In today's digital age, the success of your Airbnb listing isn't solely determined by the quality of your property or its location. Reviews play an integral role in shaping potential guests' perceptions and influencing their decision to book your accommodation. Beyond this, your responsiveness to these reviews can be indicative of the kind of attentive host you are. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of reviews in your Airbnb listing, how responding to them can set you apart, and why having three reviews can be a game-changer.

Building Trust and Credibility
When prospective guests scroll through Airbnb listings, they're seeking reassurance that their stay will meet their expectations. Reviews offer a glimpse into the real-life experiences your guests had during their stay.
While positive reviews instill confidence in potential guests that your property lives up to the hype, negative reviews can hurt your listing, but provide a huge opportunity for improvement. How you handle criticism can be just as influential as the praise you receive. By addressing concerns and making amends when necessary, you demonstrate your commitment to providing a positive guest experience.
The Responsiveness Factor
One often overlooked aspect of hosting on Airbnb is how responsive you are to guest reviews. Timely and considerate responses to both positive and negative feedback show that you care about your guests' experiences and are dedicated to making their stay as comfortable as possible.
For positive reviews, expressing gratitude and personalizing your responses show that you value your guests and their time, which can encourage repeat bookings and word-of-mouth recommendations. And maintaining a polite tone when addressing constructive criticism is crucial. Remember to address the issues raised and explain any actions you've taken to rectify them. This level of attentiveness demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.
The Magic Number: Three Reviews
Did you know that when you accumulate three reviews, your average rating becomes visible in search results and is prominently displayed at the top of your listing page? This is an important milestone as the increased visibility can lead to more inquiries and bookings, giving your listing a valuable boost in the highly competitive Airbnb marketplace.
To ensure that these first few reviews are positive, focus on providing an outstanding experience for your early guests. Offer clear communication, immaculate cleanliness, and thoughtful amenities to leave a lasting impression. Encourage guests to leave reviews after their stay, as this initial momentum can set a positive tone for your listing's overall rating.

​In the world of Airbnb hosting, reviews are a powerful tool for building trust, credibility, and a loyal customer base. They offer insights into your property's strengths and areas for improvement while serving as a testament to your commitment as a host. Responding to reviews with attentiveness and grace is an opportunity to showcase your dedication to the guest experience.
Keep in mind that earning just three reviews can make a significant difference, enhancing your listing's visibility and drawing in more guests. Whether you're an experienced host or starting your Airbnb journey, prioritize reviews, and see if it helps propel your Airbnb listing to newfound success.

When it comes to game rooms, they should be more than just a place to play video games; they should be an extension of your personality and style, offering both functionality and aesthetics. You can easily transform your game room into a stylish and modern oasis that you'll be proud to show off to friends and guests.  ​

Sleek Furniture: Elevate Your Comfort
One of the first steps in creating a modern game room is selecting sleek and ergonomic furniture. Opt for minimalist chairs and tables that not only provide comfort during long gaming sessions but also contribute to the room's overall aesthetics. Think about how your furniture choices can enhance the room's modern vibe.
Vibrant Colors or Patterns: Add a Pop of Personality
Modern doesn't have to mean monochromatic. Inject personality into your game room with vibrant colors. Consider painting an accent wall or adding accent artwork and decorative elements. We love a wood feature to give your space a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
Feature Lighting: Set the Ambiance 
Adding a classic light fixture effortlessly bridges the gap between past and present, infusing your space with a charming throwback feel. Let vintage lighting be the conversation starter in your contemporary design, creating a captivating blend of old and new.
Tech Organization: Declutter Effectively 
A modern game room should be clutter-free, and that means keeping cords and cables under control. Invest in cable management solutions to keep everything neat and organized. This not only improves the aesthetics but also makes your gaming setup more functional and user-friendly.
Cozy Comfort: Enhance the Experience
Enhance your modern decor with a carefully chosen feature rug that not only complements the style of your whole home but also creates a cozy, inviting vibe. Don't make your game room an afterthought - this is the perfect way to tie your space together and maintain the harmonious flow of your home's design while adding that touch of warmth and comfort you've been looking for.

