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What Extras Should Airbnb Hosts Provide and Which Ones Are Nice But Optional?

Do you own an Airbnb rental in Scottsdale, AZ, or anywhere else for that matter? If so, you’ve probably been wondering which extras you need to provide and which ones you don’t. Or are you even obligated to provide any extras at all? Besides, do extras really make that much difference to your guests?

The answer is yes and no.

Let’s go into that a bit further.

Do I Have to Provide Extras with My Airbnb Rental?

No, you don’t have to provide extras with your Airbnb rental. Your guests probably aren’t going to rate you on your extras. However, they will decide whether to come back and whether to leave you a good review based on how well your rental met their needs.

Do Rental Extras Really Make a Difference?

Yes, they do, but you don’t need to go overboard. What makes your rental popular is how comfortable and convenient it is. Therefore, providing coffee pods, snacks, and other little niceties will make your guests’ stay comfortable and convenient because you anticipated their needs. This way, your guests don’t have to lift a finger or go out of their way to cover what most people consider a basic but not necessary need.

So that leads to the next question. Which extras are basic and should be included as part of a guest’s stay and which ones are nice but optional?

Basic Airbnb Amenities That Should Be Included with Every Stay

Here are some of what we consider basic Airbnb amenities that should be included with every stay.

  • Highspeed WiFi – lets face it, this is an absolute MUST in any property to be successful!
  • Coffee pot, coffee, creamer
  • Soap, shampoo, body wash
  • Hairdryer
  • Toilet paper, tissues
  • Sheets, blankets
  • Minimum one pillow per guest
  • Minimum one towel and washcloth per guest

Optional Airbnb Amenities That Are Nice but Not Necessary

Most Airbnb management services in Scottsdale, AZ will tell you that while the following amenities are not necessary, they will make a difference in how comfortable and convenient your rental is for your guests. Therefore, we highly recommend you go ahead and include these extras.

  • Ironing board, iron, and clothes baskets
  • Laundry detergent (even if your rental doesn’t have a washer)
  • A variety of phone chargers
  • Snacks such as popcorn, nuts, pretzels, etc.
  • A guidebook with area activities, restaurants and their menus, directions, and hours, etc.
  • A pool table, ping pong table, or foosball table.

And if you really want to up your game and set yourself up for great reviews and extra bookings, try providing luxury amenities. These could be anything from high-end linens and towels, his and her robes, movie streaming, a welcome basket, or anything else you think your guests might appreciate.

The Bottom Line

Anything you do that goes above and beyond what your competitors are doing is going to make your rental all that much more successful and profitable. The best thing to do is to put yourself in your guests’ shoes and think about what you might need if it were your stay. Just make sure what you’re doing is budget-friendly and not ultimately costing you more than you are making.

What’s Next?

If you don’t have the time to manage your Airbnb rental or are tired of the everyday churn of dealing with guests, their questions, and issues, please Contact Sojourn Properties today. We offer a variety of Airbnb management services in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Here’s Every Detail You Need to Include in Your Airbnb Listing

When potential guests read your Scottsdale, AZ Airbnb listing, they do so to see if it will meet their personal, family, business and/or vacation needs. Your listing is the only front-facing marketing piece that you have to convert someone who’s just browsing into a paid guest. Make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity to express all that your Airbnb offers by including plenty of information. Here are the details that should be included in your Airbnb listing.

What Floor It’s On

Many travelers have special needs and can’t manage stairs. They’ll be looking to see what floor your Airbnb unit is on, so make sure you tell them. If it’s on a second floor, mention how many stairs there are, or if there is elevator access.

Proximity to Food Stores

Your guests will need to access food right away. Let them know with a map screenshot or detailed information how close the nearest food stores are. Also include the name of the stores and distinguish between small corner markets and full-product grocery stores.

