Hosts

The Host has basically eight things to do to help get the business:

1.  KNOWLEDGE

Learn about and understand the Guest.  Absorb this web site and you are mostly there.

2.  PRECISE LOCATION

Share the Home's GPS position and the width of their driveway so that the Ham can use Google Earth to survey the property.  Right now they don't share until after booking.  I can figure it out about half the time.  The driveway width is for extrapolating distances.

3. PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC

Ensure that there is a clear understanding regarding pedestrian traffic where the antennas will be.  One small trip over a guy rope can bring down and destroy a $1,500 antenna.  I have had a similar thing happen to me in a Bahamas back yard advertised as "private".  Fenced back yards are great.

4.  CABLING

Solve the cabling challenge.  Hams may have five to ten cables connecting their inside equipment to their outside antennas.  There are ways to do it, but I have found this a key area of concern.  Worries of air conditioning leakage and unsecured doors or windows are common and justified.  The way to avoid the problem is to use a sub-$100 pass-through device like many of us have at home.  Then mention it in your listing.  Consider https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/mfj-4601  $89.95

5.   ELECTRIC BILL

 Be clear and practical about energy surcharges, if any.  Share history to manage expectations.

6.   INTERNET 

Have reliable, reasonably fast internet service.  I have had a friend in Tennessee connect into my Bimini station to help work the contest.

7.  CELL SERVICE  

This is really being serious but, if you have poor cellular service in the house consider a cellular repeater.  It will benefit all your guests and you can promote it as a feature.  Check out https://www.wilsonsignalbooster.com/weboost-470144-home-multiroom-signal-booster.html  $569.99

8.  DRYER AND STOVE CONNECTIONS

In some instances the Ham might need to plug into a stove or dryer electric outlet.  It's just like hooking up a generator.  Let them know if these appliances are gas or electric, and if possible, how many switches on the fuse panel they use (to know the voltage).  Or send them a picture.

Hosts