Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | STR Revenue Management

The safe approach to designing your space for Airbnb involves a very clean, sterile look complete with your basic IKEA furniture. But today’s guest prefers to offer his guests a more unique experience, and he personalizes his space with art, board games and a garden. His guide books include stories about how some of the artwork was acquired, and he is currently developing playbooks filled with activities and information catered to a specific type of guest. His ‘outdo yourself’ philosophy allows him to make the most of his Airbnb listings and help his guests feel at home.

Joe is an entrepreneur and Airbnb host out of Denver. He grew up in New York City, where he was inspired by the arts and design. Joe has owned several businesses, including a skate shop and a pizza cooking school, and his diverse resume includes stints as a beekeeper and fourth grade teacher. He is world traveler and a real estate guru as well, and today he’s prepared to share how business practices translate to the world of Airbnb.

Joe also explains his Airbnb hosting philosophy, how he approaches guest communication, and his tips for providing a custom Airbnb experience. Listen and learn how to personalize the information you provide your guests, becoming a virtual tour guide who helps travelers get the most out of their trip!

Topics Covered

Joe’s Airbnb hosting philosophy
•‘Closing the gap’
•How quickly can I make guests feel at home?
•Already enjoying space, experience from initial contact

The two main approaches to Airbnb
•Keep it sterile (clean, IKEA furniture)
•Add character (art, personal items)

How Joe provides guests with important information
•Extensive introductory email to eliminate concerns
•Includes transportation info, door code, Wi-Fi password, restaurants, etc.
•Makes it clear that he is available to answer questions
•Link to Google Drive folder with House Manual

Joe’s advice around personalizing the information you provide guests
•Include points of interest in neighborhood (i.e.: drugstore, bank)
•Consider designing playbooks for specific types of guests
•What to do if you only have two days in Denver
•Street art tour
•Skiing or snowboarding

Joe’s Airbnb hosting mantra
•Always improve because it’s too easy to get lazy
•Maintaining = losing
•Outdo yourself

The business practices Joe applies to his Airbnb
•Devotes every Wednesday morning to Airbnb
•Examine numbers for month, expenses
•Schedule repairs, purchase supplies
•Update Google Drive folder
•Create title slides for each room
•Track AirDNA data, compare performance

Joe’s tips for providing a custom Airbnb experience
•Provide games for guests on family vacation
•Develop standard email for business travelers
•Think of yourself as ‘virtual tour guide’
•Anticipate guest needs and deliver before they ask
•Allow guests to be curious and explore your space

Joe’s take on greeting guests
•Someone should be there to shake hands, open door
•Co-host greets if he’s unavailable
•Provides personal connection that hotels lack

How Joe approaches communication with guests
•Response time should be minutes (not hours)

Joe’s most memorable hosting experiences
•Mostly positive experiences, guests appreciate ‘character’
•German guests required much attention, broke shower – left cursory review

Resources
Hostfully
AirDNA

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘When you act out of fear, you shrink. When you act out of love, you grow.” –Tony Robbins

As Jasper turns 40 this week, he is considering how the world views strangers. Rather than assuming the unfamiliar to be a danger or a threat, what if we assumed the best in people until proven otherwise? After all, it only takes one common acquaintance to turn someone from a stranger to a friend.

The birthday boy is joined by Margot Lee Schmorak, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss how such a positive outlook supports the Airbnb model. They also cover the top vacation rental headlines in the news this week, including a story about a listing touted as the most unusual Airbnb in Britain and a new augmented reality app that could further improve the guest experience with how-to videos specific to your Airbnb!

On a more serious note, Jasper and Margot offer the latest updates on regulations, as Paris joins London and San Francisco in requiring hosts to register with local authorities. And they wrap up with answers to listener questions about using Airbnb photos on multiple platforms and structuring listings for multiple bedrooms. Want your question answered on next week’s episode? Email Jasper at [email protected]!

