Creating additional revenue streams is often the key to building wealth. Even the most high-paying jobs in the land may not be enough to cover all your bills and debt, with enough left over to reach the standard of living you seek. The reality for many Americans is that they struggle to build up their savings substantially, with the cost of goods and inflation slowing things down.
One type of revenue stream that can be a big moneymaker is real estate investing, particularly in rental properties. Property owners can make a good profit on rental payments alone, but when you add in other charges like laundry services or parking passes, the income potential grows even more.
Many forms of rental property investment exist, so let’s talk about Airbnb properties. This accommodation service allows property owners to become hosts for travelers who require short-term accommodations. With the increasing demand for Airbnb properties in Dubai, property management companies in Dubai can be a valuable resource for Airbnb hosts. They can assist with the time-consuming tasks of maintaining and cleaning the property between guests. However, there are a few things to consider before becoming an Airbnb host.
Time Commitment
Airbnb hosts may have to dedicate a significant amount of time to upkeep for their properties. You will also have to manage communication with potential guests. If you have a full-time job, it could be difficult to manage all those tasks on top of your other obligations. There are two options. You can carve out time in your schedule to dedicate to maintaining the property and cleaning it up between guests. The other option is to hire others to do it for you, such as a weekly maid service. However, this will cut into your profits a little. If you have the time to take care of the property yourself, it can increase your income potential.
Financing the Property
Maybe you want to purchase a property to convert into an Airbnb, but you do not have the money needed upfront. Just like an owner-occupied home, there are financing options to help buyers afford properties that are beyond their reach. You could take out a conventional loan just like you would for a home purchase. Another option is a home equity line of credit that gives you a lump sum of cash based on the current equity in your home that you own. There are also DSCR loans which are granted based on the estimated income of a rental property. You must run the numbers yourself to see what you can afford, so take advantage of tools like property investment calculators to get a handle on the finances involved.
Location
Another factor to consider before becoming an Airbnb host is the location of the property you own or are planning to buy. If it is located in an area that welcomes few travelers, it may be very difficult to generate enough rental revenue to cover your expenses and mortgage payments. However, an Airbnb in a larger town, a city, or a popular tourist destination in the country can attract many guests that will ensure your revenue stream consistently flows. Study the surrounding area to see how many rental properties exist there and what their vacancy rates are like. See if there are other Airbnb properties that you will be competing against.
Amenities
Speaking of competition, your Airbnb property is a business. That means you will have to compete against other businesses, in this case, vacation rentals and hotels, in the area for the same guests. Outside of the rental price, one of the most effective ways to draw in customers is with useful amenities. There are various elements you can include in your property to elevate the quality of the amenities, such as off-street parking options, a smart TV, kitchen appliances, multiple bedrooms/bathrooms, and some cozy spots on the property. Whether your Airbnb is one unit of a building in a city or a whole house with a yard, maximizing the available space with amenities can be the key to unlocking consistent bookings.
Airbnb Rules
When you host for Airbnb, the company expects you to maintain a certain standard that reflects well on the service. That being said, there are a few rules that Airbnb has in place for hosts to ensure guests have a pleasant experience, and if they do not, hosts will immediately feel the ramifications. Cleanliness is one of the biggest points of emphasis for Airbnb. Timely communication is also very important, so always respond to guest questions or requests promptly. The description of the listing must also be accurate, and you are required to hold to any reservations made. If you cannot follow these basic rules consistently, Airbnb hosting may not be for you.
Turn Beautiful Properties Into Revenue
Airbnb is a service that skyrocketed to the top of the hospitality industry because of the alternative it provided for travelers who were sick of hotel stays. Although the prices have gotten higher over time, they still provide the comfort that many guests are seeking when they are in new places. Whether you already own a nice property or want to buy one, a strong location can be turned into a revenue stream that improves your financial future.
