Beycome is a real estate technology platform that helps you buy or sell a home without a realtor. If you’re comfortable with everything that goes into buying or selling a house without an agent, Beycome offers big potential savings and may be worth considering.

Beycome’s $99 Basic Package for sellers offers more exposure, flexibility, and features than most similar flat fee MLS services in that price range. And the $399 Enhanced Package includes professional photos, which can sometimes cost that much (or more) on their own.

Just remember that selling a house by owner can be tricky and require a significant time investment. If you’re inexperienced, busy, selling remotely, or prefer in-person guidance and support from a licensed pro, a full-service discount real estate agent might be a better choice.

What is Beycome?

Flat-fee MLS for sellers: Beycome’s primary offering is a listing platform that lets for sale by owner (FSBO) sellers post their property on their local multiple listing service (MLS), along with hundreds of other real estate sites (Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, etc.), for a flat, upfront fee. In addition to MLS access, Beycome offers a range of useful tools and services across its three price points, from downloadable contracts to pro photos to remote agent support.

Refunds for buyers: You can also buy through Beycome’s platform and qualify for a refund worth up to 2% of the home’s purchase price. Be aware the customer support is fully remote, so it may not be the best option for less experienced buyers or people who want an agent there with them during home tours, inspections, and final walkthroughs.

Other products and services: Beycome offers home insurance comparison shopping platform and a flat-fee title service in Florida ($399), about 50% the usual rate. But be aware that this doesn’t include standard costs like title insurance, inspections, recording fees, and taxes. You can also search for rentals and sign leases through Beycome’s platform. Beycome collects 5% of the rental broker’s commission, then gives you 4% to go toward your first month’s rent.

Beycome pros and cons

• Basic Package is a good value for flat fee MLS: Beycome’s Basic Package offers more for your money than most similar flat-fee MLS services. The Basic Package offers MLS access and syndication, plus maximum allowable photos, lead forwarding, showing scheduling tools, unlimited listing changes, a solid listing term, and more. Most flat-fee MLS companies have pricier entry-level packages — or they’re skimpier and more restrictive.
• Enhanced Package is an even better value: The Enhanced Package includes everything in the Basic Package, plus a professional photography session and 25 HD photos, marketing materials, a lockbox, yard sign, and other useful add-ons. For $399, the pro photos alone arguably make it a better value than the Basic Package. Pro photography can cost that much on its own. And quality photos make a huge difference in terms of generating buyer interest online.
• Good refund policy and no hidden fees: Unlike many flat-fee MLS services, Beycome has a 90-day money-back guarantee on its Basic Package if you decide it’s not right for you or can’t find a buyer. The money-back guarantee is void if you close a sale or get two legitimate offers, which are reasonable terms. We also like that Beycome has transparent pricing and fee structures (some other flat-fee MLS services bury a la carte pricing and fine print that can lead to nasty surprises for sellers at closing).

Should you use Beycome?

Beycome may be a good choice for experienced sellers looking to avoid hiring a conventional realtor to list their home.

Many Beycome customers are people who have owned and sold multiple homes and feel comfortable handling the process and negotiations on their own. Others are real estate investors and flippers or real estate pros without an active license in the state they’re selling in.

Essentially, if you’re looking to sell a property without an agent, Beycome has some of the most affordable, feature-rich listing plans available.

On the flipside, if you’re a less experienced seller, have limited time or flexibility, are facing a complicated sale, or simply want help and guidance from a pro, you may want to consider other options. For example, low commission real estate agents tend to be more expensive than flat-fee MLS services like Beycome, but you can get full, in-person support throughout your sale for about 50% less than conventional realtors charge

The bottom line: One isn’t necessarily better than the other. It’s really about understanding your needs and priorities and what different types of providers are actually offering. If you’re unsure, we recommend reaching out to companies in both categories so you can make a more informed decision.

Beycome vs. competitors

We think Beycome offers better value than most similar companies in the markets it’s available in.

Company	Listing Fee	Customer Rating	Availability
Good digital support Beycome	$99 to $599 upfront + 1% at closing	4.6/5 (587 reviews)	AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, MN, NC, SC, TX	Learn More On listwithclever.com
Homecoin	$95–3,000	4.8/5 (112 reviews)	AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI	Learn More On listwithclever.com
ISoldMyHouse.com	$299–399	4.7/5 (60 reviews)	Nationwide (except ND)	Learn More On listwithclever.com
Fizber	$0–395	4.2/5 (103 reviews)	Nationwide	Learn More On listwithclever.com
Flat Fee Group	Varies by location	Varies by location	Nationwide	Learn More On listwithclever.com

Homecoin and Fizber also offer low-cost MLS listing service options. But these basic packages don’t include as many services or benefits (like max photos) as Beycome’s Basic Package. Additionally, Homecoin also has limited location availability.

ISoldMyHouse.com has reasonably priced packages, but the plans don’t include as many services as Beycome.

Flat Fee Group is available nationwide, but the price, services, and customer support quality can vary greatly based on the location. So we strongly recommend talking with the specific broker for your location first to ensure a good fit, especially since the cost in some areas can be high for the services received and may include costs at closing in addition to the flat fee.

» MORE: Find the best flat fee MLS listing services near you

Selling with Beycome

For home sellers, Beycome offers two ways to get your FSBO listing on the MLS:

• Basic package
• Enhanced package

Beycome also offers a Concierge service, which gives you extra support for a 1% fee due at closing.

$99 Basic Package

Beycome's Basic package is available in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. It will get your property listed on you local MLS and hundreds of real estate sites like Redfin, Zillow, and realtor.com.

The Basic Package comes with unlimited listing changes, the maximum number of photos allowed by the MLS (varies by MLS, although 24 is common), Spanish- and English-speaking customer support, and an MLS listing duration that lasts until the home is sold. You can add additional services to this or the other packages when submitting information about your property. Some add-on services include:

• Access to broker support: $199
• Comparative marketing analysis: $65
• Premium closing title service: $199
• Home warranty: $69

You'll also get a FSBO listing on beycome.com (though not a “featured” Beycome listing), which doubles as a way to directly manage your MLS listing and syndicated platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com. Changes made to that listing should show up on the MLS within 48 to 72 hours. There's also an area to manage showings and compare offers, although Beycome reps told us that inquiries may also be forwarded to you via email.

Beycome also provides access to all relevant legal forms and disclosures. But keep in mind that these are boilerplate and may need to be modified in specific situations. If you’ve got a complicated sale or are less experienced, consider upgrading to a package that includes contract support or hiring an independent real estate attorney.

$399 Enhanced Package

Beycome's Enhanced Package is available in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

The Enhanced Package includes all the Basic's fixings, plus a lockbox, yard sign, marketing materials, virtual video tour, and 25 professional photos. That's a very good price, since professional real estate photography costs about $100–500 per shoot, depending on the market and size of the home.

$599 + 1% Concierge service

Beycome's Concierge service is available in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The Concierge service gets you everything in the Enhanced Package, plus additional features like a 3D virtual tour for your listing, extra marketing support, drone photos (where available), home valuation and pricing assistance, a dedicated closing coordinator, and full negotiation and paperwork support.

Florida sellers who opt for the Concierge service also get Beycome’s flat-fee title service (typically $399), which includes the settlement fee and typical “operational” charges for things like e-filing and notary services. Note the flat rate doesn't include title insurance policies, transfer taxes, endorsement, and other state or local title and recording charges.

Beycome's refund policy

Beycome will refund $99 (cost of the Basic Package) for up to 90 days unless your home:

• Received two legitimate offers 
• Is currently under contract
• Closed successfully

Note: Sellers in Georgia must pay a $25 cancellation fee, which the MLS requires.

Buying with Beycome

Beycome offers a suite of tools and support services to assist home buyers through the process without in-person agent representation. Buyers can schedule home tours, make offers, and coordinate closing through Beycome’s platform. 

Beycome’s key selling point for buyers is savings: in purchases where Beycome collects a commission, buyers a refund at closing worth up to 2% of the purchase price.

Note that Beycome’s refund for buyers has some restrictions and criteria:

• Beycome’s commission must be at least $999
• By-owner sales and rentals not offering commission aren’t eligible
• Subject to lender approval
• Limitations may apply with some types of loans

How much can I save with Beycome?

If all goes according to plan, potentially a lot. In a typical home sale, the seller pays their agent and the buyer’s agent both 2.5-3% in commission, or 6% total. When you sell through Beycome, you pay the flat fee (or flat fee plus 1%) instead of a 2.5-3% listing fee. 

Beycome’s low, flat rates can save you thousands – even tens of thousands depending on your home’s value. Whether you offer the other 2.5-3% commission for buyer’s agents is up to you, but most experts recommend it to attract more offers and sell faster for a higher price.

The “up to 2%” refund can yield big savings for home buyers as well. That would bring you back up to $10,000 on a $500,000 home purchase, assuming you get the full refund amount.

A few important things to keep in mind

Beycome is much less expensive than selling with an agent, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better choice for everyone. 

Top real estate agents know what they’re doing and can often more than make up for their fees in terms of added profit (higher sale price) or other benefits (sale speed, sale terms, etc.) There are also full-service, low-commission agents who deliver the same service and support as conventional realtors for about 50% of the cost. 

The same thing applies on the buy-side: sometimes, having an agent by your side during the offer and negotiation process can more than make up for not offering a refund, in terms of their impact on the sale price or closing terms. Plus, there are a few legit, full-service discount brands out there that offer in-person agent representation for buyers and a commission refund. It’s worth poking around and seeing what’s available in your area before making a final decision.

Beycome customer ratings and reviews breakdown

As of this update, Beycome has an average customer rating of 4.5 (out of 5) stars based on 610 total reviews across Google, Trustpilot, and Zillow. The company has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and isn't currently accredited.

