,

How to Use Noise Monitors to Keep the Peace on Your Rental Property

If you have a rental property or Airbnb in the Scottsdale, AZ area, you understand the challenges that come with that, including how to keep your property free from damage and noise issues. However, how to go about monitoring noise levels is tricky. So let’s talk about how you can easily monitor the noise levels in your rental homes using a noise monitoring device called NoiseAware.

What Is a NoiseAware Device?

NoiseAware is a smart noise monitoring device. It only measures noise, it doesn’t actually record anything, so your guests’ privacy is preserved. Any rental host, or short-term rental management company in Scottsdale, AZ can keep track of excessive noise in any rental home using a phone app that’s connected to the NoiseAware sensor.

How Does a NoiseAware Device Work?

A NoiseAware device works by measuring the decibel levels occurring throughout your rental property. This device uses a proprietary algorithm to track how loud any given noise is and how long the excessive noise level is maintained. Using this technique, the NoiseAware device doesn’t trigger an alert for every sporadic loud sound.

What Does NoiseAware Do When Consistent Loud Noise Is Detected?

If your guests are watching a movie at a loud volume or blaring their music outdoors, they will receive a polite pre-recorded message to please keep the noise down. After the first warning, if the noise continues, your guests will receive a second request to keep the noise down and the host will be alerted about the excessive noise.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Noise Monitoring Device

Ask any professional Airbnb management company in Scottsdale, AZ, and they’ll tell you the pros and cons of using noise monitoring devices.

Pros:

  • It’s a 24/7 rental property noise monitoring tool.
  • It can be used as an additional layer of security against out-of-control parties and gatherings.
  • It is 100% privacy compliant.
  • It’s non-obtrusive.
  • It is easy to install.

Cons:

  • Some guests might find it offensive (but those are the guests you probably don’t want anyway).
  • There is a cost involved.

What’s Next?

If you want information about enlisting the help of a short-term rental company or professional Airbnb management in Scottsdale, AZ, please Contact Sojourn Properties today. We would love to show you just how easy and cost-effective using a short-term rental company can be.

/by

Unexpected Guest Requests: Best Ways to Respond

If you talk to the grizzled property owners of the world, they might say that nothing shocks them anymore. Because every guest has their own lives, those personal preferences are inevitably going to bleed over into their vacation stays. However, for those who are new to the world of short-term rentals, you might be confused as to the best ways to respond. We’ll look at the best ways to talk to people, even when you’re thoroughly taken aback by what they’re asking for.

Be Thoughtful

The first thing you need to do with an unusual request is to take the request seriously. There are times when a request will be a joke, but it’s likely that most requests will be a sincere question from the guest. Instead of laughing it off or immediately saying no, take a beat to think about it and see if there’s a way to do it.

Charge Appropriately

There’s no need to rub in an extra fee to the guest, nor is there a need to inflate the charges because you either don’t want to take care of the request or you’re hoping to make some serious cash for the extra effort. If you truly don’t want to make the request happen at your property, politely decline. If you can make it happen, come up with a reasonable amount and then make it clear how much the guest will need to pay for the additional consideration.

Think of Solutions

There are plenty of property owners who will flat out refuse an unusual request. They won’t even consider compromises at any level. Admittedly, this isn’t a terrible tactic at times. Some guests will push and push until the whole situation becomes a mess. However, especially for new property owners, you might want to think about how you can meet the guest halfway.

Property Managers in Scottsdale, AZ

If you’re in need of Airbnb management in Scottsdale, AZ,Sojourn Properties LLC is here to help. Whether it’s getting a separate mattress for the primary bedroom or hosting the guest’s seven canaries in the second bedroom, the reality is that you’re going to have some unique things pop up along the way.

/by

What Amenities Attract Airbnb Guests?

With so many Airbnbs dotted around Arizona, the competition is stiff. One way to attract more guests is to offer the most popular amenities that Airbnb guests are looking for.

Ring Doorbells

Security is a top concern among Airbnb guests. Ring doorbells offer peace of mind for individuals, couples and families. They act, not only as an active security measure against opening the door to a potential threat, but as a deterrent to anyone thinking of acting with malicious intent.

Robust WiFi

Airbnb guests expect not only to have wifi available, but that it be strong enough to support work, online video conferencing and entertainment streaming for adults and their children.

Corporate Services

The trend for corporate Airbnb guests is continuing to increase. Corporate travel coordinators want to ensure that their employees have the services available to support their company directives. This many include car services, peripheral equipment such as a printer/copier and upgraded appliances and bedding.

Dedicated Workspace

Even non-corporate guests look for a dedicated workspace in Airbnb listings. This amenity provides your guest with a spot to place calls back home to family and friends, take care of their “work vacation” needs or simply offer a place other than the kitchen table to play a game with their family.

