Why You Shouldn't Make an Airbnb in 2023 

Other people on RU-vid have criticized her so hard for her Airbnb and she hits back with patience, knowledge, and facts. Love to see it

I love airbnbs, but they used to be more affordable than hotels, now the average priced airbnb is around the same price of a 4-star hotel.

Transparent youtubers are such a blessing these days and Shelby you are on the top. No sugar coating, just pure realities. Thank you really appreciated.

IMO this is one of the best filmed videos you’ve made Shelby. The beginning cuts, everything… so good.

Hi. I'm a first-time viewer on this channel. I have been a host on Airbnb for 17 years starting in 2007. I started Airbnb before the commercials and before it was a household name. I owned a duplex with one 3-bedroom 2-bath and the other a two-bedroom apartment. I went from buying the ugly house on the block to cleaning it up and putting a for rent sign in the front yard then later trying section 8 for a few years then one day I stumbled upon Airbnb online in 2007 and signed up. I went from renting one room in my unit to renovating both houses and remodeling each one then instead of bringing in $750 dollars per month for a two-bedroom, 2 bath I began bringing in $1500 to $2,500 per month and an additional $2,000 up to $3,500 with a three-bedroom unit. I'm a single parent. I didn't have to get a job. I hired housekeepers to clean each unit when I was too tired or away I was making money hand-over-fist in the South not California. I also rented out rooms in our private cabin in Louisiana as well as campgrounds space on an acre of land in the backyard. The bubble burst in 2020 when the pandemic hit and Airbnb cancelled our reservations worldwide the following year we were hit by hurricane Ida the next year. We sustained significant damage to our house and yard. The world is different since the pandemic. Property values, real estate, vehicles, food etc have all increased significantly. Now that we're coming out of the pandemic and people are beginning to travel more they are coming back to Airbnb but not at the rate they booked pre- Covid. People are still leery, self included. Since 2020 we're now homesteading on an acre. I'm considering building a few small tiny homes/sheds to start Airbnb again to help bring in money to our Homestead. I think the narrator of the video was pretty spot-on that the world has changed and so has Airbnb. For our sake I'm hoping that offering a Homestead experience will be enough of an allure to attract more Airbnb guests to our property. However, guests stays will not exceed the weekend. I know the good, bad and the Oogly of Airbnb. It's not all roses. There's always those who will run a good thing so get ready. Also, the municipalities now I know how much money the airbnb's bring in and they want their cut to now. Check with your local government first just to see what their rules are in general. Some states have began to tax Airbnb hosts which should be illegal so do your research. Signed, Seasoned Airbnber

You are genuine and your transparency is much appreciated. Thank you!

I like that you're so transparent about the struggle. Obviously you're still able to spin it into a positive by using it as content, but it still takes a secure person to put it out there for others to criticize.

You nailed it Shelby! I feel like you are the only person out there who is sharing TRUTH and the reality of the Airbnb market. The market has changed a TON. Our properties that are still performing are in highly regulated markets. Our other properties (scottsdale specifically) have completely died in bookings. So many RU-vidrs out there are acting like its still a great time to invest in Airbnbs but they also have coaching programs or are looking for investors. It's not for everyone and people should be extremely cautious. It doesnt always work and you can lose alot of money.

One of the main qualities that allows Shelby to be so good at RU-vid is that she has zero ego, despite clearly being very successful financially. That's hard to find these days and allows her to be transparent and honest regardless of the circumstances, which in turn helps her channel.

You do not suck at this! You thought this process through properly and the market simply just changed. You have been very transparent and we thank you for that! 🙏🏽 Sean is suffering like everyone else and took a shot at you for views lol Unlike you he is not being very transparent from beginning to end. Keep doing what you are doing! Your content is absolutely great! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

I love the subtle nice pleasant way you throw shade back. You throw nice person shade.

I applaud your transparency and openness regarding this topic. So many were quick to hate. You answered in the most polite way possible 👏👏

Thank you, Shelby, for such a clear and even-handed explanation of the situation from your perspective.

