Be a Competent AirBnB Host

Not so long ago, I posted an article about AirBnB and I mentioned doing a follow-up on how to be a competent host so here it is. For beginners, it's really best to keep it simple and stick to the basics (cleanliness being on top of that basic list). Here are a few must-do's when one plans to be an AirBnB host:
The Room:
1. Clean sheets, clean towel, clean room, clean toilet and bathroom. Always provide a towel for showering and always make tissue paper available in the toilet. Provide a handsoap and a towelette, as well.
2. Keys. Providing your guest his/her own set of keys to your house makes it convenient both for you and your guest.
3. Whenever a guest arrives, always ask if s/he wants something to drink. Offer but don't insist. Show them where and how they can prepare coffee and/or tea themselves in case they feel like drinking anytime of the day. You don't have to serve them, just let them know how to get around the kitchen a bit. Foreigners normally drink brewed coffee and not the instant coffee we are used to in the Philippines. Offering a local herbal tea that's been packaged safely enough to drink is also a plus.
3. The room we rented out in Gent was simple, small and straightforward (no decoration, just an airbed with two pillows and a comforter) but Yoann and I went out of our way to make the guests feel comfortable. We always make an effort to get to know them a little during their stay, invite them to the living room, and provide tips on where to eat, what to visit, etc. If we sense that they want to be left alone, we gladly do that too.
4. We didn't impose a curfew, we wanted our guests to feel as free as possible.
The Site Listing:
1. Make your listing credible by providing photos of the room itself, plus other parts of the house and the neighborhood (as a plus). Provide a clear but brief description of the room, the house, the location, the city center and of yourself as a host.
2. Avoid charging additional costs, such as extra charge for using the kitchen, gas, fridge, cleaning fee, etc. We once experienced being charged this way when we stayed as guests in one AirBnB room and it was a big turn off. She even asked an extra charge for using the utensils.
3. The girl below has lots of tips about hosting, she's been an AirBnB host (in Canada) eversince it started a few years ago. I especially like the idea of the welcome basket. I'm considering continuing being an AirBnB host when we move to the Philippines, if I do, I'll keep you posted and update this list.