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Why Professional Photos Are a Must for Your Short-Term Rental Property

Quality professional photos for a short-term property will heighten the appeal of every room and make it easier for your customers to picture themselves at home in your place. That kind of first-impression connection is what drives profits, especially when you consider how common it is for people to waffle over which rental to pick.

Constant Turnover

Short-term rental photos in Scottsdale, AZ can help your property stay occupied without cutting into your bottom line. A good photographer isn’t just taking a few snapshots and calling it a day, they’re analyzing the best features of the place and highlighting them in brilliant color.

Most people vastly underestimate just how much time it takes to photograph their place. An amateur could easily spend all day for nothing more than a few lackluster shots. A professional photographer may only produce a few select images, but you’ll immediately notice the difference in quality. If you’re spending a lot of time and money to make the place shine every day, you might as well hire someone who will capture all that hard work.

The Psychology of Rentals

The strategy of a long-term vs. a short-term rental is undoubtedly different, but the end goal for both is to tempt the buyer to take the next step. Photographers work with lines of your home, drawing an onlooker to notice the comfy cashmere blankets scattered around the living room or the reading chair in the corner.

Plus, there’s an even more subtle effect happening when a person scans their eyes over professional photos. They send a message that the owners are proud of the space and they treat it with the respect it deserves. Even if a renter can’t always define this concept just from looking at a picture, it’s powerful enough to bump up your bottom line.

Short-Term Property Management in Phoenix

If you’re looking for short-term property management in Phoenix, AZ or Scottsdale, AZ, Sojourn Properties LLC can take a lot off your plate. Owning a property comes with a number of responsibilities, and it’s easy to let one fall through the cracks. We’re here to cover the details, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

 

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How to Use Your City’s Best Attractions to Attract Airbnb Guests

Location is the word that real estate agents use when they want to highlight the value of a property, and while amenities are certainly important, the concept of placement is even more applicable to a short-term rental. So how exactly can you use the attractions of the city to keep your dates booked at all the right prices? We’ll look at the top ways to get the beauty of your city across.

Decide on One Angle

A quality short-term rental management company in Scottsdale, AZ will tell you that marketing is all about getting people to remember your property. Trying to market too many angles to your customers may seem like a great way to attract more people, but you could risk confusing your customers too.

Instead, think of one angle for your city or town to try to draw people in. Not everyone goes for the hustle and bustle of places like New York City, so you might want to advertise your location as laid-back and casual. Or if you book with lots of childless couples, you can emphasize all the romance to be found outside your doors.

Text, Pictures, Videos

Writing about your town or city should be kept to a quick, skimmable blurb. If people want to do additional research, maybe give them a link or two or invite them to ask you questions about where to go and what to do. You can also use select photos or even a quick video of your city to really showcase what it’s worth.

Also, don’t be afraid of a little contrast when it comes to picking attractions. For instance, if your city is known for having the world’s largest spoon sculpture, put a photo of it front and center. Then follow it up with your favorite off-the-beaten-path location.

Short Term Rental Management in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Attracting people to an Airbnb is all about knowing the market. If you want to find Airbnb management experts in Scottsdale or Phoenix, AZ, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you maximize the profits from your property using all the best Arizona has to offer.

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Why You Need to Always Screen All Your Airbnb Guests

Why You Need to Always Screen All Your Airbnb Guests

As you rent out your Airbnb to guests, you have to accept that inviting strangers into the property poses a certain level of risk. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of adverse events by screening each and every one of your guests. With that move, you can keep potentially costly events at bay and make the most of your rental experience. Whether handled by your property management company in Scottsdale, Arizona, or on your own, here’s how proper screening can benefit you.

Prevent Theft and Damage

Without proper screening, you truly don’t know if your guests are who they say they are. As a result, you’ll likely find it quite difficult to hold them accountable for any theft or damage that occurs during their stay. Beyond that, without full verification, guests may not feel as accountable for the condition and security of your property as they would otherwise.

Drop Booking Restrictions

With a regular independent screening process, you can drop booking restrictions, like only accepting guests with a high rating on Airbnb. This allows you to get more newcomers to stay at your rental, potentially resulting in long-term loyalty to your properties. Furthermore, you can pick up last-minute reservations more often, which are often considered high risk without screening in place.

Boost Overall Revenues

As screening helps you keep damages to a minimum, boost reservation rates, and increase loyalty to your Airbnb properties, your revenues will come up in kind. You can then get more out of every stay, allowing you to funnel the money back into the property and make it even more popular with short-term renters. You might even get enough to buy another property to use as a rental, boosting your income even more.