This is so informative, thanks for Your honesty and transparency. Someone had to say it, the Airbnb has negatively affected the housing market for a while now. I appreciate your approach to teaching.. To my understanding this just proves how much we need an edge as investors because playing the market like everyone else just isn’t good enough, we just need to hold onto our hopes and wait to see how things turn out because market movements are almost always unpredictable. In my portfolio, I'm noticing more red than green.

insightful, love watching each step of your airbnb venture. thanks for being so transparent!

Well done. Quality video production as always. Great accurate information on Air B&B, with solid support to back it up.

So very true that people who promote Airbnb often have a vested interested. This is refreshingly honest - thank you for sharing. And that this video is not clickbait.

Luv the transparency u have with these types of videos!

You ALWAYS have the best knowledge and info on these topics! You’re always so honest!

Great video, very useful and thanks for sharing. Small handful of people on RU-vid I trust and you're one of them. Keep it up!

Hi Shelby, i watch your shows just for fun and even though im not always interested in the topics for me to do myself, i like watching just to gain more knowledge. But i love and appreciate how your give your opinion. I feel that you’re being honest and it makes me trust your word a lot. Love your videos❤

Shelby, you look gorgeous in this video! ✨ the hair, the outfits 😍

Your honesty and transparency is refreshing. I wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to see the Joshua Tree project.

Fantastic, honest perspective. Feel like I’ve been out of your demographic since subscribing (middle aged dude, no airbnbs, ambivalent about social media) But I continue to come back to your vids over and over. Well done.

I swore by Airbnb for years but now I only book at hotels. The prices are astronomical, it makes absolutely no sense unless you travel with a big group. Unless I’m splitting the bill 4 ways, I’ll never book Airbnb again sadly

I’m someone who used to stay in Airbnbs a lot and have now been choosing hotels more often. My main gripe with Airbnb is that you are expected to fully clean the place, take trash out, sweep/vacuum, etc. or risk getting a bad review. Yet, you are charged absolutely outrageous cleaning fees. Like $145 at my last one, which had a long list of cleaning tasks and associated fines for not completeing them. Like a $75 fine for not taking the trash out. Ok so then what’s the cleaning fee for? At hotels you are not expected to do any of that, and you can usually also get a late check out. These days the prices are comparable so Why TF would I stay with Airbnb??

Such a great breakdown and balanced perspective. Another great video Shelby 👍🏻

Great video as always!!! Top quality and your explanation is clear and concise!

Shelby is a classy, transparent, self-made QUEEN.

Even when you are calling someone out, you do it in such a polite way...classy!

I cannot believe he is using your face in his thumbnails... of course he's selling course and will basically trick ppl into thinking Airbnb is still where it is 5 years ago. Being this deceitful is literally scamming. I'm glad you addressed it Shelby!

Thank you for your transparency. Your Palm Springs home is beautiful and fortunately is a home you and your family enjoy using!

Love this video! Great addressing the effect of airbnb on the housing market! It’s the ppl and companies who own 5+ airbnbs that’s are the issue! A single person having one investment property isn’t the issue

Airbnbs used to be cheaper than hotels. That's not the case anymore. You'd only get an Airbnb if you wanted something unique & different. In a recession, it's no surprise people are going back to hotels which are cheaper & consistent.

I really appreciate your honesty about money always! It's so rare tbh and I know I can always rely on you and Monica to be transparent and informative

I love how you give the pros and cons of what ever investment you speaking about or product/business you are reviewing. But also showing us your numbers and how your investments have worked or not worked. Love the transparency. Love watching your videos.

I literally just subscribed to your channel and was binging videos when I saw this new one come up! Perfect timing 👌Great content!

Your videos never disappoint! Thanks so much for creating such great content :)

Great video! I totally agree with everything you said. On my last vacation the main reason why I didn’t say in an Airbnb is because of the extensive check out list. I would have to wake up early in the morning to completely clean the place, pack and be out before 10AM!

Kudos, Shelby! Well-done, balanced video. You do the research and share your experience. Much appreciated!

