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It’s been five months since we added a new listing on Airbnb, and I wanted to share a little update on how things are going—and how the journey has shaped our plans for the future.
Our New Mexico home is kicking ass! We’ve had consistent bookings, fantastic guests, and an all-around positive experience. However, the situation with our Iowa home is quite the opposite. Reservations have slowed way down—practically to a halt. In fact, I have just one booking on the calendar for the rest of the year. It’s a bit disappointing, but there’s a silver lining: I’m enjoying living in the space and truly making it ours.
For now, I plan to keep the Iowa listing active until a new property opportunity comes along, but I’m also exploring a different approach to Airbnb: Airbnb arbitrage. This idea is definitely in its early stages, but I’m excited about where it could lead!
What is Airbnb Arbitrage?
In a nutshell, Airbnb arbitrage involves renting an apartment (or other property) and then listing it on Airbnb. It’s an option for people who want to enter the short-term rental market but don’t want to, or can’t, buy another property. If the monthly Airbnb revenue exceeds the rent and other expenses, you can turn a profit—without owning the property!
I’m considering reaching out to property managers of downtown Des Moines apartments to see if they’d be open to this idea. I think a one-bedroom apartment could be ideal: a great space to list on Airbnb while also allowing us to keep our main house for ourselves.
The Reality of Hosting in Your Own Home
I initially thought I wouldn’t mind renting out our own home, but after months of doing it, I’ve noticed a bit of “host fatigue.” Constantly packing away personal items you’d rather guests not touch, rearranging things, and adapting the space each time a reservation comes through has become a bit tedious. Plus, there’s something about having a place that’s truly yours, that you don’t have to share with strangers.
At the same time, I don’t want to give up on the Iowa listing entirely. Our home is a perfect spot for larger groups coming into town for college events or family gatherings, so I have a hunch that demand will pick back up in the spring. For now, though, I’m pivoting—considering new strategies to maximize our Airbnb potential without feeling drained.
The Importance of Staying Fluid with Investment Plans
If I’ve learned anything in this journey, it’s the importance of staying flexible. Investments, especially real estate, don’t always follow a predictable path. Sometimes, you need to reevaluate and pivot
in order to adapt to changing circumstances. For us, this could mean experimenting with Airbnb arbitrage instead of relying solely on our existing properties.
This mindset shift has been liberating! Instead of being frustrated about the downturn in bookings, I’m exploring creative alternatives, expanding my knowledge, and giving myself the freedom to test what works best.
Furnishing a New Space: Starting from Scratch
Thinking about furnishing another space is a little daunting, but I have a few resources to make the process smoother. If you haven’t heard of Rob Abasolo (aka *Robuilt*), he’s a fantastic resource for Airbnb hosts. Rob’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Robuilt) has been a game-changer for me, and he even offers a free PDF shopping list that he uses to furnish his Airbnb properties. I used it to outfit our current spaces, tweaking it to match my style (I’m a big fan of the mid-century modern look). Some of my favorite pieces have been the chairs,
bedframes,
and end tables
these pieces give our listings a stylish yet welcoming vibe.
Furnishing from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming; there are great resources out there to streamline the process and help you create a space guests will love.
Moving Forward
I’ll continue doing my research, talking to property managers, and seeing if Airbnb arbitrage is a feasible option in downtown Des Moines. If it’s possible, I’d love to dive in and set up a one-bedroom apartment listing. For now, I’m letting curiosity lead the way, staying open to change, and not letting fear hold me back.
Thank you for following along, and I’ll be sure to post an update if and when this Airbnb arbitrage project gets underway. In the meantime, if you’re considering starting a short-term rental or experimenting with a new idea, remember to stay flexible and embrace the journey!
