Wondering if Houfy is legit? Discover 10+1 compelling reasons why property owners should be flocking to join the app!
With so much noise in the vacation rental space, property owners can be easily confused about which platforms to list on. Houfy's recent popularity in the rental industry has led many hosts to question, "Is Houfy legit?" and how they can profit from a book-direct solution.
Large OTAs like Airbnb have long dominated the industry, taking big chunks of profit out of hosts' pockets and punishing them for taking business outside their platform. Companies want their money and will take every opportunity to charge excessive fees.
However, these platforms aren't a viable solution for any host who takes their business seriously. Limited branding possibilities, no communication with guests, significant profit cuts, and no say in who books with you? No thanks. In this article, we'll explain why you must list your properties with Houfy and how to take your business to the next level. Let's dive in!
What is Houfy?
Houfy is a social marketplace connecting properties directly with travelers so that they can book without service fees or communication restrictions. Think of it like Facebook for vacation rentals. In a nutshell:
- The platform is a P2P (Person to Person) solution without middlemen
- It grows organically and evolves as new hosts and guests join
- It allows hosts to synchronize their calendars and communication across multiple channels
- Members share their experiences and travel tips to support each other
Why is Houfy an Ideal Choice for Rental Owners?
1. Direct Communication
Large OTAs not only restrict guests from adding their contact details on their listings but also punish them for taking guests outside their platforms. With Houfy, direct communication between hosts and guests is encouraged as vital for both parties' satisfaction.
Hosts can even display their emails or phone numbers on their listing(s). Houfy doesn't profit from booking fees, so even if parties take communication outside of the app, there will be no consequences whatsoever.
2. No Booking Fees
That's right! Houfy charges no booking fees and takes no commissions. New hosts must only pay a one-off $5.99 verification fee to secure a trustworthy and secure platform. Other than that, the platform integrates with Stripe and Square, enabling rental owners to receive payments directly from guests without intermediaries.
So, how does Houfy make money? The platform offers optional paid plans for hosts who want to take their business to the next level, with additional features such as Airbnb synchronization and a website builder.
3. Rapid Listing Creation
Tired of creating multiple listings on different sites? Houfy allows hosts to import their Airbnb listing directly to avoid the nitty-gritty. The process takes less than 15 seconds, and you can easily import your photos, titles, descriptions, and even reviews!
4. Book-direct Website Builder
If you want to grow your vacation rental business and stand out from the competition, a book-direct website can help you do so faster. Build an exclusive online space that reflects your unique branding and secures even more bookings. Houfy will give you the tools and an easy-to-use website builder to make it easier.
5. Airbnb Channel Connection
Got your place booked through Airbnb and want to sync your Houfy calendar? No problem! Houfy offers a Lite pricing plan, enabling property managers to sync their Airbnb pricing, minimum stays, reservations, and calendars. With the help of the channel manager Hospitable, you'll have everything up and running in no time—no account needed.
6. Import or Export Reviews
Unlike online travel agencies, where each new listing must gain reviews to build credibility, Houfy allows hosts to import their ratings from other platforms to enhance listings. This way, your hard-earned positive reviews won't go to waste, and you'll be able to build trust among visitors immediately.
7. Last-minute Specials
Did you get a sudden cancellation for a weekend booking? Houfy lets you create last-minute special promotions and featured listings to stand out from the competition. For just $1.5 per day, you can increase your visibility instantly, boost your occupancy rates, and fill in the gaps from impromptu booking cancelations.
8. Host Tools
As a Houfy host, you can access various tools and online resources to help you succeed in the book-direct market. To name a few:
- Calendar synchronization
- Dynamic rate systems
- User-friendly blog post feature
- Reservation management
- Website widgets to embed your pricing and calendar
9. Houfy Community
Houfy supports a vibrant community of over 68,000 direct-booking hosts and guests. They all participate in dialogues and share advice and travel tips on Houfeed. Since Houfy is still in development mode, it values hosts' input and adapts its powerful programs based on feedback and suggestions. Its Facebook Group is a safe space to stay up-to-date and receive support from other experienced hosts.
10. Full Transparency
Houfy strongly believes in transparency. So, when guests search for vacation rentals on specific dates, it accurately displays prices for those exact dates. The platform's goal is to promote clarity and eliminate unexpected surprises for guests. It's a safe and trusted marketplace and a genuine community of people who want to make a change in the vacation rental industry.
11. Full Control
All Houfy plans (including the free one) include:
- Instant payments with Stripe and Square
- Multi-calendar
- Airbnb and VRBO calendar synchronization
- Host verification badge
- Custom quotes and a customizable rental agreement
- Unlimited property photos
- Direct messaging and scheduled messages
- The ability to add co-hosts
- Integration with PriceLabs for dynamic pricing
This is an all-in-one, fully customizable solution that allows hosts to do business on their own terms. It enables them to make decisions regarding their vacation rentals without fees, punishments, and commitments.
List Your Vacation Rental Properties on Houfy!
So, is Houfy legit? It absolutely is!
If you're tired of large OTAs grabbing food from your plate, it's time to join a supportive community that will help you reach new heights with your vacation rental business. Join 15,000 hosts who took the leap before you and get a more hands-on approach to increasing your bookings and profit: no catches, no credit cards, and no hidden fees. Get started today!