Beycome’s reviews on Google, which houses the largest number, are generally positive. Common themes among positive reviews include the intuitive and seamless technology, helpful customer support specialists, and value on offer.

There is a moderate number of negative reviews, which mostly reference technical issues, mistakes, or oversights (listing description errors, buyer lead forwarding, etc.). Some customers also had trouble getting hold of customer support and/or getting their issues resolved.

⭐️ Important: Understand what you’re signing up for

It’s important to remember that Beycome isn't a full-service brokerage or conventional realtor. It’s an affordable DIY tech platform for by-owner sellers, buyers, and renters. Think of it as a “tool” with some built-in customer support rather than a full-blown “service.”

Sometimes technology tools have issues: bugs, crashes and downtime, features or design elements that are hard to use, and so on. You won’t always be able to get the problem resolved by customer immediately. These risks apply with most digital tools, from apps and websites to computers and smartphones. When you go the DIY “sell the house through an app” route, always be aware that you could run into some of these issues. 

That said, given the high ratio of positive-to-negative reviews and the relatively low price point, the risk level for FSBO sellers seems low enough to warrant giving it a try. Plus there’s a money-back guarantee, so if you have a change of heart, the main thing you’ll be losing is time.

Best alternatives to using Beycome

Discount real estate brokers

Full-service discount real estate brokers are a great option for sellers who don't want the hassle of selling FSBO but still want to save money on commission fees. Discount brokers get you the full service of a traditional real estate agent at a discounted rate.

For example, Semya-Moya lets you work with a conventional realtor from a major brokerage, like Keller Williams or Compass, but when you go through Clever you get a 1.5% listing fee (half the typical rate). 

Fees and service models vary among discount brokers. Read customer reviews and compare your options before deciding on a brokerage or low commission real estate agent.

FAQ

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The post Beycome Real Estate: Customer Reviews, Flat-Fee Pricing & Services appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Real estate attorney costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. A typical home closing is usually $750–1,250, according to David Reischer, real estate attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com.

Real estate attorney costs can vary based on the services you require, your location, the type of property, and the complexity of your situation.

Attorneys often charge a flat fee for specific services, such as a real estate closing, title search, or document preparation. But they may also charge an hourly fee ($150–600 per hour), especially if the transaction is complex or litigation is involved.

If you have a straightforward real estate transaction, you may not need a real estate attorney’s services. But an attorney can provide peace of mind. They can help you avoid legal headaches in complex transactions involving disputes, title issues, homes needing repairs, and more.

What does a real estate attorney do?

Real estate attorneys handle the legal aspects of transferring property from a seller to a buyer. They can:

• Prepare legal documents for a sale and title transfer
• Review contracts to ensure they comply with the law
• Negotiate contract terms
• Do a title search and due diligence
• Resolve disputes between a buyer and seller
• Attend the closing
• Explain what a buyer or seller is agreeing to before they sign any documents

“Real estate attorneys are like your translator through the deal and someone who can protect you from unnecessary risks,” says Jack Duffley, a real estate attorney at Duffley Law. “They’re also a great resource for asking questions through the process.”

Real estate lawyers are licensed to practice real estate law. They have specialized knowledge of property laws and regulations for the states they practice in.

Their responsibilities might vary depending on whether they're hired by a seller, a buyer, or a title or mortgage company.

Real estate attorney vs. realtor

Real estate attorneys are trained to ensure your property transaction meets your state’s legal requirements. They focus solely on protecting your legal interests. Your attorney can negotiate real estate contracts on your behalf and make sure you fully understand the terms.

Real estate agents are experts at the home selling and buying process, including tasks like marketing, preparing homes to sell, and helping buyers find potential homes.

“While a real estate agent may be able to do some tasks of an attorney, such as preparing home contracts, only an attorney can offer legal advice to a client about the specifics of the transactions,” says David Reischer, real estate attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com.

Depending on your circumstances, you may require both a real estate agent and a lawyer when selling or buying a home.

If you're worried about the costs of hiring a real estate attorney, one solution may be to work with a low commission realtor.

For example, Semya-Moya can connect you with a dedicated, full-service agent for just 1.5% — half the typical listing commission. You can compare top-performing realtors in your area with no obligation to move forward.

When to hire a real estate attorney

In some cases, you may need a real estate lawyer to sell your home. It depends on your mortgage lender’s requirements and where you live.

But you may want to hire an attorney even if it’s not mandatory. A real estate attorney can help with complex transactions, ensuring you follow all legal requirements. And they can look out for your best interests.

Here are some circumstances when you should consider hiring a real estate attorney.

State law requires you to use a real estate lawyer

States have different definitions of the "practice of law.” What a real estate agent can do in one state, an attorney might have to do in another state.

Some states require a real estate lawyer to provide a title opinion, while others require them to be present at closing (sometimes called a "closing attorney").

In these states, the state or supreme court determined that the legal concepts in a real estate transaction may be too hard for buyers and sellers to understand without an attorney to explain them.

Which states require a real estate attorney?

These states require a real estate attorney or closing attorney to handle aspects of the transaction or provide a title opinion:

Real estate laws can change. Check with your realtor to see if your state requires a real estate lawyer.

Your mortgage lender requires a real estate attorney

Sometimes a mortgage lender requires a real estate lawyer or closing attorney to be part of the buying process. This ensures the closing and documentation meet the state’s legal requirements.

You're buying or selling without an agent

When buying without an agent or selling a house by owner, you handle the tasks a real estate agent normally does, like completing paperwork. You may want to hire a real estate lawyer to ensure the documents follow all legal requirements.

You’re dealing with a foreclosure or short sale

For a foreclosure or short sale (selling for less than you owe on your mortgage), you may need specialized legal advice from an experienced attorney.

A lawyer can help you by:

• Gathering documents to prove financial hardship
• Representing you at a foreclosure auction
• Assisting with short sale documents
• Advocating for you

You need to solve a documentation dispute or title issue

A closing attorney or real estate lawyer can help identify issues early on and promptly resolve them.

If not caught early on, some issues can lead to significant, time-consuming complications. These issues include document disputes, missing information, and legal barriers like a lien on a title or disclosure issue.

In some instances, these problems can delay your closing or even result in your contract being terminated. 

Brad Banias, a founding partner of Banias Law and Pro Se Pro, recalls one of these situations. “Everything was smooth until an old lien on the property surfaced, which the real estate agent missed. In hindsight, the client realized the value of a real estate lawyer in sparing time, money, and stress.”

You need help mediating a contract dispute

When a dispute arises, you may need a qualified expert to help sort out the issue. An attorney can act as a mediator between the buyer and seller, providing both sides with an unbiased legal view of the situation. They can clarify the current contract, assist with negotiations, and even help with litigation.

Your home has structural damage

Every state has its own guidelines about disclosing structural issues. If your home needs repairs, a real estate attorney can provide guidance on what you legally need to disclose to reduce your risk of litigation. 

You’re selling a home while going through a divorce

During a divorce, a real estate attorney can help you meet your state’s property division laws.

Whether you split the proceeds or have a buyout, the attorney can help you navigate:

• The property’s deed
• Divorce agreement terms
• The prenuptial agreement (if applicable)

Real estate attorney costs

Most attorneys charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee for specific services.

If you pay by the hour, it's hard to predict the total cost, since you won't know how much time your attorney will need. But you can set a limit on the number of hours.  

If you pay a flat fee, you pay one fixed fee regardless of the hours the lawyer spends on your case. There are no hidden fees, and you know the full cost from the outset. But a lawyer may not be able to offer a fixed rate for complicated situations.

The total cost varies by:

• Location (rural areas are often less expensive than urban ones)
• Required services
• Transaction complexity
• The attorney’s experience level

Also, some real estate attorneys may require a retainer (like a down payment) up front.

How much do real estate attorneys charge to sell a house?

A straightforward residential transaction can cost $500–2,000. The rate may be more depending on your location and whether it's a fixed or hourly rate. More complex situations can be several thousand dollars

Hourly rates can be $150–600 per hour, depending on your location and the lawyer's experience level. 

How much is a real estate attorney for closing?

For a simple home closing, real estate attorney fees can be $750–1,250, depending on location.

More complex situations or attorney in-house closings (no title company) are usually more, around $1,500–3,000.

If you only need help drafting or reviewing a simple contract, the price may be less (around $400–600). This cost doesn't include services like negotiation or help with closing.

Is a real estate attorney cheaper than a realtor?

For a simple residential transaction, a real estate attorney can be cheaper than a realtor, especially if you pay a fixed rate.

That said, lawyers and realtors provide different expertise when selling or buying a home. If you just need legal help, a lawyer may be sufficient. If you need help navigating the whole selling or buying process, paying for a real estate agent is likely worth it.

How to find a real estate attorney

To find a good real estate attorney, you can:

• Ask for recommendations from your real estate agent
• Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have recently bought or sold a home
• Browse your state’s bar association directory for real estate attorneys in your area

Before hiring an attorney, research your options. See which lawyers have the qualifications, experience, and specialized knowledge your transaction requires. Read online reviews from trusted sites, and verify the lawyers' state licenses.

After some initial research, contact your top choices. Most attorneys offer a free consultation. We recommend you meet with about three lawyers to find the right one.

When interviewing an attorney, ask about their:

• Qualifications, including licenses
• Familiarity with local laws and regulations
• Fees, including if they charge hourly or a flat fee and if they require a retainer agreement
• Process
• Communication style

Also, ask for references to better understand the attorney's success rate and work style.

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The post How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Hiring professional movers is one way to save you time and effort. But it can also come with a hefty price tag.

Typically, the cost of a move varies depending on the distance, how much you have to move (or the total weight of your items), and any add-on services you select — lick packing and unpacking or furniture disassembly and reassembly.

Consumer Affairs reports the average cost of a local move as $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers. And the average price of a long-distance move that is more than 1,000 miles is around $5,000.

