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Sinlge Bedrooms Vs. Whole Homes: Airbnb’s Marketing Shift

Airbnb started off with a simple concept. The founders realized that there were plenty of people who wanted to travel, even if that meant giving up a few conveniences along the way. They might be willing to share a bathroom, sleep on a couch, or stay in a bedroom that didn’t have a lock on it, all in the name of staying within their budget.

Of course, where a company starts and where it ends up are often nowhere near one another. Lately, Airbnb is course correcting to try to once again appeal to penny-pinching vacationers. If you have a rental property in Scottsdale, AZ, we’ll look at the debate, and how you can prepare to stay ahead of it all.

Marketing Shifts

Airbnb has been seeing a lot of complaints about how much it costs to stay in one of their properties. This is, in part, due to excess fees — many of which travelers won’t see until they’re at the very last step of the booking process. In addition, many of these costs seem entirely unfair to the guests. For instance, hosts may charge $100 for a cleaning fee while still requiring the guests to clean the property while they’re still on site.

It’s led to the company putting more efforts into their single-room options, which will make it easier to stay with the host (which is usually far cheaper than staying at a hotel. As Airbnb leans into this direction, though, companies like VRBO lean the other way. VRBO’s marketing continues to emphasize the downsides of living with a stranger, even if it’s only for a day or two.

Rental Properties in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ

Sojourn Properties LLC provides property management in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, so our staff knows that bad PR and marketing shifts can make a difference to your bottom line. The main takeaway here is that there will be a continued market for both types of travelers. If you do happen to cater to the whole home crowd, the best thing that can do for them is be as fair and transparent as you possibly can. To learn more about how a property manager can make this easier, contact us today.

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Why Short-Term Rentals Are Better Than Normal Hotels For Travelers

There are more options than ever for travelers, including corporate travelers, families and other vacationers. In the past, normal hotels were the only choice for accommodation. Now, short-term rentals such as Airbnbs offer an alternative option that many travelers see as a big step up from traditional hotels. Here are just a handful of the reasons why short-term rentals in Scottsdale, AZ are better than normal hotels for travelers.

Kitchen Facilities

Unlike hotels, short-term rentals give travelers the option of cooking their own meals in the unit. While sampling local cuisine is often an integral part of every trip, sometimes dining out for every meal is cost-prohibitive, inconvenient or simply not an option due to time constraints. It doesn’t have to mean home cooking a five-course meal. Just being able to prepare a few simple dishes is a big convenience that hotels don’t offer.

Affordability

It used to be that large metropolitan cities were the only places where hotel room charges were excessive. Now, though, hotels are pricey no matter where you travel to. Since most travelers–even corporate travelers–are looking to save money, short-term rentals just make more sense. With monthly rates that are deeply discounted compared to hotel nightly rates, this is one of the best reasons to choose short-term rentals over hotels.

Flexible Checkout Times

Check out times at hotels are typically either 11 AM or noon. If guests stay over by as little as 15 minutes, hotels automatically charge for another night. But when you book a short-term rental, you get to stay for a longer period of time, with no need to worry about checking out the next day. Also, if you need a little bit of extra time to pack your belongings and clean up after yourself, most short-term rental owners are understandable and flexible.

Personal Touch

When you stay at a hotel, you’re paying a corporation for a service, and it’s very impersonal. When you stay in a short-term rental in Scottsdale, AZ, you enjoy a guest experience, where there is more of a personal touch. Short-term rental owners are more vested in your satisfaction as a guest, as opposed to a giant corporation who only sees you as a number.

If you are looking for a short-term rental for yourself, your family, or for business travel needs, contact us. We have a range of beautifully-appointed short-term rentals to suit every need!

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Who’s Taking Vacations in Scottsdale? Trends in Rentals

Scottsdale tourism has recovered remarkably well after the pandemic. While the levels are still lower than pre-pandemic, the city hosted 5.3 million overnight visitors (4.3 million domestic and 1 million international) in 2021. Local spending saw a $2.5 billion hike that year between day and overnight travelers. It’s estimated that each overnight visitor spends around $272 per night when they’re in town. If you own a rental property in Scottsdale, AZ, we’ll look at the trends of travelers.

Who’s On the Move

While the age data for visitors to Scottsdale is few and far between, we do know the activities that are bringing people in. The top three were shopping, sightseeing, and hiking/backpacking. These statistics give property owners an easy shorthand for who’s stopping by. Attending a celebration and nightclubs were also major draws.

As you decide which aspects of your property to promote, consider how different types of travelers might respond to your amenities. Being in the middle of the desert will be great for anyone who wants a beautiful backdrop for their photos and some privacy. However, if you advertise it as being close to town when it’s really a 45-minute drive in traffic, it can leave a bad impression on your guests.

According to a survey by Compass Longwoods International, the majority of tourists come from Canada and Mexico. Before the pandemic, 1.7 million international visitors came to the area in 2019. While the city is down to 1 million, the reality is that there’s still a market for international travelers in the area.

