How much $$$ I LOST on my AirBnB in the first year

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

Super fan here. So glad to see you. I have been with you since the beginning and I am finally debt free. Thank you for continuing your channel.

[@BudgetGirl]

Huge congratulations Darrell, i'm so proud and thrilled for you - throwing a little dance party in your honor!

[@MovieJustin]

Congratulations

[@maryyoder9562]

I still love your AG Wagon idea! I also agree with all your new ideas. Ex: store the wagon in a cheap space in the "off" months, and have it in a park during football season, UNTIL you do find that land. I do think a property with an extra lot would be great for the AG Wagon! Good luck!

[@christabellecarpenter2354]

Campgrounds have peak seasons and low seasons....our park basically has 6 months of peak season in Arkansas. There are literally 2 guys in 2 different bell tents in our park right now that have been there thru 2 bad thunderstorms. They are living in those tents.....the temps are fluctuating from 38 to 72 right now. If you store your rig, it's gotta be winterized and can be vandalized if it's just sitting in a storage lot. If it stays in a park, it can be stored there at a lower rate if it's not occupied....otherwise you can cut some winter rates and do airbnb specials geared toward single or widowed folks who need a break during the indoor/winter holidays....because they already feel lonely. A campground has people around but not in your business. I'd leave it in the park and keep renting it out. But that's me. Rigs do better if they're occupied as much as possible. Otherwise, you may start each campground season discovering what else broke because it sat unoccupied for 6 months.

[@medical4652]

OG fan and subscriber here ... I haven't watched the video yet but I've looked at your subscriber count of 97.2. I remember when one of your goals was to hit 100k. This has got to be the year, BG! I'm gonna hold your feet to the fire and not let you forget that goal! I know this channel has taken a back burner to ... air bnb'ing, day job ...... LIFE, etc. But I know without a doubt that some renewed effort and attention to this channel will get you over that 100k goal finish line once and for all! You can do it without a doubt and you deserve it!!

[@ThrivingwithOneil]

I rented my trailer on Airbnb, but I owned the land. I also rented my trailer on Outdoorsy. Good business, but lots of work on the backend. The wear and tear on RVs is high, so cost can be high. Great video! Love the transparancy.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks for sharing!

[@laraerae4321]

Love everything about this! I feel like most people don't track this level of expense/profit and certainly don't share the numbers!! Really really love your vulnerability and openness and willingness to try new stuff!!

[@BudgetGirl]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you!

[@erindixon2877]

To help combat pipes freezing, buy some milk house heaters that can be placed in front of the kitchen sink and in the bathroom. Run the heater as well. The directed heat of the heaters will keep the pipes warm enough to withstand the freeze. We've had to do this in our home when the temp stays below zero for an extended period of time.

[@BudgetGirl]

Great tip! that is similar to what the plumber suggested!

[@ellen3883]

As long as you take the lessons that you learned to heart and keep them in mind for the future, you will fair fine. Glad to see you back!☺️

[@michellemorales401]

I think that despite your preferred location being pricey for land, I would definitely buy it. In the end, you could get more bookings and even stay at a mid-high rate for consistent bookings. I truly think that would increase your rental rate to above 60%

[@shockt9610]

also the monthly payment on a loan might be a bit cheaper even if you add an onsite well, septic, power and internet.

[@bookrockgoddess]

For freezing weather we drain all the water then use antifreeze in the pipes and toliet. We live In Michigan and have never had a problem. After freezing we drain and flush all the lines to make sure antifreeze is out.

[@kikihammond5326]

BG, Florida girl here. The weather folks and my mom all advise during a freeze to keep water lines from freezing, run a small stream of water from taps, more than a drip, but not much more. Hope that helps

[@TheRealAngelGrace]

Thanks for your transparency. Some people make it sound like it's so easy to make so much money doing this.

[@MissMelissa1014]

So happy you’re back! The AG wagon is looking as great as ever ❤ I agree with the commenter who said that this past year isn’t enough data! Give it another year. Dropping prices might also be a good thing to try. Maybe also increasing prices on game weekends since it’s fully booked at $250? Thank you so much for making content!

