ONE YEAR On Airbnb: How Much We Made and What We Learned

🏡 Welcome to our in-depth journey of becoming Airbnb hosts! In this video, we're unveiling the secrets behind our one-year adventure with Airbnb. From the initial setup to the financial revelations, we're sharing everything you need to know about running a successful vacation rental.
🔑 What You'll Learn:
The real effort and time it takes to manage an Airbnb property.
Insider tips on guest management and maintaining high ratings.
Financial breakdown: Our earnings and expenses detailed.
The importance of property selection for Airbnb success.
Strategies to maximize your Airbnb income.
📈 Whether you're a seasoned host or considering Airbnb as a side hustle, our experiences provide invaluable insights. We dive into the nuances of property management, guest relations, and the financial aspects of running a short-term rental business.
Sign Up & Direct Book Through Lodgify:
bit.ly/LodgiKrisMic1yr
Sign up to be an Airbnb host and get $40* by using our link: www.airbnb.com/r/kristenm17254
How to create a guidebook for your short term rental on Airbnb: www.airbnb.com/help/article/249
Check out our website:
www.theseventhrayhouse.com
Stay tuned for more DIY projects on our short-term rental as well as hosting tips!
Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions or questions for us.
New to our channel?
Hi! We're Kristen and Michael, a couple DIY renovating their dream desert home into a short-term rental business. In December 2020, we decided to leave Los Angeles (our home of 7 years) to pursue our dream of owning land in California and creating a sanctuary to share with family, friends, and others worldwide! We purchased our house in the high desert during the summer of 2021 and have since DIY-renovated the entire thing and created our business from the ground up.
Follow along as we continue vlogging our journey of hosting our short-term rental & upgrading our DIYs on the home little by little.
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
Shop Our Gear:
Sony Alpha a6000
amzn.to/3RRwniM
DJI Mini SE (Drone)
amzn.to/3L3Qecq
iPhone 13 Pro:
amzn.to/3d48buT
Music via Musicbed (Get one month free):
www.musicbed.com/invite/DvQ9E
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
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.io/kjrM7N
Try our productivity hack, MagicMind by using our code SEVENTHRAY20 at check-out for 20% off #magicmind!
Get $$ off on DIY pest control with Pestie using our discount code: SEVENTHRAY10 here: bit.ly/3IUfZe1
*FYI -- We do not make a commission off of the link/discount code above
0:00 - 0:16 - Intro
0:16 - 1:30 Building a Business Takes TIME
1:30 - 2:48 Work Life Balance
2:48 - 3:48 Invest In Property You Love
3:48 - 5:54 Bad Guests: Protect Yourself & Prepare
5:54 - 6:40 Buy In Bulk
6:40 - 7:42 Automating Is KEY
7:42 - 8:29 Create a Guidebook for Your STR
8:29 - 9:35 Create a Direct Booking Website
9:35 - 12:57 More on Lodgify for Direct Booking
12:58 - 15:15 How Much We Made on Airbnb / STR
15:15 - 16:54 STR Community
16:54 - 17:23 Year Wrap/Ourto
#airbnb #shorttermrentals #investmentproperty

[@bethanyboothe4817]

We own an Airbnb, and I really feel like we’ve done in the most cost effective way possible. It’s the garage apartment (600sq ft) of our primary residence (detached from the house). We spent $20k on renovations and launched it late April of 2022. We are on track to profit $20k in the first 12 months and recoup our entire investment, which was our goal. What’s great about it: 1- it’s small, only 3 people can stay. Therefore the cleanup is much less time consuming 2- it’s on our property so we can do the cleaning ourselves, and keep an eye on things. No issues with parties at all. 3- WE DIDNT HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER PROPERTY to have an Airbnb. No additional mortgage! 4-It generates enough income to offset our entire mortgage. And if we have a month with low bookings we don’t stress, because we have virtually no expenses with it. I really think this is the easiest way to operate an Airbnb, and now I’d have a hard time ever owning a primary residence without an income property on it.