Fortunately, you can customize moving services, so you get the help you need while staying on budget.

Here are 13 simple ways you can save money while using professional movers.

»MORE: Find professional movers in your area and get your move on the road!

1. Downsize your belongings

The less you need to move, the lower your moving costs. So one of the best ways to cut down on moving costs is to get rid of items you no longer need or use.

Decluttering before moving lets you reduce the movers’ workload and use fewer packing materials.

As you pack, create a "sell," "donate," and "trash" area so everyone knows where to put items they no longer need. Aim to get rid of a third of your belongings.

When moving long distances, you may also want to determine whether any inexpensive yet heavy furniture is worth taking with you. Sometimes, it can be cheaper to buy something new at your new location instead.

2. Use your own packing materials

Save money on packing costs by using your own materials instead of buying new ones. You can use items you already have, like suitcases, bags, and reusable storage containers. Consider using towels, linens, and blankets to wrap and protect fragile belongings, and use old newspapers as packing paper.

Additionally, ask friends, neighbors, or local stores if they have boxes and other materials that you can use.

"Check out your local Facebook Marketplace page or Craigslist for free or discounted used boxes," suggests Laura Gunn, a real estate expert with US Insurance Agents. "You’ll save a bundle."

3. Ask about discounts and special deals

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price or ask about discounts or special deals.

"Many moving companies offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and AAA members," states Charlene Strain, the founder of Cedar and Smoke Candle Company. "So be sure to ask about any discounts available to you."

4. Research and compare companies early

Prices are often higher for last-minute bookings, so you’ll want to start researching movers well in advance of your move date to lock in the best rate.

When researching, ask friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors for recommendations on who to use or avoid. Stephanie Deininger, the founder of The Organized Flamingo, also recommends searching through your local Chambers of Commerce, professional organizers, and real estate agents. "They may have a discount for you and a referral bonus to your favorite local business."

You’ll also want to review recent online reviews, ideally looking for companies with an average rating of four or five stars. Review recent comments for any red flags, and check for official complaints on the Better Business Bureau.

"Take time to gather quotes from at least three different companies," recommends Barry Gray, founder of The Tool Square. "Compare the services and costs to determine the best option for your budget."

When comparing companies, Kerry Sherin, a consumer advocate at Ownerly, recommends you:

• Review their policies on damage, delays, and cancellations
• Make sure they’re insured and licensed, including having a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number
• Read the fine print so you know what’s included, what’s not, and any extra fees or charges

5. Opt for a partial or small load move

Not all moves require a full-service move. For instance, you may qualify for a small load or mini-move if you’re:

• Only moving a few items, such as a single room like a college dorm
• Moving temporarily and don’t need to take everything with you
• Only moving some furniture or a single specialty item

If you qualify as a small load move, look for moving companies that offer this or a partial service. You’ll save money because these companies typically charge only for the actual shipment weight you’re moving without charging a minimum weight fee.

6. Consider a binding estimate

Some moving companies offer binding estimates, agreeing only to charge the estimated amount. This can help ensure you know exactly what you’ll owe without worrying about extra charges on moving day.

However, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay that price even if the weight of your items ends up being less than the estimate.

Another option some companies offer is a binding-not-to-exceed estimate. Like a binding estimate, you won’t be charged more if the actual weight of your move exceeds the estimate. But in this option, you’ll pay a reduced price if the weight ends up lower than the estimate.

7. Request a quick wrap of low-quality furniture

Many movers will wrap your furniture with pads and stretch wrap on moving day to protect it — no matter the item’s quality.

If you have inexpensive or already dinged-up furniture, you can ask them to only do a quick wrap. This saves them time, which can cut down on your costs.

However, be aware that those items are slightly more likely to be damaged.

8. Choose a company that offers a flat rate

Some moving companies offer a flat or fixed rate for their services. Depending on your situation, this may save you money compared to an hourly rate.

However, carefully review the terms of the fixed rate. You’ll want to make sure it covers all the services you need. Plus, you’ll need an accurate, agreed on inventory list, so you don’t break the fixed rate or get charged additional fees.

» MORE: Compare the top 10 movers in your area to find the best fit for you!

9. Move during an off-peak time

If possible, schedule your move for an off-season or off-peak time when the movers are less busy to get a better deal. For instance, May through August are often the busiest months for moving companies.

"They also often charge more for moves that take place on weekends or during peak hours," states Charlene Strain, the founder of Cedar and Smoke Candle Company. "If possible, schedule your move for a midweek day or during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening to get a better rate."

If you’re moving from or to a college town, try to avoid peak moving periods like move-in and move-out week.

10. Be specific about what you need

Most professional movers charge by the hour and the size of the move. So communicate clearly about what you have to move and what services you need to get an accurate quote.

"If you have lots of heavy or oddly shaped items that will require extra time and effort to move, be sure to let the mover know in advance so they can factor that into their quote," suggests Barry Gray.

Also, be specific about packing, loading, and unloading instructions to avoid unexpected fees. "There could be fees for taking apart furniture, carrying things down the stairs, and whether items require special packing," states Kris Lippi, a licensed real estate broker and owner of the website I Sold My House.

"Make sure to communicate any changes in plans ahead of time to avoid delays or additional costs," recommends Thomas Curry, a content management specialist at Moving Feedback.

11. Be organized and prepared

The more organized you are, the faster the move will be — helping you save money on hourly rates.

To help the movers work efficiently, you’ll want to:

• Pack and box up items beforehand, making sure everything is securely taped and ready to load
• Label all boxes clearly so the movers can unload them easily
• Maintain a clear path throughout your space, especially so movers can easily move any furniture
• Create an inventory list of your items to make it easy to ensure everything was moved

12. Help with the loading and unloading process

Consider asking the movers if you can help them load and unload the truck. "This will reduce the time required by the professional movers and help you save money on labor costs," suggests Thomas Curry.

You can also ask friends and family to help, saving even more time.

13. Organize the moving boxes by size

"When using hourly movers, organizing boxes by size can save the movers’ time and save you money because the truck can be packed more quickly and easily," recommends Dave Chester, the owner of Custom Controls.

Check with your mover in advance to make sure this step will save them time. If so, stack boxes of similar sizes together, such as putting small boxes on top of other similar-sized boxes, medium boxes on top of medium ones, and so on.

» MORE: Do You Need to Tip a Moving Company?

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Facing high home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and runaway inflation, would-be home buyers are growing pessimistic about their prospects.

More than half of Americans feel they’ll never be able to afford a home, according to a 2022 survey from The Harris Poll.

Additionally, a 2022 Gallup poll found that only 30% of American adults believe now is a good time to buy a home. That’s down 23 percentage points from 2021. It’s also the first time it’s ever been below 50%, despite Gallup asking this question since 1978.

One reason for the pessimism is "simple math," says Alex Byder, the owner of BD Home Holdings. "The median cost of a home is around $428,700. A 5% down payment for this is over $20,000. Many people are struggling just to pay their bills and can’t even imagine saving $20,000."

Yet homeownership is still a high priority for Americans regardless of age.

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So how can Americans who want to buy a home realize their dream?

For many, the answer may involve understanding the main barriers to purchasing a home and considering alternative home-buying strategies.

Why are Americans struggling to afford homes?

Many Americans have been facing worsening affordability challenges since the pandemic housing market started.

Almost three years later, the American Dream seems farther away than ever as many people struggle to save money for a home.

In fact, housing affordability dropped by 29% in the last year — the sharpest year-over-year decrease on record.

"Many Americans are having to face a harsh reality and make major changes in their plans for the future," says Cody Neumann, a real estate entrepreneur at Turbo Cash Home Buyer. "It’s becoming more difficult for many people to own a home. They may have to put off their dream of buying a home, adjust their retirement goals, or rethink how they’ll use savings for the future."

According to a March 2022 Bankrate survey, non-homeowners state the main reasons they don’t own a home are due to:

• Not enough income (43%)
• Home prices being too high (39%)
• Difficulty affording a down payment and closing costs (36%)

About 61% of Americans and 69% of Millennials say they feel priced out of the housing market.

"As someone who has struggled to save enough for a down payment and has faced competition from other buyers in a tight housing market, it’s frustrating and demoralizing to feel like you may never be able to achieve the dream of homeownership,"

Says Julian Goldie, the CEO of Goldie Agency.

Wages aren’t keeping up with inflation

Saving for a down payment and closing costs is hard, especially with the average personal income in the U.S. at just over $63,000 and the median at $44,225.

"Coming up with the deposit has become even harder since the pandemic. So many peoples’ emergency funds and savings were depleted, and parents simply are unable to help their kids get on the property ladder," notes Catherine Mack, co-owner of House Buyer Network.

Additionally, many people are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of everyday goods — including those who have received raises. Bankrate found 55% of workers surveyed report their incomes aren’t keeping pace with rising costs.

Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst for Bankrate, notes that even those receiving higher pay through a raise or promotion still may be unable to cover the increase in household expenses.

Higher mortgage rates hit hard

The average 30-year mortgage rate increased from around 3% in January 2022 to a high of about 7% in October, making it more difficult for many to buy a home.

For instance, some people now struggle to get pre-approved for loans, while others may wait to buy because of high monthly mortgage payments.

Drake Johnson, a house flipper at Greenway Homes, had been considering refinancing. But the change from around 3% to 7% in the rates was too much. "It was a 58% increase in monthly payments on the same valued house. I felt like I’d never be able to afford that."

House prices remain high, and supply is low

Affordability took a hit during the red-hot pandemic housing market with fast-rising home prices, high buyer demand, and limited inventory.

Because of the imbalance, buyers often engaged in bidding wars and paid more than the asking price.

And while home prices are dropping in some markets, they’re still high — more than 6% higher than a year ago.

Additionally, the construction of affordable homes has been slow to recover.

