Is This Even Paying Off?! (Life As Airbnb Hosts)

Join us this week as we dive deep into the finances of our short-term rental in the Joshua Tree area of California. We've been pouring time and resources into upgrading our Airbnb property, from the hot tub to the cowboy pool, the Moon Garden, to the patio cover, and now it's time to assess whether these investments are truly paying off. In this episode, we'll compare our April earnings to previous years and discuss our timeline for achieving a return on investment. Plus, we'll catch up on recent life changes and maintenance efforts on the house and explore why our property continues to be a hit with guests. Don't miss these insider insights into the realities of managing a successful Airbnb!
Thanks for joining us as we navigate through the trials and triumphs of our DIY adventures and a big thank you for all of the support always... we appreciate YOU!
New to our channel? Well, hi there! We're Kristen and Michael, a couple embarking on a wild adventure of transforming our dream desert home into a short-term rental biz!
As crazy as it sounds, we decided to ditch our beloved Los Angeles (which we called home for 7 years) and chase our wildest dreams of owning a piece of land in California. And guess what? We did it! We finally bought our desert house in the summer of 2021, and we've been DIY-ing our hearts out ever since!
We're talking about an (almost) complete renovation, from top to bottom! But that's not all! We're also building our business from scratch, with the goal of sharing our little oasis with our family, friends, and even strangers from all over the world.
So come on and join us on this crazy ride! We promise it'll be full of laughs, tears, and lots of DIY fails (and wins!). Welcome to our channel!
Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions or questions for us.
Check out our listing and website:
www.airbnb.com...
www.theseventh...
Find us on Airbnb: bit.ly/3UPajHZ
Follow our Airbnb on Instagram: bit.ly/3Wt5C7v
Full House Tour | Before Renovations bit.ly/3BUq5tW
Full Airbnb Tour | After Renovations bit.ly/3BWvmBb
Check out the 'Valencia Nathan Aniline Leather Sofa Loveseat': us.valenciathe...
Create your own Direct Booking Website through Lodgify!
Their Spring Sale is running from April 22nd - 30th and you'll get 40% off Ultimate Yearly & Bi-Yearly Plans when using code: KM40
bit.ly/LodgiKr...
Get 40% off Cozy Earth sheets -- aka the coziest/cool sheets we've ever slept on & they're 100% bamboo -- using code SEVENTHRAYRBO
cozyearth.pxf....
Shop Our Patio Furniture:
bit.ly/47551hE
bit.ly/43uNLzh
Shop Our Gear:
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Music via Musicbed (Get one month free):
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Shop Our Home:
Our Home Decor, Kitchen, and Bedroom Essentials, and MORE
LTK: bit.ly/3tj5Twj
AMAZON: amzn.to/3UH6qUq
Shop our new (& old) bedroom decor here: bit.ly/3FaPwHM
#airbnb #joshuatree #airbnbhosting

[@bradk7653]

We have an Airbnb/Vrbo tiny house / lake cottage in northern Indiana, The Hilltop Hideaway. We keep it open for rentals from late March to early January, closing it down for the hardest and unpredictable winter months. We get all 4 seasons of maintenance: some possible snow shoveling in the months abutting our down period, collecting downed branches and/or trimming trees, frequent lawn mowing from April to July, with less frequent mowing continuing thru November, leaf raking in the early spring and late fall, spring installation of boat docks, swim raft, boats, etc, and removal and winterizing the same in the fall. We have had this place since 2019. There is always some maintenance to be done, but all-in-all very much worth it.

[@angelamilliken2992]

We have an Airbnb in an apartment in the upstairs of our home. We started building our home (5 years of sweat equity) 20 years ago with the intention to use it in our retirement years as supplemental income. We are nearing that now. Our Airbnb has been doing well for 2 years. We are now adding a deck just for a hot tub. Our place has 9 porches, decks, and a 2nd story Rooftop Garden. Both our Airbnb guests and soon to be RV'ers will have access to the hot tub. Yes, we've decided to expand and make a mini RV park on our 10 acres. I told my husband, we've owned this property for nearly 30 years, its time to take it to a new level and make it an asset (passive income). We follow you and a few others on KZbin for inspiration. Because we are a farmstay, we are able to use our place as "an experience" also. We are "Rooftop Garden Luxury Suite" on Airbnb. Cheers! Love your content!❤

[@Afaq-vw6hm]

Although you are not high luxury stay, you put a lot of effort to enhancing your guests stay. This is why you are surviving and thriving. Those who get into STR for 'JUST THE MONEY' couldn't sustain a business.

[@kristenandmichael]

Agreed! :) Thank you, we love what we do!

[@entnous53]

We identify with so much of your Airbnb life, our properties are in a small mountain/lake town in Colorado, but it’s the same, hoping that delivery comes before we have to leave or else it sits outside and guests come… plus adding value to your investment and watching the new additions pay off. You guys deserve all the success, working so hard and at such a young age to have accomplished what you have! Moon Garden is our favorite! Hope to stay there someday.