[@DaltonsFriendswood]

I wonder if you could move it down to round top during the two antique shows per year for all the ladies that take girls trips? Might help boost up the occupancy.

[@sandrafromscotland]

Lovely to see you Sarah 😊 Thanks for putting all this together. It's good you've had fun and learned loads. Freezing tips from here! You did good by draining all the water. Leaving taps open helps any water left in pipes to drain out and insulating pipes will help too.

[@BudgetGirl]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@sanctuarycapital]

Thanks for sharing! This year is the camper's year! I can feel it!

[@irenez5160]

Hi so happy to see you. Have missed your videos and budgeting skills!!!!!

[@docdoctme]

I love your channel and thanks for being transparent. I wish you all the success in your endeavors.

[@jovanny253]

I suggest getting rid of as much fees as possible and instead of seperating them just include it on your nightly rate. you are ranked better if you do not have cleaning fees. yes getting land will get you better rates and more bookings specially if you add campfires grill stations outdoor kitchen/bar for those game nights. this will only be worth it if you can add another 3+ campers that you can have on the same land but keep them seperate enough tp give guest a bit of privacy. one thing to consider though is getting utilities installed in raw land will cost you an arm and a leg.

[@patriciashayes5929]

Probably the rental income will be pretty equivalent whether on your land or a campground. Expenses not so much. If you buy land, with or without installing water, sewer/septic, electric, landscaping, your expenses will be many times the $500 you are now paying, and you are unlikely to be able to offer a pool or on-site management. Please leave the Agwagon just where it is and keep the experiment running. Chances are you won't be faced with further big expenses and, frankly, the teeny loss you've realized is soooo much less than you probably expected. After another year at the campground, you'll have a better idea of whether the investment of land will be financially smart. In my area, by the way, there are so many Air B&B's that housing is getting really, really scarce. Maybe think about a long-term rental, perhaps to a student or prof?

[@BudgetGirl]

I'm considering the hookups and install a one time expense/ investment and hopefully i'll be able to have a couple small units on the same piece of land. it won't have a pool, but maybe a little pond, hot tub, some hammocks and a getaway feel that i think will be a wonderful experience you just can't get when you're 20 feet away from two other rvs on either side. Rv parks are great for travelers, but it isn't the long term vibe i have envisioned. The camper is also a tad small for long term living mostly because of very limited storage. I do rent the other side of my duplex out to a prof long term and love having LTR tenants! Much less stress and i keep my rent below market as I think a lot of people charge these kids way too much and are taking advantage.

[@BudgetSaveAndRepeat]

really appreciate your transparency👍🏼

[@thirdsonconsulting1964]

Love the transparency budget girl!

[@scottharrison6835]

Glad you are back with another video. Love all the financial infomation you provide your vewers. Would like more frequent uploads.

[@julieall_is_good90]

I’m happy to see you again! ❤️

[@katrinagay7283]

I have land in Texas for a camper/RV near the lake and has boat launch access...It's gorgeous 😉

[@Lealelan]

The Ag wagon is super cute! Im in CA and went on our first Airbnb experience and the house was great/ocean-front, yet the owners neglected to tell me that the house next door was being renovated from the studs. No peace during the day. And the fees - cleaning was 275 and admin fees (never got what those were) at 225. Think that may be my last airbnb experience. I've thought of putting a tiny home on my property and renting out but think my local ordinances wont allow. Your renovation of the camper is stellar!

[@BudgetGirl]

admin was likely the booking platform's cut, but that cleaning fee is ouch! sorry you had that bad expeerience!

[@suen5006]

Thanks for your video. So many things to go wrong and then fix! Yikes.

[@fitnesswithbarbara]

The repair problems you are experiencing are not just for old mobile homes. I bought a brand new custom-ordered RV and I can't even tell you how many things haven't worked. Being able to park it on your own land will definitely make it more economical. Good luck.

[@deniseprichett2619]

Great video Sarah!!!! I missed you!! I think keep getting bookings. The AG Wagon is so darn cute. I hope you find some land soon!!! Having your own land with help you money wise and the Glamping experience would be enhanced for sure.

