If you’re looking to elevate your Airbnb rental but don’t want to juggle all the tasks yourself, hiring an experienced Airbnb manager can be a game-changer. But how do you choose the right one? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find someone who will take care of your property and guests the way you want. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about finding a trustworthy and reliable Airbnb manager from industry veterans who know what to ask.
We will also highlight why a short term rental property manager may bring more value to your rental business.
Why You Need an Airbnb Manager
An Airbnb manager plays a key role in ensuring your rental property operates smoothly. From setting dynamic pricing to handling guest communication and managing property maintenance, a good manager can boost your occupancy rates and help maximize your profits. But with so many responsibilities under their belt, choosing the right manager can make all the difference.
Key Benefits of Hiring an Airbnb Manager:
- Maximize Profit: With experience in pricing strategies and marketing, a manager ensures your property attracts the right guests and stays booked.
- Save Time: Focus on your personal life while the manager takes care of the day-to-day operations.
- Expert Handling: From guest communication to regulatory compliance, an expert can handle everything efficiently.
Differences between an Airbnb Manager and Short Term Rental Property Manager:
Airbnb get a lot of press and attention, but they are not the only game in town. Many people say Airbnb when they mean any short term rental, think Cleanex or other commoditized name. A short term rental property manager will list your home on more than just Airbnb and are well versed in the technology to sync across multiple listing sites as well as nuances to them. To learn more about different listing sites, check out our article here on the best ones for you rental.
A short term rental property manager is more than just a co-host, but offer many additional services often included in the management fee and focused on full service hospitality. Cascadia Getaways being a full service manager has a full break down here of our services.
Who Can Manage an Airbnb?
There are several options when it comes to choosing the right person or company to manage your Airbnb property:
- DIY Management: If you’re hands-on and have the time, you can manage your property yourself. While you will save money, this is a 24/7 part time job.
- Co-hosts: A co-host is a person you can hire to assist with specific tasks. They are added to your listing and you build a team of people to manage.
- Local Airbnb Managers: These managers specialize in properties in a certain region and offer personalized services.
- National Vacation Rental Companies: These companies handle numerous properties and provide a broad range of services.
It is important to know your state’s regulations and what type of licensing a manager may need to have. In Oregon a real estate license is not needed, but these types of licenses will allow your manager to accept mid stay bookings. Cascadia Getaways does have the correct licensing in place to accept short and mid term rentals to drive more revenue for your property.
Responsibilities of an Airbnb Manager
A trustworthy Airbnb manager handles several important tasks to keep your property running smoothly. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Property Compliance
They’ll ensure your property meets local regulations, including securing necessary short-term rental licenses and permits. This goes beyond an Airbnb Co-host and often includes filling Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) and renewing permits.
2. Property Design & Furnishing
A manager can help design and furnish your property to create a welcoming and stylish atmosphere that attracts guests. Managers know what rent well and can offer helpful advise or do it for you!
3. Listing & Advertising
They’ll optimize your listing to ensure it’s visible to potential guests, using high-quality photos and compelling descriptions. A good short term rental manager will distribute to a number of high quality sites, while a co-host will be restricted to Airbnb.
4. Guest Screening
Managing guest communication and ensuring a smooth booking process is key. An experienced manager will vet guests to maintain high standards and has years of experience to know what to look out for.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
From regular cleaning to handling any repairs, your Airbnb manager will ensure the property stays in top condition. These managers have teams or access to contractors so there is coverage for when people call out.
6. Dynamic Pricing
They’ll use sophisticated tools to adjust your rates based on demand, ensuring your property stays competitive. A good short term rental manager is plugged into the industry to understand how other revenue managers are reacting to trends.
7. Managing Reviews
A good manager actively monitors reviews, addresses concerns, and works to maintain your property’s stellar reputation. A great short term rental manager will have tools in place to ensure reviews collected are higher rated such as predictive review tools to determine who to ask for reviews.
Click here to learn what Cascadia Getaways does for their partners!
How to Find the Right Airbnb Manager
Finding the right Airbnb manager requires careful research. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you narrow down your options.
1. Set Clear Criteria
First, outline your needs. Do you want someone who can handle everything, or just specific tasks like guest management or maintenance? Knowing this will help you focus on the right candidates.
2. Ask for Referrals
Start by asking other hosts or property owners for recommendations. Referrals from people you trust can save you a lot of time. Or look at listings that you have stay in that are well managed and run, who do they use? Review rating sites such as Comparent.
3. Conduct Interviews
Interview potential candidates to understand how they approach managing a property. Ask about their experience, their approach to guest and owner communication, and how they handle emergencies. Learn about their team and back up plans.
4. Evaluate Their Experience
Look at the manager’s portfolio and assess their experience with properties similar to yours. A manager with experience in your specific property type (luxury, apartments, etc.) can provide a more tailored service. Look at their reviews to see what guests think about their performance.
5. Understand Their Pricing Structure
Make sure you fully understand their fees and how they charge. Do they have flat rates, or do they take a percentage of the revenue? What else do they charge for beyond those fees? Be sure you’re comfortable with their pricing before proceeding.
6. Check Reviews and References
Look up online reviews and ask for testimonials. This will give you insight into their reputation and reliability. Cascadia Getaways has may happy owners and happy guests!
7. Review the Management Contract
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, review the contract carefully. Make sure it covers all the services you need and clearly outlines the fees involved.
FAQ: How to Find an Airbnb Manager
How do I know if I need a manager for my Airbnb?
If managing your property is taking too much time or if you’re not seeing the returns you expected, it may be time to hire a manager. A good manager can help you increase profits and save you time. If you are asking this question, its likely worth a conversation! Call us for a low pressure chat about what options you have, 971-350-2880 or email us at Owners@CascadiaGetaways.com.
Can I manage my Airbnb remotely?
Yes, many Airbnb managers offer remote services, especially for communication, pricing adjustments, and guest interactions. If you don’t want to be involved in day-to-day operations, this is an option. Make sure you have a plan for when things go wrong and know your local regulations. Some local regulations require someone to respond on site in as little as 30 minutes. A manager can be there to handle when things go awry or that middle of the night issue that pops up.
How much does an Airbnb manager cost?
Costs can vary depending on the services they provide. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 10% to 30% of your rental income, with additional charges for cleaning and maintenance. To learn what goes into management fees, click here!
What should I ask before hiring an Airbnb manager?
Be sure to ask about their experience, approach to guest and owner communication, fees, and services offered. Also, inquire about their marketing strategies and how they handle issues like maintenance and emergencies. Ask about their horror stories to learn what issues might arise in this business and to make sure the manager you are talking to knows how to handle them! If that has you worried, learn more about short term rental insurance here.
How can I be sure my Airbnb manager will meet my needs?
Start by setting clear expectations and asking for references. It’s also a good idea to review their past performance, read reviews, and understand their business practices before signing a contract. But ultimately, it comes down to knowing what you need and finding the right person to solve that.
Partnering with the Right Airbnb Manager
Choosing the right Airbnb manager is crucial for the long-term success of your property. By setting clear criteria, doing thorough research, and evaluating potential managers carefully, you can find the right partner who will handle everything from guest communication to maintenance, ensuring your property stays profitable and well-managed.
If you’re ready to take your Airbnb rental to the next level, contact Cascadia Getaways. Our team of experienced managers specializes in delivering a hassle-free hosting experience tailored to your needs. Let us handle the details while you enjoy the rewards.