- Do you enjoy being around people?
- Are you naturally curious about others?
- Are you open to new situations?
- Are you okay with not always being in control?
- Are you prepared to have your home ready for visitors at all times? Clean and everything put away?
Home Sharing vs. Roommate
Where Airbnb is the True Winner!
- You call the shots!
- Nightly rates typically far surpass an avg night of a long-term rental
- You predetermine how long a guest may book
- You make the house rules
- You decide which areas of the home they get access to
- Flexibility to block off dates so that you may use this time for your own guests
- Generally, guests behave as if they are guests and are respectful of your rules and preferences. In a roommate situation they may be less likely to tend to your preferences as this is their home too.
- The variety of guests. Always something to learn, plus should you get a “bad” guest, you know there is a definite ending date. With roommates this is not so cut and dry.
Disadvantages
- Fluctuating income. Not predictable as it is with a roommate.
- Greater safety concerns (unless you are horrible at roommate selection) for these are actual strangers coming to your home
- Must supply bed furnishings and some toiletries
- You will do all the cleaning of your home
As you can see, there are valid points on both sides of the argument. More set-up costs exist with Airbnb. To see if this is something you would like to consider getting involved with download the Essential Checklist. If would like to begin right away, you can set up your very first listing at Airbnb.