I think the reality is with the flooded markets and people being frustrated with experiences with Airbnb is that a lot of people will transition to long term rentals. That being said I think there will still be a market for hosts, it just won’t be as “easy” as people want it to be. You have to care about your guests’ experience and be a good host with a well taken care of home. There are enough of us that already give that type of care, but they’re still are plenty that give us a bad name.

Shelby, another incredible video about a subject you have a lot of experience in. The video quality you have in making these videos are just getting better and better.

Thanks for sharing, Shelby! I always love your videos, they are so insightful :)

Great video! For 2023, it’s hard to nail down specific predictions for the housing market is because it’s not yet clear how quickly or how much the Federal Reserve can bring down inflation and borrowing costs without tanking buyer demand for everything from homes to cars.

🤦‍♀🤦‍♀💔💔It's really difficult to stay afloat and make a good steady income from all this... I mean, the information is overwhelming. Pretty exhausting and on top of that I'm making losses

I love Shelby’s transparency and she’s so genuine. I love watching the vids!

Another Honest & great video from the amazing Shelby Church. Thank you Shelby.

Thanks for sharing and being so honest. Also, loved that cute pink top you wore in Palm Springs!

What a great video! Super informative and awesome to hear how your own experience with airbnb has impacted you. Airbnb can make sense for some people, but it's not an easy cash grab that some people think it can be. Also, the production quality on this video was absolutely stellar!

love how you clap back at that guy who is basically using your content and honesty to try to make a buck, but still stay classy and fact based!

Shelby! Thank you for your insight and your honesty, nothing but respect 😊

Thanks for your tips and opinions! Best wishes to you in 2023 ❤️

People have known that airbnbs negatively affect the housing market for a long time. Adam Ruins Everything did an episode on it in like 2015.

you put that youtuber in his place and shed light to possible money schemes in the classiest way without putting him down in any mean sort of way! love that!

Thank you! Very nice to have your perspective on this.

Ty, u are always transparent looking at both side with no bias.

I love how candid you are about it all. I don't know how you can stay this calm and collected despite the investment you made (even on much better rates than you would have now). I really admire that. IMHO, not even buying a property in cash makes really sense. Because that same amount you could use for any other investment, so cost opportunity really weighs in in the equation, but i could easily find counter arguments to my arguments as well 😁😁 investment are complicated, there is always an implied risk (which is totally different from uncertainty) - as long as you can afford it, go for it. Great video as always, Shelby!

I would love to see a separate episode on the Joshua Tree property and whether or not the numbers make sense for that new construction. Love your videos, love your honesty. Keep it up!

Thanks for sharing! I love ur videos about Airbnb!

This channel is incredible, I'm from Australia and the information still translates, its not that different here. Great videos Shelby.

If you’re buying in cash it still is a big deal, the reason is is lost opportunity on the money that you invest. Right now I can get 5% on 6 to 9 month treasury yields. So for me I would have to get 10 to 12% rate of return on my money in order to put out the risk investment. Right now with everything going on in the economy I’d rather sit back and make 5% of my money rather than going through all the headache of chasing higher interest rates.

I appreciate her transparency. Honestly I would avoid Airbnb whenver possible, unless I am traveling with a large group. What hosts are charging, plus cleaning fee, and worst of all I have to added chores before I check out, just make the whole experience not worth it for me and lot of people I know. For the price Airbnb host, I better off staying at hotel, fresh towels daily, daily room cleaning, free breakfast and not mention reward pts. It is no a brainer.

Truth never goes out of style. Honestly video is very refreshing.

I agree with your video. It may still be doing well for some. This year I am still holding my properties strictly as airbnb because I don't want to deal with renters long term and all their issues but I have certainly come close to cutting out airbnb and just possibly doing long term rentals, when things got really slow but thank God a booking always fell through by advertising on several platforms to include insurance rentals for displaced homeowners. Great video.

Really good video. Loved the editing and the information.