Nearby Dining

Be sure to mention nearby dining establishments with a brief description of the style and type of cuisine. For instance, you could say: “Within a 5-block radius there is a Mexican taco stand, an Argentinian fine dining establishment, a take-out pizza place and a fast-food American hamburger place.”

Disposable Amenities Supplied

No guest wants to arrive only to find there’s not so much as a square of toilet tissue or hand soap in the unit. Allow guests to prepare by listing exactly what you will provide. Specify that it’s “starter” supplies so you don’t have to refill paper products for long-stay guests. (Note that it’s good practice to include starter supplies of bathroom tissue, hand soap, paper towels and dish soap.)

Refund Policy

You can avoid sticky situations by plainly explaining your refund policy upfront. The Airbnb listing platform provides a special field for this, but go the extra mile and detail how any refund will be provided and on what terms.

The more detailed information you can provide in your Airbnb listing, the fewer disappointed guests you will have. Your Airbnb management company in Scottsdale, Arizona will help keep guests happy, too. For more information about Airbnb management, please contact us.

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How to Choose a Location For Your Airbnb

If you’re looking for an investment property to buy so you can use it as an Airbnb, location is doubly important. Many Airbnb guests choose their accommodations based on their location first, and other things like amenities, second. After all, the perfect Airbnb is no good if it’s in the wrong location. Choosing a location for your Airbnb can be challenging, but these tips will make it easier.

Consider Access to Highways

Ideally, your Airbnb will be easy to find off the interstate. Guests who are coming in from out of town will be unfamiliar with small, local roads and may be wary about traveling down lonely country lanes in unknown locales. You don’t need to have your Airbnb in the city center, unless you want that, but reasonable access without the need for a four-wheel drive vehicle is usually best.

Look at Tourist Activity

The most successful Airbnbs are often located in touristy areas. Look at how many tourists come to any place you’re considering. Is the town a “drive-by,” or do tourists come to linger for a few days? You want to have your Airbnb situated in a place where tourists are attracted to.

Review Local Area Attractions

Another thing to look at is the number of area attractions. Try to choose a place where there is a lot to entertain people of all ages. It doesn’t have to be near Disneyland, but it should be near natural or man-made attractions. Ideally, those attractions should be either numerous or so complex that they require stay-overs to get the full experience. Note that when looking at management for your Airbnbs, you don’t have to do the work. You can hire an Airbnb management company to take care of your Airbnb rental for you. This can even include providing pamphlets and ticket information about local area attractions.

Use these tips as a guideline when looking at various investment properties to use as your Airbnb. If you can tick most of the items on this list, then chances are you’ll meet most of the requirements of your future Airbnb guests. For full-service help managing your Airbnb property, please contact us today!

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Appealing to Corporate Renters: How an Airbnb Can Stand Out Over Hotels

Corporate renters can be a huge source of revenue if you have an Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ. However, there’s no doubt you have some fierce competition from neighboring hotels. We’ll look at how you can appeal to the corporate crowd and why your place might be a far better choice than the traditional options.

A Unique Place to Stay

Long-term renters definitely have options when it comes to hotels. There are a number of extended-stay rooms that feature everything from kitchens to jacuzzi tubs. Yet even the best hotels just can’t match the charm of a good Airbnb. These aren’t sanitized versions of home, they’re a real place where corporate workers can kick up their heels and relax after a difficult day.

In your marketing, make sure to show off the most unique parts of the house. In addition, stock up on everything in the kitchen. From pots and pans to gourmet coffee, these items can really convey comfort to the weary traveler.

A Good Place to Work

With so many people working both in and away from the office, an Airbnb might be a more restful place to work than a hotel (particularly if you have more than one bedroom). If you think you might have a lot of corporate traffic in Phoenix or Scottsdale, you should have a designated office with good lighting, a desk, and plenty of plugs. If you have remote workers stay with you, ask them for their suggestions on what would make for a better environment.