[@superhostreacts]

So true and well said! The ‘in it just for the money’ crowd bowed out a long time ago. Congrats to both of you for your hard work!

[@maurawhelan3530]

Your hard work shows! Many nice extras you offer and ppl appreciate it! Congrats. So sorry about your loss…

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you, Maura! We hope it continues as we grow the business and thank you for your condolences as well

[@helenwilliams8471]

Your amazing upgrades and maintenance is definitely paying off!! Way to go & congrats!! ❤

[@maggielapido548]

We have a mountain property. During leaf season it's crazy. You can blow leaves now and 20 minutes later it's back. We keep an eye on the cameras and have someone come out right before checkin. Thankfully it's our busy season and the added expense is covered. We have bears, deer and squirrels to deal with with the outdoor furniture. 😊

[@heatherjones4232]

In Northern Michigan we get all 4 seasons, snow removal, salting walks in the Winter and the hot tub upkeep is much harder with cold weather. Spring clean up, flowers & landscaping, lawn mowing in the Summer, Fall leaves and more leaves! Lol 😁 we take all the half rolls of TP home too!

[@networth00]

We leave ours like we would ourselves. Why do you think the guest wouldn't use them? In a public bathroom they don't throw away the TP roll when someone uses it.

[@Junior8p1]

We have a mountain property. Annually we have to have the lot cleared (rake up pine needles, blow gutters and roof) for $350. We also have an $750 snow plow contract for the winter. Your hard work paid off, looks really good after you de-weeded.

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

My property is in Puerto Vallarta , Mexico 2 1/2 blocks from the beach . it's tropical here . If it's not the strong sun killing your stuff, its the humidity . If its not the humidity it's the salt air. If it's not the salt air its the termites If it's not the termites its the hurricanes ... If it's not .....

[@kristenandmichael]

Wow!! Sounds like you have a lot to worry about too! I'm glad it's not just us, that salt air can do some damage over time.

[@TheMattLeighton]

You mention you have three one-night bookings. Have you looked into your profit margins on the 1-night bookings? The reason I ask is because I looked at my profit margins for my STR and realized that although I was getting lots of bookings, the 1-night stays weren't adding a lot to my profit margin. Sure, it was revenue. But once you factor in paying the cleaners, the wear-and-tear on the property, and the likelihood that a non-5 star review is more likely for a 1-night stay, I've pivoted away from 1-night bookings. I still have them for last-minute bookings and charge a premium to dissuade guests from booking 1 night.

[@glamorgirly]

Love that you're hands on and doing the work yourself. Wonder if it's challenging to find cleaning crews, landscaper and handyman that' s willing to travel out to desert properties

[@kristenandmichael]

Surprisingly not because a lot of people have moved out that way! :)

[@jonathanl3669]

But what are the expense to profit ratio. That’s the metric you should be tracking. Hot tubs require maintenance and what not, how are those numbers looking?

[@honeygemcreativellc5876]

I'm in Texas we did the deck tiles. Due to humidity and heat they faded so fast. im thinking of just painting the concrete under it because the deck tiles get destroyed pretty fast.

[@PDXDrumr]

You're doing as well as uber drivers, and destroying communities while you're at it. Bravo.

[@jpfath]

Congrats on the revenue going up; you two are doing great. Also enjoy seeing the mundane chores and stuff, maybe just me but it’s interesting seeing how people deal with the weeds, cowboy pool, and leftover TP haha.

[@MounjarojourneywithPam]

I feel the same way too I like seeing this

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! Ya, we definitely like seeing the "mundane" too in others' videos so glad to hear you like it! Just showing the day-to-day when we are there makes it feel more attainable we feel! :)

[@sarina102487]

Hey Michael! Just wondering if you've thought about spraying weed killer to prevent the grass from growing? I believe Round Up has one but not sure what the chemicals are like in that. Maybe theres a more natural one out there? Just a thought!

[@kristenandmichael]

We really don't want to hurt the plant life and ourselves, Round up is a pretty gnarly chemical that can do a lot of damage, definitely would need to find a more natural one!

[@dianen6638]

My husband and I spent 4 days deep cleaning and putting slash in piles to be pickup. So gratifying to put sweat equity in our str!😅.

[@honeygemcreativellc5876]

that sofa was a good move. i want to switch mine is linen sofa and the pet hair sticks even after lint rolling the leather is much better for cleaning as well as that smaller chair. i need to switch out. i also reglazed and refinished our bath tube white and thats an affordable way to do it and yes the toilet paper rolls happens. i clean mine and have tons lol

[@kristenandmichael]

We are thinking about what’s next for our bathroom too - it will need to be a big makeover but we know it is on the horizon! Our linen blend pink couch was just hairy all the time and this leather couch has been a game changer! So easy to clean and durable!

