even renting out my house full time. Whether you are looking to cover some bills or make extra money for that vacation you have been wanting to take, Airbnb is the perfect solution.
Taking The Jump To Become A Host
When I took the jump, I had little money to spend and no idea how this was going to work. What I did have was a nearby IKEA and some friends who were willing to help. A fresh coat of paint, furniture and blinds went a long way.
If your first few guests are willing to have a conversation after their stay, it is a great way to learn more about how to make them feel comfortable. See what they liked about your Airbnb and what you can do better next time. One of the first things my guest mentioned to me was wanting a lock on the door for privacy. It’s not something I immediately thought about when renting my spare room because with roommates you expect everyone to stay in their own space. Buying a lock for the door was an easy fix and allowed me to give my guests that extra sense of security.
Having these conversations early in your Airbnb journey will help you to continually make improvements to your home and get more bookings along the way.
Setting Up Your Home For Guests
Although you are inviting guests into your home, you need to be sure that the setup works for both of you. Let them know that the kitchen is available, but you may also be in there making breakfast or getting some work done in the other room.
If you have pets, tell your guests up front that they will be around the home and there may be some barking here and there. You can set up your home however you feel would be best for your guests, but being honest from the beginning is important so they know what to expect from your day-to-day routine during their stay.
It’s Never Too Late To Become A Host
The Airbnb platform is always evolving and growing, and it’s never too late to get started. Set up your listing in a way that suits your lifestyle, it’s as easy as that. By providing a spare room on Airbnb, you are simply sharing your home with guests who are traveling in the area and putting money into your bank account at the same time.
Becoming an Airbnb host is a great way to make extra money and create meaningful connections with guests. So what are you waiting for? Get started today on becoming an Airbnb host and follow along for some more tips and tricks!