[@michellecollier742]

This is exactly what I am embarking on !! Good information!!

[@iamblessingwilliams]

I made 38,000 all of 2022 Started in April - December Airbnb host in paris France i feel so greatful and love how realistic you guys are with your video reason you are my favourite. Some people say they make 100,000 a month on Airbnb and don’t say how many listings makes that suddenly they are selling their success courses online settling unrealistic expectations to new host.. To anyone wishing to go into Airbnb 2023 trust your journey and be a good host it’s worth it 😍❤️

[@thechosenfxtm1069]

Have you ever thought of moving it international, like also start in the united state of america

[@maaike3259]

Thank you so much! This video in particular is invaluable to new hosts and soon-to-be hosts! You guys are awesome! Congratulations on all of your hard work and success, what you have shared on your channel has truly been immense, and very much appreciated. I wish you both much continued success on your journey! 🎉🙌🏼

[@jtimwest]

We own a popular Airbnb home in Galveston, yet live in Oklahoma City, OK. This is an eight hour drive through Dallas and Houston, so we just don't bop down often. We found a neighbor across the street that checks on the house, reports the status after a guest (you can't trust cleaners to do this), takes supplies we buy on Amazon and take over to the house, keeping it stocked. They charge us $75 per clean. I feel it's money well spent. That is our management fee, I guess.

[@kristenandmichael]

That’s awesome and sounds like a great set up for you guys!

[@chicago_beats]

Cool

[@ernestorosete8565]

$75 per clean? You’re ripping them off. No wonder your ratings are so poor!

[@beingtribal1320]

This is wonderful information! Thank you for sharing the info on Logify and we love watching your videos and learning from you. We started our Airbnb in August ‘22 and your videos have been very helpful! Thank you!! ❤ Happy New Year!!

[@JT-mr3db]

Appreciate the transparency and congrats on your first year! Those are great earnings and you should be super proud of your efforts! Looking forward to watching you kids smash 23!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thanks so much!!

[@CK1000ism]

I appreciate you doing this and showing the reality of things. I think that for people who own individual homes, it really does make sense to view the fact that you have an equity property and a vacation home for yourself at times of the year as part of the equation because I am not sure for me a return of $12,000 would be worth the weekly drives and all the work. But who knows how much more you will make with repeat bookings and direct bookings through the website or once you add the hot tub. Good luck!

[@Winston118]

I freakin love you guys. May this year bring you both lots of health and happiness

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! We appreciate the love & are so grateful you're here on the journey with us!

[@bradk7653]

Glad to see you decided to start allowing kids, we have a small lake cottage that is a short term rental, so our market is a little different, but during the prime summer months we find most our guests are young families, while the off season is mostly couples.

[@clairecorbitt6224]

This is the most helpful, realistic info that I’ve seen, thanks so much. And well done to the two of you. You’re such a great team x

[@clairecorbitt6224]

Me again… I’d love to know more about your check out process if possible please?

[@wwgbert]

Great info and spot on with your approach to problem solving and learning from each visit.

[@ericevigan]

Awesome recommendation on Lodgify - I will need to look into it further at some point. You guys had an amazing January in 2022!! Heres to 2023!

[@jillismyname]

Thanks guys, this is great to get a sense of doing vacation rentals! Really appreciate it!

[@Dice1021]

You guys are awesome! So nice of you to share.

[@TJ-th9hw]

Congratulations on your first year of success. Wishing you both continued success for all your hard work. 🎉

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!🤍🙏🏼

[@candicelandiss]

Hahah! I love the haircut comment. I totally thought, "Oh. I like her haircut! I think I'm going to do that!" So thanks for being my haircut inspo. 💛

[@maggielapido548]

Thank you for this video. There is so much STR negative talk at the moment and it's super refreshing to see your positive outlook.

