Question 1

What services do STR management companies provide?

Accepted Answer

Well, we cannot speak for other STR management companies, but at Book'd we take care of every aspect of the short-term rental experience. Our team handles the listing, all communication with your guests, keeps your home maintained and spotless, and constantly adjusts pricing so you get the best return on investment.

Basically, you get to relax while we do all the heavy lifting!

Question 2

What makes Book'd unique?

Accepted Answer

Book'd was created because we saw a gap in what the big, national management companies were offering. We noticed they often aren't local and don't provide that personal touch. Our approach is different: we're hands-on, we personally visit and inspect each property before every guest arrives, and our team is here make sure everything runs seamlessly. That personal, local touch is what sets us apart!

Question 3

How does Book'd maximize my rental income?

Accepted Answer

We use all the major smart pricing tools and AI-driven models, but we don't stop there. We take the time to really understand our local areas and keep an eye on events that might affect demand. This way, we make sure we never miss an opportunity to adjust prices ahead of time, not after bookings have already come in. It's all about staying one step ahead so that our pricing is always just right, and you never miss out on potential income.

Question 4

What is the Book'd approach to guest communication and support?

Accepted Answer

One of the things that truly sets us apart is how we handle all guest communication ourselves.

No call centers, no outsourcing.

We know how frustrating it can be to get stuck on hold or talk to someone who isn't really connected to the property. That’s why we make sure that when guests reach out, they're talking to a real person who knows the property inside and out. We’ve experienced those frustrations ourselves when traveling, and we’re committed to making sure our guests never have to deal with that. We're here 24/7, 365 days a year, and always ready to help, no matter what our guests need.

Question 5

How is property maintenance and cleaning handled?

Accepted Answer

We do things a little differently when it comes to cleaning and maintenance and we think that’s a good thing!

Over the years, we’ve worked hard to build a roster of reliable cleaning vendors who actually show up (which, as many hosts know, is half the battle). It’s taken time, energy, and frankly, a lot of “kissing frogs” to find the right team, but now we work with the best vendors in the industry.

Our cleaners typically arrive the same day a guest checks out to ensure a fast turnaround. They don’t just clean; they’ve been trained to go the extra mile. That means adjusting the thermostat to conserve energy, turning off lights, and double-checking key details that other traditional cleaners often overlook. They understand how critical cleanliness is in the world of Airbnb reviews.

Once cleaning is complete, we personally inspect each property before every new guest checks in.

Yes, every single time.

As for maintenance, we’ve got that covered 24/7. We have in-house maintenance techs who respond to minor issues quickly, and we partner with trusted local vendors for anything larger or more urgent. Whether it’s a late-night AC issue or a simple fix, we’re prepared to make sure your property is given the attention it needs. This is full-service property care, exactly the way it should be.

Question 6

What types of properties do you manage?

Accepted Answer

We focus on quality properties of all sizes. Some of our most successful listings are efficient guest cottages, while we also manage sprawling equestrian mansions and luxe lake homes. No matter the size or style, we bring the same level of dedication and care to each property.

Question 7

How do you help property owners improve their listings and attract more guests?

Accepted Answer

Our approach has always been comprehensive. Starting with professional photography that highlights amenities guests are looking for, we craft listings with detailed descriptions that truly stand out in this competitive market. By leveraging social media marketing and our strong local reputation we are able to generate direct guest referrals regularly. For property owners who already have existing listings, we help refine every detail to ensure maximum profitability without sacrificing guest experience. It's all about creating the best possible stay while keeping an eye on the bottom line.

Question 8

I'm new to Airbnb and short-term rentals. How can Book'd help me get started and make sure my property is successful from the beginning?

Accepted Answer

We started in the industry working in traditional property management, where we learned all the essential skills for maintaining and running properties smoothly. Once we started an Airbnb with our personal home, we learned the short-term rental industry from the ground up.

Trial by fire!

This hands-on experience is invaluable for new clients who are just getting started. We guide them through every step of the process, from finding the right property to interior design, photography, and creative listing description creation. We don't sugarcoat things. We provide honest advice and our clients make the best financial decisions for their property portfolio.

Question 9

I already have an Airbnb listing, but managing it has become overwhelming. How can Book'd help me improve my existing property and make my hosting experience easier?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, we completely understand the challenges you are facing. Before creating Book'd, we even considered hiring a management company for our own properties because the workload can be quite high.

When hosts come to us feeling overwhelmed, we work with them one-on-one to identify what major challenges they are facing and what changes can be made to improve the property itself and your guests experiences. Sometimes it’s as simple as rearranging furniture and updating photos, and other times it involves adding or removing amenities to better appeal to guests. We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of the platforms we use and our understanding of guest behavior.

