What is your pricing structure?
Our pricing structure heavily depends on the property in question. Size, location, services requested, and performance all play a part. Feel free to call us at 607-592-8069 to schedule a free, no-commitment consultation.
How do you market my property?
We use Airbnb as a booking platform combined with local marketing for the following reasons:
1) Airbnb has the strongest brand recognition, meaning that guests will visit Airbnb before browsing other websites. Airbnb also has the highest number of users, far exceeding traffic that a third-party host could manage.
2) Airbnb has host protection features built-in, in case of property damage. These are far more comprehensive than a small, third-party hosting platform could provide.
3) Airbnb’s ad campaigns have more reach than any local hosting platform could provide. By using Airbnb in combination with local marketing, we can maximize your listing’s exposure.
We are happy to market your property on any websites you see fit, however, our main channel is Airbnb.
What will you do to make my property stand out?
Every property has a unique feature that makes the listing stand out. Whether it is lake views, proximity to hotspots such as Cornell/Ithaca College and local parks, amenities, impressive architecture, etc. During the initial walkthrough, we identify and capitalize on this feature, making your listing stand out amongst the crowd.
We also understand Airbnb algorithms well, providing the necessary combinations to put your listing on the front page.
Do you get repeat guests?
Short answer, yes! We have repeat guests often and value them greatly. We enjoy having repeat guests for two reasons:
1) It means their experience was so good that they want to come back again! This is the best-case scenario. The property and service exceeded their expectations and perhaps that of other rentals too.
2) Repeat guests tend to treat the property with greater care than regular guests. The property becomes “their Ithaca spot” instead of just a place to stay. Having that attachment gives them a pseudo sense of ownership, which reduces the footprint they leave on the home.
How do you determine pricing? Do you change the rates to meet demand?
STR’s are becoming increasingly competitive businesses. To stay relevant, they need to be run as if it was a boutique hotel. We use data-driven models and hours of market research to determine effective pricing depending on the season, the property’s location, local events, holidays, and travel trends. This includes creating a competitive set for your property, showing you the exact properties you would be competing with. We do not “set and forget” with pricing- it is constantly re-evaluated and updated.
It is crucial to note that Airbnb’s Smart-Pricing does not adequately meet the standards for the Ithaca market. If you are using Smart-Pricing, you may be losing hundreds each booking. With our years of direct experience in this market, we can leverage this to properly price your home without sacrificing occupancy.
How do you handle cleaning? Washing linens?
We have a trained team with high standards that handles all STR cleanings. We find it important to train each cleaner in hospitality cleaning standards, as they are not the same as a typical residential cleaning. All cleaning and linen washing is done in-house and inspected before each guest’s stay. We take great pride in the cleanliness of our properties, and it is reflected in our reviews.