Property Managers in Scottsdale

If you’ve been in the property game for a while, you likely already know the general demographics of people who are staying on your property. What you might not realize is that there could be far more revenue opportunity than you realize just by making a few simple adjustments. From Instagram-worthy corners to welcomes for guests in multiple languages, catering to your guests can go a long way toward boosting your reviews and giving you more leverage in the market. If you want to learn more about how to make the most of your rental in Scottsdale, AZ, Sojourn Properties LLC can help you figure it all out.

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How Would a Recession Impact Your Short-Term Rental?

As the government debates how to cut spending at a time of unprecedented debt, the trickle-down effects of a potential recession are hitting everyday people in different ways. If you own a short-term rental property in Scottsdale or Phoenix, AZ, here’s what you should know about the future.

Different Circumstances

Despite all the doom and gloom of layoffs, we are in a different position than recent recessions of the past. The unemployment numbers, while certainly falling in some sectors, aren’t uniform by a long shot. Tech may be seeing an exodus, but there are still plenty of companies that are hiring.

In terms of economic sentiment, basically, how consumers feel about whether they’ll spend, pessimism is running fairly high. The inflation and the news have made a distinct mark on whether people are ready to part with some of their hard-earned dollars. However, there does seem to be one key area of spending that isn’t falling into that trap.

Why People Are Still Vacationing

It’s not that travel is immune from a recession, but the demand for short-term rentals isn’t falling the same way that spending in other categories is falling. The good news is that experts don’t expect it to fall either. This doesn’t mean that people aren’t changing the way they travel. They’re more likely to stay close to home, so they can at least cut back on transportation costs.

This is something of a byproduct of the pandemic, but it’s also a nod to people’s desire to get out of their regular routine and try something new. Property managers in Phoenix, AZ have seen just how powerful it can be for guests to experience a city in an entirely new way. It gives them a fresher perspective on the world around them, a truly priceless benefit.

Property Managers in Scottsdale or Phoenix

Sojourn Properties LLC is a rental management company serving the areas of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Part of our job is monitoring the trends of the economy, so that our clients can navigate the changes and make adjustments. From online visibility to price, we help you thrive no matter the climate. If you want to make your property as recession-proof as possible, contact us today to see how we can help.

 

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Dispelling 3 Common Myths About Hosting on Airbnb

The Airbnb platform offers a lucrative way for residential property owners to earn extra income. Yet, thousands of property owners don’t leverage this opportunity. One of the reasons is the proliferation of untrue myths about hosting on Airbnb. Three of the most common myths include:

Myth#1: Hosting an Airbnb Brings on a Ton of Headaches

This is a myth often perpetuated by people who have no experience being landlords. They are simply amplifying what they’ve heard from yet more people who have no experience being landlords. The claim has no basis in reality.

While hosting an Airbnb is not exactly like being a landlord, it is similar in that you are inviting others to rent from you. However, the smartest—and most successful—landlords and Airbnb hosts don’t try to wear all the hats. They hire a property management company to manage and maintain their Scottsdale, AZ, and surrounding areas property so that the income derived from it is completely passive, with no aspirin required.

#2: Hosting an Airbnb Means You Can’t Leave Town

This is another myth concocted by people who have not actually hosted an Airbnb. The false premise behind this myth is that owners have to stay in town to clean up in between lettings, manage tenants’ questions and more.

No one is going to tell you that you have to remain in proximity of your Airbnb property. Only certain rare cities have laws about hosting local Airbnbs, and Scottsdale and Phoenix are certainly not among them.

If you want to host an Airbnb in and around Phoenix, you are free to do so, even if you want to take a vacation of your own now, then or all the time! The smart way to do this is to use an Airbnb property management company in Scottsdale, AZ who does all your work for you. So go ahead, pack your bags and enjoy your trip!

Myth #3: Airbnb Guests Will Trash the Place

This myth suggests that property owners will have their furniture destroyed and the lawn ripped to shreds by vacationers. Hmmm. Is that true?

No, of course not! When was the last time your family trashed a hotel when you vacationed? In addition, we screen guests to ensure you and your property are protected.

As you can see, the negative myths about being an Airbnb host simply are not true. If you have a property available to be rented in Scottsdale, AZ, make everything easy on yourself by hiring an Airbnb property management company like Sojourn Property Management in Scottsdale, AZ. Contact us today!

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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.

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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.

 

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Pictures Are Worth 1000 Airbnb Rentals – Always Include These Images

Not getting the best number of booked days with your Airbnb? One of the most important things an Airbnb management company in Scottsdale will do when you work with them is to revamp the listing. Know one of the most important parts of this process? Adding the best pictures and imagery. In all truth, pictures are worth everything when it comes to making an impression with short-term rentals. Take a look at the most important images to include in your Airbnb rental description and why they matter.