[@suzanabunikwatch4197]

I miss your monthly budgets. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@midnightjo1327]

We always blew out the water with an air compressor, camping world sells adapters. Gets allll the water out and out antifreeze in the P traps and toilet

[@BudgetGirl]

had no clue! thanks, I'll look into that!

[@Diecastinator]

Store the camper from January to July or so and then have it at the campground. Just seasonally for when it's profitable. Then maybe you could travel with it some of the other parts of the year? You could also use claix internet hotspot so you could have portable internet unlimited data 5G 750 up front and then it's only 120 a year after that

[@JohnSmith-fg4ex]

Suggestion. to prevent pipes from freezing, us an air compressor and grab an attachment to hook to the water line. Use low pressure 30-40psi and get the water out, them blow through some RV anti-freeze. Next it sounds like your spending too much for the RV to sit on a piece of land, purchase your own land or use state campgrounds or someplace cheaper.

[@BudgetGirl]

working on the land thing! thanks for the suggestion on the water line!

[@jimmychamberlain7382]

Love your determination. I'm fixing to make the Airbnb plunge. Nice to know it's not all unicorns and rainbows.

[@Nwladylaura369]

Keep renting it out! It takes time to build a base of customers. Plus you hopefully won’t have any more costly repairs.

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Sarah.please find land first,then trailer or build.it saves money in the end.

[@stevenmcmillian1977]

I missed seeing you doing a video every week. I wish you the best on the Air BNB business. VRBO is also a pain accounting wise.

[@missmaryjanegreen]

Hi there! I absolutely understand the lot fee loss. I have a vintage trailer @myrtlethevagabondturtle. I had to leave Texas to find a place where I could purchase an RV lot at a reasonable price for my vintage trailer in an up & coming artists’ colony. The 10 year rule was a real problem & then getting utilities onto land was cost prohibitive. I’m out in the New Mexico desert (thankfully I work remotely) & I am currently purchasing a small house up North to escape the summer. Looking forward to moving into the rental realm. Love your content & learn a lot from you! Hope you can find some great land in AggieWorld. Looking forward to seeing what the camper does in 2023.

[@nancydineen6797]

The information you’re sharing is so helpful.

[@BudgetGirl]

Glad you think so!

[@timpancakes2011]

I'll have to come out and stay and then go get those tasty tacos again!!! Since my career used to be in hotels, it warms my heart hearing about your experience ^.^

[@jahbeauty1]

Thanks for sharing n being open and honest about your experience..I'm with you I would store it until u can find some land to purchase 😉

[@charlottemartin8529]

Loved seeing your video pop up to watch. I guess all new business ventures have some ups and downs to start with. I think you did well. Keep going xx

[@michelleconway4209]

I agree with your thoughts of storing the wagon until you have land. Too much effort to run at a lose.

[@heatherj3030]

The things that broke and were replaced won't need to be done again. Yes, you might run into more things, but each time you are ending up with a more reliable and nicer ag wagon. I would keep renting it out if you can. March is far enough away from Christmas to start picking up a bit. Good luck!

[@diannevans407]

Pros and cons to storing it, campers tend to have things dry up and break if not in constant use, by that I mean monthly use. We have had several campers and we have had less trouble when they stayed hooked to water and electricity. I know that sounds weird. Plus when being moved things tend to loosen and tires dry rot or go flat. Also you may want to keep it available to have repeat customers because they will count on coming back. I completely understanding the want or need to have low expenses for a few months. Whatever you decide I know you will do whats best for you and it will be great. Your can do attitude is so inspiring, I have been with you since you moved to Mena AR. Love all you share. Hugs Diann

[@sharonreinblatt9790]

You may want to get an air compressor to blow out your lines and/or plumbers antifreeze

[@nikyyhancock]

Love your videos.. there might be value in keeping it listed so more keep learning about your property and you might get more and more word of mouth traffic. Unless it’s too stressful… then there is that. I love what you are doing.. hope it keeps getting better!

[@noreenn6976]

Always appreciate your transparency. Consider raising the rates? Photos good? AG wagon, is the name a locally recognized thing?

[@BudgetGirl]

ag is short for aggie, which is what we call texas a&m students 😀

[@bibiblocksberg2081]

What a cute wonderfully renovated camper. I would love to book it if I lived in or near Texas. 💕

[@bikenraider99]

The freeze did a lot of folks in again. The cap ex always torpedo a good month.

