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Platform Guide

Houfy Guide — Zero-Fee Direct Booking

List your Hot Springs vacation rental on Houfy with zero booking fees. Build direct guest relationships and keep 100% of your revenue.

Step-by-Step

Complete Setup Guide

01

What Makes Houfy Different

Houfy charges zero fees — no host fees, no guest fees, no commission. You keep 100% of your booking revenue. Houfy makes money from optional premium features and advertising.

02

Create Your Free Listing

Sign up at houfy.com. Create your property listing with photos, description, amenities, and pricing. The platform is simple and straightforward.

03

Set Up Direct Payment

Since Houfy doesn't process payments, you handle payment collection directly. Options: Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, or check. Set clear payment terms.

04

Build Your Direct Booking Website

Houfy gives you a shareable booking page. Share this link on social media, email, and your own website. Build a repeat guest list that bypasses all platforms.

05

Manage Your Calendar

Sync your Houfy calendar with Airbnb and VRBO via iCal to prevent double-bookings. Update availability regularly.

06

Grow Your Repeat Guest Base

Houfy's biggest value is building direct relationships. After hosting guests on Airbnb/VRBO, invite them to book direct next time through Houfy. You both save on fees.

Pro Tips

Houfy Strategy

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The Fee Math

On a $200/night, 3-night booking ($600): Airbnb takes ~$18 (host) + $84 (guest) = $102 in fees. VRBO takes ~$30. Houfy takes $0. Over a year, savings can reach $3,000-$8,000.

📈

Attract Repeat Guests

After a great Airbnb stay, send guests your Houfy link for their next visit. Offer a 5-10% 'direct booking discount.' They save on fees, you save on fees. Everyone wins.

No Insurance Included

Houfy provides no liability insurance or damage protection. You MUST have your own STR insurance. Also consider requiring a security deposit for direct bookings.

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Best as a Supplement

Houfy works best alongside Airbnb/VRBO, not as a replacement. Use the big platforms for discovery and new guests. Use Houfy for repeat guests and direct bookings.

FAQ

Common Questions

Is Houfy really free?

Yes. Zero host fees, zero guest fees, zero commission. Houfy offers optional premium features but the basic listing and booking functionality is completely free.

How do I collect payment?

You handle payments directly — Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer. Set up clear payment terms and collect before or at check-in.

Is it safe without platform protection?

You need your own insurance and screening process. Require ID verification, a security deposit, and a rental agreement. Most Houfy guests are repeat visitors from other platforms.

How many guests will I get from Houfy?

Houfy has a smaller audience than Airbnb/VRBO. Don't expect discovery traffic. Its value is as a direct booking tool for guests you've already hosted elsewhere.

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