We’re here to take that stress off your shoulders - without breaking the bank.

Question 10

How does Book'd protect hosts and advocate on their behalf when dealing with Airbnb and challenging guest situations?

Accepted Answer

We’ve had our fair share of difficult guests, and each experience has helped us refine our approach to guest management. That starts with exceptional vendors and robust property maintenance plans—and continues with detailed video walkthroughs before every stay. We open every drawer, check every appliance, and inspect every corner to ensure your home is truly guest-ready. These inspections provide clear evidence of your property's condition, which is crucial in a system that often favors guests.

We also take the lead in communicating with Airbnb support, armed with real experience and thorough documentation. In an era of increasingly deceptive guests and a less responsive Airbnb support system, our mission is simple: protect you at every step, so you don’t have to worry.

As your first line of defense, we advocate assertively on your behalf, handle all disputes and refund requests, and present undeniable proof that your property was in top shape.

Question 11

Do you offer any unique experiences for your guests?

Accepted Answer

We go above and beyond for our guests! By partnering with local personal shoppers who can stock the home before guests arrive, to pet sitting and dog walking services, we make sure that everything your guests might need is available to them.

Question 12

How do you ensure a smooth and welcoming experience from the beginning with every guest?

Accepted Answer

We don’t advertise ourselves on Airbnb as a management company. In our experience, properties managed by large corporations often feel less personal, which impacts the guest experience. Instead, we operate as a locally owned and family-run business, and many guests believe these are our personal properties. This leads to more respectful guests and fosters a home-like atmosphere. Our communications are always direct and personal with no call centers or outsourcing.
When a guest calls, they speak to us directly.

Question 13

What does the onboarding process look like for new clients?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what stage of the process we're coming into. Often, we get the opportunity to meet with clients before they even purchase an investment property. We have many thorough conversations to ensure everyone understands how the short-term rental market works and what the investment will look like. Whether we’re involved from the beginning or stepping in to manage an existing home, we visit the property in person to make sure it aligns with the Book'd brand. For vacant properties, we handle everything from creating an itemized purchase order for all furnishings to setting up the home, staging it, and getting it ready for your first guests. For existing properties, we fine-tune the listing and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it meets our standards.

Question 14

How do you handle emergencies or unexpected issues that might come up during a guest's stay?

Accepted Answer

We provide 24/7 maintenance services to handle any issue, big or small. Our in-house maintenance team can quickly address most situations, and for larger issues like AC or plumbing problems, we have trusted local vendors who are available around the clock. We always remind our clients that even if a property seems perfect, unexpected issues can pop up, often at the most inconvenient times. We’re here to ensure guests feel fully supported and our property owners know their investments are in good hands at all times.

Question 15

What sets your experience apart in the short-term rental market?

Accepted Answer

Our experience sets us apart because we started in traditional property management, gaining a solid foundation in how to maintain and care for properties. We then ventured into the short-term rental market with our personal property, learning firsthand what it takes to create an exceptional guest experience. This unique combination of skills, from operational insights in the multifamily industry to the hands-on knowledge of short-term rentals, means we understand the entire industry from the ground up. We bring that depth of experience to every property we manage, ensuring that both guests and property owners have the best possible experience.

Question 16

What strategies do you use to ensure my property stays book'd?

Accepted Answer

We ensure our clients understand the specific market they’re in, as some areas are more seasonal and can have fluctuating demand. We use our half-smart, half-human pricing system and implement special offers to attract guests during the off-season. Because we manage so many properties in the area, we have a unique and comprehensive snapshot of the market allowing us to quickly identify high-demand dates and make pricing adjustments in real time.

Essentially, we always have our finger on the pulse, ensuring that your property stays book'd and profitable year-round.

Question 17

How do you screen potential guests and ensure my property is secured?

Accepted Answer

Of course, we are very careful about the guests we allow to book your property. We always review previous reviews left by other hosts to watch for any red flags. We're also extra vigilant when it comes to local reservations that might indicate potential parties. For security, all our properties are equipped with smart locks that generate unique codes for each guest, and we use exterior Ring cameras to monitor guest access and ensure everyone follows the house rules. Thankfully, we've been very fortunate not to have major issues often.

Question 18

Are all of your properties really pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our properties are pet-friendly. We've noticed that a large percentage of our guests travel with their pets, so we’ve made it a priority to welcome them just like their two-legged companions. We don’t charge any pet fees or pet rent, because we believe in making the experience as seamless as possible. We also know that trying to charge pet fees often leads to issues or guests attempting to avoid them, which creates unwanted tension.

Q&A