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

I do not know if storing it is a good idea. There are pros and cons to both ideas. The goal here is to get the land ASAP. Hopefully, with an A-frame.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

Keep it on site , regarding freezing although it might not be a candidate for complete winterizing perhaps lagging some pipes etc help

[@katelynbendinsky5080]

This doesn’t really sound like a loss to me. Bookings helped subsidize some repairs that really still needed to be made for the long term. On a new to you property. Essentially having to be out of pocket another $2000 ish dollars to get it up to snuff isn’t awful for a year and will hopefully set the foundation for profitable years. I don’t think mistakes were really made here

[@BudgetGirl]

thats very kind of you and you have some great points! I try to be as open as possible about the costs and profit and i'm not mad about it, but some people would def. consider this a failure! imma give it a little more time though! thanks so much for watching.

[@mydanshi6500]

@@BudgetGirl I was thinking the same. Effectively the purchase cost was more than you originally knew but you had guests helping you out with the repairs, which were really upgrades. Congrats, great project. I love seeing people who go out and make things happen 👏👏👏

[@imnitguy]

Right, and she can deduct all of these costs which in turn make it worthwhile, despite the loss.

[@imnitguy]

AirBNB operator here with four doors. I have had everything fail, and I never expected to own so many pairs of washers and dryers, beds or TCL Roku TVs. Half full. When the AC breaks and you spend $2k, take solace in the fact that it won't break again soon. When the washer and dryer (we have many) break, buy new, hot water heater, same thing. Maintain what you have and you will be rewarded down the road. We have alleviated ALL cleaning fees on our units despite having to pay for the service. People are looking for cheaper units. Having a $60 cleaning fee for a 200 square foot trailer is not only off-putting it is an absolute dealbreaker unless these are college kids having a keg party on the front lawn.

[@BudgetGirl]

when it rents for 69-100 a night I can't really absorb the cleaning fee without going negative each stay. agree on the breaking things though!

[@lindap9079]

Hang in there Sarah. You didn't lose any more than those who buy a latte & pastry for breakfast every day. I understand that Texas A&M is one of the college campus' that are experiencing Christian revival. I saw news stories about people from all over visiting Asbury University to experience the revival there. Perhaps the same will happen in Texas and you will have a steady stream of guests in the months to come.

[@GB-wn1cl]

Hopeful

[@gmichel1212]

Aw man that would be so nice if there was an affordable lot close to the stadium you could purchase for the ag wagon!

[@christabellecarpenter2354]

I had another thought about what to do with your rig in the off season....seems like you work for the college....I'd interview a few college students, the seniors who are graduating in May, and rent the rv to one of them with references during off season...which is basically their final semester. That way your rig is being lived in, you're making money, then they'll graduate and move out right when peak season starts. It won't be as much as you're making per night, but most campgrounds cut winter rates for long term campers....you could do something similar.

[@anyagee9467]

Have you thought of decreasing cost to increase occupancy? Even a very cheap Airbnb can bring in a lot of money if rented out consistently.

[@BudgetGirl]

that is a current strategy i'm trying! great idea!

[@jodygrant7827]

What about long term rentals during 'off months'?

[@michellecurrie5553]

I watch your videos all the time and if you want to make money on the Wagon contact a travel nursing company. The nurses are always looking for places for a 5-13week stay and there companies pay for it while they are working in a hospital close to you. I work with lots of travel nurse who pay way to much staying in hotels.

[@texasglendastitcher]

I second this suggestion. A house a few doors down from us is a rental that is rented only to traveling nurses. Our local hospital's ER nursing staff is primarily comprised of traveling nurses, and we are also a college town, so rental property is in high demand.

[@jjech8490]

If you leave the water running a little, that should help the pipes not freeze. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼

[@herleyrobinson5965]

Another super fan here. I love your indomitable spirit. You have inspired me with your never say die attitude and I wish you only the best in the future. 😂When I come to here to watch your videos it’s like an adventure. Whenever Luis with you going to be up to. Here’s hoping that your Airbnb attains🎉 the success that you so richly deserve. I hope that you are able to find suitable land to place it. You rock!!

