An American woman, who openly admits she is not a soccer enthusiast, has generated over £4,000 by leasing out rooms in her residence to football supporters journeying to the World Cup.
Robin Urton, a 61-year-old artist, has reaped $4,881 (£3,600) from nine reservations after posting her home on Airbnb in preparation for the summer tournament. “I am not into soccer, or any sports for that matter, but I appreciate diverse individuals and relish engaging with them in my home,” she mentioned. “My cats are playing the role of a welcoming concierge, and the guests adore them.”
Residing just a brief 12-minute drive away from Kansas City Stadium, Robin realized she could capitalize on the influx of fans flocking to the city for matches this season. While refurbishing the upper suite of her Tudor-style abode, she came across articles about homeowners profiting from the tournament and decided to try her luck – “it was a simple decision,” she remarked.
Unlike numerous hosts who lease out their entire property and vacate during major sports events, Robin has opted to continue living in the residence alongside her visitors. “I would find it challenging to trust complete strangers in my home if I were not present,” she expressed.
Preferring to share her living space with guests has granted Robin the opportunity to connect with globetrotting soccer fans, including individuals from Mexico and Argentina. “The Argentine couple were incredibly amiable and kind,” she shared. “The gentleman even assisted me in setting up my Smart Lock.”
Guests staying at the property have the privilege of accessing a spacious bedroom, a kitchenette, dining area, living room, and private bathroom, while an additional downstairs bedroom can accommodate two more visitors.
Six years ago, Robin commenced renting a portion of her property after a long-term housemate departed. A friend proposed she transform the space into furnished accommodation for nurses on short contracts working at a nearby research center, and Robin soon realized she could earn considerably more than with a traditional lodger.
Upon initially listing the property on Airbnb, the platform promoted her listing, leading to swift bookings. However, since then, she has encountered challenges in attracting guests due to receiving only two reviews thus far. “Now that I have a few reviews, the bookings are increasing, but most reviews won’t materialize until the World Cup is nearly over,” she noted.
Robin believes that some of the reported earnings during the tournament have been exaggerated but acknowledges that the supplementary income has made a substantial impact. “The projected earnings for homeowners have definitely been overstated,” she acknowledged. “Nevertheless, it has been a beneficial opportunity for me as it is aiding me in upgrading my home, which consistently requires maintenance.”
“I am open to renting out my house for additional sporting events in the future,” Robin concluded. She initially earned around $700 (£531) from her first two bookings and anticipates a total of $3,208 (£2,434) in earnings for June alone. She projects an additional $973 (£738) in July, with availability still remaining.