[@kristenandmichael]

Honestly a lot of it is true but a lot of it may be for the views… hoping to bring light and empowerment to the space! It’s still possible, STR has been around for so long, it isn’t going anywhere! 🤍

[@nurselinda7020]

TY for chronicaling your air bnb exp & journey.....were kinda @ the beginning of our journey with our Crestline cabin! This is awesome info...already subscibed! Gonna go back & watch your whole vid collection. Thx again for giving this to the community!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you for being here! We’re glad we can help in any way with your journey by sharing these vids! Good luck to you guys with your cabin. Crestline is beautiful! 🙌

[@mrs_elsewhere2111]

Lots of great information, thank you! Great hair, by the way. 👌🏻

[@mspatrice1212]

Great Content, I am taking notes! Continue to learn and grow!

[@thechosenfxtm1069]

Welcome to our comment section, I can make you a profitable airbnb investor with zero risk Reply if interested

[@jamesfluharty]

really enjoyed watching your channel the past your . and glad to see you are doing well in your business.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you, James!!

[@li-nickels]

Happy New Year! I love your videos!

[@kristenandmichael]

Happy New Year! Thank you so much!

[@tyw6225]

That was encouraging to see that final number, thanks for sharing!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you for being here on this journey with us!

[@rickymagicanada]

Congrats!! Thank you for your inspirational videos

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you & thank you for being here for our journey!

[@pepemachet]

I have a short term rental for over a year now, I did not know it was so hard until I watched this video

[@johnkelley2470]

Love your video. Ya’ll seem like an awesome couple doing life together. Wish you great business success!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!!

[@kevinwilson9278]

Great honest video. Glad I came back and checked in on how you were doing. Thanks for the tip on Lodgify I have been looking for a company like them. Good luck in 2023...we may be in for a bit of a roller coaster ride...smile.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! Yes, 2023 may be a rollercoaster but what year hasn't been! Lodgify is great, keep us posted on how it works for you! :)

[@brucefreeman5207]

Hi guys, I just found your KZbin channel today and you have such great content and give so much valuable advice. My wife and I are hoping to start our first vacation rental so this is amazing. Thank you.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much and glad we could help. If we can do it, you guys can totally do it!

[@peggysue554]

Congratulations!!!! So proud of your success.👏👏👏👏👏

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!!

[@helenwilliams8471]

Congrats on your successful 1st year!! 🎉🎉🎉 We finally finished our renovation and furnishing of our cottage on our property, right before we headed to FL for a few months. We're spending time now listening, reading, learning from you and others. We hope to come to a practical decision by the time we head back, in the Spring. Thanks for all your honest advice!! ❤️

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you!! And congrats to you all and good luck on your STR journey. Please keep us posted, we are always here to help!

[@VocalZonesUSA]

You guys are amazing and we have thoroughly enjoyed your journey, knowledge and wisdom! Congratulations on your dedication and hard work and we wish you all the very in all your endeavors! :)

[@elliotthead488]

Thank you for the information. Thank you for providing a realistic perspective.

[@kristenandmichael]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bjkearns2]

Congrats on the success. Hope 2023 goes great.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! We're happy you're here on the journey with us!

[@karenkas81]

Thank you for sharing..I also doing airbnb starte few months after you guys Learning with you and along as well, tho ibwent the arbitrage route, for the moment. CONGRATULATIONS! yall doing great!

[@kristenandmichael]

Congrats to you as well! It’s a journey, a process and we are so happy to have a community who understands the ups and downs. Thank you for being along for the ride!🤍

[@fj40guy]

Thank you so much and congrats on your 1st yr. My wife and I will be opening ours up here in about 2-3 woks.

[@kristenandmichael]

Best of luck! & Thank you!

[@harshses33]

This is very educational, thanks you guys are amazing

[@kristenandmichael]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here!