If you’d like to optimize your guest screening process, our Scottsdale Airbnb property management team can help. We’re available at 602-492-4121 any time you’d like to talk about boosting the performance of your Airbnb. We can perform a free property analysis or simply take over the care of your rental, so you can enjoy excellent revenues while saying goodbye to the daily demands.

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3 Reasons Why Your Airbnb Needs a Ring Doorbell

As you prepare your property to serve as an Airbnb rental, you undoubtedly strive to go above and beyond for your guests. One smart way to do that is by installing a Ring Doorbell at the main entry point, so you can ensure their safety and provide the highest quality of service. You can benefit from that move, too, as it improves the overall security of your rental. Ready to learn more? Here’s a quick look at why Scottsdale Airbnb property management companies are recommending the Ring Doorbell for all rentals.

Guest Safety

With the Ring Doorbell installed, you can set it to turn on the lights as your guests arrive and again when they head out the door. If you set up a linked screen inside, they can check who’s at the door before answering and look around the area before stepping foot outside. You can set the doorbell to respond to many other actions as well to help your guests feel completely safe while staying at your Airbnb.

Quality Service

When the Ring Doorbell lets you know your guests have arrived, you can roll out the red carpet right on cue. As they waltz through the doors, you can let them know about the fresh baked goods on the counter, complimentary toiletries in the bathroom, and any other extras you left for their enjoyment. As a result, every guest who stays at your Airbnb will then feel wholly impressed with your incredible level of service and be much more likely to come back for another stay.

Rental Security

Through your Ring app, you can confirm that your guests are following your visitor restrictions during their stay. It will let you know if a lot of people are arriving – like for a big party, for example – so you can send out a friendly reminder about the rental terms. You can also use the info as proof if your guests damage your rental, especially if the problem occurs due to a breach of contract.

Want help maximizing the performance of your Airbnb rental? Just reach out to our property management company in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a call to 602-492-4121. We can provide a free property analysis, help prepare your property for the short-term rental market, and oversee its performance every step of the way. So, please feel free to give us a call anytime to learn more.

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How to Make Your Airbnb More Desirable to Traveling Nurses

Traveling nurses are in high demand these days — and many are turning to Airbnb to find cozy places to stay through each assignment. If you want your property to capture their attention, you need to speak to their needs to stand out from the crowd. Ready to make that happen? Here’s how to make your Airbnb more desirable to traveling nurses.

Make Comfort a Top Priority

Since they’re on the road so much, traveling nurses deeply appreciate having all the creature comforts of home in their Airbnb, such as:

  • Ultra-fast Wi-Fi internet
  • Cable TV with premium channels
  • Hotel-quality mattresses
  • Luxe linens and bedding
  • High-tech small kitchen appliances

They’re also thrilled upon finding the bathroom stocked with high-end toiletries and seeing bottled water, snacks, and souvenirs waiting for them upon walking through the doors. Don’t forget to make their security a top priority as well with Ring Doorbells and other devices that make it easy to rest up after a long day of nursing.

Focus on Creating an Upbeat Aesthetic

Working as a traveling nurse can often feel isolating and more than a bit challenging, day in and day out. But thankfully, you can help by creating an upbeat aesthetic throughout your Airbnb. With the right decorative touches, you can put a smile on your tenants’ faces, leaving them feeling ready for the day.

To do that, you’ll need to use lighting and color to your advantage in every room. You could brighten up the living room, for example, by putting warm lights over the couch and a vase of colorful flowers on the coffee table. Attractive artwork can help, too, especially pieces that feature a lot of color, texture, and movement.

Hire a Rental Management Company

If you’d rather leave the details to the professionals, simply hire our Airbnb property management company in Scottsdale, Arizona. We can set up your rental to best serve the need of traveling nurses and keep it performing at its best at all times. We’ll even help you find traveling nurses in need of short-term rentals and report back on the financial performance of your property every month.

Unsure if your rental would perform well as an Airbnb? Just sign up for our same-day Scottsdale property analysis by filling out our online form or calling 602-492-4121. We will help you learn just what your property can do for your pocketbook and get started on its transformation into a short-term rental.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Airbnb’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can make people feel at home when they arrive at your Airbnb property. Curb appeal also makes your property more enticing to potential guests. Are you seeking ways to improve your Airbnb’s curb appeal? Here’s what we recommend.