Such a great video Shelby!! The details were so sharp!! It’s refreshing to see someone being so real and honest about the highs and lows of the market rn! Also, would love to see a video on why you’re going forward with the Joshua Tree project!

i'm very interested in Airbnb and what i appreciate most about this video is that Shelbly gave us the negative side of Airbnb and not just the positive thanks!

Thanks for your candid honesty!

When she says, probably only like one person watching has the ability to pay cash. It automatically made me think of Graham. 😂

The only thing is after recession there will be depression. One, two more lockdowns, prices high like you can't even imagine and airplanes grounded ( just happened ) will stop people from traveling almost completely.

7:05 this lightning is EPIC It is really brining out your eyes. Great set up Shelby! Ok let me keep watching lol

Thank you for being REAL!!! Also thank you for setting the record straight. A lot of people are selling something therefore they have a financial incentive attached to their opinion.

Things like stories about women getting trafficked by their Airbnb hosts, rising costs of nightly stays, and hosts requiring you to do things like the laundry, take out trash etc are some of the reasons why I personally only use hotels now.

So we are finding this out in our little corner of the world. We were going to open 10 vacation rentals by the end of 2023 (at least it looked like a good idea in 2021). We started in 2018, renting a private suite in our Queen Anne Victorian home, with a competition of no more than 50 STRs, but now there are 140! (Last I checked) So we made the switch to long term rentals, and the upcoming renovation (rehabilitation) projects that we have going on are all going to be long term rentals. We are more focused on improving the beauty and safety of our community by rehabilitating properties that are close to condemnation. We plan to keep one STR, because it is a historical stay and is very unique in the area, and it won’t just be a stay, it offers catered private dinners, events, historical tours, etc. Multifaceted use. I will say, Sean’s video led me to your channel because I like to get all points of view. So now I follow you both. 😊

Great Video here, again. Please make a video about the new build strategy you mentioned at the end! That would be amazing information.

As much as I like the RU-vidr and the content I can’t lie that some thoughts came to mind … Is this to diminish competition? Having plenty of money in the bank VS having this same amount of money on a property… I still lose money if it’s in the bank … so why not putting this money on a property?

Thanks again for your Airbnb videos, they have been extremely informative! At this point outside of new construction or a property you personally want to frequently use, I'd say there are definitely better sources for passive income.

Not all SHORT TERM RENTALS are airbnb. We get more bookings thru vrbo at both our rural cabins

Thanks for being so brutally honest. RESPECT!!

I can assure you Sean does NOT need the money he charges for his master classes….. that money is for people who truly WANT to pursue that and make that money. He would probably do them for free, but some advice and info….. you’ve just got to pay for! I have known Sean since he was a wee kid driving an old rusty Ford Bronco II. He truly has gone very far in life, and he has not taken any hand outs. He has EARNED everything he has. Can he be cocky or arrogant seeming….. for sure. But that’s cause you’re snap judging him. I recommend Shelly, that you actually LISTEN to some of his free AirBNB content…. You may learn something. In fact, I guarantee you will.

Thank you for the video 🥰 I think it’s important to factor in the country. For example Airbnb’s in south east Asia (for example in Bali) do really well. It‘s a very different market compared to the US. ☺️

Shelby, you just nailed that Sean guy, I come across his vids on youtube. he seems really promoting airbnb and how still wonderful everything is with his airbnb business. Hard to believe thow. Thank you Shelby

Im an Airbnb host, I’d like to address everyone’s complaints about cleaning fees. What people REALLY need to understand is cleaning an entire place, doing laundry for multiple beds, taking out all the trash, dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms plus outside, etc. takes hours and cleaners will charge $30-50 an hour per cleaner (if they need to bring in more than one). I have a 1 bedroom beach condo and my cleaner charges $150 to clean that. I of course have to charge that cleaning fee whether I have 1 guest stay 1 night or a whole family staying for 2 weeks, even if my nightly rate is only $90. Most hosts charge exactly or less than what their cleaners actually charge. It is expensive for sure but also a lot of work to get these places ready in between guests. And for those complaining about chore lists, most Airbnb’s do not have those, maybe less than 10% might have wanted things like stripping beds. As for taking out trash, we’ll isn’t that just normal that you put your trash in the can? I have not asked anyone to do that but guess what, all of my guests do it.

