An American woman, despite not being a soccer enthusiast, has successfully earned more than £4,000 by leasing rooms in her residence to football aficionados attending the World Cup. Robin Urton, a 61-year-old artist, has garnered $4,881 (£3,600) from nine reservations after listing her home on Airbnb in preparation for the tournament this summer. Expressing her motivation, she stated that while she may not be into sports, she takes pleasure in hosting diverse individuals in her home, with her cats adding a welcoming touch that guests appreciate.
Living just a short drive away from Kansas City Stadium, Robin seized the opportunity to capitalize on the influx of fans flocking to the city for matches this season. During the renovation of the upstairs suite in her Tudor-style house, she came across reports of homeowners profiting from the tournament and decided to give it a shot, deeming it a logical choice. Unlike many hosts who vacate their premises and rent out the entire property during major sports events, Robin has opted to coexist with her guests in the same household, citing a preference for being present to ensure trust and security.
By sharing her space with guests, Robin has had the chance to engage with football enthusiasts from around the globe, including visitors from Mexico and Argentina. Describing her interactions with guests, she highlighted the warmth and helpfulness of an Argentinian couple who stayed at her place, with the man even assisting her with setting up a Smart Lock. The accommodations offered to guests include a spacious bedroom, kitchenette, dining area, living room, private bathroom, and an additional downstairs bedroom for two more visitors.
Robin’s venture into renting out part of her property commenced six years ago following the departure of a long-term housemate. Initially suggested by a friend to cater to short-term nurses working at a nearby research center, she soon realized the financial advantage of furnished accommodations over traditional lodgers. Although her initial listing on Airbnb garnered quick bookings due to platform promotion, sustaining guest interest has proved challenging, as only two reviews have been received thus far.
Anticipating an increase in bookings following more reviews post-World Cup, Robin acknowledged that while some income figures associated with the tournament may be exaggerated, the additional earnings have made a tangible impact on her finances. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to upgrade her home through the rental income, she affirmed her willingness to participate in similar sporting events in the future. With earnings of around $700 (£531) from her first two bookings and a projected total of $3,208 (£2,434) for June alone, Robin foresees an additional $973 (£738) in July, indicating remaining availability for interested guests.
