You’ll learn a lot fast—and sometimes the hard way

Your first guest will teach you more than any blog post. That’s the reality. But we also believe in helping you skip the avoidable mistakes.

Before you open your calendar, here’s what we wish someone had told us.

1. Hosting is not entirely passive (but it doesn’t have to be exhausting)

There’s a myth that once you hit “publish” on your listing, the bookings roll in and the income stacks up.

In truth, hosting comes with questions to answer, calendars to manage, and guests to support. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. With the right tools—or the right partner—you can focus on the fun parts while we handle the rest.

2. Guests expect hotel-level standards

Clean linens, working WiFi, fast replies—these are non-negotiables now. Even if you’re just renting out a spare room, you’re competing with hotels.

Make sure your space is spotless, your instructions are clear, and your communication is prompt. A well-written house manual can save you time and earn you points with guests.

Need help setting the right expectations? Start with our guide on creating a high-performing listing.

3. Pricing changes daily and that’s a good thing

One of the biggest misconceptions among new hosts is that you can set a nightly rate, leave it, and expect optimal results. But pricing is a moving target. It shifts based on demand, seasonality, nearby events, local competition, and even weather.

If you're underpricing, you risk filling your calendar but leaving money on the table. If you're overpricing, you might get skipped altogether. The sweet spot is constantly changing—and that’s where dynamic pricing tools come in.

Platforms like PriceLabs, Beyond, and Wheelhouse help you automate rate adjustments using real-time market data. You can also manually adjust rates if you notice trends or spikes in demand.

Some hosts also choose to apply minimum stay restrictions, weekend surcharges, or cleaning fees to fine-tune profitability. And yes—your pricing should evolve with your reviews, your experience, and your confidence as a host.

4. Cleanliness is the #1 guest complaint (and fixable)

Don’t underestimate the power of a spotless space. Missed hair in the shower or crumbs in the drawer can lead to bad reviews.

You can clean yourself, hire help, or use platforms like Turno to find trusted cleaners with experience in short-term rentals.

More tips in our guide on setting up a reliable cleaning routine.

5. Communication builds trust—and reviews

Most guests are fine with small hiccups—as long as they feel heard. Fast, friendly replies can turn a 4-star stay into a 5-star review.

Apps like Hospitable or Hostaway let you automate responses while keeping things personal.

6. Your first reviews matter—a lot

Those early reviews set the tone for your hosting future. Treat your first few guests like VIPs. Add little touches: a handwritten note, a local snack, a fast check-in process.

Want to create a guest experience that leaves a mark? Check out our guide on delivering a great guest experience.

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