Topics Covered

Article #1: This Concept Airbnb App for iPhone is Way Cool
•Created by designer Isil Uzum
•Uses augmented reality to map apartment
•Incorporates videos into house manual
•Videos demonstrate how to use appliances (e.g.: coffee maker, thermostat)
•Must be made seamless part of experience
•Possibility of using AR in choosing Airbnb

Article #2: Is This Britain’s Most Bizarre Airbnb? Guests are Raving About This Caravan … Which is 13 Feet Up a Tree
•Rural village in Scotland
•Elevated to tree for arthouse film
•Only £17/night

Article #3: Paris Set to Force All Users to Register Rental Properties
•Paris is top Airbnb market with 65,000 properties listed
•New regulations would require users to register
•Seeks to enforce 120-day limit already in place
•May become default status quo (registration, limited number of days)

Q1: I have two spare bedrooms and one spare bath in my home. Should I establish one, two or three Airbnb listings?
•Three – one for each bedroom individually and one for both to accommodate larger parties
•Enable Instant Book on two single rooms only (to avoid double bookings)
•May change Instant Book settings later based on demand, pricing
•Airbnb developing feature to link listings and prevent double bookings

Q2: I am considering listing on multiple platforms. May I use the photos shot by an Airbnb photographer on other platforms?
•Photo rights are gray area
•Airbnb unlikely to object
•Right click and save or take screen shots
•Utilize services that scrape images for you
•Orbirental facilitates listing on multiple platforms

Resources Mentioned
Article #1:cnet.com/news/iphone-arkit-airbnb-concept-video
Airbnb AR Map Concept
Matterport
MagicPlan
Article #2: thesun.co.uk/living/3926820/is-this-britains-most-bizarre-airbnb-guests-are-raving-about-this-caravan-which-is-13ft-up-a-tree
Article #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
Orbirental

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad

This episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have multiple listings on Airbnb, you might find a little-known feature called the Business Profile very useful. Today’s guest has three properties on the site – a house in Portugal, an apartment in Wellington, and a lifestyle property north of Wellington – and she is prepared to share the basics of the Business Profile as well as situations in which you might make use of it to grow your short-term rental business.

Natalie Sisson, also known as The Suitcase Entrepreneur, has lived out of her suitcase since 2010, traveling the world while simultaneously running a wildly successful online business. Natalie is passionate about freedom, and she works on planes and in cafes, turning hotel rooms into podcast studios.

Natalie had used Airbnb as a guest for years before taking the leap to become a host. She leverages her experience as a customer to provide a comfortable space for the travelers who book her properties. Today she shares her transition from guest to host on Airbnb, how she went about outsourcing the property management and cleaning duties, and her status as a Superhost. Natalie also explains the function of the Airbnb Business Profile page and how to best take advantage of it.

Topics Covered

How Natalie got started with hosting on Airbnb
•Two-bedroom apartment in Wellington
•Rented on Airbnb while traveling for Christmas
•Shortage of rental properties in area
•Listed one bedroom, received regular bookings
•Hosted corporate travelers, tourists

How Natalie uses her experience as a guest in preparing to host
•Considers how to make room most comfortable
•Leaves small gift
•Uses white board to share Wi-Fi code, places to eat out

How Natalie outsourced property management and cleaning duties
•Posted notice on local university Facebook group
•Received 37 messages in 20 minutes
•Read through applications
•Interviewed three people
•Hired experienced employee for $17/hour
•Shared checklist through time tracking app
•Paid via online banking

How Natalie cancelled bookings, but kept Superhost status
•Long-term lease with tenants in Wellington apartment
•Forgot to block past when tenants extended rental agreement
•Forced to cancel three bookings in a row
•Received notice from Airbnb re: deactivation of listing
•Immediately clicked on link to reactivate, answered questions
•Still showing as Superhost despite cancellations

The Airbnb Business Profile page
•Minimum of three listings
•By invitation only
•Groups listings together
•Can send as link to potential guests

Connect with Natalie
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Website
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Podcast

Resources
The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie Sisson
Business Profile Discussion in Community Center

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad

This episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Airbnb is tooting its own horn this week with the release of a report boasting the positive economic impacts of the platform in the US. The press release aligns with the company’s strategy to work with municipalities as they implement regulations on short-term rentals.

