EP163: A Hostfully Host in Venice Beach

Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!As Airbnb hosts, we share concerns around uninvited guests. If those uninvited guests are of the bed bug variety, a whole host of additional problems arise. Today’s guest dealt with a bed bug infestation in his Airbnb and lived to tell the tale!Hostfully Featured Host Mike Clairmont is a professional musician who loves to surf. Two years ago, he got the idea to rent a place on Venice Beach and list the property on Airbnb when he was touring. Within two weeks of posting his listing, Mike had more than half of the summer booked.Mike discovered the Get Paid for Your Pad book and podcast a few months ago, and has since used those resources to take his Airbnb to the next level. Today he shares his journey as an Airbnb host, including the harrowing chapter in which a bed bug infestation temporarily sidelined his business. Listen and learn how to prevent those pesky creatures from infiltrating your Airbnb, and get tips on choosing prime locations for Airbnb property investment.Topics CoveredWhy Mike has had success with Airbnb•Good quality photos from beginning•As traveler himself, knows what people look for•Makes improvements based on reviews (i.e.: painting, carpet)•Surfer theme, location one block from beachMike’s bed bug ordeal•Guest was bitten, sent message to Airbnb•Airbnb cancelled one week of reservations (no other penalties incurred)•Mike found good company to spray•Removed furniture, got new bedframe•Put encasement around mattress•Implemented preventative measures moving forwardHow Mike is working to prevent further bed bug infestations•Sends information to guests (e.g.: don’t put luggage on beds when travel, bed bugs expert hitchhikers)•Provides luggage racks•Vacuums thoroughly, empties bag after each guest•Checks under/around bedframe, mattress every timeMike’s advice for hosts who encounter bed bugs in their Airbnb•Proactively contact Airbnb to avoid penalties•Allow the company to cancel reservations•Keep Airbnb informed of measures takenJasper’s advice around investing in property for Airbnb•US mortgage rates low, now is good time to buy•Research regulations in place and anticipate changes•Get familiar with rules in other large cities (i.e.: Paris, London, San Francisco)•Consider locations where housing shortage not an issue (e.g.: Joshua Tree, CA)•Take advantage of tools to predict returns (AirDNA, Everbooked, Mashvisor)Jasper’s take on regulations enforcement•Even if city not enforcing now, may eventually•Airbnb blocked calendar on property in Amsterdam to complyConnect with MikeAirbnb Host Profilemikeclairmontmusic.comResourcesFeatured Hostfully Host ApplicatonClean Bedroom Organic SheetsHostfully Travel BlogGet Paid for Your Pad: How to Maximize Profit From Your Airbnb Listing by Jasper Ribbers and Huzefa KapadiaAirDNAEverbookedMashvisorConnect with JasperEmail: [email protected]: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.