Scott Williams Fine Homes

Home Sweet Airbnb: A Host’s Journey of Turbulence and Tranquility

Learning the ropes of short-term renting has been quite a journey. Last year my phone was buzzing with news about the Airbnb market. Some said the bubble had burst, leaving hosts disappointed. There I was, having just bought a well located home in Santa Barbara by the ocean. With a lifetime of helping others invest in Santa Barbara, it was my turn to invest my heart and savings into renova- tions, hoping for a successful outcome.

It reminded me of playing MONOPOLY as a kid, dream- ing of owning Boardwalk with a hotel. Only this time the stakes were higher, as I aimed to cover the hefty monthly costs with nightly rentals. Risky, yet hopefully doable.

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The adventure began with a bang—or rather, a party. Despite our due diligence, the first guests were not as advertised—instead they were a rowdy group descending for Deltopia, Isla Vista’s spring break bash. The police had to intervene at 2 AM! After managing that chaos, I went door-to-door with fresh-baked cookies and apologies to all my neighbors. Learning the nuances of innkeeping meant being prepared to handle guests who don’t respect the rules.
But, beyond that tequila-fueled escapade, I discovered the charm of hosting in Santa Barbara. Guests come for fishing trips with their 90-year-old dads, endless surfing at Leadbetter Point, or to celebrate life’s milestones with friends and family. They want to immerse themselves in the heart and pulse of Santa Barbara, without disturbing the peace!

Running an Airbnb is like running a restaurant: guests enjoy the experience while you manage all the behind-the-scenes work. It is an entrepre- neurial labor of love with the earmarks of becoming a successful investment.
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I adore my home on Luneta Plaza. You can hear the waves on the sand at night, and the view of Leadbetter Beach from across the street is breathtaking. If you know anyone in search of a beachside retreat in Santa Barbara, tell them about Luneta Seaside Hideaway, on Airbnb—or have them contact me directly for a 10 percent discount.

Santa Barbara has been a premier destination for over 100 years. Please reach out to me if you are interested in invest- ing in your own beachside retreat.