Hostfully Director of Marketing, Glenn Carter, joins Jasper this week to review the economic benefits outlined in the report as well as other upgrades to the platform in the news this week, including a pilot program that allows guests to split payments and a premium tier program designed to appeal to the luxury rental market.

They also discuss another startup in the space that is expanding its services as Pillow raises funds to launch a building management platform, and the story of a property owner in Barcelona who was forced to squat in her own flat! Finally, Jasper and Glenn answer your questions about cancelling bookings due to a family emergency. Don’t forget to email your questions to [email protected]!

Topics Covered

Article #1: With $13.5M in New Funds, Pillow Partners with Building Owners to Make Rentals Airbnb-Friendly
•Funding to launch Pillow Residential
•Platform gives building owners more transparency, allows to share in money generated
•Ensures owners, renters comply with local regulations
•Building owners know which units being rented and by whom (safety)

Article #2: Airbnb Readies a Premium Tier to Compete More with Hotels, Sources Say
•Launch new service in luxury rental market
•Select hosts in pilot program
•Airbnb inspectors verify quality standards
•Hosts receive consultation with interior decorator, professional photography for listing

Article #3: Airbnb is Testing a Feature That Would Let You Split the Cost with Friends
•Allows guests to split cost among multiple people
•Makes booking easier, more accessible
•Part of larger game to simplify, streamline experience

Article #4: Woman Forced to Squat in Her Own Barcelona Flat After ‘Fake Tenant’ Lists Property on Airbnb
•Long-term tenant listed apartment on Airbnb
•Owner booked property to reoccupy flat, change lock
•Reported ‘fake tenant’ to Barcelona council
•Faces fines between €60,000 and €600,000

Article #5: Airbnb Steps Up Lobbying Pitch to Mayors with New Economic Boast
•Airbnb report re: economic impact
•Claims $14B in economic output last year
•Facilitated 130,000 jobs in US, predicts half a million by 2020
•Opponents label report as biased, but economic benefits obvious
•Part of ‘play nice’ strategy to appease municipalities

Q: I have a booking, but a family emergency has arisen. What do I do?
•Negative consequences usually associated with cancellation (penalties, ineligible for Superhost status, note on reviews)
•Extenuating Circumstances Policy allows for cancellation without consequence in situations out of host’s control (i.e.: unexpected death or serious illness, natural disaster, severe property damage, etc.)
•Contact Airbnb to explain, be open and honest with platform and guest

Resources Mentioned
Article #1: techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/pillow-residential-13-5-million
Article #2: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/airbnb-said-to-ready-a-premium-tier-to-compete-more-with-hotels
Article #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
Article #4: telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/woman-forced-become-squatter-barcelona-home-fraudster-lists
Article #5: sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/sd-fi-airbnb-mayors-20170623-story.html
Airbnb Extenuating Circum: stances Policy

Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have multiple listings on Airbnb, you might find a little-known feature called the Business Profile very useful. Today’s guest has three properties on the site – a house in Portugal, an apartment in Wellington, and a lifestyle property north of Wellington – and she is prepared to share the basics of the Business Profile as well as situations in which you might make use of it to grow your short-term rental business.

Natalie Sisson, also known as The Suitcase Entrepreneur, has lived out of her suitcase since 2010, traveling the world while simultaneously running a wildly successful online business. Natalie is passionate about freedom, and she works on planes and in cafes, turning hotel rooms into podcast studios.

Natalie had used Airbnb as a guest for years before taking the leap to become a host. She leverages her experience as a customer to provide a comfortable space for the travelers who book her properties. Today she shares her transition from guest to host on Airbnb, how she went about outsourcing the property management and cleaning duties, and her status as a Superhost. Natalie also explains the function of the Airbnb Business Profile page and how to best take advantage of it.

