Airbnb Whole House in Central Florida (or what other options do I have)?

Research
1

Greetings to the Airhosts Forum Community. I am in search of some help and guidance on if I should pursue going with a whole house Airbnb or not. Here are the details on the house itself:

  • 2500 Sq. Ft. two story in a Gated Community with a community pool
  • Located in the Central Florida area, close to the Atlantic Beaches (about 45 minutes away) and the major attractions (also about 45 minutes away via toll road)
  • 4 Bedrooms with 3 and a half baths
  • Breakfast nook along with formal dining room
  • Bonus office room on first floor
  • Two car garage
  • Fenced backyard

I have owned the home since 2012, and no longer have a need for it since my spouse passed away roughly two years ago. I could sell the house relatively quickly as the neighborhood is very desirable, but have been considering the Airbnb route to add some monthly income.

Feel free to ask questions, and please give any advice.

Thank you for your help!

2

Hello from South Florida.

First question - would you be running the rental yourself or employing a co-host to do the work for you? What about the cleaning/handyman work? Would you do that or employ someone?

I ask because the two ways of doing things are very different.

3

Hello there Jaquo! I love South Florida!

Thank you for the response. I really appreciate it.

As for your questions, I would run the rental myself. I don’t live very far from the home now.

I have a maid and handyman lined up for that type of work (they would be employed). They are a team that already works for another Airbnb in town.

Hopefully that helps.

4

That sounds like a great set up. A huge part of the problem is finding a cleaner who is knowledgeable about the standards required by Airbnb but you’ve got one already. Same with the handyman - finding one who works well within the Airbnb system is a nightmare. (Well, it was for me. Hey, gap in the market for Airbnb handyman specialists!)

So you’d be overseeing and meeting and greeting the guests?

5

Fort Myers of the Gulf Coast chiming in. You’re in a gated community. Are you sure the rules of the community allow sub-leasing, especially short term sub-leasing? Not all of them do. Best to make sure.

If you’re looking for longer term renters – snowbirds – then Airbnb probably isn’t a good platform for you. Air is really designed for short term rentals (a couple days to a couple weeks). Still, you can make it work, if you put in the time and effort. Best of luck!

6

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