[@davidsuzuki2113]

I love how positive you guys are and how realistic you are. Other AIRBNB channels I think definitely sugar coat it. FYI I have two airbnb in JT and a nice hot tub can be installed and bought for less than $5,000k (6 person) . JT is flooded with properties right now. Also I would highly consider adding another bathroom to the property. You could probably do it for $15k or less and it would help alot. 6 guests to one bathroom is really tough. Thanks again for the honest content!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you for the honest feedback! 🙏🏼 We love hearing others perspectives esp from those also in the industry who know our market.🙌🏼 Also that hot tubs can be that much! Definitely deep diving into that over the next month so thank you, that’s helpful. We do have another bedroom and bathroom, they’re closed off to guests right now because we haven’t had a chance to renovate them yet. That’s also on our sights for this year (we hope), after the backyard revamp for spring. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@raj3275]

Hi David! What kind of hot tub did you get?

[@tiktokboombankbussit]

@@kristenandmichael Good work, I would recommend against hot tub. Find out about maintenance, electrical output, etc..

[@v.j.cooper2007]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION. IT WAS TRULY VALUABLE. BLESS YOU BOTH ON THE NEW VENTURE AND MAY YOUR CUPS RUNNUTH OVER WITH PROSPERITY!

[@kristenandmichael]

Same to you! Thank you for watching :)

[@Godfather_24]

Great video! Lots of good content, I took this a bit further and on my vacation rental, purchasing and running it through my 401K All the money made is tax free up front, if I sell it, we can do that tax free as well no capitol gains, just taxed when I take any money out. A great retirement vehicle. Thanks for your excellent content.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thanks for sharing! That's an interesting way of going about it & may look into that...

[@debcardy468]

5 years. 5 Star. Not easy. We feed, clean, and when not feeding and cleaning… then there is laundry. We have huge gardens, hot tub and sauna. Nothing is easy. But the Guests Do make the effort worth it.

[@debcardy468]

Also… one year. How many days rented?

[@DaleBertrand]

Thanks for all of the info!

[@kristenandmichael]

No problem!

[@ashleywessel780]

Hey guys, great channel and video, thank you!!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thanks for watching!🫶

[@danielbocelli]

I think this video was 100% on point!

[@thechosenfxtm1069]

Welcome to our comment section, I can make you a profitable airbnb investor with zero risk Reply if interested

[@jasonbooker4546]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kristenandmichael]

Of course!

[@jonbaines5302]

yall are awesome. sweet video

[@kristenandmichael]

Thanks, Jon!

[@hannahyager6879]

Good job, guys! Hoping I'll have a similar story next year!

[@kristenandmichael]

You will! 🙌🏼& Thank you!

[@janetvalencia597]

That is a great first year. Congratulations!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼We think so too 🤍

[@giorgiamiololavorolibero]

Wowww !! Amazing 😻

[@larryleone496]

That's a win by any standard! Well done

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! We think so too🙏🏼🤍

[@PAINT_S_CAPES]

Excellent recap! Have watched all your videos. Learning a lot from you. And you are the coolest couple ever :))

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much for watching!!!

[@PAINT_S_CAPES]

@@kristenandmichael We just realized via your link that we can save $54 CAN by registering through you (AIRBB). Did not know! We are literally about to register this week. Ty for that! And we are going to check out your website. ;)

[@kristenandmichael]

​@@PAINT_S_CAPES We didn't know that! Amazing! $$ Happy STR'ing! Let us know if you need any help. You can message us on there now for guidance or whatever questions you may have!

[@PAINT_S_CAPES]

@@kristenandmichael That is so awesome. Ty! Maybe someday we'll get to meet you. You're like celebrities now! ;))

[@IMAInteriors]

I just bought an apartment (super excited) and planning on going on Airbnb. I found your videos super useful! Thank you for being an inspiration =)

[@kristenandmichael]

We’re glad it’s helpful! You’ve got this & congrats & good luck on your journey! Keep us posted on your success!🙏🏼✨

[@giovannysegarra3178]

How is it going?

[@lydiapatelll]

So helpful! I’m in a similar boat after a year of hosting. Curious on the ROI of the hot tub- we did some analysis of adding a pool and the math doesn’t really make sense (higher revenue but higher expenses). Keep us posted if you add this in the future!