Potential home buyers are wary

A Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans believe housing prices will continue to rise, which may also impact potential buyers’ behaviors.

Denise Supplee, a co-founder of SparkRental.com, has noticed that concerns about housing prices and the increasing cost of living have affected some buyers.

"I’ve had two purchasers back out from looking for a home recently," she says. "One was a first-time homebuyer who decided to rent. The other was a couple who wanted larger quarters."

Some Americans are pursuing alternative solutions

Despite the difficulties with the current housing market, some people are seeking alternative solutions to help them save faster or buy a home.

Here are five alternative strategies many potential buyers are considering.

1. Moving to a less expensive location

With the rise of remote work, more people are contemplating moving away from cities to less expensive locations, such as the suburbs or rural areas. Some are even considering moving to other countries to save money and be able to buy a home.

Drake Johnson says, "Our dream house isn’t feasible inside city limits, so we’ll have to at least go to the outskirts of the city where it costs less. My wife and I have considered selling everything and moving somewhere cheaper, like Bali or Mexico."

They aren’t alone. The Harris Poll found that over 50% of Millennials and Gen Z were open to moving to the suburbs or a rural area. And while 49% of Gen Z was open to moving out of the country, only 39% of Millennials were open to that option.

>>THINKING OF MOVING? Check out the best moving companies in your area and get free quotes.

2. House hacking to help pay the mortgage

Mark Severino, a real estate investor in Dallas and owner of Best Texas House Buyers, has used house hacking for the last six years to pay for housing costs.

"You buy a property and rent out part of it to either partially or completely cover your mortgage payment."

House hacking can also help some people qualify for loans with a lower interest rate as an owner-occupant.

Denise Supplee suggests considering a small multi-unit (under four units). "It still qualifies for an FHA loan which means a lower down payment and lower interest rates. Plus, the other units can assist in lowering the cost of living."

However, house hacking doesn’t work in all situations, so it’s important to investigate this approach before attempting it. For instance, some markets may be too expensive, or you may not qualify for the right financing.

3. Co-buying a home

Another strategy people are turning to is co-buying — where two or more people pool their resources to buy a home together.

Co-buyers can range in groups as small as two or more than 10. For instance, Phil Levin and his girlfriend co-own a multiunit property with 17 adults and two infants.

Groups also can include a diverse mix of unmarried couples, friends, and family members.

Martin Orefice, the CEO of Rent To Own Labs, says, "We're seeing more people living with their parents as a permanent arrangement, more people buying homes with friends and roommates, and more people looking into alternative financing options for homebuying."

According to CoBuy, about 25% of U.S. homes sold in 2021 were co-buyers.

If pursuing co-buying, it’s important to have a clear plan and agreement among all buyers and, ideally, get support from a real estate professional with experience helping co-buyers.

>> GET A FULL-SERVICE AGENT AT A 1.5% COMMISSION. Get personalized agent matches today from Semya-Moya with no obligation.

4. Rent an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to save money

ADUs are compact, typically affordable spaces, sometimes called garage apartments or granny flats. These self-contained units are on the lot of a larger, primary home.

Homeowners can rent these to generate additional income. But, as Catherine Mack suggests, "renting an ADU instead of your dream apartment can be cheaper, helping you save for your deposit faster."

5. Buying a home through a lease-to-own contract

Buying a home through a lease-to-own agreement allows you to rent or lease the home from the owner while you work on improving your credit and other financials.

A portion of your rent or security deposit is set aside and put toward purchasing the house. Before the end of your rental period, you apply for a loan from the bank, and if you are approved, you can buy the home.

Melanie Hartmann, the owner of Creo Home Buyers, says, "Buying a home via lease-to-own or seller financing is a great option for renters who believe they cannot afford to buy a home. A mortgage loan from a bank requires applicants to jump through hoops to be approved, hoops that many renters aren't yet prepared for."

However, some rent-to-own programs may also have drawbacks, such as forfeiting your accumulated down payment if you choose not to buy.

How can the U.S. improve housing affordability?

The nation can take steps to improve affordability, especially for lower-income people, first-time homebuyers, and people of color.

However, it will take increasing the supply of affordable homes, changes in policies, and government assistance to correct the problem.

In May 2022, President Biden released a Housing Supply Action Plan focusing on legislative and administrative solutions to help improve the housing supply shortfall.

The plan includes:

• Expanding existing federal financing
• Reforming the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
• Providing incentives to reduce restrictive local zoning laws
• Working with private sector businesses to address supply chain challenges to help complete construction on new homes

Additional solutions that can help ease the housing shortage and help more Americans own a home include:

• Increasing the availability of new affordable homes by providing incentives to builders. Janneke Ratcliffe, the vice president of the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute, recommends exploring a variety of incentives. They include federal support and fewer regulations and restrictions to reduce the cost of building.
• Preserve existing affordable housing. Work with landlords and property owners to keep developments and rents affordable even after their affordability restrictions pass.
• Changing outdated zoning rules to allow for more options, such as allowing more than one home to be built on a parcel of land. These changes can enable people to build additional homes, including ADUs.

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The post Many Are Pessimistic About Homeownership, But Others Take Alternative Paths appeared first on Semya-Moya.

That helps them offset costs, but a big downside is a possible eviction due to a lease violation.

However, that may be about to change for some renters. Recently, Airbnb introduced Airbnb-friendly apartments, a new initiative designed to allow tenants in landlord-approved buildings to list their apartments as short-term rentals legally.

Landlords sign up for the program and get a cut of the profits whenever their renters host a stay — typically 20% of the total booking revenue.

Source: Airbnb

But even if you’re not renting an Airbnb-friendly apartment, it may still be possible to be a short-term rental host — that is, with the right setup and permission from your landlord.

Here's what you need to know about the new Airbnb-friendly apartment program, plus tips for approaching your landlord and getting your apartment listed on Airbnb.

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How Airbnb-friendly apartments work

The Airbnb-friendly apartment program helps tenants find apartments pre-approved by the building owners to serve as short-term rentals. As a leaseholder in one of these approved buildings, you can earn extra cash while legally hosting short-term renters in your apartment.

Currently, the program includes 175 apartment buildings spread out across 25 U.S. cities.

Potential long-term renters who want to be hosts can search Airbnb's website for Airbnb-friendly apartments available to rent.

You can view photos and floorplans of the various apartment buildings – and see estimated earnings.

For instance, individuals in one Dallas apartment community can expect an average of $538 per week from renting out their place.

Source: Airbnb

Airbnb-friendly apartment listings also provide information on:

• The building's features
• Available units
• Unit's layout
• Starting rent
• How often you can host per year

Once potential long-term renters find an apartment they’re interested in, they can contact the building about becoming a long-term renter.

Most of the communities listed on the site place limits on the number of days a renter can sublet their place. For example, an apartment complex in Raleigh, NC, specifies that residents can Airbnb their apartments for a maximum of 90 nights per year.

What to know before listing your apartment as a short-term rental

Tenants have hosted their apartments on Airbnb and related short-term rental sites before the release of the Airbnb-friendly apartment program — often without telling their landlord.

However, running an Airbnb out of your apartment rental is trickier than hosting short-term stays in your own property.

As a tenant, you don’t own the property. You’ve also agreed to follow certain lease rules, which often prohibit short-term rentals.

Before using your apartment as a short-term rental, you’ll want to consider these common concerns and understand your local laws.

1. Local laws may restrict or prevent short-term rental hosting

Local zoning or land-use ordinances may limit short-term rentals, such as how many days per year you can rent your unit or how much hosts can charge.

Some areas require you to register with your city, including paying a registration or license fee.

Some areas may even prohibit short-term rentals.

Therefore, it’s critical to understand the rules in your area before becoming a short-term rental host to ensure you’re following your local laws.

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2. Your landlord could face consequences

Many people don’t realize that secretly hosting some or all of your apartment on short-term rental sites can result in legal consequences for your landlord.

For instance, the Brodsky Organization was fined $53,000 because one of their tenants in New York City was illegally using his apartment as a short-term rental — even though the organization had started an eviction proceeding against the tenant.

3. Your landlord’s insurance may not cover accidents or damages caused by short-term rental guests

If a guest you’re hosting or another resident is injured, your landlord’s insurance or your own insurance may not apply if you’ve broken the rules of your lease.

Additionally, your landlord will have to deal with any damages by your guests.

4. Other residents may have safety concerns

Apartment residents want to feel safe and secure in their homes. And landlords want responsible tenants who follow lease terms.

For these reasons, landlords typically screen potential tenants before leasing to them. Additionally, landlords set up specific contracts and rules to ensure everyone’s safety and keep their property in good repair.

But if a tenant starts using their apartment as an Airbnb without permission, it can raise safety concerns among residents and the landlord.

Other residents will likely notice an influx of people coming and going for brief stays, which can be concerning.

There’s also a potential for the apartment building to take on a more transient feel, especially if multiple tenants are renting their apartments on short-term rental sites.

5. You could be evicted if you broke the terms of your lease

Flavia Berys, a real estate attorney and broker in San Diego, California, cautions would-be hosts to be upfront with their landlords before they begin subleasing portions of their homes to guests via these platforms.

Most apartment complexes, condos, or co-ops have rules regarding subleasing and short-term rentals by tenants through sites like Airbnb.

As one North Texas woman discovered, you could be evicted from your apartment if you violate those rules.

Ashley Stanley listed her apartment on Airbnb in 2016 without first gaining her landlord’s permission. She later received an eviction notice, which the judge in the case upheld.

"I've received calls from property owners who find out their tenant is subletting their property to vacation rental guests," Berys says. "The owners want to know how they can evict their tenant for breach of their lease's restrictions on subleasing. It can get very ugly very fast."

She adds: "That's why I recommend that tenants come to an agreement with their landlords before embarking on this path. Nobody wants to scar their tenant history, especially in a rental market that's already so difficult for tenants."