[@BudgetGirl]

that is so kind, thank you and i appreciate you rooting for me!

[@BudgetGirl]

Do you have any questions about this airbnb/ venture? Q&A video coming!

[@Brookeloun]

I was wondering if you were able to write off losses on taxes?

[@BudgetGirl]

@FIGSnQUAIL all the expenses and losses yes!

[@truneilson]

Here in Utah we put antifreeze in the lines of our campers for the winter, can you not do that?

[@jazziered142]

I don't Airbnb because they want you to pay a cleaning deposit, and then clean on top of it. No go. I don't care if I pay a cleaning charge as long as there's not a list for me to clean on top of it.

[@BudgetGirl]

my unit is professionally cleaned and all i ask guests to do is turn stuff off and lock up. :-D

[@rachelday9585]

If you aren't losing a ton monthly, then I would leave it out and rent it out. Storing it would be more costly, I think, because there is no chance of making money.

[@noreenn6976]

No to storage, expensive and you'll lose momentum with getting more bookings. Have a marketing professional check your write up and photos. Is it in a private section of the park?

[@donnamanitu8673]

I really appreciate the breakdown of your business. I think the lot rent should be lower and maybe you can barter with the lot agent ?

[@2Cambell]

Most likely your profits will be better this year than last year, since you've already had to deal with replacing the major stuff. Running the heat is good advice for when the temperatures drop! Renting it out long-term to someone is still an option, except that you'll lose your guesthouse...

[@conniemunroe3600]

I wouldn’t store it. But finding a piece of property would be my main focus. Great job and I know it’s going to become profitable!

[@FTG2Eli]

Love You!!

[@rnt45t1]

Man, the ROI is just awful. Plus the stress and work just to pay to have the damn thing. No thanks. Good insights.

[@DebtFreeJessie]

Love the transparency. Not the AC unit!! Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a decade on YT!

[@BudgetGirl]

I know, right? and i shouldn't have said it in the last video, practically made it happen!

[@CK1000ism]

I think you it healthy to think of this as a you paid the $2000 or so to take a course in how to put together and then operate a short term rental. As far as storing it, do any of your neighbors or someone you know have a place to store it that would charge maybe just one or two hundred? If you really don't think you will get people, then storage might be a benefit but it otherwise might be better to just keep running it and assume that a few months will be a loss but it will be balanced out by good months.

[@victoriagreen7880]

Hi, love your video, if you store you want have any income but still costs, you may also lose income from return customers, as for cleaning on one night stays you could do yourself ( not what you want) or charge less say $30 and recoup from higher nights, maybe offer passed customer a discount if refer a friend that's books as you know everyone loves a deal/ offer. Ask yourself if you had not had as many repairs how much would you have made? on you first year

[@amandazoglio]

Have you considered folding your cleaning fee into your overall price and then making your cleaning fee $0? It’s the same concept of how people will pay more for free shipping instead of buying something and paying additional shipping (all a mental game, but it works!)

[@beccapony77]

You're doing great compared to us with no bookings the first 5 months this year. Like us you are doing it right with no debt. Many rental owners are in big debt with HELOCs on their own homes. Can you do a video on the dangers of HELOCs?

[@MRSBLOOEYE]

Pulling it off the market and storing (especially during the slow months) might be a good idea. Maybe just put in in the campground for football season only until you can get your own land? Enjoyed the video!

[@claudiasutherland3544]

How much does storage cost? Might not be worth it.

[@catgodfrey6451]

I’m so glad to see you. I wouldn’t store it, but I’d potentially raise the $$. We ❤ renting Air BnB’s especially w/ our 🐶 😊

[@nesser1352]

I wouldn't put the camper in storage if you are so close to making profit. It was lovely to see you!

[@prophetseven728]

He charges $200 to fix RVs!?! That insane. Heck it easier to do plumbing in an RV than Apartment. Which I do both. For my own stuff. It the same pipping. in fact RVs use Flex pipping way before they started using it in homes. Which is way easier that say Copper.

[@katievickery8735]

Are you keeping the air b and b? I love seeing how you invest and why you hold onto some investments and why you do or don't invest in things. Thank you.

