🏠Today's Hot Property Picks | #033

Today’s Insights

• Top Investment Properties

• Knowledge Rundown: 3 Part Series on Mastering Guest Reviews: From Request to Response - Part 1: How to Encourage More Reviews

• Hot News: Ranked: The 10 Best U.S. States to Retire In

• Productivity: 5 Short Term Rental Tools to boost your productivity for Navigating the Business Side of Short Term Rentals.

New Releases

60962 Sandalwood Trl, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Luxury desert living just minutes from the West Gate of Joshua Tree National Park with turnkey potential! Welcome to this stunning two-bedroom, two-bath home, situated in Joshua Tree's coveted Upper Friendly Hills hilltop community. This tasteful designer home boasts a seamless blend of style and convenience. The open floor plan invites you to enjoy the spacious living room with large windows and glass doors. The brand new kitchen is a chef's dream featuring a chic herringbone tile backsplash, new stainless steel appliances, range with hood, and plenty of storage & counter space. The home has been upgraded inside and out with brand-new floors, lighting, fixtures, and efficient ductless mini split HVAC system.  The home's sleeping quarters are luxurious with a large guest bedroom with hill views. The primary suite boasts a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower and direct access to the exterior covered patio—perfect for enjoying the breathtaking views. Take advantage of the best of indoor/outdoor lifestyle with your private spa, cowboy tub, trellised lounge, grill, and hammock village beneath the canopy of Joshua Trees. Located close to local amenities, this property is ideal as a ready-to-launch short-term rental or a peaceful retreat in the hi-desert.

🏠Quick Stats:

• $519,000

• 2 BR / 2 BA

• 1,150 sq/ft

💰Projections:

• Average Daily Rate: $310

• Occupancy Rate: 63%

• Projected Revenue: $71,200/yr

• Projected Operating Expenses: $20,100/yr

• Projected Net Operating Income: $51,100/yr

• Projected Gross Yield: 13.7%

Price Reduction

12800 Miracle Hill Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

Welcome to the exquisite Miracle Hill Rd in Desert Hot Springs! A great running airbnb business! This remarkable pool home has undergone extensive upgrades throughout. Nestled on a tranquil hillside, this residence spans over 1,500 sq ft and offers breathtaking mountain views, a modern yet elegant open floor plan, and an abundance of natural light. Originally built in 2005 and recently renovated in 2021, it boasts a contemporary kitchen, refined finishes, and a peaceful outdoor oasis complete with a sparkling pool—ideal for both entertaining and enjoying private relaxation. Featuring a spacious 2-car garage, this property seamlessly blends comfort and convenience in a delightful setting. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, planning for retirement, an Airbnb investor, or in search of a vacation retreat, this home has everything you need! Seize the opportunity to witness the outstanding features of this property in person.

🏠Quick Stats:

• $460,000

• 3 BR / 2 BA

• 1,560 sq/ft

💰Projections:

• Average Daily Rate: $408

• Occupancy Rate: 45%

• Projected Revenue: $67,500/yr

• Projected Operating Expenses: $22,900/yr

• Projected Net Operating Income: $44,700/yr

• Projected Gross Yield: 14.7%

Over 90 Days + Price Reduction

26377 MARTINIQUE DR, ORANGE BEACH, AL 36561

Discover the epitome of coastal living in this exquisite 5-bedroom, 4 1/2-bathroom single-family home located in the heart of Orange Beach's coveted Terry Cove subdivision. From the moment you step onto the property, you're greeted by a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. This spacious residence offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan, seamlessly integrating both functionality and style. Step outside to your private oasis, where an inground pool awaits, promising countless moments of relaxation and entertainment. One of the standout features of this property is the private boat launch and boat storage, allowing you to seamlessly transition from your home to the water. This home is not just a residence; it's a gateway to the Orange Beach lifestyle. Seize the opportunity to make it yours.

🏠Quick Stats:

• $798,000

• 5 BR / 4.5 BA

• 2,570 sq/ft

💰Projections:

• Average Daily Rate: $739

• Occupancy Rate: 45%

• Projected Revenue: $121,800/yr

• Projected Operating Expenses: $39,700/yr

• Projected Net Operating Income: $82,200/yr

• Projected Gross Yield: 15.3%

Knowledge Rundown

Mastering Guest Reviews: From Request to Response

Part 1: How to Encourage More Reviews

Getting Guests to Sing Your Praises

Alright, Airbnb hosts, let’s talk about the lifeblood of your listing: reviews. They’re like the applause at the end of a performance – they validate your efforts, attract new guests, and give your Airbnb that all-important social proof. But getting guests to leave a review can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. So how do you turn those silent stays into glowing testimonials? Let’s break it down.

