Check availability

While wondering if an Airbnb is viable in a certain area I'm checking the comparables nearby.
Do your availability calendars reflect a true indication of vacancy rates? I understand that you could make dates unavailable depending on personal and family commitments to the property but I am seeing a lot of whole months crossed off in a certain property and one comparable close by has quite a few available dates?

 

I imagine in most listings the calendar is a true representation of bookings. Only big caveat I can think of is that most people have settings to say that you can't book more than 3 or 6 months ahead, so anything beyond that looks like its fully booked up sometimes.

 

mines an accurate reflection of vacancies..but yes you never know

 

I find generally if there any gaps (including a few gaps here and there), that would show true occupancy- if there are months and months crossed off, it may mean they only let their place part time (eg because they live there) or they are lucky enough to get a long term guest !

That said, I wouldn't put all stock in this- we took a leap of faith with our airbnb- if you look at calendars, a lot of listings have a LOT of vacancies- whereas we average probably around 85% occupancy.

 

I deliberately cross my days off on the airbnb calendar sometimes due to:
1) needing more time to clean - sometimes i'm just lazy
2) on holidays/weekend away
3) Family/friends over
4) a mini break...whether it be a day or 2 to suit timing for other work/projects.
5) when I don't want last minute guest to stay over that particular night.

So its a no for me. My calendar bookings do not reflect my vacancy rates.