Steps to take before listing your apartment as a short-term rental

1. Understand your rental agreement

Carefully check your lease regarding subletting rules and rules about short-term renting.

Your lease may cover situations where you can sublet your apartment, typically with the landlord’s prior consent. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can host your place as a short-term rental.

Typically, someone sublets their apartment for a set time to cover their rent while away — not to earn additional money.

Understanding the specific rules written in your lease can help you when you approach your landlord.

2. Know the local laws and any short-term rental restrictions in your area

Before hosting, research your local laws on short-term rentals. This information will help you comply with any restrictions and ensure you have any necessary registrations or permits.

Additionally, you’ll be able to address any concerns your landlord may have about local rules.

To help you start your research, Airbnb provides links to several cities’ short-term rental laws on their Responsible Hosting page. You can also contact your local city’s zoning board, housing authority, or municipal or administrative code.

3. Get your landlord’s permission in writing before hosting

Talk with your landlord before listing your apartment as a short-term rental.

Obtaining their permission in writing will show that you’re following the rules and not violating your lease.

This step also ensures you’ve addressed any concerns of your landlord and enables you to talk to other residents about your plan to host.

4. Review your renters’ insurance policy

Injuries and property damages aren't common when hosting a short-term rental, but you want to be prepared.

Renter’s insurance typically provides some coverage if your personal property is damaged or stolen and liability protection if someone is injured in your place.

However, your policy may not cover situations involving a paying guest. So you’ll want to review your policy or contact your carrier to know your coverage and any limitations.

Additionally, some listing sites like Airbnb may offer protections, but you’ll want to check to ensure that your situation is covered.

How to approach your landlord about listing your apartment on Airbnb

If you’re interested in earning extra money by hosting your apartment as a short-term rental, here are tips to help get your landlord or building manager on board.

1. Talk with them about your plan

Having a well-considered plan on how you’ll host your apartment as a short-term rental can make a good impression and ease any concerns.

Let them know how you’ll comply with any local restrictions or rules.

Be open about how and where you’ll list your apartment. Inform them of any additional protections those sites will provide you and them and any guest screening you’ll be doing.

Inform them of the rules for guests, including how the rules will also cover any of the apartment’s rules.

2. Listen to their concerns – and address them thoughtfully

Your landlord may not fully understand what’s involved in short-term rentals. So it’s understandable that they may have concerns and questions.

Be prepared to address the concerns mentioned in this article, especially local laws and legal concerns. Additionally, know how you’ll cover any potential accidents or damages by guests, so you can address any questions your landlord may have.

If you’re planning on using a hosting site like Airbnb, you can also offer to show your landlord how the service works if they’re unfamiliar with it.

3. Collaborate with your landlord on establishing hosting guidelines or rules

Talk openly with your landlord about setting up rules and guidelines together to ensure they’re comfortable with how you’re hosting. This step will also help them see that you’re responsible for their building and respecting them and other residents.

Some areas to consider include:

• How frequently you’ll host guests
• How many guests are permitted to stay at one time
• Whether you’ll also be present in the apartment when hosting or if guests will be there alone
• Rules for guests regarding what they can and can’t do
• How parking and the use of amenities will work

4. Work with your landlord or building owner

Hosting your apartment as a short-term rental provides you with additional income. But you should ensure the arrangement works for your landlord or building owner.

For instance, your landlord may be more open to you hosting if they will receive a portion of the money earned.

If you enter such an arrangement, you’ll want to get the specifics in writing.

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Yet, your home is one of your greatest assets. So why not resolve to manage it better in the year ahead?

Setting a few practical goals around homeownership can help you properly maintain your asset and save money.

Also, you can space out the resolutions throughout the year — making them easier to complete. Once you identify your goals, take a few minutes to place a reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget.

Experts recommend these seven resolutions to make the most of homeownership in 2023.

1. Inspect the exterior of your home.

When was the last time you looked closely at the outside of your home?

Your home's exterior is a critical line of defense against weather and pests. If issues are left unattended for too long, it can lead to more problems — both inside and out. And the cost of repairs can quickly add up.

Fortunately, inspecting the exterior of your house can ensure you catch any maintenance problems early on — before they become a bigger issue.

Here are some key areas to include in your property inspection:

Check your foundation.

Look for cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation. Rodents, bugs, and pests can use even small holes to enter your house.

If you see cracks, seal them as soon as possible.

Check exterior doors and windows for leaks.

Leaking windows and doors can be a way for pests, allergens, water, and unconditioned air to enter your home — costing you money and more time cleaning.

Johnny Brooke of Crafted Workshop suggests checking the spaces around exterior doors and windows. "Pop off a piece of trim and check if there is an empty gap between the jamb and rough framing. If there is a gap, use Great Stuff Windows & Doors spray foam to fill and seal the area."

Check your fence for wear.

Examine your fence for any signs of damage or wear.

Look for loose nails or boards, leaning posts, mold, or algae if you have a wooden fence. If you have a chain link fence, look for rust, leaning supporting posts, and damage to the chain links. Make sure the gates swing and latch properly.

Check exterior walls and siding.

Maintaining the appearance of your exterior walls improves your curb appeal. But keeping exterior walls clean and painted (when applicable) also ensures the walls remain in good condition — preventing water, pests, and allergens from entering your home.

When looking at your exterior walls and siding, see if there are signs of water damage like discoloration, streaks, or stains. Addressing this quickly can prevent costly damage inside your home.

Check your gutters.

Gutters ensure water flows away from your home. However, if they’re damaged or clogged, water can build up around your foundation and cause serious problems.

Patrick Martin of Martin’s Seamless Gutters notes that "clogged gutters can result in damage to the home including wood rot, foundation erosion, and mildew on the home’s exterior surfaces."

He recommends cleaning your gutters at least twice a year (more if you have a lot of trees) and having a professional inspect them yearly to ensure they are sealed and functioning properly.

Check that trees aren’t posing a risk to your roof.

Trees offer shade and beauty. But sometimes, the location of a tree can pose a risk to your roof.

When walking your property, look for limbs touching or rubbing your roof or signs that a tree may be ill or unstable (like a splitting trunk or fungus).

Call an arborist or landscaping professional to evaluate the situation further and provide expert guidance if you have concerns. Just be sure to get multiple quotes before you have any work done.

Resolution: Walk around your property and home at the start of each season to inspect for any signs of wear, cleaning projects, or maintenance issues that need fixing.

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2. Check your home for safety.

Conducting a safety check-up of your home can help prepare you for an emergency, like a fire. Additionally, it can reduce your risk of liability, according to Collen Clark, a personal injury lawyer and the founder of Schmidt & Clark.

Here are some key tasks to include in your safety inspection:

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month
• Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors’ batteries once a year
• Examine the wiring of electrical appliances
• Make sure electrical outlets aren’t overloaded with too many items, as that increases the risk of a fire
• Create (or update) a fire escape plan
• Check for tripping hazards in your home, such as uneven steps or loose stepping stones
• Call an electrical professional to inspect swimming pools or hot tubs for electrical hazards
• Check furnace filters
• Have chimneys inspected for blockages or damage

Resolution: Create a safety checklist that includes specific safety inspections you or a professional will conduct. Then, schedule the checks on your calendar.

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3. Review your home insurance coverage.

The start of the year is a great time to review your home insurance coverage to ensure you’re still appropriately covered and to determine if you’re eligible for any discounts.

For example, Matthew Roberts, a co-founder and the chief operating officer at My Choice, recommends reporting any upgrades and maintenance you’ve done to potentially save money. "You often can negotiate for more affordable premiums. For instance, report disaster-resistant and security upgrades like smoke detectors, fire alarms, and security cameras."

Resolution: Call your home insurance company to report any upgrades or maintenance you’ve completed, and review your policy with your agent.

4. Review your budget and household bills.

Start your new year on sound financial footing by reviewing your budget and household bills — looking for ways to cut expenses and increase savings.

When reviewing and setting your monthly budget, Nathan Liao, founder of CMA Exam Academy, suggests getting exact amounts of your recurring expenses by checking bank accounts.

Ian Wright of BusinessFinancing.co.uk recommends reviewing "your bills to look for any services or subscriptions you may no longer need to reduce your costs even further."

He also suggests shopping around for deals or new offers from utility and service providers.

If you find ways to trim your budget, consider putting the savings into an emergency fund in case of an unexpected home expense. Or you can start setting aside the savings toward a home improvement project.

Property investor Shaun Martin also suggests taking advantage of tax returns to kickstart your home improvement or emergency fund.

Resolution: Review your budget and household bills looking for any subscriptions or expenses you can cut.

5. Create (or update) an inventory of your belongings.

Your home contains many of your most valuable personal possessions. But what happens if there is damage due to flood, fire, or other disasters?

Keeping an inventory of personal belongings and assets in your home can make it easier if you need to file an insurance claim.

Stephen Keighery, CEO and founder of Home Buyer Louisiana, says that "the new year is the best time to create or update your home inventory," especially with people getting new electronics and other holiday gifts.

Ideally, you’ll want to take a picture of each item you’re documenting, write down serial numbers, and store receipts of high-value items. Be sure to keep an electronic copy of your inventory and accompanying receipts to access it in case of fire or other damage to your home.

Resolution: Create (or update) a home inventory that documents your personal belongings.

6. Put time on your calendar to check off items on your maintenance list

Homes require regular maintenance and repair. As a result, most homeowners have an ongoing (and often long) "to-do" list.

Unfortunately, the to-dos can sometimes feel neverending.

To build momentum, you can start the new year with a quick home maintenance "win" by picking one item to complete from your to-do list in January.

Steven Hansen, the founder of Costimates, recommends selecting an easy repair or task. "You’ll feel satisfied after completing the small job and more energized to complete larger ones."

With that initial item checked off, schedule time in February to complete another task on your list. Then, repeat the process of checking off an item and scheduling a new one for the next month.