Ceiling Fans

Along with air conditioning in hot climates, Airbnb guests look for ceiling fans to keep the air flowing to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. This is especially true of Arizona Airbnb properties.

SMART TVs

Increasingly, Airbnb guests seek out properties that offer SMART TVs. This amenity greatly enhances their in-unit entertainment choices and allows both adults and their children to spend time relaxing in your Airbnb without always having to leave the property to have something fun to do.

Managed Property Services

Remember, Airbnb guests are usually staying in an area where they wish to sightsee or do tourist activities, but they know very little about how or where to do them. Managed Airbnb property services is an amenity that your Airbnb guests look for when they are booking, and one that can lead to great reviews when they check out.

For Arizona Airbnb property management, contact Sojourn Properties. We are experts in what Airbnb guests are looking for, and we know how to please both you and your guests!

/by

4 Often Overlooked Reasons Your Short-Term Rental Is Not Getting Rented

Have your short-term rentals taken a dip lately as far as occupied nights? While there is always an ebb and flow to interest in short-term rentals in AZ due to changing seasons and travel patterns, if your numbers are dropping substantially, other problems could be to blame. Check out four often overlooked reasons for a dip in short-term property guest interest.

1. Has something changed about local competition?

Occupancy rates can naturally decline if there are suddenly more options in one general location. For example, if a competitor opens up a collection of condos for rent nearby at a similar price point, this could create a decline in your rentals.

2. Have you recently changed your per-night rates?

Occasionally, adjusting your per-night rates is a must. However, if you accidentally overshoot the proper price point for the area, you could easily see your occupancy rates decline. Take a look at the current going rates for properties that are similar to yours and make adjustments as needed to keep your own pricing in line with the market.

3. Has a local event or occurrence changed location perception?

It is not at all uncommon for certain events or occurrences to change how desirable a location is to stay at for travelers. For example, if there has been a highly publicized crime or event that came with negative connotations, this can affect occupancy rates for short-term rentals. In the event this seems to be affecting your rentals, be sure to pay close attention to highlighting the security features or safety of your specific rental.

4. Have you recently had a few negative reviews?

If you’re dealing with a short-term rental like an Airbnb or vacation rental where online reviews are possible, make sure you haven’t had a negative review or two lately. Travelers looking for these quick-and-easy accommodations can be highly apprehensive if prior guests had complaints. This is especially true if the complaints are posted recently. If you do spot negative reviews, answer the reviewer promptly and professionally, and make sure any issue that resulted in a complaint is corrected.

Get Help with Your Short-Term Rentals in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Sedona, AZ

Short-term rental management in AZ can come along with a lot of work. If your occupancy rates have recently gone down, it may be a sign that you need a bit of help. Reach out to the team at Sojourn Properties to find out about our services.

 

/by

Pets or No Pets? The Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets as an Airbnb Property Owner

In the U.S, 68 percent of households own a pet. When people pack up their bags and set out on business trips, family vacations, or weekend getaways, many have their pets along for the ride. According to Forbes, over two million pets and other live animals are transported by airplane on an annual basis. As an Airbnb owner, this begs to question, should you allow pets in your short-term rentals?

In a perfect world, pets could stay anywhere with their human owners with no trouble at all. However, pets can, unfortunately, pose a few risks to the Airbnb property manager in Scottsdale, AZ. Take a look at the pros and cons of allowing pets as an Airbnb property owner.

Pro: Allowing pets can make your rental more profitable.

People are willing to spend more money on accommodations when they have a pet in tow. Because not all Airbnb owners do allow pets, it can be a little more challenging for travelers with pets to find the right place. This naturally gives your rentals a competitive edge, which means you can possibly adjust your rates and make bigger profits with each stay.

Con: You may inadvertently deter some prospects.

As much as people who own pets adore them, not every weary traveler will want to rest their head in a place where pets have been inside. Some people are also allergic to pet dander, which means they will naturally gravitate away from listings that are listed as pet-friendly.

Pro: Allowing pets can make your rental more inviting.

Naturally, people who treat their pets as members of the family will feel more invited and comfortable when they find an Airbnb that is pet-friendly. Without these accommodations available, travelers who have their pets with them are forced to find local boarding facilities or pet sitters. This alone can mean a guest could cut their stay short.

Con: Pets always come along with property damage risks.

Whether it is potty accidents, an anxious puppy that likes to chew, or claw scratches on a door, pets can cause damage to property. You can counter the costs of these damages by charging an additional fee for guests that stay with their pets. However, some property owners prefer to avoid the extra trouble.

Need Help with Airbnb Property Management in Scottsdale?

At Sojourn Properties, we help you make the best marketing decisions for your Airbnb properties, whether you allow pets or not. If you need help with Airbnb property management in Scottsdale, reach out to the Sojourn team to find out how we can help.

