What I learnt from putting my home on Airbnb: A Cost of Living Specialist’s Experience
The Airbnb experience can be both rewarding and eye-opening, as one homeowner discovered when she decided to rent out her spare room. Megan Baynes, a cost of living specialist, shared her journey of turning her home into a profitable Airbnb listing.
After seeing an advert on the London Underground encouraging homeowners to rent out their spare rooms, Megan decided to give it a try. With the help of an Airbnb Superhost, she learned the ropes of hosting and quickly secured her first booking. What started as a way to earn some extra cash turned into a successful side hustle, with Megan now almost constantly booked.
Megan shared some tips for welcoming strangers into your home, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts and setting boundaries. She recounted instances where she declined bookings that didn’t feel right, such as a man wanting to rent her room for a few hours to meet a friend. By being selective and cautious, Megan was able to create a safe and welcoming environment for her guests.
To maintain high ratings, Megan focused on providing a clean and comfortable space for her guests. She highlighted the importance of honesty in her listings, including the presence of pets to avoid any surprises for guests with allergies. By offering thoughtful amenities and clear communication, Megan was able to earn five-star reviews from her guests.
While Megan found success with Airbnb, she also shared some pitfalls to avoid, such as the challenges of listing on multiple platforms and considering the tax implications of hosting. Despite some hiccups along the way, Megan’s experience with Airbnb has been largely positive, allowing her to earn over £700 in just over two months.
Overall, Megan’s story serves as a testament to the potential of Airbnb as a source of income for homeowners. By being proactive, attentive, and discerning, homeowners can turn their spare rooms into profitable opportunities while creating positive experiences for their guests.
