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Becoming an Airbnb host has been one of the most rewarding experiences for my husband and me. We’ve had the pleasure of managing two properties—one in the scenic landscapes of New Mexico and the other nestled in the heart of Iowa. Along the way, we’ve met some truly delightful guests and learned a lot about the art of hosting.
A Tale of Two Homes
Our adventure began with our home in New Mexico. We initially purchased it as our primary residence, and with a bit of creativity, we turned the garage into a cozy studio casita where we lived while renting out the main house. This allowed us to dip our toes into the world of Airbnb hosting without having to leave our beloved home behind. The experience was so positive that when we moved to Iowa to be closer to my husband’s family, we decided to continue our hosting journey with our new home.
In Iowa, we’ve been able to rent out our house when my husband is at work for two weeks at a time or when we travel with our pups. It’s been a fantastic way to maximize the use of our space, providing us with extra income while allowing us to still enjoy our home when we’re not on the road.
The Guests Who Made It Memorable
One of the most enjoyable aspects of hosting has been the incredible guests we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming. We’ve hosted a lovely family from Israel who shared stories of their travels, a warm and friendly family from Brazil who brought a bit of their vibrant culture to our home, and even opened up their home to us should we ever travel to Brazil. These experiences have enriched our lives in ways we never anticipated when we first started hosting.
The Importance of Communication
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to any aspiring Airbnb host, it’s the importance of clear and consistent communication with your guests. While it can sometimes feel like a bit of a hassle—or even a headache—the benefits far outweigh the effort. Good communication not only ensures that your guests have a positive experience, but it also helps you to manage your property more effectively and build lasting relationships.
The Benefits of Hosting
Hosting on Airbnb has provided us with numerous benefits. The extra income has been invaluable, allowing us to pay down debt and build equity in our homes more quickly. We’ve also taken advantage of cost segregation, which has resulted in significant tax savings. Hosting has proven to be an easy house hack, turning our primary residences into income-generating assets.
Encouraging Others to Take the Leap
For anyone considering using their home to generate extra income, and if you haven’t thought of it please do so! I can’t recommend it enough. Don’t be afraid to start—hosting is a “learn as you go” model, and it only gets easier with time. The flexibility, financial rewards, and opportunity to meet wonderful people make it all worthwhile. If you’re curious to learn more about hosting feel free to check out my Airbnb referral link below.
https://www.airbnb.com/r/shaharm20?s=6&t=061n0g
Whether you’re looking to make some extra income or just want to meet new people from around the world, Airbnb hosting is a fantastic way to achieve your goals. Start small, communicate well, and enjoy the ride—you won’t regret it!
