Amanda Van Der Lee ON: Creating The Best Airbnb Vacation Experience

In this podcast episode, the Sisters chat with Amanda Van Der Lee, owner of How to Host. She discusses the process of renting out properties on Airbnb as well as the Airbnb regulations in Kelowna, British Columbia. Amanda talks about her company, How to Host, which offers property management services, interior design, and cleaning services for Airbnb and rental properties. She also discusses the popularity and profitability of different types of rental properties in the Okanagan region, the impact of increasing supply on vacancy rates, and the screening process for guests and potential damages to properties. Amanda emphasizes the importance of creating a unique and memorable vacation rental experience.Amanda Van Der Lee stumbled upon the world of Airbnb when she transitioned from her 11 year career in the insurance industry to brokering mortgages. She was looking to bridge a temporary gap in income and wound up falling in love with the industry. Through How to Host, she integrated her two passions - design & business. By combining these, she began to revive the boring world of property management and add a fun and intricate twist to the industry.What We Discuss:[00:05:30] The requirements of obtaining a license for short-term rental properties in Kelowna, and the time it takes to get licensed.[00:02:08] Amanda shares her journey of transitioning from being an insurance broker to starting a property management company specializing in Airbnb rentals.[00:10:08] The current challenges faced by the condo market due to oversupply and lack of amenities.[00:11:07] Exploring the pros and cons of investing in a condo versus a house, considering factors such as budget, usage, and potential returns.[00:12:05] The potential effects of the upcoming influx of over 400 new luxury condos on the vacation rental market and the competition it may create.[00:19:57] The strong demand for downtown and waterfront areas as popular locations for condos and houses.[00:20:43] What is the average nightly rent for a two-bedroom condo with amenities?[00:22:46] How to screen guests and the challenges of maintaining properties including damages, cleanliness and reviews.[00:29:25] Amanda discusses the importance of making vacation rentals unique and creating an experience for guests.[00:30:53] Exploration on the different websites used for promoting vacation rentals, and Amanda mentions Airbnb, VRBO, their private booking site, and Google.Episode Resources:How to Host | WebsiteHow to Host | Instagram