This is a guest post by Noelia Novella, Co-Founder and CEO of Doinn, the leading cleaning and operations management platform for short-term rentals.
Not such a long time ago, many owners hoping to rent out their homes on Airbnb were wary of letting someone else manage for them. However, within time, professional property management companies proved that they could not only help owners improve commission and revenue rates, but also reduce stress levels for all parties involved.
As leaning on property management companies became a staple for any vacation rental home owner to turn a profit on their property, property managers were faced with the challenge of managing multiple listings, sometimes from afar. Fortunately, advancements in the industry, like property management software (PMS), dynamic pricing technology and guest experience tools, have made remote short-term property management not only possible, but also simple and hassle-free. All of these tools allow property management companies to manage smarter, without having to physically be at or near their properties.
COVID-19’s Impact On Remote Property Management
Remote property management technology had been an integral part of the short-term rental ecosystem even prior to COVID-19. Doinn for example has been powering remote work since 2015, optimizing all the operational needs of hosts and managers, especially when it comes to cleaning and laundering services.
The pandemic introduced new challenges to any property management company’s remote work strategy, especially those more focused in urban areas where the occupation rates will take a while longer to recover.
With hosts investing in properties that may be outside of their usual locations, some are now managing homes that they might not have had a chance to visit yet because of travel restrictions. This means that ensuring streamlined processes for everything is crucial to success.
Excellent remote property management will allow hosts to perfect every aspect of their guests stay without needing to step inside the property. Home automation systems have now become an integral aspect of remote management. You can use technology to automate your home in different ways. Keyless entry systems remove the need for in-person key exchanges and smart thermostats help you save energy without ever entering your properties, turning on heat or air con timed with when guests are set to arrive.
And digital experiences, like a virtual front desk or digital welcome book, can help streamline guest experiences, while also achieving you the coveted super host status.
Ensuring Top-Notch Cleaning and Safety Protocols
It’s more important now than ever to guarantee professional cleanliness in private accommodation. A tidy rental is a must for anyone travelling in 2021, and ensuring the highest standards of health and safety will help you earn good feedback that can garner great reviews and increase bookings even when times are tough.
Since you won’t be on site to monitor and verify cleanings, you need to find a trustworthy housekeeping company, capable of handling guest turnover needs on a professional level.
Use a similar approach to hire nearby contractors. It’s vital to have reliable third parties you can call to make any necessary repairs in a timely manner.
Fortunately, there are both cleaning and maintenance services specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of short-term rental properties. Platforms, including Doinn, sync with your central property management software to collect reservation data and automate cleaning schedules so you won’t have to micromanage their operations. Reputable and trustworthy cleaning experts are just a click away, at a fair price and with many nice features to track. You’ll be able to monitor the timing and quality of the services, as well as track every single penny you spend on cleaning and laundry.
Remote Property Management In 2021
2021 is the year to grow your business, even from afar. It can be challenging to manage short-term rental properties remotely, but new tools and technologies are constantly emerging to facilitate smooth off-site management and help hospitality companies meet and exceed guest expectations from a distance. Check out more ways you can manage better with Guesty’s Marketplace of tech partners.
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