I agree with your assessment! Fortunately, my A-frame cabin in Tahoe has not experienced the “Airbnb Bust” probably because: 1) I bought my property before Pandemic prices and rate hikes; 2) I obsess excellent design, experience, amenities and customer service; 3) new permits have been banned in my area; 4) I am on multiple booking and direct platforms. I also don’t over-inflate my rates, because I am thrilled when I just break even (I enjoy staying myself!). I think it’s the responsibility of owners who don’t live in the area to be active and contributing members of the community whether it’s through donating to local causes or the environment. I like to think that what’s happening is this weeding out of all the get-rich-quick “passive”investors. Hopefully the homeowners who really do care about the home, the neighborhood and guest experience, as well as strive for quality (instead of TJ Maxx decor) will survive this moment in time. These new bad eggs shouldn’t ruin it for those of us who are responsible and in it for the right reasons. Cap rate, cash flow, ROI, aren’t the only metrics that matter when it’s a passion project and you are hosting from the heart.

10/10 video. I see renting to good long-term tenants a better strategy overall. AirBNB takes too much time to manage with all the cleaning, communication and extra maintenance imo. The best AirBNBs are run by owners who are on-top of every little detail, not what I would call "passive income".

Thank you for being real. Our bookings definitely have dropped a lot. We moved in our house for now.

If a person rents for 78 night x 31 2418 rent is 1200 or less that is a 1218 profit minus now utilities that is a 1068 profit for 12 months 12816 and you own nothing to help leverage to your house purchase!

She is right about starting (meaning buying a property to use as STR) in 2022 and 2023. I don’t own a STR but in 2022 April I started to have interest in possibly owning/buying one in the Smokies. Since 2022 April, I’ve looked deeply at more than a hundred revenue or Profit/Expense statements. It doesn’t make sense cuz you would make very little money (just slightly more than LTR) The main problem in the Smokies is the property prices have increased dramatically in the last 3-7 years. Many properties have doubled in 2-3 years. Many properties have gone up 4X in 7 years. 4X… I was looking at a cabin, it sold for $144k in 2017. Now it’s pending at $590k. Property price appreciation is the craziest I’ve seen, and that makes current buyer very hard to make money

In London I find that most nice hotel rooms are cheaper for a night than an Airbnb. I used to find Airbnb more appealing because it was usually more affordable than a hotel room and you could rent a bigger place. I still love the idea of Airbnb but I can't justify some of the prices when there's a perfectly nice hotel room for half the price!

Loved the filming/editing on this video, Shelby! Nice work! 👏👏😁

i love that i got an airbnb ad on this video. LOL love the vids xx

Awesome video Shelby! I’m pretty much in the same situation like you regarding the property. I have my vacation house in Naples, FL and use it very often. During the high season I put it in Airbnb. This year booking are definitely down and competition is tremendous.

i appreciate this video! i’ve honestly always kind of been a tad resentful of air bnbs. mostly because there are quite a bit in my apt building, which can make living here feel a bit like a hotel. so i wasn’t sad at all hearing a bunch of them were stopping.

This is such a well made video and important for people to see.

I follow your content. Very educational, informative🎉❤💯🔥💥👍. Seattle Washington.

The OUTRAGEOUS fees are why I’ve stopped booking AirBnBs. I went from booking AirBnBs frequently from 2018-2020, to not having booked one in the past two years. Every time I’ve gone to book an AirBnB in the past two-ish years, the fees have ended up being almost as much as the nightly rate; making the actual price almost double the listed price in some cases.

Posting this right after Graham’s video is peeerfect 😂

I appreciate your honesty Shelby - thanks

This was a great, informative video Shelby!

Thank you so much for this. I'm currently trying to figure out if I want to do airbnb or buy rental property. This video cleared up alot of things for me. Thank you for being honest. I love how you have pros and cons about the business. Look forward to seeing more of your videos!