Timing Is Everything: The Art of the Ask

First things first: timing. If you ask for a review too soon, your guests might feel pressured or annoyed. Ask too late, and the experience might not be fresh in their minds. The key is to find that sweet spot where they’re still riding the high of their stay but not yet drowning in post-vacation life.

Here’s the deal – the best time to ask for a review is right after check-out. Your guests have just had a great time (hopefully), and their positive experience is still top of mind. But don’t just send a generic “Thanks for staying, please leave a review” message. Personalize it. Mention something specific about their stay – maybe they told you they were celebrating a special occasion, or perhaps they commented on how much they loved the local coffee shop you recommended. Personalization shows you care and makes the request feel less like a mass email and more like a genuine conversation.

Crafting the Perfect Request: Keep It Real

Now, let’s talk about what you actually say in your request. You want to strike the right balance between polite and persuasive. Remember, you’re asking for a favor, so keep it light and friendly, not demanding.

Start by thanking them for choosing your place and expressing how much you enjoyed hosting them. Then, explain why reviews are so important to you – how they help other guests make informed decisions and how they keep you motivated to keep improving. Finally, make it as easy as possible for them to leave a review. Include a direct link if possible, and let them know it only takes a few minutes. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to follow through.

Here’s a quick template:

"Hi [Guest’s Name],

Thank you so much for staying with us! We hope you enjoyed your time at [Property Name] and had a chance to check out [specific local recommendation or feature they enjoyed].

If you have a moment, we’d love to hear about your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and helps future guests know what to expect. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to leave a review!

[Include link to review page]

Thanks again, and we hope to welcome you back in the future!

Best, [Your Name]"

Incentivizing Without Compromising: The Ethical Nudge

Okay, so you’ve sent the request, but sometimes even the best intentions get lost in the chaos of everyday life. How do you give guests that extra nudge without crossing any lines?

Here’s the tricky part – Airbnb’s policy is clear: no offering discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews. But you can still incentivize guests in a way that’s ethical and within the rules. For example, you could mention that you’re a small, independent host who relies on guest feedback to grow. Or, if they’ve had a particularly unique experience, suggest that sharing their story might help other travelers discover a hidden gem.

Another tactic is to set the stage for reviews early. From the moment they book, emphasize how important guest feedback is to you. Mention it during check-in, include it in your welcome packet, and bring it up during any interactions. This way, by the time they leave, they already know you value their opinion.

Putting It All Together

Encouraging more reviews is about making the process as smooth and appealing as possible for your guests. Nail the timing, craft a personalized request, and give a gentle nudge without crossing ethical boundaries. When done right, these reviews will start rolling in, boosting your credibility and attracting even more guests to your Airbnb.

Remember, reviews are the social proof that keeps your Airbnb thriving. The more you have, the easier it is to stand out in a crowded market. So go ahead, put these tips into action, and watch as those five-star reviews start piling up.

Hot News

Ranked: The 10 Best U.S. States to Retire In

This chart ranks the 10 best U.S. states to retire in as of 2024. Data was sourced from Bankrate.com.

To create this list, Bankrate analyzed all states across five categories with assigned weights:

• Affordability: Cost of living, taxes (40%).

• Well-being: Sense of community, entertainment (25%).

• Healthcare: Quality, cost, and access to health services (20%).

• Weather: Average annual temperatures, natural disasters incidence (10%).

• Crime: Property and violent crime rates (5%).

One overall rank for each state was then calculated. The lower the number, the better the ranking.

Continue Reading → Here

Productivity

5 Short Term Rental Tools to Supercharge Your Productivity for Navigating the Business Side of Short Term Rentals

1. Guestly: This platform streamlines operations with features like automated messaging, dynamic pricing, and channel management.

2. QuickBooks: Efficiently manage income, expenses, taxes, and generate financial reports to understand your business's performance.

3. Smoobu: Streamline communication with guests, automate messages, and manage inquiries efficiently.

4. Beyond Pricing: Optimize your rental rates based on market demand, seasonality, and competitor pricing.

5. Jobber: Efficiently schedule cleanings, maintenance, and repairs, ensuring your property is always ready for guests.

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