Day: June 4, 2024

Airbnb Investment Guide for Beginners: Tips and Strategies

Airbnb Investment Guide for Beginners: Tips and Strategies
“Perspective Investments in Airbnb for beginners” by Oscar Ray.

Airbnb revolutionized travel accommodation by connecting travelers with unique lodging options worldwide. Founded in 2008, it allows individuals to rent out their properties, offering diverse choices from cozy apartments to lavish villas, often at competitive prices. Hosts can monetize their spaces while guests enjoy personalized experiences beyond traditional hotels. Airbnb’s platform fosters cultural immersion, enabling travelers to live like locals and discover hidden gems. However, its rapid expansion raised concerns about housing affordability, neighborhood disruption, and safety. Despite controversies, Airbnb continues to reshape the hospitality industry, catering to adventurous spirits seeking authentic stays and forging connections across borders.

Synopsis: Oscar Ray “Perspective Investments in Airbnb for Beginners” is an essential guide for anyone looking to dive into the world of short-term rental investments using Airbnb. Authored by seasoned investor Oscar Ray, this book offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap tailored for beginners. It details the newest strategies to not only get started but also to thrive in building a profitable short-term rental business.

From understanding the basics of Airbnb and real estate investment to mastering the complexities of property management and guest relations, this guide covers all the crucial areas. It is packed with practical advice, useful tips, and industry tricks that are designed to help readers navigate their way through the competitive market. Readers will learn how to identify promising properties, set competitive pricing, enhance guest experiences, and manage bookings efficiently. The book also discusses the importance of online marketing and how to use social media to boost your property’s visibility. (Amazon, 2024)

Review: This extremely useful guide is aimed at investors and homeowners who want to learn about the history of Airbnb and gives “insights and strategies needed to navigate the exciting world of Airbnb investments.” The main objective is to help readers learn all about Airbnb and how to use it to create passive income by providing key strategies for maximizing rental income. Readers will learn how to create a high quality detailed listing that draws traffic, how to provide an exceptional guest experience, and, most importantly, how to handle challenges and regulations such as zoning laws, and management duties.

Who will benefit from this book? Beginners get the basics of Airbnb and how to get started in their successful investment journey. Seasoned Investors get advanced strategies such as market analysis techniques and insights on optimizing operations. Entrepreneurs get advice on building their rental business, whether it involves single or multiple properties.

This guide also includes tools and resources such as checklists, the software needed, and case studies and real world examples of successful investors – their strategies and lessons learned. There’s also a glossary of terms related to Airbnb and real estate investment in case some of terms used seem unfamiliar.

It is divided as follows with chapters that include:

Introduction
Chapter 1 – The History and Growth of Airbnb
Chapter 2 – Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Chapter 3 – Criteria for Choosing Profitable Properties
Chapter 4 – Designing and Furnishing Your Rental for Comfort and Appeal
Chapter 5 – Providing Exceptional Guest Experiences for Positive Reviews
Chapter 6 – Methods for Acquiring Additional Properties
Chapter 7 – Handling Difficult Guests and Resolving Conflicts
Chapter 8 – Long-term Strategies for Building a Sustainable Rental Business
Chapter 9 – Emerging Trends in the Sharing Economy and Short-Term Rental Market
Appendices – Resources for Airbnb Hosts (Websites and Platforms, Community Support and Learning)

Overall, “Perspective Investments in Airbnb for Beginners” is an outstanding user manual for readers interested in using Airbnb to create passive income or as an investment option. Standout chapters include Chapter 4  – Setting Up Your Airbnb – how to create a listing by using high quality photographs and how to create a welcoming atmosphere on the property; and Chapter 7 – Navigating Challenges and Risks –  dealing with difficult guests and preventative measures to take that will ensure a smooth transaction. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering going into the Airbnb business. The material is easy to understand and the chapters are conveniently organized to make it easy to reference as needed and the resources listed in the appendix provide much needed support. It is a definite must have for investors of all levels.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Briscoe Summer Film Series 2024: Schedule, Tickets, and Highlights

Killers of the Flower Moon is one of the movies that will be featured in this summer’s Briscoe Summer Film Series. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Stampede into the Briscoe Western Art Museum for a wild summer of survival. From hands-on workshops and book signings, film screenings and conversations about wildlife and conservation to the museum’s beloved National Day of the Cowboy celebration, the Briscoe is the place to be to survive this summer. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

Opening June 14, venture where nature’s beauty and resilience take center stage during the Briscoe’s summer exhibition, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Survival of the Fittest:  June 14 – September 8

The exhibition’s title references Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, which had a revolutionary impact on how people from Western cultures envisioned our relationship with the other animals on Earth. In the post-Darwin era, a group of classically trained painters now known as the “Big Four” emerged and helped establish a vision of wildlife and nature that remains with us today. German Richard Friese (1854–1918) is the Big Four’s elder, followed chronologically by Swede Bruno Liljefors (1860–1939), German Wilhelm Kuhnert (1865–1926), and German-American Carl Rungius (1869–1959).

