What is Airbnb, VRBO, and Furnished Finder? Part 1: Airbnb

Airbnb, VRBO, and Furnished Finder are all platforms for listing and booking rental properties, but they cater to different types of rentals and renters. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between them starting with Airbnb.

What is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a short term rental (STR) platform that rents rooms or entire properties ranging from one night up to 29 nights. Some Airbnb properties do offer monthly stays, but typically they function on STR timelines. With Airbnb, the selection of properties varies and while most Airbnb properties are you standard type of home, there are also many other types of rentals you can choose from including tiny houses, treehouses, RVs, windmills, shipping containers, and even campsites. Some of these unique properties might only be offered in far off locations (not sure how many windmills you will find in the US), there are a plethora of options on Airbnb.

What do I need to provide in an Airbnb?

With all Airbnb properties, you will need to provide basic amenities (bathroom, sleeping arrangements, kitchen, etc) or at least disclose that basic amenities are not available. For example, if you are listing a property for rent in a forest or on a remote piece of land and there is no indoor plumbing, that information needs to be communicated upfront and very clearly. Furthermore, all properties need to be at least minimally furnished with basic furniture for sleeping. Now, if you are offering a small campsite with a spot to pitch a tent, clearly no furnishings can be required which is alright as long as the description of the property clearly states that the Airbnb is solely for setting up camping equipment.

Room rental vs Entire home?

While many owners do decide to rent out their entire home on Airbnb, other have opted to rent out just a single room or shared space in their home. This allows travelers to stay in a more affordable accommodation while sharing common areas like the kitchen, living room, or bathroom with the host or other guests.

In a private room rental, guests have their own bedroom, but they share the common spaces of the property with the host or other guests. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of privacy for sleeping but don’t mind interacting with others in shared spaces (kitchen, living room, bathroom). Single room rentals work great for solo travelers, couples, or business travelers who want a budget-friendly option with some privacy. Room rental is a great option for home owners to make extra money each month as long as they do not mind a revolving door of guests coming into their personal home.

Is Airbnb right for you?

For homeowners, Airbnb can be an excellent option for earning extra income and maximizing the value of their property. Airbnb offers a way for homeowners to earn income that can help cover mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance costs, and more. Furthermore, since most Airbnb homes are short to mid term rentals verses long term rentals (12 months +), homeowners can choose when to make their property available, allowing them to use it themselves when they want and rent it out during times they don’t need it.

For homeowners, Airbnb is a dynamic way to generate income, control property use, and increase the value of their real estate. With options for co-hosting (like having BnB on Market as your co-host!) and flexibility around when and how often to rent, it’s a versatile and rewarding platform.