A FiPS Guide to Using AirBNB in Park Slope

While sitting down to write this post, I initially aimed to highlight this hot new(ish) travel trend called airbnb, wherein you can temporarily rent out your house, apartment or room, (hell I've even seen a couch on here) to guests as if your home were a hotel. On the flip side, you can also score some nights as a renter in someone else's crib in 27,879 cities and 192 countries.

I was going to tell you all about how rad this all seems, especially when I found out that upon signing up as a renter, you're enrolled into AirBnb's $1M insurance policy (just in case someone steals all of your shit before burning your house down). But after perusing the nightly asking prices of all 491 Park Slope listings (and a few from surrounding neighborhoods), I've practically been forced to focus on how much our neighbors are out of their ever-loving minds.

Here are some examples of how NOT to list your place on AirBNB:

1. Don't list your place without photos.

When charging $3,687/night in WINDSOR TERRACE for a 3-bedroom and 1-bathroom, (you read that right: not Windsor Castle) it's apparently acceptable to just bypass the whole post-some-apartment-pictures-so-people-can-see-what-they're-getting-for-a-small-fortune.  Just post some unflattering shots of yourself instead. What exactly is he (she?) advertising here? 

2. Similarly, don't Make People Break Their Necks to view your sideways photos. 

 I shouldn't have to turn my head to view pics of your $3,072/night 2-bedroom in Carroll Gardens.

 3. Don't charge a 14-night minimum without some kind of discount.

Man, I was wondering what to do with this $20K just burning a hole in my pocket. I can totally live in this Prospect Heights 1-bedroom for $1536/night -- though I can't really say "$1536/night when there is a 14-night minimum to book. That's $21,504 for two weeks, or the equivalent of roughly 8 months rent.

4. Don't sound even a *little* douche bagg-y in your listing

I want nothing more than to spend $1434/night for a 1-bedroom on 21st street, especially when I'm swooned by the words "hip" and "Ciao!"

5. Know the Competition and Don't overcharge. 

There's likely a reason why the 4 rentals listed above have ZERO reviews: No one has been dumb enough to shell out that kind of dough on them. 

To gain perspective on the competition, first look at the hotel compeition: You're competing with the Super 8 in Gowanus for $160/night; Fairfield Inn Suites on Union St for $210/night; and the chic boutique Hotel Le Bleu on beautiful 4th Ave at $230/night. 

And when considering what to price your place at, here are some listings that are totally reasonable, if not a pretty great deal. And they have a DECENT amont of reviews, meaning people are actually shelling out money for them.

• 1-bedroom garden level apartment on 11th street: $180/night (and the place is gorgeous).
• 1-bedroom penthouse apartmnet on Prospect Park West: $175/night
• 1-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom triplex townhouse w/ private terrace on 10th street: $282/night

Have you ever listed your Park Slope pad on AirBnb? If so, give us some tips!