Topics Covered

How Natalie got started with hosting on Airbnb
•Two-bedroom apartment in Wellington
•Rented on Airbnb while traveling for Christmas
•Shortage of rental properties in area
•Listed one bedroom, received regular bookings
•Hosted corporate travelers, tourists

How Natalie uses her experience as a guest in preparing to host
•Considers how to make room most comfortable
•Leaves small gift
•Uses white board to share Wi-Fi code, places to eat out

How Natalie outsourced property management and cleaning duties
•Posted notice on local university Facebook group
•Received 37 messages in 20 minutes
•Read through applications
•Interviewed three people
•Hired experienced employee for $17/hour
•Shared checklist through time tracking app
•Paid via online banking

How Natalie cancelled bookings, but kept Superhost status
•Long-term lease with tenants in Wellington apartment
•Forgot to block past when tenants extended rental agreement
•Forced to cancel three bookings in a row
•Received notice from Airbnb re: deactivation of listing
•Immediately clicked on link to reactivate, answered questions
•Still showing as Superhost despite cancellations

The Airbnb Business Profile page
•Minimum of three listings
•By invitation only
•Groups listings together
•Can send as link to potential guests

Connect with Natalie
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Website
The Suitcase Entrepreneur Podcast

Resources
The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie Sisson
Business Profile Discussion in Community Center

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Airbnb have its cake and eat it too? With the company’s efforts to professionalize and provide guests with consistency, some hosts feel that the ‘sharing’ roots of the platform have been diminished. It is possible for Airbnb to function more like a hotel, yet maintain its signature personal touch?

Jasper is joined by David Jacoby, Co-Founder and President of Hostfully, to discuss this week’s headlines regarding the Airbnb shift to promote best practices among its hosts, including that of the Instant Book feature – which is being upgraded to allow hosts more control.

They also cover Airbnb’s acquisition of Trooly, a background check startup that will help protect users from bad actors and further professionalize the platform. Last but not least, Jasper and David answer listener questions about attracting bookings during low season. Remember, you can email your questions to [email protected]!
Topics Covered

Article #1: Can Airbnb Professionalize Without Losing the Personal Touch?
•Airbnb plays up ‘sharing’ roots
•Of 3M total listings – 1M shared space, 1M private, 1M management co.
•Push for consistency of experience

Article #2: Airbnb Tries to Behave More Like a Hotel
•Instant Book feature, flexible cancellation policy
•Hosts encouraged to upgrade space
•Business-friendly tag (privacy, Wi-Fi, 24-hr access, iron)
•Must attract different types of travelers to grow
•Changes likely part of prep for IPO
•Focus on increasing supply

Article #3: Airbnb Ramps Up Push to Get More Hosts to Choose Instant Booking
•Instant Book introduced in 2010, 40% using
•Default search (must de-select to see additional listings)
•Suite of new tools incentive for hosts to turn on Instant Book
•Improved calendar tool for multiple listings in same home (prevents double-bookings)
•Gives host more control
•Saves step for hosts who rarely turn down guests
•With customization, listing process more complicated

Article #4: Airbnb to Buy Background-Check Startup Trooly to Root Out Scams
•Acquisition to protect from bad actors
•Authenticates user identities to avoid scams
•Could be added to Instant Book features
•Improve image in preparation for IPO

Q: How do I attract more bookings during low season?
•Make listing as attractive as possible
•List on multiple platforms
•Establish your own website
•Consider subletting when demand is low
•Explore niche sites like misterb&b, Bud and Breakfast or Innclusive
•Reach out to previous guests
•Add creative options (i.e.: packages)
•Host refugees through Open Homes initiative
•Join the Couchsurfing community