[@thechosenfxtm1069]

Welcome to our comment section, I can make you a profitable airbnb investor with zero risk Reply if interested

[@violetsinclairerealtor]

As a new host, I totally agree and thanks for the transparency and tips. We got a hot tub but with all the maintenance and higher electricity bill, this is not a feature I would get for my next property.

[@kristenandmichael]

Oh really? What kind of hot tub did you end up getting? We are on the hunt for one that is built like a tank so it's not too much of a headache. Is it a 110v or 220v hot tub?

[@violetsinclairerealtor]

@@kristenandmichael Vikings Spa 220v. It's not the tub that's the problem, it's the people who don't shower or rinse off before using, causing murky cloudy dirty water, dragging dirt in there, and leaving the temperature on high for days at a time. Our energy bill is crazy high. There is no feature to control the temperature by WiFi on our model and most of them don't offer this feature. Good-luck finding someone qualified to check the pH levels and I had a guest who claimed that "it wasn't hot enough to get in..."

[@esmeraldamunoz8803]

Congratulations!

[@jpwwatson]

You guys are great!

[@KeyesGlamping]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I am hoping to open our first Airbnb Luxury Cabin by end of the year. (hopefully) 😊👍

[@kristenandmichael]

Amazing! That’s awesome, congratulations & keep us posted!

[@johnr.6029]

WOW!!! Real People. Gee, how refreshing. I really appreciate you both being REAL people, and not KZbin wannabe actors speaking a mile-a-minute, and acting like you're hyped up on crack. And you make very pleasing videos that are relaxing and enjoyable to watch with very informative content and personal input from your real experiences. We are about to build a new house, and "thinking" about air-b-n-b-ing it. After watching all the detail and energy you put into your rental business, and making it spotless, I don't know if we have the drive and energy and time to do what you do. We are retired, in our late 60's, and deciding about this as an investment move. We don't have to borrow any money to do this, and would like to do it part-time. We're thinking about only renting it for 3-day minimum and maximum stays, and perhaps only 2 - 4 times per month. We would be building a 750 s.f. cottage in the Sierra foothills of Calif. near lots of recreation and outdoor activities, located in a small town. We live about 45 minutes from the building site. We have been landlords with 2 rentals previously, and had several bad tenants. Your input would be appreciated. I wish you the best, and hope that you don't get burned-out.

[@PatriciaFalvoHeld]

thank you you guys are great.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you & thanks for watching!

[@nanarjoulhayan9599]

Hello and a happy happy new year! May you have another wonderful year of growth and do not bother about the comments about doing less sponsorships or ads because you’ll lose audience - I watch ads in full to help out the channels I want to support. Just wanted to sprinkle in some positivity here and send blessings your way. Y’all are amazing and hopefully I’ll muster up a group to book your Airbnb. I’ve had my eye on it for a while.

[@kristenandmichael]

Your words mean so much to us, thank you!🙏🏼 We are still a relatively smaller channel and having a boost here or there means new projects and upgrades that can be done on the house. Which = more content here as well! We hope the same abundance for others, so the comments can definitely sting. Anyway, thank you for being here & we hope to get to host you all someday! ✨

[@nanarjoulhayan9599]

@@kristenandmichael all the love to you both - it’s only upward growth coming your way!

[@raj3275]

Nice! We own an STR too in that area! Best of luck and continue to kill it!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! You too!!

[@jjharrison4099]

Yeah we started six months ago with a 3000 square foot house and do most the cleaning ourselves. It’s fully booked on weekends but we’re just going to do this until the end of summer and then probably rent it long term. It’s SO much work! We’ve had a few bad guests (parties) and it’s really made me emotional and I’m ready to be done even though the money is really good. We have only great reviews so far and we’ve met some really great people but when we do this again we’ll start with a really small house. Thanks for the great video and tips!

[@kristenandmichael]

It’s definitely hard to NOT get emotional when others violate your space, we feel you on that! Going big is bold and not for the faint of heart. You’re learning a ton right now and that’s the best part. Knowing what you don’t want in the next venture! You got this & we are here if you ever need to commiserate or to celebrate the wins! 🤍Thank you for watching

[@jjharrison4099]

Aww thanks for the encouragement!! I definitely look forward to trying out Airbnb with a smaller place and see how that goes!

