How to Find the Right Airbnb Property Manager For You
Thinking about diving into the Airbnb game but feeling a bit lost on whether to juggle it all yourself or bring in some professional help?
Hundreds of millions of people around the world book stays with Airbnb. Plus, there are more than five million Airbnb hosts renting their properties worldwide. It’s no wonder that the platform is an excellent way to gain a high return on investment.
However, if you’re new to managing an Airbnb, the process can feel like a headache, especially when things unexpectedly go wrong.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your investment hassle-free, then it’s worth considering finding someone to manage your Airbnb for you. This article provides insight into your Airbnb management options and what to look for when searching for the perfect Airbnb manager.
Key Takeaways
- An Airbnb manager’s responsibilities include guest communication, cleaning and maintenance, marketing and pricing, financial management, and legal compliance.
- When looking for an Airbnb manager, define your requirements and compare managers to find the best fit.
- Consider seeking referrals, inspecting properties, and reviewing contracts thoroughly before hiring an Airbnb manager.
- Whether you plan to manage your Airbnb by yourself or hire a professional, take some time to weigh the pros and cons of both options.
What Are The Different Airbnb Management Options Available?
When it comes to Airbnb management, you have several options to consider. Each of the options outlined below have their benefits and challenges.
They also vary in the level of involvement, cost, and flexibility, which allows you to choose the best fit for your needs.
- Manage it Yourself
Managing your Airbnb yourself can save you money and give you full control over operations. Additionally, you can manage an Airbnb remotely or locally, depending on your bandwidth and number of properties.
This option requires a significant time commitment as you’ll be responsible for all aspects, including guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and marketing. It’s ideal for those who live near their property and have flexible schedules.
- Co-Host
A co-host is someone you trust (e.g. a friend or family member) who helps manage your Airbnb.
This option allows you to share responsibilities and costs, while still maintaining some control over the property. Co-hosts can handle specific tasks such as guest check-ins, cleanings, or emergency issues.
- Freelance Airbnb Manager
Freelance managers offer personalised services and flexibility. They can be a cost-effective solution, especially for owners with one or two properties.
These managers handle day-to-day operations and can tailor their services to meet your specific needs, but their availability might be limited compared to larger companies.
- Large Management Company
Large management companies provide comprehensive services, handling everything from marketing and bookings to maintenance and guest services. They have extensive resources and experience but typically charge higher fees.
This option is suitable for owners who prefer a hands-off approach and have multiple properties or high-traffic rentals.
What Are The Main Responsibilities of an Airbnb Manager?
If you don’t want to handle all the tasks associated with managing an Airbnb, you may be asking “Can I get someone to manage my Airbnb?
There’s good news. When you hire a professional, they can take on the following responsibilities:
- Guest communication: Handling inquiries, bookings, check-ins, and resolving issues.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Ensuring the property is clean, well-maintained, and stocked with essentials.
- Marketing and pricing: Creating and managing listings, optimizing pricing, and promoting the property.
- Financial management: Handling payments, refunds, and providing financial reports.
- Compliance: Ensuring the property meets local regulations and safety standards.
How to Find the Perfect Airbnb Manager
Take your time to assess your options, as it’s important to find the right Airbnb manager for your needs. Here’s how to do this.
Define Your Requirements and Expectations
Start by outlining what you need from a property manager. Consider the level of involvement you want, the specific tasks you need help with, and any particular skills or experience required.
For example, if your property is in a high-demand area, you might need a manager with strong marketing skills and experience handling high guest turnover.
Compare Managers Using an Online Aggregator
Online aggregators can help you compare different Airbnb managers by providing a centralized platform to view and compare profiles, services, and reviews.
Here at KeyCrew, we provide tools to evaluate potential managers based on their experience, services offered, and customer feedback. This can save you time and ensure you find a manager that meets your criteria.
Ask Around for Referrals
Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask other Airbnb owners in your area for recommendations. They can provide insights into their experiences with different managers and help you identify reliable candidates.
Networking with local host groups or attending Airbnb community events can also be beneficial.
Compare Fees and Charges
Understand the fee structure of potential managers. Some charge a flat rate, while others take a percentage of your rental income.
Be sure to compare these costs against the services offered to ensure you’re getting good value for your money. Also, inquire about any hidden fees or additional charges for specific services.
Check Out Guest Reviews of Airbnbs They Currently Manage
Guest reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of service a manager provides. Look for reviews that consistently praise key aspects such as cleanliness, communication, and overall guest satisfaction.
High ratings in these areas suggest a reliable and professional approach. Additionally, specific mentions of a manager’s responsiveness and problem-solving abilities demonstrate a commitment to hospitality. Negative reviews or recurring complaints should be a red flag.
Ask For References
Request references from potential managers to evaluate their reliability and effectiveness. Speaking directly with other property owners they’ve worked with can give you invaluable insights.
During these conversations, ask about their overall experience and focus on the manager’s strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, inquire about specific scenarios to understand how the manager handles emergencies, maintains the property, and interacts with guests.
Inspect Some of the Properties They Manage
Visit properties currently managed by the candidates. Pay attention to the condition of amenities, overall upkeep, and the accuracy of the listing description.
This allows you to assess their standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and overall guest readiness. A well-kept property indicates a manager’s commitment to quality.
Check The Number of Rentals They Manage & Their Local Knowledge
A manager with local expertise and a manageable number of properties can deliver more personalized attention and superior service. They can focus on each property and guest, ensuring that all aspects of management are handled with care.
Plus, their knowledge of the area can help in providing guests with valuable recommendations and a memorable experience.
Conduct Interviews
Interviewing potential managers allows you to gauge their professionalism, communication skills, and approach to problem-solving. During the interview, observe how they articulate their thoughts and respond to your questions.
To ensure a thorough evaluation, prepare a list of questions about their experience, services, and how they handle common issues like guest complaints or maintenance emergencies. Ask for examples from their past roles to gauge how they manage real-life situations.
Carefully Review Their Management Contract
Take the time to go through every detail of the contract. Make sure it outlines all the services provided by the manager. Also, look for specifics on fees, terms of the agreement, and conditions for termination.
Additionally, address any ambiguities or unclear clauses in the contract. If something isn’t clear, ask for clarification or seek legal advice to fully understand the implications.
Bottom Line
Knowing how to find an Airbnb property manager requires careful consideration and research. Take some time to define your needs, compare options, and thoroughly vet candidates. This can help you ensure your property is well-managed and your guests have a positive experience.