Resolution: Select one task from your home to-do list to complete in January.

7. Select one small space to declutter (or one type of item to toss).

Homes are wonderful for storing and displaying our possessions. But they can get cluttered as more new items are added.

Clearing out unwanted or unneeded items can make a room feel lighter and bigger.

Yet, the decluttering process can quickly become overwhelming — and many of us stop before we're done.

To help you successfully declutter, pick one small space to work on — a junk drawer, a bathroom cabinet, or a small closet. You’ll feel energized after completing the task, which may lead you to work on more areas of your home.

To help you decide what to keep vs. toss, Tim Wells, founder of Garage Transformed, suggests asking yourself this question: "Is this something that’s going to be useful this year?" If your answer is no, donate the item or throw it away.

A different approach is picking one item you no longer need and tossing it. For instance, Melissa Gugni, a professional organizer in San Francisco, has issued a New Year’s resolution for all of her clients: Get rid of all the paint cans accumulating in your home.

"I find most homeowners don’t even know what the different paints were used for! They mainly have them because they don’t know what to do with the paint."

Getting rid of old paint will help you reclaim space and eliminate a fire hazard since paint is highly flammable.

To dispose of the paint, Melissa recommends checking with your city or state for the local hazardous waste drop-off location.

Resolution: Pick one small space or one type of item to declutter.

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A recent Semya-Moya study revealed that more than half (55%) of home buyers purchased a fixer-upper in 2022. And with current homeowners locked into below-market interest rates, many are pulling their homes off the market and staying put.

As anyone who's taken on a renovation will tell you, home improvement costs can quickly add up when updating or flipping a house.

In fact, 80% of remodelers went over their budget in 2022, according to HouseMethod — with one in seven surpassing their budget by $5,000 or more.

So, how can you add value without breaking the bank? We turned to expert renovators for their best cost-cutting strategies, including where to save on materials and labor.

9 Ways to Cut Costs on Your Next Renovation

1. Set a realistic budget.

A home renovation requires a significant investment of time and money. But even small improvements can add to your home’s value, style, and function.

The increased value of your home can result in a higher return on investment and make your listing more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.

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But it’s essential to establish a realistic budget — and stick to it.

When setting your budget, consider factors such as:

• Labor costs
• Cost of materials
• Fees for permits, if necessary
• Potential delays due to local code regulations

Additionally, home renovation costs vary based on your location, square footage, type and complexity of the renovation, any hidden underlying issues, time of year, and materials.

Given this variability, how can you determine a realistic estimate of your home renovation project?

Fortunately, you can use online remodel cost calculators to estimate your area (like the one by HomeAdvisor). Then, talk to multiple contractors or subcontractors to get a better feel for rates where you live.

How much does it cost to renovate a house?

To help you start planning a budget, here is a list of the average national cost for common home renovation projects, according to HomeAdvisor.

Source: HomeAdvisor

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2. Give yourself plenty of time for planning.

"Don’t rush into a renovation — take your time to plan, research, and get advice. This will help ensure your project is within your budget," recommends Martin Orefice, the CEO of Rent To Own Labs.

He also suggests starting small. "You can plan for bigger renovations down the road."

The planning phase allows you time to compare prices on materials and labor and get feedback on your options before starting the work.

Consider both your design wishes and budget before selecting what materials to buy. For example, luxury finishes and appliances can quickly increase your budget. So, you may need to prioritize what’s most important to you.

Cody Neumann, a real estate entrepreneur with Turbo Cash Home Buyer, recommends "investing money into major structural changes first. These often add more value to the property than cosmetic changes."

3. Think outside the box to save on the cost of materials.

Comparing prices at multiple stores can help you save on materials. But if you’re willing to think outside the box, you can often find additional ways to save while still getting quality materials.

Here are six strategies experts suggest to save on the cost of materials.

1. Join local community Facebook groups.

David Hampshere, the CEO of Purple Egg Real Estate, has found inexpensive yet quality rehab materials through his community Facebook group.

"I’ve been surprised by the things some homeowners are willing to get rid of, and it’s often free — curbside pick up, first come, first serve. I have picked up tile, tools, paint, flooring, and even a new bathroom faucet."

2. Shop at Habitat for Humanity or similar reclamation stores.

Reclamation stores can save you money on gently used items, says Robert Taylor of The Real Estate Solutions Guy.

"You can also find retro items, replacement parts, and even new items. Additionally, items like HVAC registers, lighting, and tile are often a fraction of the big box stores. While it’s often hit or miss with these stores, inventory changes regularly, so it’s worth a periodic trip to see what’s currently in stock."

3. Shop for appliances on or before major holidays.

Robert Taylor recommends buying appliances near or on major holidays to save money.

"Most big box stores have major sales on appliances around major holidays. These sales can easily save you a few hundred dollars even on basic appliances."

4. Look for less expensive alternative materials.

"If your contractor is quoting a high price for a certain material, see if there is a cheaper alternative that will get the job done," recommends Beril Yilmaz, an interior designer and architect at By Design and Viz. "Also, don’t buy the first thing you see. Research different brands and find the best deals."

5. Buy in bulk and look for coupons or discounts.

Pratik Pathapati suggests going to the pro desk at stores like Lowes and Home Depot to inquire about volume discounts. "Create a list of the things you need before talking to them. They’ll run it through their system and let you know what discount you’d receive."

Beril Yilmaz also recommends looking for coupons and bargaining with sellers. "You may be surprised at how much they’re willing to lower their prices."

6. Check with local contractors and search for homes being renovated in your area.

"Check with local contractors and reuse centers for reclaimed items you can use," recommends Shaun Martin, the owner and CEO of The Home Buying Company. "You also can often find recycled building materials from local businesses who have recently remodeled or demolished a structure."

Diane Gonzalez, a real estate agent at Rodeo Realty, recommends searching for homes being renovated in your area. "When builders are remodeling, they often get rid of useful items that are still in good condition. They often will give them to you for free if you pick them up."

4. Get creative with color and materials.

Chris Alexakis, an interior designer and founder of Cabinet Select, looks for ways to incorporate color and texture in your design to save money.

For example, he recommends looking for opportunities to use wallpaper, paint, or fabric instead of expensive tile or stone. "You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference these subtle changes can make."

He suggests looking at sample boards or experimenting with small amounts of different materials before settling on your design.

5. Find creative ways to reuse or recycle materials.

Reusing materials is better for the environment and saves you money.

Matt Hagens suggests finding materials at salvage yards and architectural salvage stores. "Websites such as Second Use and Habitat ReStore often have an abundance of items such as doors, windows, cabinets, reclaimed wood, and other materials that can be used creatively in renovation projects."

Here are some creative ideas for reused or recycled materials.

• Robert Taylor suggests upgrading an old shower or tub by changing the color with epoxy refinishing. "If the tile and grout are in good condition, a refinishing contractor can apply epoxy, making your bathroom dramatically different for under $1,500. Plus, recoating a shower or tub lets you avoid tearing out a bathroom."
• Beril Yilmaz recommends reusing materials you have in other parts of your home. "For instance, if you’re replacing your kitchen countertops, see if you can use the old ones in your laundry room or outdoor kitchen."
• Victoria Shockley, senior maintenance coordinator at Utopia Management, has found old flooring can be reused as an accent wall.
• Ryan Meagher suggests repainting interiors that are in good condition, reusing lighting or fixtures in other areas of your home, and selling materials of value that you can’t repurpose in your new design.

6. Do some of the work yourself.

Labor costs are expensive, so doing some of the work yourself can save you money — if you have the necessary skills and time.

Look for less demanding tasks that you can find tutorials on, like painting, tiling, laying floors, or sanding floors.

But remember that DIYing can cost you money if you take on tasks that exceed your capacity.

How do you decide whether to do the work yourself or hire someone?

Matt Hagens, a carpenter and the founder and CEO of Obsessed Woodworking, says to consider the time and skill required to complete the task. "If it requires specialized skills, knowledge, tools, or will take a long time to complete, it may be best to hire someone."

Alex Byder, the owner of BD Home Holdings, recommends watching "how to" videos to better understand the scope of a job before starting. "One video should be enough to learn how difficult the job is. From there, compare the money you are saving by doing the job yourself to the time you will spend doing it."

7. Talk to multiple subcontractors and ask questions before hiring one.

Contact multiple subcontractors before deciding on one. Taking the time to compare quotes and ask questions can save you money and allow you to get different experts’ opinions on your project.

Additionally, talk to references for each subcontractor before hiring to ensure the customer experience matches up with their pitch.

Before hiring someone, Ryan Meagher of BVM Contracting LAO suggests "asking each subcontractor what you can do to lower the costs or alleviate the amount of labor they will need to allocate for the project."

This step can save you significant money, as Ryan Meagher discovered during his current DIY renovation.

"I was installing a completely new cold-climate heat pump system. I was getting pricing in the range of $80,000 to $100,000 for full service. But I found a subcontractor that would allow us to complete a lot of the labor-intensive work. I ended up only spending around $40,000."

8. Hire handy people or day laborers for small jobs.

Short-term workers often charge lower hourly rates than general contractors. Consider hiring them for smaller tasks such as patching drywall, hanging blinds, or painting furniture.

Cody Neumann also recommends checking with local universities or community centers for student workers who can help you with these smaller tasks.

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One idea is house hacking, where you occupy a portion of a property and rent out the rest.

The benefit is that your tenants cover all or part of your mortgage. Plus, since you live in the property also, you get qualified for a loan as an owner-occupant, which typically comes with a lower interest rate.

House hacking can be particularly appealing to millennials, who often struggle to enter the housing market due to student debt and the limited availability of affordable starter homes.

In fact, a 2021 survey found that 67% of millennials surveyed were open to renting out extra space in their home.