Resources Mentioned
Article #1: fortune.com/2017/06/18/airbnb-professional-personal-hosts
Article #2: nytimes.com/2017/06/17/technology/airbnbs-hosts-professional-hotels.html
Article #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
Article #4: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-16/airbnb-to-buy-background-check-startup-trooly-to-root-out-scams
HomeAway, VRBO, 9flats
Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia
misterb&b, Bud and Breakfast, Innclusive
Open Homes, Couchsurfing, Thibault Masson’s RentalPreneurs Article

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad

This episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

As Airbnb hosts, we share concerns around uninvited guests. If those uninvited guests are of the bed bug variety, a whole host of additional problems arise. Today’s guest dealt with a bed bug infestation in his Airbnb and lived to tell the tale!

Hostfully Featured Host Mike Clairmont is a professional musician who loves to surf. Two years ago, he got the idea to rent a place on Venice Beach and list the property on Airbnb when he was touring. Within two weeks of posting his listing, Mike had more than half of the summer booked.

Mike discovered the Get Paid for Your Pad book and podcast a few months ago, and has since used those resources to take his Airbnb to the next level. Today he shares his journey as an Airbnb host, including the harrowing chapter in which a bed bug infestation temporarily sidelined his business. Listen and learn how to prevent those pesky creatures from infiltrating your Airbnb, and get tips on choosing prime locations for Airbnb property investment.

Topics Covered

Why Mike has had success with Airbnb
•Good quality photos from beginning
•As traveler himself, knows what people look for
•Makes improvements based on reviews (i.e.: painting, carpet)
•Surfer theme, location one block from beach

Mike’s bed bug ordeal
•Guest was bitten, sent message to Airbnb
•Airbnb cancelled one week of reservations (no other penalties incurred)
•Mike found good company to spray
•Removed furniture, got new bedframe
•Put encasement around mattress
•Implemented preventative measures moving forward

How Mike is working to prevent further bed bug infestations
•Sends information to guests (e.g.: don’t put luggage on beds when travel, bed bugs expert hitchhikers)
•Provides luggage racks
•Vacuums thoroughly, empties bag after each guest
•Checks under/around bedframe, mattress every time

Mike’s advice for hosts who encounter bed bugs in their Airbnb
•Proactively contact Airbnb to avoid penalties
•Allow the company to cancel reservations
•Keep Airbnb informed of measures taken

Jasper’s advice around investing in property for Airbnb
•US mortgage rates low, now is good time to buy
•Research regulations in place and anticipate changes
•Get familiar with rules in other large cities (i.e.: Paris, London, San Francisco)
•Consider locations where housing shortage not an issue (e.g.: Joshua Tree, CA)
•Take advantage of tools to predict returns (AirDNA, Everbooked, Mashvisor)

Jasper’s take on regulations enforcement
•Even if city not enforcing now, may eventually
•Airbnb blocked calendar on property in Amsterdam to comply

Connect with Mike
Airbnb Host Profile
mikeclairmontmusic.com

Resources
Featured Hostfully Host Applicaton
Clean Bedroom Organic Sheets
Hostfully Travel Blog
Get Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit From Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa Kapadia
AirDNA
Everbooked
Mashvisor

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome! Making people feel comfortable and accepted is a focus of Airbnb, and one of the initiatives aligned with this goal is the Open Homes platform. In an announcement this week, the company revealed its intention to house 100,000 refugees in the next five years – 35,000 in Greece alone.

Jasper welcomes Glenn Carter, Director of Marketing at Hostfully, to discuss the Open Homes announcement as well as Airbnb’s rollout of a new in-app tool for check-in. They also cover several stories of governments welcoming the economic boost Airbnb provides, while setting parameters regarding its use. Recent headlines include the legalization of Airbnb in Japan, very positive data out of Michigan, and new rules around short-term rentals in Toronto.

