@KKC OK I can understand the bedroom thing; I can see how that’s the norm. Wasn’t really trying to attract concert-going frat guys who want to get laid in my bedroom but apparently my kitchen says that. I personally think I’m very clean but I agree the dishes (though clean) should be put away as well as the coke box. The bugs thing will be taken out but I put it in because I would have been very reassured to see that in a listing. Toronto has a bad problem with that in rental apartments and it’s not fun to stay in a place where the owner withheld the fact they have an infestation.
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You’re probably feeling a bit battered now - but we do Tough Love here, and believe me, you’ll thank us for it when you follow all these suggestions and get your first guests!
@Allison_H’s tips are really good (and yes, CLOSE THE TOILET LID!). What I do notice, which is really good is that your furniture looks of good quality, comfortable and clean and it should only take a few touches to have it seem more welcoming and colourful.
The bed (lack of) is a problem … I think that in your position I’d sell the couch (you ought to get a reasonable price as it seems in good condition) and buy a properly comfortable sofa-bed and maybe extra occasional chair, though I realise you might not want to make the investment.
Realisticaly, most of us don’t have Instagram-worthy, guest-magnet spaces when we first decide to throw in our lot with Airbnb, so we do have to invest - either time or money or sometimes both in bringing it up to scratch and only you can know how much you’re willing to put in.
Also, I know that many people on here don’t advise it, but I would start off with a lower price - once you get some reviews you can gradually start to increase it. Our son has done this very successfully (against my advice!) in a similarly saturated market (Cape Town) and is now fully booked till next year. In fact, just as many guests now seem to booking at the higher rate; I think there’s a psychological point here, that a well-booked space gives people confidence - it must be good if so many people have chosen it!
Best of luck and let us know what happens!
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I wasn’t trying to come off as harsh. Sorry if it came off that way. Your apartment does look very nice and would perfect for a person who is looking to enjoy downtown Toronto.
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@Sarah_39 it’s OK I didn’t think you were being harsh. I was addressing other comments, but thanks I anyway appreciate the compliments. And once I improve my listing I’m sure I’ll get the type of guest I want.
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This is actually a very smart idea. People are wary of being the first anything and get nervous at the unknown, especially in a shared space. And what is better? A completely open calendar with a $50 listing and no money coming in, or booked solid at $35 a night and a $1000 in your pocket?
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Look at other listings in your area for decor tips. There are also a ton of tutorials on YouTube for beautifying your Air bnb space and taking good pictures:)
Except you won’t be booked solid. You’ll make $600 in a good month ($400 after taxes and expenses), you’ll have a stranger in your space all the time and you’ll wonder WTF you thought this would be a good idea.
Look at this guy $22 a night and he still has open nights in November.
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Another big problem with the standard idea of pricing low when you first list is the new host boost. The boost can have the effect of getting you bookings for the months ahead so you can find that guests are still paying your cheap introductory price a couple of months down the line.
Then, just as your bookings are dropping off because the new host boost is done with, you can find that there are newer hosts in your area who are getting the boost. Not only are they now getting more hits than you, they are cheaper due too their own ‘introductory-to-get-reviews’ price.
And so the cycle goes on, and on, and on…
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I was probably illustrating the point a tad too romantically! What is with all of these utterly depressing spaces in downtown TO though?! Why can’t people take at least 2 decent pictures? It appears to be mainly men that have an issue not seeing the difference in an inviting balanced peripheral light and and a dingy flurosecent devoid of soul. This has been my experience anyway.
I used to rent out a single room in my upper level as well but that turned out to be so much more work and little reward. I would have paid some guests to go elsewhere at times. Hats off to those of you that share your space.
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To be honest, I think it’s because you have them sleeping on the sofa. If you really want to get bookings, offer the bedroom.