While house hacking can work, it’s not a good fit for everyone or every situation. For instance, some markets may be too expensive for house hacking to work, or you may not be able to qualify for the right financing to maximize cash flow to pay for the mortgage.

If you’re thinking of house hacking, here are 6 tips from house hackers who’ve been there.

6 house hacking lessons from the experts

1. Research properties thoroughly before purchasing

Not all properties or locations work well for house hacking. To be successful, you’ll need to find a property that provides a good deal, can accommodate roommates, and isn’t in an area with rental restrictions.

"The biggest lesson I learned was to research before buying a property," says Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate. "I researched comparable properties in my area and learned about local rental laws and regulations to ensure I was getting a good deal."

When researching properties, you’ll want to consider:

• If the area is likely to attract renters
• What renters typically pay in the area
• Whether you can offset your costs, including the mortgage, through renting to roommates
• If the property has enough space or a layout that will work comfortably with roommates
• If local rental laws and regulations allow for rentals

If you’re new to buying real estate or house hacking, consider working with a real estate agent to guide you. Jacob Butler, a buyer’s agent and founder of Hunter Gather, has found house hacking to be a viable solution for his clients who have limited resources but want to own a home.

"Real estate agents can help you determine whether it’s the right time or location to get into house hacking. I help my clients find the perfect property in the area they want to live in. Then, help them find a tenant, get the property ready, and negotiate the lease agreement with the tenants."

2. Consider whether a single-family or multi-family home will be best for your situation

House hacking can work with a single-family or multi-family residence, but you’ll want to consider what’s best for you and your situation.

Consider whether you’re open to sharing spaces like the kitchen or living room with a renter. Alternatively, you could look for multi-family properties or single-family homes that allow for fewer interactions, such as those with a finished basement or accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

Brandon Brittingham, the CEO and team leader at the Maryland & Delaware Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, focuses on buying multi-family homes. "The renters pay for the mortgage. Once the property is paid off, I can use the cash to live off of."

If you settle on a single-family home, you’ll want a property with many bedrooms, so you have more spaces to rent out.

3. Explore your financing options

When traditionally buying a home, many people try to make a 20 to 25% down payment, which can be challenging, especially in the current housing market.

However, house hacking can open up other options besides conventional loans. For example, as an owner-occupant, you may qualify for homebuyer assistance programs. Additionally, you could pursue smaller down payments or seek private investors, which can help you have more available funds to help you get started.

For instance, Doug Greene, owner of Signature Properties, purchased his home with a 5% down payment on a 30-year fixed loan. "By putting down such a small amount, I reserved the rest of my capital for paying for contractors, materials, and other improvements."

Additionally, many house hackers opt for conventional loans from a bank but also seek out private investors. For instance, Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of SD House Guys, found this combination made it possible for him to purchase a multi-family property.

"I opted for a conventional loan from a bank that included a down payment and an attractive interest rate. Additionally, I sought out private investors who could provide additional financing with more favorable terms."

4. Market to renters who fit your lifestyle

Getting used to renting your home to strangers can be challenging. To help, many house hackers focus on marketing their space to specific types of renters who fit with their lifestyles.

For instance, Nick Castello, founder and CEO of New Heights House Buyers, rents a furnished bedroom out of his single-family home to traveling medical professionals through Furnished Finder.

"We liked this approach because medical professionals tend to be reliable and respectful renters. Since we have two small children, this was really important to us. Plus, we like that renters are typically only with us for a few months at a time."

Additionally, you can consider whether you’re looking for a more long-term or short-term renter. However, house hackers who focus on short-term renters will need to look more frequently for renters and be financially prepared to have vacancy periods each year.

As Nick Castello points out, "We make a little less money with this approach, but we also like having a break from having someone living in our house."

5. Understand your cash flow and set aside money for unexpected expenses

Shaun Martin, CEO of Cash for Houses, recommends that house hackers have a strong understanding of their cash flow. "Don’t over-leverage yourself. You’ll want to ensure that you have enough cash left over after paying your mortgage each month so you can handle unexpected repairs or if your tenants move out suddenly."

At a minimum, owning property comes with the following expenses:

• Taxes
• Insurance
• Mortgage
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Repairs and renovations (roof, sewer, kitchens, etc.)
• Vacancy
• Management costs

If you can budget for these monthly and accurately predict your rent, you can estimate a property's future returns and monthly cash flow.

Additionally, focus on minimizing costs to maximize your profits.

Alex Capozzolo, a co-founder of SD House Guys, recommends examining ways to reduce your operating expenses and looking for tax deductions, such as home improvements and repairs. "You’ll want to keep your finances organized and find ways to minimize your costs to help you maximize your profits."

⚡ Do the math with Clever's free rental property calculator for investors

6. Set realistic expectations for your house hack

House hacking can help cover some or all of your mortgage payments or other expenses, but this isn’t a fast process.

Some investment properties may offer positive cash flow, while others eventually pay off through equity. In the meantime, be prepared to cover the costs of financing and holding the home.

"You won’t see results overnight," Shaun Martin says. "It takes time for your investment decisions to pay off, so set aside funds specifically for this purpose."

Final thoughts: Determine if house hacking is right for you

House hacking can be financially rewarding, but it takes effort and patience. Additionally, it can often mean a lifestyle change, especially when sharing a living space with a roommate.

To help you decide, current house hackers recommend:

• Talking with other house hackers about their experiences — forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit can be a great place to start.
• Listening to real estate investing podcasts, especially those focusing on house hacking.
• Finding a mentor or speaking with experienced property investors who can guide you through the process.

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But with over 7 million listings on Airbnb worldwide, how do you stand out so you can attract visitors?

To have success with your short-term rental, you need an eye-catching listing that attracts the right customers and keeps your occupancy rates steady.

Here are six strategies current Airbnb hosts use to create a stand-out listing and get bookings.

6 tips to make your Airbnb description and listing stand out

1. Create your listing with your ideal visitor in mind

Successful Airbnb hosts know what guests want during their stay at that location and incorporate that into all aspects of their listing and marketing.

For instance, Brittany Mendez, CMO of short-term vacation rental site FloridaPanhandle.com, has listings that tailor to different clientele, such as a mountain-based location, a beach-based place, and a more luxury-based option.

"It’s all about catering to the audience that stays in each different location. Once you understand the needs of the person booking, your marketing strategies are better overall."

Consider these questions to understand your ideal guest:

• Who is the typical visitor to your area?
• Who would best enjoy your property? For example, would your property appeal to families, newlyweds, retirees, or outdoor enthusiasts?
• Why are they choosing a short-term rental versus a hotel or other accommodation?
• What type of experiences are they seeking? Maybe tourist attractions, outdoor activities, or local events. Or are they visiting a local university or hospital?

Knowing who you’re serving and what they want allows you to tailor your listing and marketing to attract your ideal guests.

Action steps

• Read the reviews on other short-term rental properties in your area.
• Ask your guests. You can incorporate a brief survey that asks questions like what they enjoyed about their stay, the property, and what would make the visit better.
• Connect with your local tourism board and other local businesses.

2. Highlight local points of interest and experiences in your listing’s description

People who book short-term rentals are often interested in exploring and learning about the area's attractions. Even locations that aren’t known as tourist spots have unique experiences or local hangouts that will appeal to guests.

For instance, Christopher Falvey, co-founder of Unique Nola Tours, provides information to guests on local experiences, especially walking tours. He recommends "doing what you can to provide an immersive experience where guests feel like they’re a part of local culture."

Action steps

• Provide recommendations for places visitors may not know about or that showcase the area’s local flavor.
• Create a local guide that helps visitors learn about and explore the area. This guide could also be a way to build a connection with other local businesses.

3. Use phrases and sentences in the listing’s description so potential guests can visualize themselves staying there

Lauri Flaquer, co-owner of Oasis on the Water Retreat and an Airbnb Superhost, sets a scene with her description. It captures the cozy and relaxing feel of her Airbnb and allows potential guests to visualize themselves there.

For example, she uses sentences like: "Whether sipping your coffee, watching a misty river or drinking in a crimson sunset, you’ll savor each moment spent here."

Additionally, she focuses on marketing her area as a destination, not just a location.

For example, the listing’s description lets the reader know about nearby activities and experiences, including some unique to that property, like the "private kayak, canoe, paddleboard launch, and swimming area across the street."

Action steps

• Incorporate language that helps potential guests visualize themselves staying at your short-term rental, including words that evoke emotion.
• Include information on specific amenities, experiences, and destinations they can enjoy while staying. If your property has unique features or experiences, highlight those, such as "private access," or if equipment like bicycles, paddleboards, or similar objects are available.

4. Use high-quality photos that make readers feel like they’re there

Potential guests want to see the property firsthand to ensure it’s the right fit for them. But your listing photos can do so much more.

Your photos are an opportunity to help potential guests visualize staying at your rental property. They complement your listing’s description, allowing people to see and feel what it’s like to stay at your location.

For example, Lauri Flaquer’s photos for her listing, Oasis on the Water Retreat, set a scene. Additionally, the images bring elements of her description to life, such as "Enjoy an evening by the fireplace on the veranda, then soak in a bubbling hot tub."

This combination makes it easy for people to see themselves staying and relaxing at her property.

Action steps

• Use high-quality pictures that show the unique features of your property and help people visualize themselves staying there.
• Hire a professional photographer familiar with short-term rental properties if possible.
• Make sure photos are well-lit and up-to-date.

5. Highlight the distinct personality of the property

The more you can show the personality of your property through your listing, the easier it is to attract the right audience.

Pam Abrahamsson, an Airbnb Superhost, recommends showing personality both in your listing and in your properties. "It’s why many people want to rent someone else’s home."

For instance, the listing for her property, A Street Cottage in Crescent City, highlights the eclectic decor and bold color accent walls that represent the feel of the place. "This property has a very distinct personality, but my guests self-select."