[@BudgetGirl]

for now at least!

[@ethelperry4529]

Go Girl ❣👋😃

[@rachelm5840]

If you already know you have some months that you won't get any rentals. Maybe store it on your down month including Dec & Jan.

[@thesolocreative3538]

I know a lot of people are no longer using AirBNB at all. I wonder if you would profit better by having long term stayers in it in the RV camping ground it would also cause less of the problems like the deep freezes to happen. It would of course depend on the RV camp grounds conditions on long term stay. I know a lot of people aren't even looking at the airBNB site anymore due to being charged twice for cleaning - a cleaning fee + a fine for not cleaning and other under the nose charges that shouldn't be applied to stayers. Of course that's not you but you may be a victim of the loss of appeal.

[@irenek2k20]

Good luck with airbnb

[@LyricalHigh.411]

So with all this being said because I have been interested in doing this.. Do you see it being more profitable to lease a newer one for around 15k and attempt to list it till it pays off itself? God willing newer one will have less issues at least the first couple years

[@BudgetGirl]

Well then you'd have payments for the lease and whatever expenses for land/ lot. that would increase it a lot. From what ive seen, newer rvs also are harder to rent out and rent for less. This has the vintage factor. I could be wrong, but while i'd love to stay in a cool airstream or other vintage thing, i wouldnt really care to stay in a newer rv.

[@LyricalHigh.411]

@Budget Girl I gotcha. Well thanks. Love your videos!

[@beatricerights]

I don't think you lost anything. You invested in a business and next year you will be profitable

[@DrSchor]

keep trying. your multiple stream of income idea will work out.

[@dre7637]

It appears that you are posting less and less. Is there a reason why? Also, how much did you make from KZbin 2022?

[@patriciashayes5929]

I absolutely love your vision, but I'm confused--Is this primarily a business or a hobby? If it's a business, leaving it just where it is is pretty sure to generate a small to moderate profit in the future. On the other hand, all the costs of acquiring your own park-like setting , acquiring and renovating additional trailers, and all the improvements you will make, look to me like a guaranteed major tax deduction for years and years. If this is a hobby, that is absolutely fine. Fun costs $$$ and we all get to decide which fun we want to spend our $$$ on. Remember, tax-wise, that while you'll deduct some of those expenses right away, depreciating the larger investments, or paying a mortgage, will reduce any income you earn every year for five, ten, twenty years.

[@dawnshermantech]

Or buy an ice house trailer for the next investment

[@BudgetGirl]

i dont think i've heard of those!

[@maryannrogers8675]

I don’t think there’s any “sexy” in losing money. I’ll take a “boring” long term rental any day of the week. Less headaches dnd more profit.

[@thishappycrafter272]

Why’s it called the Ag Wagon?

[@BudgetGirl]

ag is short for aggies, which is what texas a&m students are called! it's a locally recognized term.

[@mrachel3]

How were the September expenses $393? I thought the lot rental was like $500? I could be misremembering.

[@BudgetGirl]

I got a electric deposit rebate for $200 from the old campground. Great eagle eyes!

[@dory6548]

❤

[@estellacurtsinger4598]

Oh yes skin in the game ahh means about everything. I agree make it less expensive. Word of mouth will get it out there.

[@Crystal-je7gx]

Thanks for showing the real data. The narrative online these days is that you can do anything you want and make money and thats just not reality. Its hard work. I wouldn’t store it. Campers/houses that are left sitting unused will deteriorate very quickly. Keep looking for land and making youtube videos about it. Maybe you can make back some of the loses via new videos with clickbait titles “i have to find land for this airbnb fail” lol not that that’s exactly true but i would click it.

[@ecghem7]

I'm trying to understand how you are calculating expenses each month. I expected it to never be less than $500 because that's what your land rent is, but that wasn't the case. Can someone help me make the math work?

[@BudgetGirl]

it's only under $500 once when I got an electric deposit refund. sorry to confuse!

[@ecghem7]

​@@BudgetGirl Thank you! That's a much simpler solution than the options I came up with (you paying land rent every other month or your electric varying hundreds of dollars per month)