An Excellent Place to Sleep

If a corporate worker is going to spend 16 hours on the job, the bedroom is going to be pretty important to them. Make sure it’s big, comfortable, and a haven from the stresses of the office. (In other words, don’t skimp on the mattress, sheets, pillowcases, etc.)

Free Property Analysis in Phoenix, AZ

The corporate crowd is spending big bucks for their journeys, but it’s not uncommon for people to undersell their properties — even when they price compare. If you want to learn more about what your Airbnb is really worth, Sojourn Properties LLC can provide a free property analysis in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Who will Opt for an Airbnb Instead of Stopping at a Hotel?

Are you thinking about putting your condo or suburban property on the short-term rental market? Is it even the kind of place that a traveler to the Scottsdale area wants to stay in for a week or a month? If you have hesitated to capitalize on your investment because the decor is outdated, the house is too big, or perhaps even too remote, now may be the time to make the move. Schedule a free property analysis to target your marketing to the right segment of travelers.

Families are Traveling, but Still Cautious

After a year of social distancing, families are ready to take a trip, but at the same time can be hesitant to lodge at a popular hotel. An Airbnb offers a good balance between privacy and safety. Mom and Dad do not need to rely on hotel staff to properly sanitize the room and there is less worry that other travelers may be ill. Families are happy to opt for a few extra bedrooms, a dishwasher, and a garage, too.

Executives Love the Perks of Working From Home

The company is springing for an in-person seminar this year, but not all the executives are looking forward to evenings struggling with slow internet and loud neighbors in the next hotel room. After perfecting their home office, business travelers are eager to stay at a quiet apartment featuring a wireless printer, fiber-optic internet, and a large leather office chair. It is even better if your condo is just a few blocks away from the convention center.

Grandparents Enjoy the Added Comfort of a Full Kitchen and Bath

How often have you listened to your elderly relatives complain about restaurant food that is too salty, too sweet, or simply too much? Some seniors are rediscovering the freedom to enjoy a visit to the grandkids when they have access to their own kitchen, groceries, and a roomy bathroom. Instead of suffering through cold cereal at the breakfast buffet, they start the day at their own speed.

As you can see, short-term rentals are no longer a popular choice for the younger adult generation. With more families, executives, and seniors embracing the flexibility that comes with an Airbnb, there is a golden opportunity to start earning cash off a property that didn’t seem to fit the market in the past. Is your rental ready? A free property analysis from our Airbnb management company in Scottsdale, AZ will help ensure that your listing is prepared to be fully booked for the upcoming travel season.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Airbnb’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can make people feel at home when they arrive at your Airbnb property. Curb appeal also makes your property more enticing to potential guests. Are you seeking ways to improve your Airbnb’s curb appeal? Here’s what we recommend.

1. Keep Up the Paint Job

Most houses that have been painted need to be repainted approximately every 5 years or so. Repainting your Airbnb home on a regular basis will help keep the property looking its best. Know the signs that your Airbnb needs to be repainted. Look for:

  • Peeling or bubbling paint
  • Faded paint
  • Bare wood siding showing through

2. Maintain the Landscaping

Good landscaping can help make your home look cheerful, well-maintained and inviting. Some suggestions for keeping up with the landscaping around your property:

  • Keep the grass and other plants watered
  • Pull weeds regularly
  • Lay down fresh mulch at least once per year
  • Plant easy to maintain annuals or plant perennials that tolerate the natural weather conditions where your property is located
  • Prune overgrown plants that either don’t look very good or which are blocking sunshine from entering your Airbnb home

3. Keep Your Property Free of Debris

Get rid of any debris on your property following wind storms. Check the property regularly for trash and other things that need to be cleaned up. This is especially important if your home is on a busy street with a lot of foot traffic.

4. Inspect the Property Regularly

Walk around your property on a regular basis to look for problems that need to be addressed. You might see anything from insect nests to a broken fence. Once you’ve inspected the property, make repairs as needed.