By incorporating sleek furniture, vibrant colors, smart lighting, a gaming wall, tech organization, and cozy comfort, you can transform your space into a stylish and modern oasis. So, go ahead and level up your game room today – you deserve a gaming space that's as amazing as your adventures in the virtual world. ​

The primary bedroom boasts a comfortable king bed, plenty of natural light, and a floating vanity for wheelchair accessibility. An ensuite bathroom offers a spacious curbless shower with a shower seat, handheld shower head, and grab bars. The toilet even features both a grab bar and a bidet, following ADA guidelines to ensure easy movement throughout.

On the second floor, you'll find three more bedrooms, each with its unique charm. Whether you prefer a queen room with sunny windows, a room with a queen bed and twin daybed (convertible to a king), or a cozy space with two twin beds, there's a perfect spot for everyone. Large closets and a bright second-floor bathroom with ample counter space complete the upstairs accommodations.

1. Durable Pots and Pans for Culinary Adventures: Upgrade your cookware collection with a durable pots and pans set during Labor Day deals. Investing in versatile and long lasting cookware is essential, whether you're preparing a cozy dinner for two or catering to a group of hungry guests.
2. Blend Up Bliss with a Reliable Blender: Labor Day often marks the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy refreshing margaritas and healthy smoothies year-round. Look out for fantastic deals on high-quality blenders that can whip up your favorite beverages and dishes with ease. Whether you're hosting guests or crafting delicious meals for yourself, a versatile blender is a kitchen must-have.
3. Space-Saving Elegance with a Foldable Drying Rack: Maximize your kitchen's functionality with a foldable drying rack. Labor Day discounts often feature space-saving kitchen solutions like these. A foldable drying rack not only simplifies dish drying but also helps maintain a clutter-free kitchen, a feature that guests appreciate in a short-term rental.
4. A Striking Knife Set to Match Your Kitchen Decor: A beautiful and functional knife set is the crown jewel of any kitchen. Labor Day offers a chance to find deals on striking knife sets that not only elevate your culinary skills but also complement your kitchen's aesthetics. A well-maintained knife set adds sophistication and efficiency to your cooking space.
5. Complete Utensil Set for Culinary Mastery: A well-equipped kitchen requires the right tools. Labor Day sales present an opportunity to invest in a complete utensil set that includes everything from spatulas to ladles. Having the right utensils at your disposal ensures seamless meal preparation and a satisfying cooking experience for both you and your guests.

At Beckon Homes, we understand the significance of a well-appointed kitchen, whether for personal enjoyment or to attract guests to your short-term rental. These investments promise not only enhanced cooking experiences but also increased property value. Don't miss this chance!

1. Ambiance with String Lighting: Create a magical atmosphere with outdoor string lights. Hang them strategically for a warm and inviting glow. Labor Day is an ideal time to find discounts on these enchanting additions.
2. Stylish Sun Sails: Find Labor Day discounts on chic sun sails to add both shade and elegance to your outdoor space. These architectural shades protect you from the sun while enhancing your backyard's visual appeal.
3. Comfortable, Chic Lounge Chairs: Invest in comfortable and durable outdoor lounge chairs during Labor Day sales. These pieces offer the perfect relaxation spot and enhance your property's value.
4. Stylish Outdoor Rugs: Elevate your backyard with an outdoor rug. Look for deals on weather-resistant rugs that define your outdoor area and tie your decor together.
5. Outdoor Entertainment with a Projector: Consider an outdoor projector to elevate your backyard experience. Labor Day sales often offer great deals on projectors, transforming your space into a private cinema or entertainment hub.

At Beckon Homes, we know that an appealing outdoor space adds value to your property. These investments promise both enjoyment and increased property value, whether for short-term rentals or personal relaxation. Don't miss the chance to make your outdoor space shine this Labor Day!

