Discussions

I would like to ask some questions from people who own a place in Brandon as the air b& b. Wondering if it does worth it to make your place as such? Is there enough guests for most nights of the month to cover the,cost of the place and make some money? Any guests in the winter ? What are challenges? Do you have to pay some fixed amount to the Ab&b company regardless of having guests or not?  
 
You can also send me private msg . Thanks

Air b&b are the most divisive things to happen to neighborhoods today. Just look at the mess it’s created at clear lake as an example. The question you should ask is would the neighbours mind? I have friends who are getting out of it because even some of the “good” renters left a lot of damage and mess.

1st off I recognize that there is down falls to having an airbnb I belong to a Airbnb private FB Group and I rarely visit that sight because of all the complaining. Mostly folks in the USA I'm not picking on the USA it's just that anytime there is a real issue with a Guest or A Host it's there.  
 
I Have an Airbnb here in Brandon, I started before I moved her from Morris MB. There I was surprised how many times I had guest so It was a no brainer for me to do it here.  
 
First to answer your question about payment, If you don't have a guest(s) you owe Airbnb nothing. Having said that there fees are in my opinion very steep so you have to price your place accordly. That's the good news YOU Choice what to charge. But be reasonable. Look at Airbnb Hosts offering the same thing you are and let that be your guide. In my case I live close to the U of B and the ACC. I price my place for longer term stays and I'm rarely empty. I price my place to cover my costs and a bit of profit to make it worth my while.  
 
If you decide to take the Airbnb plunge, know this, There a many questions on there website to answer, Which is a good thing because you will be guided in such away to set it up exactly how you want it.  
 
Things I've learned by doing Airbnb.  
1) NEVER let anyone talk you into going off of the Airbnb platform NO matter what they offer you, example 3 months rent up front. Ever heard the term "Squatter"?  
The main reason I got into Airbnb is to cover half my rent. Looking for a roommate is a pain in the donkey. With Airbnb as soon as you accept a guest, Airbnb Charges there credit card. But they do not pay you until that guest has checked in, usually a day or so after. I think they have an option to be paid the same day but they have a fee for that privilege.  
 
2) if you have a long term guest for more than a month Airbnb will only give you the payment for the month at a time. Example my current guest is here until April, I just received Feb payment on the 5th, I won't see the next payment until sometime in March.  
 
The good news about that is you will get paid, you won't have to chase the guest for money.  
 
3) Don't give your guests a reason to leave a negative review. Strive for 5 stars all the way and Airbnb will push business your way.  
 
Lastly, I've had 2 guests that were not great. One was a woman that stayed for almost 3 months. She stayed in her room and only came out to collect her food orders from Skip the dishes. (My guests are free to use the kitchen and cookware. She said she couldn't cook.) I would ask her if she needed my to go in her space and clean? She would always reply no problem she would take care of it. When she left, it took me 4 hours to clean her bedroom and bathroom. I had a young guy almost the same. But when he checked out after many months, I spent a long time cleaning his space but things were missing. I Texted him asking these questions: Why was the bathmat in your bathroom completely soaking wet? REPLY: Because when I showered the water would go outside the TUB. I realised that he didn't know that he had to put the shower curtain inside the TUB. (He wasn't from around here.) Next I said I had 2 brand New towel sets when you moved in, where are those. REPLY: They got dirty so I Threw them out. He transferred $50 to cover those. ( Oddly enough I have towels dating back to 1990, I'm not kidding.)  
 
Everyone else I would welcome back no problem. In fact I have had repeat guests. 1 here in Brandon and 1 in Morris.  
 
I hope this was helpful and I wish you well. Feel the FEAR but do it anyway.