[@MounjarojourneywithPam]

Loving your new hair cut and style Kristin

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you, Pam!! :)

[@Sergio-gm4gv]

The yard looked awesome, much nicer maintained. In Miami, Florida it’s every 2-3 weeks mowing so trust me done feel bad. Oh and in the Elements things don’t last either.

[@kristenandmichael]

isn't that the truth! glad to know we are not alone here!!

[@tanjarieck6872]

We are on the coast NC. We have Poly Eood chairs made by the Amish. Super durable, heavy, easy to clean. We don't have to worry about sun, water, humidity.

[@kristenandmichael]

Gotta love the Amish! Michael's grandfather actually worked with them his whole life in the Midwest and they are some of the kindest and skilled people we've ever met!

[@tanjarieck6872]

@@kristenandmichael Oh wow that is really cool. Yes very skilled and talented. Over 20 years ago I bought a wooden spoon up in PA Amish Country. I still have the spoon and it is my favorite- LOL :)

[@MounjarojourneywithPam]

I love Cozy Earth now too I started ordering them with your code then got a code for myself 🎉🎉

[@kristenandmichael]

Yay!!! :) We love the mutual love of Cozy Earth & spreading it! haha

[@MounjarojourneywithPam]

@@kristenandmichael I have the Bambi comfortable with extra fill, duvet cover, lots of sheet sets and the bamboo linen set then I got into buying the one and the tops I earned a lot of rewards so I picked up toos for myself then for the guys

[@rhondaturner8043]

Great job❤

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you

[@Campzzyzx]

2 days of work or 1 hour with a skid steer. Hmmm

[@kristenandmichael]

Skid steer messed up the way the land around looked when we made the moon garden, sadly! so for now we are sticking with the manual labor

[@desmondl8576]

during the great toilet paper shortage in Feb 2020, I had huge bags of those tp leftovers.. I was a king.

[@kristenandmichael]

hahaha we would could have auctioned these off for some profit back then! LOL

[@kswank9965]

Hi! Does the cowboy tub have a filtration system, and do you add chemicals?

[@kristenandmichael]

No, we don't have either. We use the cowboy pool to water the surrounding plants near the Moon Garden! :)

[@kswank9965]

@@kristenandmichael ohhh I thought it was for cooling off.

[@kristenandmichael]

@@kswank9965 Oh it is, we just have each guest fill it and then drain it after them. So we don't have to have chemicals or anything.

[@samthomasrealestateboss]

Can you share any instructions that you provide guests on how to drain and fill? I'd love to add this but don't want the chemicals, pump, and filters.

[@claub5438]

the toilet paper just make a fancy folding and i leave it out and as long as the guests see new rolls they know its ok to use it all.. otherwise its a waste..

[@kristenandmichael]

That's a great idea as well! Thank you

[@MrYorugua12345]

Do you allow people to use the wood burning stove?

[@kristenandmichael]

Yes, we do!

[@MrYorugua12345]

​@@kristenandmichael what precautions do you guys take? Most people do not have experience using a wood burning stove. I would be nervous about a guest burning the house down.

[@kristenandmichael]

@@MrYorugua12345 we leave instructions on exactly how to use it right in front of the fireplace, in easy to understand language. We've definitely been nervous about that but so far everyone has been very respectful and follows the directions!

[@bradk7653]

@@MrYorugua12345 That is what insurance is for. The insurance company would not cover it if they didn’t know the risks, and I am sure the insurance company has built it into the cost of the insurance. Our STR is on a lake, with access to docks and non-powered boats and water toys. There are always risks with water access but the insurance company is aware of those risks and priced them into the insurance policy.

[@MrYorugua12345]

@@kristenandmichael thanks for the reply!

[@rhondaturner8043]

Just look at that wild life! I probably would be bringing them some snacks lol

[@kristenandmichael]

Kristen tries!! haha

[@mymusic2402]

From LA

[@primalfury2011]

put some fake lawn carpet down !!! Save on the maintenance work and some Concrete path to Cowboy tub

[@kristenandmichael]

haha Fake lawn would sizzzle guests tootsies out here in the blistering sun and people seem to love the natural sand of the desert! We do have a plan for those pathways... coming soon! ;)

[@anthonyvonarx8136]

We have a STR in the Catskills NY and saw our bookings DOUBLE with the installation of a barrel sauna. Winters went from being booked just over the weekend (our low season) to the busiest season of the year! Sth to think about! Sauna was reimbursed after 1 months...

[@LenoreTheVain]

Dishwasher 🤪

[@kristenandmichael]

on our list!! lol

[@markeuringer8106]

I also watch robuilt from time to time and he has many properties including 1 in your area…. Have you thought to buy another property or 2 with others and not deal with the properties by delegating the work to cleaner types and you simply buy properties and assign people to do work for you and you collect $ …. Thoughts?