3 Tips for Finding Your First AirBnB Property
A QUICK NOTE: If you’re anything like me, learning and growing happens on the go: In between loading the dishwasher, folding laundry and driving to the next appointment. I took the time to create a video of this blog so you can listen on the go and pop in to see photos and resources in the blog post if reading something just doesn’t fit your life right now. I get it and I’m with you! Happy Wholehearted Hosting!
Full transparency:
I was on the phone with a friend the other day who’s daughter has a natural eye for design and would love to do what I do. But I heard that familiar hesitation in my friend’s voice. You see, her daughter doesn’t own any property and likely won’t for some time. So, naturally, my sweet friend assumed that what I do is not an option for her daughter.
I want to be very transparent about something: I did not own any of the properties I hosted on AirBnB when all of this started. Every single one was owned by someone else. It’s only been recently that I started hosting properties that my husband and I own. So, my friends, you can do this! You don’t have to be a successful real estate investor or be flush with extra houses all over your city...you just need the right connections to the right people who are looking for what you can do. And believe me, they’re out there!
The loft bedroom of the first AirBnB I designed…which I didn’t own. If you’d like to read all about how this all came to be, you can read this blog post for all the juicy details.
In this post, I’m going to share with you my top 3 tips for establishing those very connections and moving towards partnerships with investors and homeowners that are dreaming of working with someone just like you. So let’s dive in!
Tip #1: Connect with your local REIA group
I know, I know. What the heck does REIA mean? Real Estate Investors Association. Just about every city has one...and if not, there’s one in a nearby city or town. Click here or do a quick search online and you’ll see something pop up! Now, you generally have to be a real estate investor to participate in these groups. But it may not hurt to reach out and share what your goal is...that you’re a designer looking to partner with investors to create successful and highly profitable short term rentals- aka: AirBnBs. You truly never know what might come of this. You may find yourself invited to the next meeting to share more about your skills, expertise and what it would like to partner with you!
Side note: You may also want to do a general search on MeetUp for real estate investor groups in your area. This same magic can happen with a MeetUp group as well!
Just imagine when you’ve made the right, powerful connections and you get to design stunning spaces to share with the world!
Tip #2: Connect with a realtor who works with real estate investors
Do you know any realtors? Or do you know someone who knows a realtor? They are a gold mine of resources and connections. Reach out and offer to treat them to some coffee to pick their brain about connecting with real estate investors or homeowners. There’s a good chance they know who’s most likely to be interested in a short term rental adventure...or who has a second home in your area and would be interested in generating a profit from it. You’ll be amazed at the connections this will provide! And you’ll make a new friend, too. Win-win!
The Cozy Dwelling…another space I designed and hosted that I didn’t own.
Tip #3: Ask friends and family if they know real estate investors or anyone with a second home in your area that they’d like to use to generate income.
I host my brother’s in-laws home. I know...it makes your brain hurt a little. My sister-in-law’s parents have a home in my city that they use when they’re here visiting their kids. It’s beautiful, fully remodeled and just a gem. I generally don’t host spaces that I haven’t designed, but this place is exceptional and her eye for design is great...so it was a no-brainer. When they’re not in Albuquerque, their home is taken great care of by me and my team and we’re all generating a great profit. It’s an amazing arrangement!
You never know the connections that might just be one conversation away. Simply letting friends and family know what you’re looking for can be groundbreaking. And if they provide the introduction and can speak to how amazing you are, you’re way ahead! This tip is HUGE. Don’t miss the connections that are right under your nose! Talk with your friends and family!
A condo that I designed and hosted on AirBnB that I didn’t own. You can absolutely do this!
You can do this!
Ok...so there you have it! Here’s my challenge to you: Pick ONE of these tips and put some action to it in the next 5 days. Make that phone call, schedule that coffee date, plan that social media post. These are literally the first steps towards a business that checks all your boxes: time freedom, increase in income, opportunities to design amazing spaces you can literally share with the world. Your dreams are on the other side of action. So get into action, friend! You can do this!
Oh and hey...come back and share your successes with me in the comments below. I will read every single on and can’t wait to be encouraged by your action!