/by

Little Touches Make a Big Impression With Airbnb Guests

Competition is tough for Airbnb hosts. There are more than 7 million properties available for rent through the hosting platform. One of the criteria that Airbnb travelers base their choices on the reviews from previous guests. Even a perfunctory look at posted reviews shows that, with Airbnb guests, little touches make a big impression.

More often than not, reviews cite the little extra touches as the reasons why they recommend a particular Airbnb property. The following are some little touches that you and your Airbnb property management company in Scottsdale, AZ can easily implement.

Create an Aesthetically Pleasing Environment

Airbnb guests may not expect the amenities of a 5-star hotel, but they often leave comments about added touches, such as an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Providing small touches, such as bottled waters, snacks, and local menus can go a long way. Invest in decorating tips like fresh flowers or essential oils to make your place look and smell more inviting.

Be Responsive

Often, a traveler will need to have a question answered before they feel comfortable making an Airbnb booking. Potential guests feel better when their questions are answered in a timely manner. Your Airbnb property management company in Scottsdale, AZ offers communications services 24/7, so your guests are always sure to receive accurate and timely communication.

Help with Local Attractions

Because Airbnb guests often come from areas outside of where the property is located, they appreciate help navigating the local scene. This includes everything from assistance in finding things to do, obtaining tickets, or even making telephone calls when traveling internationally.

An indexed binder placed in the property will help your guests help themselves. Include the basics, such as local numbers and names of local taxi services, the location of various groceries and shopping centers, as well as information about where to the find “the best of,” such as souvenirs, clothing, local produce, etc.

You may want to provide local menus, maps, and other amenities, such as favorite hiking trails or distances to local attractions.

Information About the Property

Finally, be sure to include helpful information, such as how to shut off the water in an emergency, where to deposit trash, and when the trash day is. Provide manuals on how to operate the appliances and similar, practical concerns.

Follow these tips to help yourself get great reviews on Airbnb. Remember, great reviews help you stand out among your competition on Airbnb. For assistance with these and other matters concerning your Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ, please contact us today.

/by
,

Which Home Upgrades To Prioritize for Your AirBNB

You want your AirBNB to be as appealing as possible, to attract as many guests as it can. It helps to maintain your property with a property manager in Scottsdale AZ, but it’s also important to perform home upgrades and take care of maintenance. Below, we’ve listed helpful home improvements that will make your AirBNB home more appealing to guests.

Curb Appeal

A picture of your home from the outside is a good way to attract guests to your AirBNB listing. Of course, your home will need curb appeal, or the pictures of your home’s exterior may fall flat with potential guests. There are many things you can do to give your home curb appeal, including:

  • Plant annuals
  • Water, cut and fertilize grass
  • Clean the siding on your home and repaint if needed
  • Trim shrubs

Many of these tasks can be handled by your property manager in Scottsdale, AZ. Inquire about services to find out what they can do for you, and what you’ll need to hire a contractor to do.

Staging

Staging your home’s inside will make for more attractive pictures to put in the listing, and will also ensure that your guests are more comfortable when they come stay at your house. Staging can be easy. Some tips:

  • Declutter. Put away items you don’t need sitting out, get rid of anything you and your guests don’t need at all.
  • Decorate. Use small comforts like throw pillows, throw blankets, candles and potpourri to make your home look more attractive.
  • Repaint. A fresh coat of paint can make your house look beautiful and well-maintained for pictures.

Installing Amenities

Install amenities to make your home more competitive with other AirBNB homes in your area. Some examples of amenities to consider:

  • Outdoor kitchen for barbecues
  • Pool or hot tub
  • Sun room for inside dining
  • Spa tub in the master bathroom

Maintenance

Keep your house clean and make repairs as needed. Keeping up with maintenance is important to ensure that your guests will be comfortable when they come to stay in your home.

Take care of standard maintenance for your rental property with AirBNB management services in Scottsdale AZ. Call Sojourn Properties LLC for reputable, dependable AirBNB management today.

/by

How to Keep Your Airbnb Property Smelling Fresh

Scents can be somewhat polarizing for a lot of people. The perfume that you love may be offensive to someone else, which is why it might be better to aim for a more neutral backdrop. If you want to keep your Airbnb property in Scottsdale, AZ smelling good enough to entice your guests to come back (or, at the very least, write a glowing review), here are a few tips to keep it fresh.

Watch Your Kitchens

One of the most common sources of smell is the kitchen. As good as food smells as it’s cooking, it can leave behind a trail of scents that age poorly. If your guests are going to cook in your property, you can’t limit what they can and can’t make.

The best that you can do is try to get the scents out as quickly as possible, as strong cooking scents are a common complaint on the popular website. Investing in Febreze can be a good way to combat the odors, and it’s a perfectly good option when you don’t have several days to air out the place.

