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Comment by HorizonXP | Hacker News Reader

I've been hosting on Airbnb for the last 8 months, and I've had plenty of guests while I was away/on vacation.

You really just need to screen your guests better.

First, screening your guest is a task that takes time and effort as well. We are offering to reduce the work needed for the really low price of 1%. Moreover, it's not just guest support, but you can also accept new guests while on vacation, allowing even back to back guests. It's almost turn-key service.

With a Lockitron and HomeJoy, I can accomplish most of this myself.

I'm not dismissing the idea, I think it's great for people that need to have their Airbnb monitored. However, you're the equivalent of a property manager. If I'm renting out the room or apartment I live in, I don't see the value. If you're talking about helping out people who have multiple properties on Airbnb, then I could see the potential market. I doubt it's going to have a major upside though.

But hey, prove me wrong. :-)

>You really just need to screen your guests better.

Can you elaborate on how you do this?

1. Ask them why they're renting. If I'm not happy with their answer, I decline. 2. I look at their verified information. People don't usually give lots of details here, but it does help me establish a gut feeling. 3. I give them thorough details about the area and room, and gauge their response.

It's helped me keep my 2BR/2BA apartment booked solid for the last 8 months with wonderful guests, some of whom I happily consider friends. It also helped me reduce my effective rent payment to levels below most places in the US and Canada, let alone Palo Alto.

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