[@TheFlyingMonkey200]

Can I ask why you dont use automation processes? There are tools and apps for preventing parties (noise detectors) and Applications that will autobook cleaners.

[@btpp]

Who would maintain your hot tub? We have a hot tub at our house and they are a lot of work. Checking chemicals WEEKLY. Appreciate the honesty of your videos. I'd rent your place if I ever get out that way.

[@mandorlap8091]

Congratulations!!!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much 😀

[@toloveandrestore2472]

Very creative way to get into the California real estate market. You have done SO much work! Would love a detailed breakdown of the finances please! I have to say I was a bit shocked at your earnings, but considering you had a ‘low’ barrier to entry, it makes sense. It’s all going to get better and easier from here!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you🤍Yes, it being our first year of bizz facing the “Airbnbust,” financial crisis + solely relying on Airbnb until the very end of the year… we could have had the potential to do much better. We didn’t put anything into advertising either. We are hopeful our new direct booking website, our backyard revamp + hot tub will help it be even better! Thank you for being on the journey with us!🙏🏼✨

[@jnaramusic]

Really inspired by your journey, thank you guys for sharing. Me and my wife are on a STR journey here in France. And your videos really helped. Hoping to start by the end of this year. Thanks!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much for the kind message. Best of luck on your journey, It's a lot of work but so worth it in the end! We've recently been watching a few of those couples in France renovating old Chateaus on KZbin. Have you seen those channels?

[@jnaramusic]

I have not seen it unfortunately, but im open to check it out :)@@kristenandmichael

[@tanjarieck6872]

You guys are the best! I love watching your videos, and I always learn something. We just completed our first month Dec 2022 with 3 stays and all 5 Stars so we are excited to see what this full year brings. Having issues with Airbnb though, they suspended our calendar a few weeks ago and no one can give me an answer why it's under "investigation." We are also listed on VRBO.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! And we are sending all the positive energy your guys’ way and a speedy fix to that calendar issue! We had something similar happen and they got it fixed fairly quickly! Congrats on your first few stays though, that’s very exciting! We wish you the best & abundance in 2023! Keep us posted 🤍✨

[@honeygemcreativellc5876]

We live in a duplex next door to our airbnb . its hard work BUT it's much easier work than my wedding photography business that is far more time consuming by FAR. I still do all the cleaning. I don't regret it. I hopefully will never go back to long term rentals because those tenates trash the house where as airbnb its much less wear and tear on my property which is why I love it.

[@kristenandmichael]

That’s great&sounds like it’s working out wonderfully! ✨

[@eyeDZ823]

Thank you for being so informative! Love your videos .. my husband and I are planning on Airbnb our home next year. I was wondering if you can do a video on steps to start minus purchasing and renovating the home. For instance , step 1.. get a business license ..step 2. Sign up with arbnb as host .. etc.. Thank you both! Congrats on learning and earning 😊 you two are out role models in this business right now. I’ve seen a lot of videos and you guys are the only ones that gets down to the nitty gritty ! So thank you !

[@RafaelPerozin]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing this valuable info. Would you mind telling me how many days a year you usually have booked? Whats the rate average and what was the investment on the house and the refurbishment? I would like to calculate the rentability to have a real idea if it's worth.

[@MSW_Homes]

Thanks guys for these videos! So helpful as I’m thinking of launching an Airbnb. Would love your thoughts on setting minimum nights. Any thoughts on whether there should be a minimum night requirement? Thanks!

[@kristenandmichael]

Starting out, we did a 2-night minimum because we were the cleaners and we lived an hour away. If you're new to STR a nightly minimum is ideal because you're also getting to know your crew - who you're working with if you have hired out help (ie: cleaning, handiwork, etc.). As the months go on you can ease up on that as you get more comfortable. At least that is what worked for us!

