How to Start an Airbnb

42. Under Contract? Prep Your Airbnb Before Closing


Listen Later

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

  • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
  • Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website
  • Episode Summary

    In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our newest “two-for-one” Airbnb deal — a primary home plus an ADU over the detached garage — and walking you step-by-step through exactly what to do the moment you go under contract on an STR. If you’ve ever thought escrow was a waiting period, think again. I break down inspections, appraisal, insurance, financing, and the overlooked prep that saves weeks and brings in revenue faster: design, ordering essentials, project planning, and lining up contractors. I’m literally doing all of this right now with Clay (hello color-coded spreadsheet!) so you can copy the plan and hit the ground running on day one.

    Key Takeaways
    • Escrow ≠ downtime. Treat it like your launch runway to save weeks and protect cash.

    • Inspection strategy: General + specialists (well/septic, fireplace/chimney) to avoid 5-figure surprises.

    • Appraisal + financing: Know your numbers, keep credit quiet, confirm down payment, closing costs, and reserves.

    • Insurance for STRs: Homeowners ≠ STR coverage—get quotes and bind the right policy before closing.

    • Design early: Share capacity goals and inspo with your designer; use Matterport/accurate measurements to avoid costly misorders.

    • Order essentials now: Linens (2–3 sets/bed), kitchen packs, smart locks, routers, TVs, blackout curtains—“select all, add to cart.”

    • Project plan: Room-by-room scope, sequence (paint → floors), timelines, and 2–3 contractor quotes with price-match asks.

    • Real timeline: Accepted offer to close is often 30–45 days—use every one of them.

    • Why Listen to This Episode?

      If you want your STR live (and profitable) ASAP, this gives you a proven, copy-and-paste escrow checklist and launch plan. You’ll learn the exact moves I’m making on our new two-for-one ADU property so you can avoid delays, budget hits, and stressful “now what?” moments on closing day.

      Let’s Connect

      Thinking about launching during escrow? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

      Work With Me
      • Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator (self-paced): My start-to-scale system with checklists, templates, and the full Escrow Checklist.

      • Buyer/Investor Representation (WI): Want help finding and underwriting STR-worthy properties? I’ve got you.

      • Launch & Design Support: Need a designer, cleaner, or vendor team? Ask me for intros.

      • Chapters
        • 00:00 Intro + our new “two-for-one” ADU deal

        • 02:10 Escrow isn’t downtime: mindset shift

        • 03:30 Non-negotiables: inspections (general + well/septic + fireplace/chimney)

        • 06:50 Appraisal + financing: reserves, do’s & don’ts

        • 09:20 STR-specific insurance (bind before closing)

        • 11:40 Design during escrow: capacity goals, inspo, Matterport, measurements

        • 15:10 Ordering essentials now: linens, kitchen packs, tech, blackout curtains

        • 18:00 The room-by-room project plan: sequencing + contractors

        • 21:30 Timeline math: using the full 30–45 days

        • 23:00 My current launch timeline (close Oct 10 → target Dec 1)

        • 25:00 Wrap + Accelerator invite
        • ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          How to Start an AirbnbBy Brittany Wenninger

          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5

          5

          2 ratings


          More shows like How to Start an Airbnb

          View all
          BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast by BiggerPockets

          BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

          16,731 Listeners

          Utbytte by DNB

          Utbytte

          16 Listeners

          Crime Junkie by Audiochuck

          Crime Junkie

          369,918 Listeners

          Thanks For Visiting by Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian

          Thanks For Visiting

          591 Listeners

          Real Estate Rookie by BiggerPockets

          Real Estate Rookie

          1,829 Listeners

          BiggerPockets Daily by BiggerPockets

          BiggerPockets Daily

          317 Listeners

          The Short Term Show by 8 Figure Airbnb and Short Term Rental Real Estate Investor Avery Carl

          The Short Term Show

          450 Listeners

          Airbnb Host Coach Show | Investing for Financial Freedom by Airbnb Superhosts Culin Tate & Danielle Tate

          Airbnb Host Coach Show | Investing for Financial Freedom

          16 Listeners