This week let’s meet Giorgos a property manager and his properties are in the beautiful greek island Santorini.
He is making his first steps in the vacation rental industry, with 3 beautiful properties in his backlog and he wants to share his experience with us. Let’s hear him out! ποΈ
So, Giorgos, tell us, how long have you been hosting for? How and why did you start? How many properties do you manage?
Ξ started hosting about 18 months ago, mainly to help my income, and for the time being, I manage three properties.
Are you an owner or a manager? Is this a part time or full time occupation for you?
As a manager, this is not my main job,so we can call it part time, although the occupation is getting more and more, wanting to be better and better.
What is the best thing about hosting, and what are the biggest problems you face?
By hosting, you can meet interesting people from all over the world, and learn a lot about cultures and habbits. Of course, there are some problems sometimes, like misundrstandings, or communication languages, or even some broken things, but everything is in life…
What is one thing you wish you knew when you started hosting?
I wish I knew that it would be so easy and interesing from the begining, and i should start earlier.
What is the most important advise/tip you would give someone interested in becoming a short term rental host?
An advice to people intending to be hosts, KEEP IT VERY CLEAN, and DON’T TRY TO BE RICH INSTANTLY !!!!
Besides Hosthub, are there any tools, devices or software (eg. Remote keylocks, cameras, local guide apps, power meters, etc) you use? What is your experience with them?
I don’t use any software or tools, except for Hosthub. I try to make my life easier, and to have personal contact with the guests. Hosthub is enough.
Which channels do you list on? How much has your revenue increased since listing on multiple channels?
The channels I use, are AirBnB, Booking.com, and Homeaway. The revenue increased by 40 to 50 %.
Besides listing on multiple channels, what other things can a host do to increase his/her bookings and revenue?
I think any way, that the best thing a host can do to increase the bookings, is to be Exact, Polite, Clean and Gentle. Honesty and Justice in facing guests, as well as a good …tool to synchronise all, like Hosthub.
You can find out more about Giorgos’ property here:
And here are a few photos to get you drooling (click for larger versions) π§