Her other property, The Getaway, has a comfortable, eclectic vibe with local wood accents that pulls in elements of the location — the redwoods and beach.

Despite both locations being near each other, she never feels like her properties are competing. "They are very different in personality. One’s more ‘martini and jazz,’ and the other’s more ‘sunshine happy puppy’ vibe."

Lauri Flaquer also finds that this approach helps you build a connection with guests, which can help with word-of-mouth marketing. "Guests come, have a great time, fall in love with the place, and refer friends and family to come stay with us."

Action steps

• Avoid a generic listing by showing and describing your property’s unique elements and personality.
• Decorate with the comfort and needs of your guest in mind.
• Show and mention luxury or amenities that help your property stand out in your listing.

6. Create a website for your Airbnb listing

Christina LeVasseur, co-owner of Cozy Mountain Escape in Silverthorne, Colorado, created a website to increase the chance of potential guests finding the property during their research.

"The website has helped us rank on the first page of Google for keywords related to "Silverthorne Airbnb."

The website also makes booking the property on Airbnb easy, with multiple links taking them to the listing.

Lauren Keen Aumond and her husband also maintain a website, Vacation Tarpon Springs, to promote their properties. The website lets them provide additional information to potential visitors and guests and makes it simple for visitors to explore each of their properties.

"A hidden benefit of the website is our blogs, which we also use in our communications with guests, especially the ones about where to eat and what to do in each location."

Action steps

• Provide blog content on your website that provides visitors with useful information about the location.
• Include reviews from previous guests on your website.
• Include keywords, especially in your profile and listing titles, that visitors commonly use in their searches to help you rank in Google.

Final thoughts: Build a connection with your Airbnb listing

Getting your listing seen by your ideal audience can take time, especially when you’re starting.

Fortunately, creating a detailed listing lets potential guests get a feel for your property and visualize being there. This step helps you build a connection with your ideal audience. And over time, your listing will start to stand out, so you attract new guests.

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One critical choice hosts make when they get started on Airbnb is whether to manage the rental themselves or hire someone to do it for them.

Managing an Airbnb is no small task, given the expectations of today's renters. Some hosts see that as a benefit, allowing them to meet new people and create a personalized experience. However, others prefer a more hands-off approach.

We asked current Airbnb hosts to share their thoughts on when it may and may not make sense to hire a property management company — and what things to consider if you do.

What is involved in Airbnb property management?

Your success on Airbnb will depend on how well you manage your property and the guest experience.

Provide guests with a positive and memorable stay, and they'll be far more likely to become repeat customers and leave positive reviews that attract new visitors. Their repeat business and willingness to spread the word will in turn increase your future booking rate and profits.

Whether you manage the property yourself or hire someone, here are some of the common tasks associated with hosting a property on Airbnb.

• Listing and marketing the property
• Managing the property’s listing and bookings
• Creating and monitoring a pricing strategy
• Managing payments and financial reporting
• Answering guests’ questions, solving any problems that arise, and providing information about local amenities, attractions, and events
• Overseeing check-ins and check-outs
• Restocking supplies
• Keeping up with maintenance and repairs
• Cleaning
• Managing guest reviews

Airbnb property management options

Fortunately, you have options on how you’d like to manage your short-term rental property. So you can choose a solution that fits your needs, situation, and lifestyle.

Three common short-term rental property management options include:

Self-management

This option involves you personally overseeing the management of the rental property. Many hosts who select this option will be actively involved in all aspects of hosting, including , marketing, pricing, coordinating with guests, and more.

If you opt to self-manage your Airbnb, you may still choose to hire some third-party service providers to help with tasks like maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.

Additionally, you might choose to automate certain things. For example, some hosts auto-generate booking confirmations with details about the property and what to expect during the stay. They might also opt to set up a lock box so guests can check themselves in and out.

Managing your property yourself provides you the most control over how your property is run and allows you to retain the greatest share of the profits. The tradeoff is that this approach requires more of your time.

Hiring a full-service property management company

As an alternative to self-management, you could hire a property manager or management company to oversee your Airbnb rentals.

This option allows you to have a hands-free approach. However, you’ll have less control over how the property is managed, and you’ll have recurring management fees.

Fees can range from 10% to 50% of the rental cost and vary based on rental location, the company selected, and specific services used.

Using a hybrid or half-service system

Another option involves hiring a property manager or company to do some of the tasks while you do the rest.

This approach lets you focus on tasks that you have the time and ability to do yourself and retain some control over your property’s management. Additionally, property management fees will be less than if you hire a full-service company.

4 reasons to manage your own Airbnb rental

1. You have the time and skills

Some hosts enjoy managing their rentals. They like meeting new people and have the skills, time, and systems necessary to effectively do the work themselves.

For instance, Lauren Aumond of Real Adulting Is Easy manages nine short-term rentals with her husband. They set up systems, automations, and resources to make it easy for them to manage the properties themselves.

"I’m heavily automated with different software for property management, pricing, lock automations, and payments. Plus, my husband is handy."

However, she does hire out some tasks like bookkeeping and cleaning.

She suggests hosts "try managing it yourself. If you’re bad at it or hate it, then hire it out."

2. You want a better understanding of the short-term rental business

Many current hosts recommend managing a property initially, so the new host can better understand how the business works.

For instance, Renata Castro, an Airbnb host of the Jewel of the Woods property and a long-term rental owner, found that "there’s a learning curve in managing a short-term rental, which is more hospitality-oriented than many people anticipate."

3. You want to save money

Veronica Hanson, an entrepreneur and Airbnb host, didn’t want to split her profits with someone else.

"We only have one house to manage. Coordinating housekeeping and maintenance from abroad is not a problem as long as you have a few trusted and trained crews in rotation."

4. You want to maintain control over how the property is managed

Some hosts start a short-term rental specifically because they enjoy the more hospitality-focused rental market.

Additionally, self-managing your property ensures tasks are done to your satisfaction.

David Hampshere, CEO of Purple Egg Real Estate and short-term rental host, self-manages his property "to ensure it's done right and build experience. Plus, you can’t judge a third party’s work unless you have the experience yourself."

4 reasons to hire an Airbnb property manager

1. You want to save time

Luke Xavier, an Airbnb host and travel blogger at USA Rover, used to manage his rental property himself. But a year ago, he hired a property manager to handle the day-to-day tasks. "I don’t have time to manage the property myself," he says. "Hiring someone allows me to focus on other aspects of my business."

Adam Dailey, an entrepreneur and host of 10 short-term properties, also hired a property manager so he could focus on what he’s best at, such as property acquisitions and design.

However, he suggests hosts should "map out the amount of money you would pay a property manager to ensure it’s worth it to you."

2. You want to outsource some tasks but manage others yourself

The extent of your involvement can vary depending on if you select a hybrid or full-service company. This approach can give you flexibility and allow you to focus your energy on tasks that best suit you.

Before hiring a manager or company, consider what specific tasks you want them to do.

For instance, Wesley Williams, an Airbnb host and real estate investor, went with a hybrid management company to take care of guests, while he does the upkeep.

"They manage the listing, bookings, and communications with guests," he says. "I manage the cleaning, repairs, and maintenance." This arrangement saves him money and allows him to focus on what he has time for and enjoys.

However, Luke Xavier also notes that if you hire a manager, "you’ll need to be comfortable with giving up some control over your property."

3. You want to provide a consistent experience for guests

Short-term rental guests typically expect a high-quality experience. Mark Severino, an Airbnb host and real estate investor, describes it like this: "Short-term rentals are essentially a hospitality business that can require you to communicate with guests at all hours."

Yet, some hosts don’t have the time, experience, or proximity to respond to guests’ needs as effectively as a local property manager.

For instance, Marcia Sherrill, a longtime Airbnb host, finds having a property manager gives her peace of mind and ensures her guests have a positive experience.

"Property managers know exactly what to do, what works, and what doesn’t. They are experts and can handle any problems that arise."

Additionally, Charles Floate notes that a property manager "is well-trained in handling all guests' interactions from resolving disputes peacefully to assisting with large requests." As a result, this can take the pressure off the host and ensure the property runs smoothly.

4. You want to increase a property’s functioning and efficiency

Working with a property manager helped Airbnb host Jon Sanborn of Brotherly Love Real Estate increase the efficiency of his multiple rentals.

"The property manager I work with is reliable, considerate, and has a system. Under their management, I’ve seen a rental increase of 21%."

Zackary Smigel, the founder of Real Estate License Wizard, appreciates that his property manager can quickly address guests’ questions and ensure they have a positive stay.

"I found someone who understood my needs, so this investment has paid off. Just be sure you research different companies thoroughly."

Tips from Airbnb hosts on choosing a property management company

Hiring a property manager is a significant decision since this is ideally someone you’ll be working with for some time. So you’ll want to take time to carefully research your options.

Here are some tips from Airbnb hosts to help select the right property manager or company for you.

• Create a list of services you need before talking with managers so you don’t end up with extras you don’t want. Judi Kutner, a real estate agent and head writer of Apartment Notes, also recommends identifying tasks you may need an expert to handle, such as legal processes or advertisement.
• Research multiple companies before deciding, and create a spreadsheet of key information to make it easier when comparing your choices.
• Review feedback from other hosts in your market before hiring a property manager. Amr Shafik, a short-term rental host and co-founder of Getaway, has found that "the more local knowledge and vendor relationships the manager has, the better."
• Know what price you can afford and still remain profitable. Dennis Shirshikov, an Airbnb host and strategist at Awning, recommends "being direct about pricing and shopping around."
• Ask questions about how they communicate with you and their customer support services for guests, including how quickly they respond to guests and maintenance issues.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, the decision on who will manage your property depends on your goal — whether it's maximizing your profit or your time.

Plus, you can always re-evaluate your decision later. For instance, many hosts start out self-managing, but later hire a manager as they scale their business.

Each choice offers its own benefits.

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