1. Keep Up the Paint Job

Most houses that have been painted need to be repainted approximately every 5 years or so. Repainting your Airbnb home on a regular basis will help keep the property looking its best. Know the signs that your Airbnb needs to be repainted. Look for:

  • Peeling or bubbling paint
  • Faded paint
  • Bare wood siding showing through

2. Maintain the Landscaping

Good landscaping can help make your home look cheerful, well-maintained and inviting. Some suggestions for keeping up with the landscaping around your property:

  • Keep the grass and other plants watered
  • Pull weeds regularly
  • Lay down fresh mulch at least once per year
  • Plant easy to maintain annuals or plant perennials that tolerate the natural weather conditions where your property is located
  • Prune overgrown plants that either don’t look very good or which are blocking sunshine from entering your Airbnb home

3. Keep Your Property Free of Debris

Get rid of any debris on your property following wind storms. Check the property regularly for trash and other things that need to be cleaned up. This is especially important if your home is on a busy street with a lot of foot traffic.

4. Inspect the Property Regularly

Walk around your property on a regular basis to look for problems that need to be addressed. You might see anything from insect nests to a broken fence. Once you’ve inspected the property, make repairs as needed.

5. Want to Maintain Your Airbnb Property? Contact Sojourn Properties

You may not be around to keep your Airbnb property in the best condition all the time. That’s why you need a property management company that can help you keep your property looking its best. At Sojourn Properties, we help maintain Airbnb homes, so that you don’t have to. To get started maintaining your Airbnb’s curb appeal, call us today.

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5 Ways to Draw More Guests With Your Airbnb Listing

Your Airbnb listing does a lot to attract guests at your property. A well-written listing could make all the difference. There are many things you can do to make your property sound attractive to potential guests, so here’s what you need to know.

1. Write a Detailed Listing

Write a detailed listing that is accurate, creative, and clearly states what is unique about your property. Use words that convey the personality of your property and of course discuss the condition of the property. The more descriptive words, the better. When you’re done, have a friend or family member edit the listing and make suggestions as appropriate.

2. Keep Up-to-Date Listing Information

Did something about your property change? Maybe a room was added, or a space was opened up to make an open layout? Did you change the color of the home’s exterior? Make edits on your listing so that people will know what they’re getting when they book a room. This will also prevent confusion when your guests arrive.

3. Set Clear Expectations In the Rules Of Your Listing

It’s always best to ensure that your guests know where they stand when they arrive. They’ll feel more comfortable booking a room or a house if they know what your expectations are. Write clear rules and policies for your property to ensure your guests will feel comfortable reserving your property.

4. Make the Photos Stand Out

The photos you take of your property should be well-lit, should reveal as much detail about your property as possible, and should be generally attractive. Feel free to take as many pictures of your property as need be in order to ensure that your pictures provide a clear picture of what your property is like.

5. Update Your Profile

Make sure that your profile reveals something about you, like your personality or hobbies. The more you sound like a relatable person, the more people will want to book your property.

Contact Sojourn Properties to Take Care of Your Airbnb

You can’t attract people to your Airbnb property if it isn’t being maintained. To ensure your property is in good hands, contact Sojourn Properties today. We offer a range of Airbnb property management services in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Is Your Airbnb Prepared for a Busy Travel Season?

After a year of questionable travel for corporate professionals and vacationers alike, it appears that 2021 is set to be quite the busy year for everyone in the travel industry, including those with short-term rentals. A survey hosted by Airbnb found that 54 percent of people asked are either planning to travel soon or have already booked their travel plans.

While the world was paused to contend with a pandemic, many people claimed they missed traveling the most. As we get further into 2021, taking a moment to make sure your Airbnb rentals are prepared would be an excellent plan. Take a look at a few aspects of your properties to examine in preparation for a busy travel season.

1. Schedule your maintenance check-ups and repair tasks now.

HVAC system checkups, the leaky faucets, repairing the door latch—take care of all of these tasks before the busy travel season settles in. Small issues can get even bigger when you have a guest at your short-term rental every day. The last thing you will want is to delay these pertinent tasks, run into an issue later, and have to cancel a guest’s stay because of a massive problem.

