Every property I host goes through the same checklist before a guest arrives. None of it is complicated, but skipping any of it is exactly how a good stay turns into a frustrating one.
1. Everything Actually Works
Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, appliances, locks — tested, not assumed. A listing photo doesn’t tell you if the dishwasher still runs.
2. It’s Genuinely Clean
Not just tidy — clean in the ways that matter after someone else has stayed there. Linens, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces.
3. The Basics Are Stocked
Toilet paper, soap, a few kitchen basics. Small things, but showing up to a completely bare property after a long travel day is a bad first impression.
4. Check-In Instructions Are Clear
Sent ahead of time, in plain language, with my contact info attached in case anything doesn’t match what was described.
5. I Know What’s Changed
If a neighbor started construction, a nearby restaurant closed, or parking got trickier, I want to know before a guest finds out the hard way. Staying current on the details around each property is part of the job.
It’s a short list, but I run through it every single time. Consistency is the whole point of hosting personally instead of handing it off.