5. Want to Maintain Your Airbnb Property? Contact Sojourn Properties

You may not be around to keep your Airbnb property in the best condition all the time. That’s why you need a property management company that can help you keep your property looking its best. At Sojourn Properties, we help maintain Airbnb homes, so that you don’t have to. To get started maintaining your Airbnb’s curb appeal, call us today.

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5 Ways to Draw More Guests With Your Airbnb Listing

Your Airbnb listing does a lot to attract guests at your property. A well-written listing could make all the difference. There are many things you can do to make your property sound attractive to potential guests, so here’s what you need to know.

1. Write a Detailed Listing

Write a detailed listing that is accurate, creative, and clearly states what is unique about your property. Use words that convey the personality of your property and of course discuss the condition of the property. The more descriptive words, the better. When you’re done, have a friend or family member edit the listing and make suggestions as appropriate.

2. Keep Up-to-Date Listing Information

Did something about your property change? Maybe a room was added, or a space was opened up to make an open layout? Did you change the color of the home’s exterior? Make edits on your listing so that people will know what they’re getting when they book a room. This will also prevent confusion when your guests arrive.

3. Set Clear Expectations In the Rules Of Your Listing

It’s always best to ensure that your guests know where they stand when they arrive. They’ll feel more comfortable booking a room or a house if they know what your expectations are. Write clear rules and policies for your property to ensure your guests will feel comfortable reserving your property.

4. Make the Photos Stand Out

The photos you take of your property should be well-lit, should reveal as much detail about your property as possible, and should be generally attractive. Feel free to take as many pictures of your property as need be in order to ensure that your pictures provide a clear picture of what your property is like.

5. Update Your Profile

Make sure that your profile reveals something about you, like your personality or hobbies. The more you sound like a relatable person, the more people will want to book your property.

Contact Sojourn Properties to Take Care of Your Airbnb

You can’t attract people to your Airbnb property if it isn’t being maintained. To ensure your property is in good hands, contact Sojourn Properties today. We offer a range of Airbnb property management services in Scottsdale, AZ.

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How to Ensure Good Reviews For Your Airbnb

The success of your Airbnb relies on good reviews. Ultimately, you can have the best pictures, the most comfortable place in the best location; but if you have bad reviews, then chances are that at least one person will pass on renting your Airbnb. The best way to make sure you get consistently good reviews is to make sure it happens. Don’t rely on chance. Here is how to ensure good reviews for your Airbnb every time you rent it out.

Use a Property Manager

Even if you are really diligent about making sure your Airbnb is outstanding, things have a way of going awry. You need to make sure that your guests have a point of contact to take care of the little things that can interrupt a serene Airbnb stay. These unanticipated events can ruin your guest’s stay and result in less than positive reviews for your property.

  • Running out of propane for the stove
  • Running out of bottled water
  • Internet goes down
  • The Interior door gets accidentally locked
  • Toilet gets stopped up
  • Plumbing pipe breaks
  • Water valve breaks and faucet won’t turn off
  • Electric shower malfunctions

When you hire an Airbnb property manager, these unfortunate events can be swiftly taken care of, ensuring a positive review.

Check-in on Your Guests

The best way to ensure good reviews for your Airbnb is to simply check in on your guests every now and then. You or your property manager can avail of the messaging system to just say, “Hi, is everything okay? Is there anything you need?” This lets your guests know that you remember they are there and that you are committed to their enjoyable stay in your property. This enables your guests to vocalize their needs to you in a private setting rather than to complain about something publicly later.

Be Responsive

If your guests do reach out with any kind of question or problem, be responsive. Don’t wait 24 hours to address their question about what to do with their trash. Answer as quickly as you reasonably can, so that your guests feel that they are being listened to and that their concerns are being taken seriously. Good reviews for your Airbnb are essential for the continued success of your rental property in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Sojourn Can Handle All This For You!

