Why “New Listing” Might Not Mean What You Think

Launching a new short-term rental is exciting, but it also comes with a big challenge: earning guest trust without the cushion of glowing reviews. A recent Hosting Hotline question asked if hosts should write “new listing” in their title or description to explain why there are no reviews yet.

Sarah and Annette’s advice? Use that “new” label carefully. While Airbnb gives new properties a boost in search results, guests may interpret “brand new” as meaning the home itself is newly renovated, fully updated, and spotless. If your property doesn’t live up to that expectation, you risk disappointing your first guests—something that can hurt your listing more than help it.

Instead of relying on “new listing” alone, focus on:

• Accuracy. Highlight what’s genuinely fresh—renovations, new furniture, or a recent refresh.
• Responsiveness. Quick replies to guest inquiries build confidence before reviews do.
• Transparency. Meet objections head-on with language like, “Wondering why we don’t have many reviews yet? We’re new to Airbnb, but not to hospitality.”
• Preparedness. Deliver a seamless guest experience by pressure-testing your property and having backup systems in place.

Your first reviews will set the tone for your hosting journey, so focus on creating an outstanding guest experience from day one. That way, the lack of reviews becomes less of a hurdle and more of a short-lived phase.

Resources

• Lodgify – All-in-one software to manage bookings, sync calendars, and build your direct booking site.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

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