2. Stock up on the essential items you provide for guests.

Those essential items that you keep your Airbnb stocked with should always be on-hand, ready, and waiting to restock as needed. For example, if you keep white sheets on your beds, make sure you have a set to keep on the bed, a set to have in the wash, and a set or two for spares. Other items to keep on hand in bulk before your busy travel season include:

  • Toilet paper, paper towels, and other paper items
  • Trash bags
  • Hand soap
  • Shower toiletries
  • Snacks and pantry items you choose to provide
  • Towels, washcloths, and hand towels

3. Have well-established cleaning routines in place.

Keeping the Airbnb properties clean between guests becomes even more daunting during a busy travel season. You will need a good plan or a good contracted cleaning crew you can rely on to get in and get out before your next guest arrives. Tack down these details before the onset of the busy travel season.

Prepare Your Airbnb with a Little Help from an Airbnb Management Company

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed about the prospect of a busy travel year, you may need a little help along the way. Reach out to us at Sojourn properties to discuss our Airbnb management services to get you aptly prepared for a profitable year.

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How to Ensure Good Reviews For Your Airbnb

The success of your Airbnb relies on good reviews. Ultimately, you can have the best pictures, the most comfortable place in the best location; but if you have bad reviews, then chances are that at least one person will pass on renting your Airbnb. The best way to make sure you get consistently good reviews is to make sure it happens. Don’t rely on chance. Here is how to ensure good reviews for your Airbnb every time you rent it out.

Use a Property Manager

Even if you are really diligent about making sure your Airbnb is outstanding, things have a way of going awry. You need to make sure that your guests have a point of contact to take care of the little things that can interrupt a serene Airbnb stay. These unanticipated events can ruin your guest’s stay and result in less than positive reviews for your property.

  • Running out of propane for the stove
  • Running out of bottled water
  • Internet goes down
  • The Interior door gets accidentally locked
  • Toilet gets stopped up
  • Plumbing pipe breaks
  • Water valve breaks and faucet won’t turn off
  • Electric shower malfunctions

When you hire an Airbnb property manager, these unfortunate events can be swiftly taken care of, ensuring a positive review.

Check-in on Your Guests

The best way to ensure good reviews for your Airbnb is to simply check in on your guests every now and then. You or your property manager can avail of the messaging system to just say, “Hi, is everything okay? Is there anything you need?” This lets your guests know that you remember they are there and that you are committed to their enjoyable stay in your property. This enables your guests to vocalize their needs to you in a private setting rather than to complain about something publicly later.

Be Responsive

If your guests do reach out with any kind of question or problem, be responsive. Don’t wait 24 hours to address their question about what to do with their trash. Answer as quickly as you reasonably can, so that your guests feel that they are being listened to and that their concerns are being taken seriously. Good reviews for your Airbnb are essential for the continued success of your rental property in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Sojourn Can Handle All This For You!

Let us give you a free property analysis and show you why we are the top short-term rental management company in the Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ area. We have the team and the experience to maximize your property’s revenue. For assistance managing your Airbnb or other rental property, please contact us today.

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3 Ways Short-Term Rental Management Can Be Optimized Through Technology

Managing your short-term rental can involve many facets, and some of those facets can be aptly optimized through technology. Here is a look at just a few of the ways you can better manage your short-term rental properties in Scottsdale with the help of technology.

1. Stay in close contact with your guests.

Communicating with guests, both prospects, current guests, and previous guests, is ever-important in the short-term rental business. Prospects want to know the property manager is accessible if they have questions. Guests staying in one of your properties need to be able to get in touch with someone when something is wrong. And reaching out to guests after their stay for a quick thank you and invite to leave feedback or to give a review can work wonders for your reputation. All of this can be better achieved through technology. From email and instant messaging on social media to text messages, communication is simplified via technological platforms.

2. Ensure seamless booking experiences for your guests.

No guest appreciates a clunky booking experience. The average guest should be able to get on your website, make a reservation, and secure their stay with payment. Technology can make the booking process as seamless as possible so guests are more likely to have a positive experience. While you may not have your own well-established website or online platform where guests can book a stay, a good property management company like Sojourn Properties will.

3. Keep better track of your revenue and operational costs.

Technology allows you to keep better track of things like occupancy, maintenance costs, cleaning fees, and more. For example, when you work with a property management company, they will typically keep digital tabs on your total revenue for all units in a year compared to maintenance costs. This data can help you adjust pricing as needed to ensure your bottom line is covered and you still have ample room for profit.

Allow Sojourn Properties LLC to Help with Rental Property Management

When you have a good rental property management team on your side for help with your short-term rentals, you can see drastic improvements in how your business runs, your profit margins, and more. If you would like help with your short-term rentals, reach out to us at Sojourn Properties LLC in Scottsdale, AZ to find out more about our services.

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