Nestled within the Jefferson Park community, The home’s grand entrance sets the tone for memorable gatherings, while the great room impresses with vaulted ceilings, comfy seating around the smart TV, and dual electric fireplaces for cozy nights. This haven is designed for relaxation and connection, offering ample room for large groups to unwind. From the expansive living areas to the inviting outdoor spaces, this home was thoughtfully furnished with families and groups in mind and with Neyland Stadium just 30 minutes away, it's perfect for game day fun. It's the perfect spot for creating cherished memories with friends and family. ​

As you explore the home, you’ll love how the home marries modern luxury with a cozy, cottage feel.  The claw foot tub in the primary bedroom is a personal favorite of ours. It adds a touch of vintage elegance, and there's nothing quite like indulging in a long, relaxing soak to melt away all the stress and worries. As you explore the spacious rooms, you can't help but be drawn to the inviting outdoor area, perfect for soaking in the breathtaking surroundings. ​

Venturing into the nearby village of Leiper's Fork is a must during your stay. Just minutes away, this charming town will enchant you with its Southern charm and welcoming atmosphere. We particularly love finding some treasures at Props Antiques, checking out art at David Arms, taking visitors to the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, grabbing a cup of coffee at RedByrd and even catching a local band at Fox and Locke. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring this small, picture perfect town! For dinner, I would grab some barbeque at Fox and Locke or I would head back to Nashville and stop in Franklin to grab a bite at Gray’s on Main. If you prefer the great outdoors, the scenic trails around Leiper's Fork offer endless opportunities for exploration, leading you through lush fields, peaceful forests, and babbling creeksides. ​

It's the beginning of a New Year, and so many of us are committing to improvement- personally AND professionally. Airbnb hosts are no different! Whether you'd like our help to fully manage and market your vacation rental, or you want to do it yourself, here are 3 quick tips to help make 2017 your most profitable year yet!:

1. Streamline your communication!  In our experience, regardless of what amenities your home may offer, perhaps the MOST important step in being an Airbnb champ is communication. We've found that guests can be forgiving of ALMOST any shortcoming your property may present if they're given fair warning. So many hosts we've seen try to downplay the negatives of their property by NOT talking about them, but ultimately, this just makes for a disappointing experience for guests with too-high expectations. Develop a great strategy to communicate with your potential guests from message #1 all the way through AFTER your stay. Every guest we've ever hosted (and we've hosted about 40,000 guests so far) has REALLY appreciated knowing exactly what to expect at each turn of their travels. When in doubt: OVER communicate! 
2. Ask for reviews...strategically! Reviews are KING and without them, your listing will get lost in a sea of Airbnb properties. Start asking for reviews before the guest even books their trip, and impress upon them just how impactful a good (or bad!) review can be for your business. Make sure guests feel like they have the ability to communicate NEGATIVE experiences to you DIRECTLY and PRIVATELY, so when it's time for them to post something about their experience PUBLICLY, they, at bare minimum, feel as if their concerns have been heard, and hopefully addressed. When guests know how important their feedback is to you, they'll be much more upfront and honest with you about their experience, giving you the opportunity to make things right when things go wrong, and celebrate when things go right!
3. Update and Upgrade! Just like ANY business, your Airbnb should be evaluated at LEAST yearly, if not weekly, monthly or quarterly. Look around at decor that might be outdated, furniture that may be falling apart, area rugs that might be stains, dishes that might be cracked and commit to investing some percentage of your earnings into consistently tending to your property. Pro Tip: When you make big, impactful changes, make sure to take new pictures to upload to your listing and allow viewers to see you're an involved host. 

Hosting is half art, and half science, and we're always here and happy to help find, furnish, market or manage your Airbnb vacation rental. Whether it's full service management, or a la carte consulting, we can help make your Airbnb the best it can be!