A new startup called Misterb&b specifically welcomes LBGTQ guests, and our co-hosts debate the pros and cons of niche players fragmenting the market. Jasper and Glenn wrap up with a new Q&A segment that welcomes questions from Airbnb hosts. Listen in to learn how you might convince hesitant family members to list on Airbnb, and how establishing a three-night minimum stay might affect your ranking in search results. Email your questions to [email protected]!

Topics Covered

Article #1: Introducing a New Way to Check In
•Airbnb adding check-in instructions tool
•Hosts opt-in to provide clear, visual, in-app guides re: arrival
•Provide info once, all guests have access

Article #2: Toronto Proposes New Rules for Short-Term Rentals, Including Airbnb Properties
•Must rent out primary residence
•Crack down on commercial operators
•Good to clarify legal grey area

Article #3: Airbnb Gets the Legal Green Light in Japan
•Registered hosts allowed to rent up to 180 days/year
•Most popular market in Asia-Pacific region
•Boosted economy by $8.3B in 2016
•Hosting 2019 World Rugby Cup and 2020 Olympics

Article #4: Misterb&b Raises $8.5 Million to Build the Airbnb for the LGBTQ Community
•French startup with 100,000 hosts in 135 countries
•Argues that there is room for niche players
•If market too fragmented, could get messy

Article #5: This is How Airbnb Will House 100,000 Refugees in the Next Five Years
•Open Homes platform connects volunteers with refugee support organizations
•Vacation rental hosts specify cause, how often
•Airbnb in good position to help (3.5 million listings)
•6,000 active volunteers so far, half not existing Airbnb listings

Article #6: Airbnb to Help Host 35,000 Refugees in Houses Across Greece
•Working to find housing for asylum seekers
•Run in conjunction with Solidarity Now

Article #7: Home-Sharing Stimulates Michigan Economy
•Earned $25M through Airbnb in 2016
•Brought 188,000 visitors to state

Q1: How do I overcome family resistance to list on Airbnb?
•Familiarize family by staying in Airbnb as guests
•Encourage through podcast episodes of hesitant hosts who’ve had positive experiences
•Reassure of accountability measures via virtual tour of site (insurance, ratings)
•Demonstrate income potential with analytics tool like AirDNA

Q2: I want to establish a three-night minimum stay for my listing. Will I be penalized in search results?
•Airbnb doesn’t directly ‘punish’ hosts who establish such parameters
•Will result in fewer bookings/reviews, which does impact position in search results
•Best to start out with no minimum and earn crucial early reviews
•Once build reputation, then consider establishing two- or three-night minimum

Resources Mentioned
Article #1:press.atairbnb.com/introducing-a-new-way-to-check-in
Article #2: bnn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are looking to rent a property with the intention of being an Airbnb host, the question then becomes, how do you convince a landlord to allow for short-term rentals in your contract? Today’s guest is a veteran Airbnb host who is ready to share his strategy for securing negotiating power with property-owners, as well as other lessons he’s learned in his lengthy Airbnb hosting career.

Roger Lee moved to Taipei in 2010 to assist with a property renovation project, converting a family home into studio apartments for rental. His ability to speak English gave him leverage as a property manager, securing short-term rentals through sites like Craigslist. With that experience under his belt, Roger set out on his own, renting properties that were candidates for renovation from willing landlords for short-term rental on Airbnb. He has worked his way up to nine listings, including his hip Taipei bachelor pad.

Today Roger takes us on his journey to successful property management, sharing his advice for aspiring hosts, the lessons he’s learned after seven years of experience in the market, and his point of view regarding Airbnb’s place in the travel industry. Listen and learn how to convince property-owners to allow for short-term rentals – and how Roger uses this podcast as a sleep aid!

