FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We gathered the answers to some popular questions below.
If you can’t find your question below feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.

What does ‘STR’ stand for?

An STR refers to a Short Term Rental.

I am interested in STRs (ex: Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) and I do not know where to begin. How can I start with STRs?

At XO Bookings we educate our clients on where the recommended areas are for starting a short term rental based on data and ordinances (e.g. are short term rentals permitted in the area / community?). From there we manage the property.

What are your fees?

We charge 25% of the nightly rate. You keep 75%. This includes restocking of supplies used by guests (e.g. paper towels, dish soap, etc.).

Where will the property be listed?

The property will be listed on Airbnb and VRBO, on the XO Bookings profile. This method ensures that your short-term rental generates passive income for you. We manage the listing from photos to guest communication. In addition, this allows you to benefit from our rating as a host. We will also promote your property on XOBookings.com and XO Bookings social media platforms using digital marketing strategies.

How is the nightly rate for the property calculated?

The nightly rate is based on the size of the property, the amenities provided, the cost for short-term rental maintenance (including supply restocking), and similar properties in the area to remain competitive.

How much is the cleaning fee?

The cleaning fee is based on the home size and other similar properties in the area to ensure that the fee remains competitive for guests, and pays our cleaners a competitive rate.

How often will my property be cleaned?

The property will be cleaned thoroughly after each guest.

How often will my property be inspected?

We inspect properties during each cleaning.

What are the house rules?

While most guests are wonderful, it is essential to clearly state the house rules to establish our expectations for guest behavior. We have found that clearly stating the house rules encourages reservations by good guests and deters bad guests from staying at the property. Here are our house requirements and rules:

• Guest must provide a reason for their stay.
• Guest must acknowledge understanding that there is a security camera at the front of the home.
• Guest must acknowledge understanding that there is a secure volume monitor that will alert XO Bookings management if there is likely a party, this is determined by measuring the decibels in the property over a period of time and ensures that our guests are respectful to our neighbors. If there is a county, city, or neighborhood quiet time (ex: no excessive noise after 10pm) guests are expected to adhere to this requirement.
• All guests must be listed on the reservation for safety and to ensure maximum capacity is not exceeded.
• Guest must read the house rules listed below and reply with “I agree” in the secure message center in the app they used to book.
  • Parties are not permitted. If the guest has a house party the neighbors have been pre-notified to inform the XO Bookings management team and call the police. If the police are called there will be a $1,000 fee to the guest.
  • Smoking is not permitted. Any smell of smoke after the guest has left will result in a $750 fee.
  • Pets must be approved prior to the guest stay. Guests who bring an unauthorized pet will be subject to a $500 fee.
  • Each unauthorized guest will incur a $25 fee per night.

Will I have to respond to guest messages?

No. XO Bookings provides a full-service experience; therefore, we manage guest communication ensuring a seamless stay at your property.

What if I do not want pets in my property?

Permitting pets is completely up to you. If you do not want to allow pets in the property this will be communicated to potential and booked guests. We will also state this in the house rules that all guests are required to agree to before the start of their stay. Guests who bring an unauthorized pet will be subject to a $500 fee.

What if I wish to allow pets in my property?

That’s great! Properties that allow pets will show up as a search result for more guests therefore, the property has more opportunities to be booked.

If I allow pets in my property, can I charge a pet fee?

Absolutely, all properties that allow pets will require guests booking with a pet to pay a small pet fee for the duration of their stay. The fee will be used for additional cleaning services between reservations and is based on the size of the home and the number of pets.

How do I know my proprerty will be kept in good condition?

We pre-screen guests before the start of their stay. Guests are required to acknowledge hours requirements and rules prior to entering the home. In addition, each home with XO Bookings has a security camera installed at the front door.

Most of stays are about 3-5 days; therefore, the property will be cleaned and inspected weekly (after each stay).

It is in our best interest to maintain the property at the highest standard as Airbnb grades their hosts and guests leave reviews.

Is my property going to be insured?

Through Airbnb’s AirCover and VRBO’s Liability Insurance, your home is covered. In addition, we offer additional coverage for our clients upon request.

I am a real estate agent / real estate broker, how can XO Bookings help me?

Our experts can help educate your clients on how to find a short-term rental investment property. We will ensure that the client works with you and your firm to close the deal.

Life happens, and sometimes clients can no longer move into a property they’ve purchased. Selling the property may result in financial loss, and they might not want to manage it as a long-term rental. This is where XO Bookings comes in – we can educate your client about short-term rentals and manage the property.