[@pooh-bunny9249]

Great video, is this Gross Rev including cleaning fees and Airbnb's 3% host fee? Thanks!

[@chicago_beats]

This is cool

[@SuperPreet2011]

Just came across your channel today, watched three videostoday. I am interested in owning airbnb some day.

[@kristenandmichael]

Best of luck!Thank you for watching :)

[@Furtivo95]

You do pay for it with your time. You will make choices dictated around your Airbnb. I just found an excellent assistant manager w Airbnb experience. Started exploring new markets and plan to open 7 more Airbnbs by mid year.

[@kristenandmichael]

Congrats!

[@joyallen2415]

Thanks for getting into website info. We currently have Guesty. I think they allow the same things that Lodgify does. Wondering why you picked one over the other?... Thanks in advance.

[@kristenandmichael]

The customization was super important to us as well as accessibility to the company & its support team. They have a beta testing group anyone can apply for, where you can tell them what needs fixing or adding to the site to help creators and guests booking your place. That’s why we went with them… hope that gives some insight :)

[@WKaliberr]

I wish them well.

[@leostephens1780]

Seriously? Hair cut comments when you’re giving us such great information? Thank you!!

[@ikingjoey2104]

Are you guys going to put another house up on Airbnb? And Can you show the steps if possible, I really want to learn more, congrats to you guys also,🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! We will if/when we venture into our second STR. 🙌🏼

[@untoldofficialyoutube8563]

WHATEVER YOU DO... DO NOT PUT YOUR APARTMENT OR HOME ON AIRBNB I HAD 3 OF MY CLIENTS STEAL ITEMS FROM MY HOUSE AND AIRBNB CUSTOMER SERVICE LITERALLY DIDN'T AND COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT I SPENT LITERALLY WEEKS GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE TO ONLY GET ABSOLUTELY NO RESOLUTION OR RESOLVE. DO NOT START AN AIRBNB YOU WILL REGRET IT

[@opulentElephant11]

Check out instructions, no parties allowed, and high cleaning fees etc is why people are going back to hotels vs Airbnb. 😬 most are just too strict for the high prices.

[@richardaoun5124]

Well done with all of that. How does your place compare money wise with long term tenants ? Keep up the great work Cheers

[@bradk7653]

Not answering for Kristen and Michael, but we have a small lake cottage in northern Indiana and have found even though the prime rental season is only about 3 months and we only have the cottage available for rentals about 8 or 9 months of the year (we shut down for the winter) we have found that our net returns are a little more than double what we would realize than if we had it as a long term rental. We are realizing a Cash on Cash return of about 24%, which I could never get close to on a long term rental.

[@kristenandmichael]

We would prob charge at least $3k a month for a long term tenant because our house is on 5 acres and it is technically a 3B/2B with a garage + washer & dryer (we don’t rent the entire thing as a STR), but the earnings annually would still be lower and in the upper 30k range.

[@meetthebests2974]

Y’all looking like y’all getting big money .. watches all 3 of y’all videos i can see the growth lol

[@aaronregalado3336]

Hi guys, I'm pretty sure we are Airbnb neighbors. Ours is in Western Hills Estates. Thanks for the information about automation. I didn't know you can do that. I set mine up today. I'm curious about setting up a direct booking website. Do you get a lot of bookings that way?

[@kristenandmichael]

Hi neighbor! we love Western Hills. We wanted to purchase there but everything was out of our price range. The boulders there and the views are magical. As far as direct bookings, we just started it so we haven't got a ton but it's still fresh. Our thinking is having it for friends and family, so they don't have to pay airbnb fees. But then also to grow a social media following for the house and then drive traffic into it that way. We can keep you updated if you want!

[@derekt4459]

What percentage were you booked over the past year?

[@racheldejong6800]

7:33 Automating

[@jasminegipson3752]

Ayyyyyy🎉

[@kristenandmichael]

🙌🏼✨

[@jemstar33]

When you showed us how much money you made each month is that your Net or Gross? like was that what was left over after taxes and payments like, utilities, cleaners, etc? you might have mentioned it, sorry if I missed it.