Let us give you a free property analysis and show you why we are the top short-term rental management company in the Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ area. We have the team and the experience to maximize your property’s revenue. For assistance managing your Airbnb or other rental property, please contact us today.

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3 Easy Ways to Up Your Reputation Score as an AirBnb Property Owner

Renting out your owned townhomes as Airbnb properties can really deliver a hefty profit for you and a much easier life as a property owner. However, much of your success with Airbnb rentals relies on what your guests have to say about their stay after they leave. Most Airbnb guests read through guest reviews before picking a place. If your reputation score has fallen due to a few bad reviews, there may be a few ways you can get your reputation back up.

1. Make sure guests get what is advertised, always.

Guests pick specific rentals because they feel the place would be a good fit for their needs and wants as a traveler. If a guest comes to your property and they do not get the experience they were expecting due to what information was portrayed in your listing, it can definitely lead to a bad review. To make sure guests get what is advertised:

  • Carefully craft your description so it gives reliable, consistent information about the property that does not change
  • Update your listing every time something small changes
  • Make sure the property looks like what it does in the images you share in a listing

2. Respond to unhappy guests immediately and do your best to please them.

The old saying in business is you can’t please every customer all of the time, and the saying holds true in short-term property rentals as well. You are bound to have a guest who is unhappy at some point; your job then becomes making sure you do what you can to appease the situation. Reach out to the unhappy guest, find out what was wrong, and work to understand their complaint. If necessary, offer a partial refund or savings on a future stay.

3. Ensure guests have a memorable experience at the property.

Memorable experiences at an Airbnb are more likely to trigger positive reviews. You should always provide what is advertised, but small details ad gestures make the experience seem as if you’ve gone above and beyond as a host. Perhaps you could leave a handwritten note offering pointers about fishing at the pond on the property. Maybe you could leave a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge or a basket of snacks on the table. These offerings are memorable and more likely to yield excellent reviews.

Do you need help managing Airbnb properties?

With a little time and effort, you can keep your reputation score high and your reviews good for your Airbnb rentals. If you are struggling, it may be a sign you need professional property management to help. Reach out to us at Sojourn Properties for information about our services.

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The Advantages of Short-Term Rentals Over Hotels for Corporate Travelers

Every year, professionals take more than four million business trips in the United States. On average, this is 12 to 14 trips per year and anywhere from 4 to 6 nights away from home.  The majority of these people traveling for business will naturally gravitate toward hotels for their temporary accommodations, but short-term vacation rentals can sometimes be a better solution. Here is a look at why short-term vacation rentals can be more suitable for the average business traveler.

Privacy helps ensure company travelers stay secure.

Hotels are great, but they are not always the most private places. Travelers are constantly coming and going, there can be a lot of activity and excitement, and the rooms are not always so private. Townhomes, houses, and even apartments can offer a bit more privacy for the business traveler that prefers some level of security and to stay out of public focus.

Short-term rentals can be a more cost-effective option.

If a business traveler is looking for a short-term place to stay, a rental can be a better option financially than a hotel. Hotels are designed for brief stays, so they are usually offered at a cost per night. Short-term properties available for rent are most often available at a discounted price when travelers are planning to stay for more than a few days. For example, it may be cheaper to stay in a vacation home for a week than what it would be to stay in a hotel for a week.

Fewer distractions can mean more focus for work.

Hotels can be relatively notorious for being home to bustling activity. Some are planted right in the middle of the busiest parts of a tourist-heavy location. Unfortunately, this bustling activity can be a major distraction when a business traveler is in town primarily for work. These professionals may prefer a bit of quiet reserve, out of the tourist areas, and away from all the activity.

In the end, short-term vacation rentals can be incredibly valuable for just about every type of traveler, right down to the corporate professional. If you would like help with managing your short-term or Airbnb rentals, reach out to us at Sojourn Properties LLC in Phoenix, AZ for more information.

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