Host Wanted a Showing During Our Vacation? We Earned $150 to Sit by the Pool

I’m currently staying at an AirBnB that’s nearly perfect. While en route to our vacation, I called the property manager to request an extra day. She agreed and casually mentioned that the property was on the market and there could be a showing for potential buyers on our second day.

To be fair, there was a note about possible showings in the lengthy listing that I missed. Still, it strikes me as unreasonable to be asked to entertain showings during a vacation, and it also touches on AirBnB policy. The listing itself framed showings as optional, with guests retaining the right to decline; the exact wording I used to frame my position was: “you might be asked to accommodate a showing during your stay.”

The property manager initially insisted we must accommodate a showing. She tried to minimize it, saying it would only take a few minutes and that we wouldn’t need to be present. AirBnB support did not readily offer a refund or alternate arrangements, but they did speak with the property manager, who, after consulting with the owner, agreed to no showings during our stay.

When we arrived, I received a text from the realtor. He explained that serious buyers had already seen the villa and wanted a second look before departing the island. He offered $50 for a 15-minute visit and made it clear it was entirely up to us. I initially declined, then countered with $150 for up to 30 minutes. Given the property’s approximate value of $1 million, he promptly agreed.

Was I thrilled about having strangers in my temporary space while on vacation? No. Would I consider doing it again for $150 to sit by the pool for 30 minutes? Probably.

Takeaway: Transparent communication about showings, understanding guest rights, and a willingness to negotiate can turn an uncomfortable situation into a mutually acceptable arrangement—sometimes with a little compensation for the interruption of vacation plans. If you’re a host or guest navigating similar scenarios, consider documenting policies clearly, staying aligned with platform rules, and exploring reasonable compensation when showing appointments disrupt your stay.