[@jennieerwin8762]

We were also planning on direct booking but we were concern of losing the Air Cover which covers any potential guest damages. guest getting hurt etc. We know that we can use our home insurance coverage but not fully familiar of the pros and cons of losing the Air Cover. What were your thoughts on losing Air Cover. Also if you don't mind me asking, what was your net income for the time you indicated on the video minus all of the expenses? We enjoyed watching your video they are very informative and we hope you the best in your AirBnB.

[@kristenandmichael]

We have short term rental insurance through Foremost that makes us feel a little more comfortable doing direct bookings. Also through Lodgify you can request a damage deposit at time of booking and you can hold that until they check out and you can make sure there aren't any damages. As far as income, we didnt really calculate it because we're still in the investing stage, so pretty much all of our profit has gone back into upgrades on the house. Our goal is to make it highly competitive in our market before we start taking income from it, as we couldn't afford to do all of those updates upfront. Thank you so much for watching!

[@anitachitwood8016]

I'm a newbie host with a home in Asheville, NC. Just been live one week. Your videos have been so helpful to me! I am debating between Guesty and Lodgify. Did you choose Lodgify mainly because of their website builder and customer service?

[@kristenandmichael]

Congrats on getting your listing live! That's such a huge accomplishment. Yes, we use Lodgify for our direct booking website and pretty much serves as a hub for all of our info going out to other platforms. We aren't currently using Guesty but have heard good things. We love Lodgify’s customizable website builder & their customer service is pretty great too. 🙌🏼

[@Ibt1sam]

How’s your journey with Airbnb been, has it proved to be worth it?

[@juliacasascarlota]

how do i automate messages to be sent after a booking? is it through airbnb? thank for the video!!!🙏♥

[@kristenandmichael]

Yes, it is through airbnb. Go to your inbox, then select the three horizontal lines next to All Messages, and when you should see on the bottom left "scheduled messages"

[@janetayala6908]

Can you share your guide book and check-out list? Please.

[@kristenandmichael]

We will definitely share how we did those in the future!

[@sleepingshepherd96]

I just recently purchased a home overseas and this is helping out alot since i want to start an Airbnb. Any advice on doing this overseas?

[@kristenandmichael]

We have not dealt with anything overseas in regards to STR or real estate, so we may not be the ones to ask on this. Depending on where overseas you purchased, it may be worth asking Blessing Williams some Qs: instagram.com/iamblessingwilliams/?hl=en she has a place in Paris that she rents on Airbnb!

[@centsofmarriage]

Is the profit you showed also including a monthly loan payment or no? Just curious, Thank you!

[@kristenandmichael]

That profit we showed was just profit, but we said after that part that our mortgage and utilities averages to around $2,500/month.

[@SupremeSkeptic]

Thanks for the informative video... Why do you think there's such a huge difference in income between November 2021 and November 2022? That's 11000 vs 3000?

[@kristenandmichael]

We started our listing half way through Nov of 2021. So it wasn’t technically a full month

[@SupremeSkeptic]

@@kristenandmichael I see... so Nov 2021 was $1,000++ not $11,000++?

[@nmartin5551]

Thanks for the videos. I’m considering Air BnB. Is it possible to do this “part time”? Meaning can you stay in your BnB when you want to, and then rent it when you want to? I’ll take anyone’s opinion. I’m new to just thinking about this.

[@armanflores3324]

Hello, I would like to try my chance here! I'm an aspiring Virtual Assistant and if you need experienced Guest Services to manage your listing on Airbnb, I'm very keen to be part of your team. 🙏

[@TheRealMoviePastor]

Please start a coaching program for Airbnb dummies

[@sweetsmd]

Lets get a costco card : done ! One less thing in the checklist

[@kierralittle3140]

Anyone know where her shirt is from??

[@kristenandmichael]

Kohls! But I bought it last November :(

[@lorykatakura1805]

which automation system did you use?

[@kristenandmichael]

For pricing we use Pricelabs