You can also request that your guests open windows if they’re going to cook foods or spices with strong smells (e.g., bacon, garlic). Or try simmering a mixture of water and white vinegar on the stove, or spreading baking soda on a plate so it can absorb the odors.

Try a Dehumidifier

If you live anywhere with water (even a man-made lake), it can be frustrating for all involved. It often doesn’t take that much humidity for the musty scent to build up, so guests may only need to leave for a few hours before it’s back again. A smart dehumidifier can be used to monitor the air and kick on when it’s starting to lose balance.

Find a Property Manager in Scottsdale, AZ

A good property manager in Scottsdale, AZ will be able to keep your Airbnb rental clean and fresh for every new guest. If you don’t always have the time, Sojourn Properties, LLC has a reliable staff who can keep up with cleaning both the surfaces and the air on the premises. Contact us to see how our services can help you keep your stellar reputation on Airbnb.

/by
, ,

How to Highlight the Amenities of Scottsdale to Improve Your Airbnb Revenue

Museums, restaurants, and endless miles of desert: this is really just the beginning of what Scottsdale has to offer. Beautiful and brimming with life, there are so many reasons to spend the weekend here. If you have an Airbnb property in Scottsdale, AZ, here are a few tips on how to highlight the best of your city.

Don’t Be Shy

Your listing should include some of your favorite things to do around Scottsdale. This doesn’t mean overwhelming people with countless options, only selecting your top activities and giving people a little information about them. This is a fairly simple tactic to give people a reason to choose your property over your competitors, but not everyone takes advantage of it. We also recommend connecting your home with the details of Scottsdale. For instance, if you can see an annual event taking place from your balcony, let people know if they’re planning to stay during that time.

Update Your Listing

While undoubtedly extra work, consider keeping people up-to-date on what’s happening in Scottsdale on your Airbnb listing. While there’s certainly a wealth of information to be found online, not everyone will know about the local events, and filling them in may endear them to your place. So if a friend of yours is going to be playing at a local club or there’s a special tour taking place in the Sonoran Desert, it won’t hurt to market a little on your page and then take it down as soon as it’s over.

Add the Scottsdale Flourish

While it might be tempting to outfit your rooms with photos and souvenirs from around the world, consider stripping down your theme to really give people a sense of what it’s like to live in Scottsdale. Stunning sunset photos, local handicrafts, historical memorabilia (e.g., a framed advertisement for a major event) can provide a degree of detail that will stand out in your listing photos.

Find a Property Manager

A property manager in Scottsdale, AZ can help you improve your listing so it catches people’s attention. The team at Sojourn Properties LLC knows how to use regional differences to give your property a boost, which is good for you and good for tourism as a whole.

/by
,

5 Amenities That Will Make Your Airbnb Irresistible

Does your Airbnb rental offer the amenities everyone wants? You probably offer the basics just like everyone else, but why be like everyone else, especially if it will reduce your vacancy rates?

Let’s talk about the amenities most guests want in an Airbnb rental but not everyone offers.

1. Gourmet Beverages and Welcome Gifts

Just about everyone offers coffee and other beverages in some shape or form. So why not one-up them by offering gourmet coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. But don’t stop there. Why not also provide a welcome basket of goodies? It doesn’t have to be extravagant, it could be an assortment of candy bars, breakfast bars, bottled water, crackers, etc. nicely arranged on a tray on the kitchen counter.

2. Fully Stocked Fire Pit

Many Airbnb property owners provide a fire pit, so how do you make yours stand out? You can provide S’more kits with skewers, marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, etc. You could also provide a package of hotdogs that your guests could use the skewers for roasting hotdogs. These are the things that make memories!

3. Over the Top Entertainment Options

Provide plenty of entertainment options—more so than the average Airbnb owner. You could provide a wide variety of board games, books, DVDs, access to a streaming service, magazines, and puzzles. But don’t stop there. Why not provide a virtual reality headset(s) and access to virtual reality/augmented reality options or access to virtual reality concerts or sporting events, etc.?

4. Outdoor Fun

Many times, when people take a vacation, they want to spend some time outdoors. So give them some outdoor entertainment options. How about some darts, a basketball court or net, a pool, croquet, badminton, cornhole, kids’ toys, bikes, canoes, kayaks, etc.?

5. Area Entertainment Guides

Chances are your guests won’t know the area as well as you do. It’s easy to put together a notebook full of the area’s fun things to do. But don’t stop there, why not detail each of those places or events with a roadmap with the name, address, phone number, website, maps of how to get there (in case they don’t have a smartphone or GPS), the best times to go, what to do when they get there, where the best food options can be found there, what they absolutely don’t want to miss, and anything else that might make their day easier to navigate and enjoy.

If you want information about enlisting the help of a professional Airbnb management company, please Contact Sojourn Properties, LLC today. Take advantage of our Free Property Analysis and let us show you just how easy and cost-effective using our services can be.

 

/by