The Rijksmuseum Twenthe in Enschede, Netherlands, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art are the only two museums in the world to hold masterpieces by each member of the group. Survival of the Fittest brings together the best paintings from these two esteemed institutions for the first time. Along with the 45 works featured in the exhibition, the Briscoe will feature eight works by Robert “Bob” Frederick Kuhn (1920-2007), on loan exclusively to the Briscoe to showcase how Kuhn – one of the most prolific American wildlife artists – was greatly influenced by the Big Four. Separately, the Briscoe’s permanent collection includes “Rainbow Rams” by Carl Rungius, giving everyone 54 wildlife works to explore.

The Briscoe is hosting a preview party to open the exhibition, followed by a series of events that feature the exhibition curator and other special guests. Opening events include:

• Survival of the Fittest – Exclusive Preview Party
Thursday, June 13, 6p.m. – 8p.m.

The event includes complimentary valet, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and light bites. Tickets are $25 for museum members and Contributing and President’s Society membership tiers receive two tickets. Museum members may upgrade their membership by calling 210.299.4499. Nonmembers may purchase tickets for $35. Tickets are available online.

• Survival of the Fittest: A Tour on the Wild Side
Exhibition tour and book signing with curator Adam Duncan Harris
Friday, June 14, 1p.m. – 2p.m., included with museum admission

Enjoy a tour of the exhibition with curator Adam Duncan Harris as he dives into the lasting impact of the Big Four and places their paintings in an international context – and how these paintings invite visitors to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Harris will also sign copies of his book, “Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art,” available in the Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store.

• Film Screening, Conversation and Tour: The Role of Artists in Wilderness Conservation – “There is a Place on Earth”
Curator Adam Duncan Harris and filmmaker Ellen van den Honert
Saturday, June 15, 1:30p.m., included with museum admission

Dive into the role artists play in wilderness conservation through “There is a Place on Earth,” Dutch filmmaker Ellen van den Honert’s beautiful and poetic journey around the world, meeting artists and conservationists who share extraordinarily creative work and a commitment to the environment. Following the screening, Harris and van den Honert will answer audience questions, then lead a tour of the exhibition.

• Watercolor Workshop: A Study of the Animal Form
A hands-on session for all skill levels with artist Teal Blake
Thursday, June 20, 6p.m. – 8p.m., $25 for members, $45 for non members

Award-winning artist and member of the Cowboy Artists of America Teal Blake returns to the Briscoe for a night of watercolor painting, guiding inspiring artists and providing instruction in how to portray the animal form with watercolor paint on paper. The workshop is for all skill levels and watercolor kits, brushes and paper are included. Pre-registration is required.

Following the Survival of the Fittest opening events, the Briscoe will be the place to be throughout the summer. Other activities on tap include:

Make this Summer One for the Books: Literary Cinema
The Briscoe’s Summer Movie Series explores western movies based on popular novels on the third Sunday of June, July, and August. A short presentation begins at 1p.m., followed immediately by the screening. Each movie is included in general museum admission, with complimentary beer courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery, wine and movie snacks. Pre-registration with an online museum admission ticket purchase is encouraged to save your seat. Museum members may enjoy the series for free as part of their Briscoe membership.

o Briscoe Summer Film Series: Giant (1956)
Sunday, June 16, 1p.m. – 4p.m., included with museum admission

Spend a Giant Father’s Day at the Briscoe with dad enjoying this classic American epic brought to life with Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. All attendees will be entered to win a trip to stay at the Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas, where Hudson, Taylor and Dean stayed during filming, and tickets to the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas. Tickets may be purchased online.

o Briscoe Summer Film Series: News of the World (2020)
Sunday, July 21, 1p.m. – 4p.m., included with museum admission

Based on the 2016 novel by Paulette Jiles, Tom Hanks portrays an aging Civil War veteran who must return a young girl who was taken in by the Kiowa – and raised as one of them – to her last remaining family. Everyone who attends the screening will receive a free copy of the book. Tickets may be purchased online.

o Briscoe Summer Film Series: Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Sunday, August 18, 1p.m. – 4p.m., included with museum admission

Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, this Oscar-nominated film shares the story of a series of murders of members of the Osage after oil was discovered on tribal and. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lilly Gladstone. Come to the movie with three books to donate to the San Antonio Independent School District Foundation’s Book Buddies program and receive a free copy of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” filling your bookshelf while sparking a love of reading for SAISD children in grades K-8. Tickets may be purchased online to guarantee your seat.

The Briscoe presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 27, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the museum. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities across the museum’s River Walk campus for cowpokes of all ages to enjoy and explore the west. This year’s celebration spotlights cowgirls and their role in roping, riding and taming the West to inspire young cowgirls – and cowboys – to follow their western dreams. Saddle up with your family and head west for a free day of fun you won’t forget.