Airbnb and a Weekend Trip *Update

[Le0]

So I have started reading this blog in the last month or so. I have and extra $150 dollars off my entire budget to prove it.

After a little inspiration from MMM I am renting my home out this weekend through Airbnb while we take a trip to see family. I am going to make $97 the gas costs about $50. So $47 dollars profit on the trip.

Its a wonderful idea I am glad that Airbnb is making it so simple to do.

Has anyone else use Airbnb this way? Are there other options?

I will try to post back the results.

***Update

So the results are. Great.

We grossed $97 from the weekend that we spent with family.

The drive cost $25 in fuel. And a lock for one of the doors in the house, so we could lock away a few valuables cost ~$17.

25 + 17 = $42 expenses

97 - 42 = $55 profit

So $55 dollars profit for visiting family on the weekend.
 

[frompa]

I will be curious how this works for you.  I tried using Airbnb one time, and the person who agreed to rent us her house for a long weekend sort of fell off the face of the earth, was unresponsive to emails, so we had to find a hotel instead at the last minute.  Then, weeks later she sent repeated emails of apology.  NOT a propitious first effort for me, and I never tried again.  But I like the concept.  I really wanted to try it out to see if I'd like to offer my place.  So do keep up posted. 

[kkbmustang]

If I read that correctly, you are renting out your place while you head out of town, yes? I've wondered about doing the same with our house when we head out to visit family members in other cities. Please do report back.

[CeciliaW]

I've been the renter twice now through airbnb and both times had little glitches, very little glitches. I mean it's not like it's a HOTEL or anything. You share some space with some people and the good ones have lists of all the great places nearby.

Both time were in big cities and that kind of threw me with the noise and the congestion, but I would definitely do it again.

[Le0]

I am going to make $97

I should mention that I have the price posted at $70 dollars a night. But when they asked for only one night I 'up-sold' friday night for 50%.

Airbnb recommended setting a cheap price until I get reviews. So I plan to move up my price after this rental maybe betweeon 80-100 a night.

[burly]

My wife and I went away to a lake in upstate NY 2 weeks ago and stayed at an airbnb. We had an awesome experience and would do it again in a heart beat. Our place haD about seven 5-star reviews tho. 

The hosts told me they had only 1 bad experience but airbnb provides insurance for theft and some other coverages. However, getting an umbrella policy is probably a wise investment if you continue to be a host.

[greenmimama]

I am very interested in trying this, both for weekend trips and a week long one we are planning, but we live way out in the country, I wondered if that would appeal to anyone, although I am sure the home will appeal but just wondered about our location.

[nawhite]

My wife and I went away to a lake in upstate NY 2 weeks ago and stayed at an airbnb. We had an awesome experience and would do it again in a heart beat. Our place haD about seven 5-star reviews tho. 

The hosts told me they had only 1 bad experience but airbnb provides insurance for theft and some other coverages. However, getting an umbrella policy is probably a wise investment if you continue to be a host.

Any Airbnb hosts out there? I'm thinking of hosting but curious what your experience has been with the insurance front? Does your umbrella actually cover you? Have you asked? The $1M coverage that Airbnb seems to offer only covers theft and vandalism, not liability so what happens if a renter trips and falls and breaks their leg? If you get sued what insurance covers that?