The Main Sleeping Quarters

The bedrooms are, by all rights, where travelers will spend a good portion of their time in your property. And, when you’re looking for a home away from home, few things are as important as getting a good night of sleep. Therefore, make sure your Airbnb listing offers captivating, inviting pictures of the sleeping quarters. Make sure the bed is the focal point, but capture views from several angles.

Special Airbnb Features

Does your Airbnb have something that makes it unique? If so, make sure you add these images to your listing. A few examples of special features prospects will appreciate seeing include:

  • A pool or hot tub
  • An on-site washer and dryer
  • Workspaces or incorporated office space
  • Pet-friendly areas, such as a fenced-in yard
  • Large parking for RVs or larger vehicles
  • Entertainment features, such as a projector system

Panoramic Shots of the Outdoor View

The view can mean a lot to some travelers, especially those looking for rest and rejuvenation or that intend to stick around for a while. Therefore, make sure you get a few wide-angle or panoramic shots of the best outdoor view. Even more urban locations can have something highlight-worthy to capture in a picture that can be alluring. In addition to the view from the outdoors, consider grabbing a picture or two of the best view from one of the interior windows.

Need Help with Your Airbnb?

Managing an Airbnb and getting the most booked nights is a matter of marketing and property management. Need a little help from a property manager in Scottsdale, AZ? Reach out to us at Sojourn Properties LLC so we can step in and make a difference.

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What Does a Property Inspection Cover?

When you are thinking of buying an investment property to rent out as an Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ or another kind of rental property, you’ll want to have a property inspection done. A property inspection isn’t always mandatory according to your lender, but they are recommended. The following are some things that the property inspector will look at.

Windows

The property inspector will carefully assess the condition of the windows, looking for signs of insulation failure. They won’t necessarily inspect every single window in the property, but enough to determine the general condition of the windows.

Fireplace

Fireplaces are also thoroughly examined. Property inspectors check for indicators of wear that suggest a fireplace hasn’t been cleaned or maintained on a regular basis. They also inspect for potential fire threats, such as creosote accumulation on the walls of the chimney.

HVAC

The complete HVAC system, including the heating, cooling and plumbings systems, is examined by property inspectors. They’re specifically searching for signs of corrosion, leaks, mold development, and ventilation issues. In addition to the major components, they will thoroughly examine the tubing and wiring connections.

Electrical Problems

The electrical connections in the property will be examined by the property inspector. Any evident electrical issues, as well as situations that violate local and state construction codes, such as the absence of GFI outlets in rooms with running water, such as the laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms, will be documented. Every outlet, circuit breaker, fixture, and switch will be inspected.

Hand Rails and Banisters

The stability and proper installation of safety and guard rails and stairway banisters will be checked. This will include problems like shaky banisters that are not tightly connected to the walls, or areas where one or more balusters are missing. The property inspection report will also mention areas that should have safety railings but which are lacking. Railings along balconies, deck and pool areas are examples of locations that will be assessed.

A property inspection will help to ensure that your potential new rental property is actually a good investment. Once you are ready to start accepting tenants, get property management services in Scottsdale, AZ so your passive income stream can begin! Contact us for more information to get started.

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How to Generate Passive Income from Short-Term Rentals

How to Generate Passive Income from Short-Term Rentals

Investments come in many forms. Many entrepreneurs start businesses, run them for a while and build them into large entities that employ hundreds or even thousands of people. Another type of investment is buying into an existing business, becoming a partial owner and enjoying a portion of the profits.

But the most successful investors know that money is not the most valuable commodity; time is. The most successful investors know that passive income is king.

What is Passive Income?

Passive income is money generated that doesn’t require a trade of money for time. Passive refers to the amount of action required on the part of the investor. In a passive income investment, the investor should not have to do much of anything after some initial action. In other words, there is some action needed to initiate passive income. But after that, the money should come in with little to no more effort on the part of the investor.

Confusion About Passive Income

Loosely interpreted, the IRS defines passive income as regular earnings that come from a source other than the investor. The form goes on to say that real estate investment is a form of passive income. That’s a bit confusing because anyone who has ever become a landlord can tell you that it is anything but passive income. When you spend your weekends performing maintenance on a rental and answering tenant calls on your vacation, that’s not passive income. That’s called a second job.

True Passive Income From Rental Real Estate

True passive income comes from rental real estate where you have hired a property management company to take care of it for you, such as a property management company in Scottsdale, AZ. A property management company takes care of everything from creating a boilerplate lease agreement, to screening new tenant applicants to fixing plumbing leaks at 2 a.m. on a holiday weekend. Meanwhile, you and your family are relaxing together, enjoying life. That’s passive income.

Whether you need Airbnb property management in Scottsdale, AZ, property management for a vacation rental or a rental property ten blocks from you, Sojourn Properties does what its name implies; allows you, the investor, to take a sojourn and have passive income, while they do all the actual work. Contact us today to learn more.

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