04-08-2025, 12:51 PM
It is very dependent. Of course I look at previous reviews and ratings (or lack thereof) but my biggest factor is how they communicate with me during their booking request.
Next week I have a local guy with no reviews (I know we always suggest “no locals” and a account created April 2020 but I accepted the request because in his booking request message he told me exactly why he needs to rent (Listing their house for sale in a nearby neighborhood and an open house all weekend so they don't want to be at their house for all of that). I'd say I accept half of 0-review/no stay booking requests… I just ask more questions and vet them a bit more than established guests who for the most part I'll blindly accept their request. But I have no problem saying no if they don't respond in a timely manner or they aren't clear in their communication.
Next week I have a local guy with no reviews (I know we always suggest “no locals” and a account created April 2020 but I accepted the request because in his booking request message he told me exactly why he needs to rent (Listing their house for sale in a nearby neighborhood and an open house all weekend so they don't want to be at their house for all of that). I'd say I accept half of 0-review/no stay booking requests… I just ask more questions and vet them a bit more than established guests who for the most part I'll blindly accept their request. But I have no problem saying no if they don't respond in a timely manner or they aren't clear in their communication.