Topics Covered

How Roger got his start in property management
•Moved to Taipei in 2010
•Residential properties with multiple bedrooms being converted into studio apartments
•Helped friend with project, both renovation and rental
•Found short-term tenants on Craigslist and local sites

How Roger established negotiating power with landlords to allow for short-term rentals
•Selected run-down properties in need of investment
•Offered to renovate with stipulation that Airbnb would be allowed

Roger’s advice for aspiring property managers looking to rent units for Airbnb
•Provide an upside for the landlord (e.g.: renovations)
•Understand the landlord’s relationship with neighbors
•Mitigate complications/controversy (older landlords don’t want any trouble)

Roger’s greatest hosting challenge
•Airbnb’s introduction of Smart Pricing altered market
•Happened in conjunction with Chinese policy significantly reducing tourism to Taipei

The most significant lesson Roger has learned from Airbnb hosting
•Take the high road with unpleasant guests (even if it isn’t fair)

Roger’s take on the value of Airbnb
•Best thing to happen to travel in his lifetime
•Ambitious and impressive to create culture of community

Connect with Roger
Host Profile on Airbnb
OFC Taipei Housing

Connect with Jasper
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad

This episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Airbnb philosophy seems to be, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” This week in the news, there are rumors of a deal with Chinese rival Trujia, as Airbnb seeks to succeed in a market where other tech giants have struggled.

Jasper is joined by Hostfully VP of Strategic Partnerships, Nicole Prentice Williams, to discuss this development in China, as well as Airbnb’s new hire in the region: Head of Chinese Operations, Hong Ge. They also cover Airbnb’s surprising success in Cuba, and how Airbnb might capitalize on legal requirements for travel in that country.

In Barcelona, Airbnb seems less welcome, and headlines this week outline the crackdown on unlicensed homesharing in the city. Last but not least, Jasper and Nicole talk about one place where Airbnb is beating out the competition – online! Listen and learn about the platform’s surge in traffic and how it compares to hotel brands and other metasearch sites.

Topics Covered

Article #1: Airbnb Says Cubans are Cashing in on Airbnb
•Cubans have earned nearly $40M since April 2015
•Hosts share space 33 nights per year on average
•Average amount paid per booking of $164
•$2700 average annual payout
•58% of Cuban hosts are women
•Cuba is popular tourist destination for Americans since travel restrictions eased
•Only allowed to travel to Cuba for one of 12 reasons (e.g.: visit relatives, academics)
•Airbnb fulfills legal requirement of person-to-person visaArticle #2: Airbnb China Said in Deal Talks with Local Rival Tujia.com
•Airbnb entered Chinese market in 2015
•May be partnership deal or acquisition
•Tujia valued at $1B, raising $300M more

Article #3: Airbnb Appoints Head of China Operations After Long Search
•Yale grad Hong Ge reports directly to Chesky
•Resume includes positions at Facebook and Google
•Offers understanding of local market
•Other tech giants have struggled in China

Article #4: Airbnb Traffic Surges, Surpassing Older Brands
•Airbnb site traffic up more than 31% since Q1 of last year
•Moved into number one spot, surpassing all hotel brands and metasearch sites
•Strong user base among millennials
•30% of respondents ages 18-34 use sharing economy services compared to 11% of those over 35

Article #5: Airbnb Faces Crackdown on Illegal Apartment Rentals in Barcelona
•7,000 unlicensed holiday rentals in city (of 16,000 total)
•Doubled team of inspectors from 20 to 40 (100 by next year)
•Barcelona will not renew existing licenses
•City blames homesharing for housing shortage, high prices
•Airbnb argues platform helps homeowners make ends meet, could be part of solution

Resources Mentioned
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Article #1: news.fastcompany.com/airbnb-says-cubans-are-cashing-in-on-airbnb-4039804
Article #2: chinamoneynetwork.com/2017/06/05/airbnb-china-said-in-deal-talks-with-local-rival-tujia-com
tujia.com
Article #3: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-01/airbnb-hires-hong-ge-to-run-china-operations-after-long-search
Article #4: emarketer.com/Article/Airbnb-Traffic-Surges-Surpassing-Older-Brands/1015937
Article #5: irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/airbnb-faces-crackdown-on-illegal-apartment-rentals-in-barcelona-1.3107184

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