An American woman, despite not being a soccer enthusiast, has generated over £4,000 by leasing rooms in her residence to football supporters attending the World Cup. Robin Urton, a 61-year-old artist, has earned $4,881 (£3,600) from nine bookings by listing her home on Airbnb before the tournament. Expressing her enjoyment in interacting with diverse individuals, she mentioned that her cats play the role of a welcoming concierge, which guests appreciate.
Living just a short drive away from Kansas City Stadium, Robin recognized the opportunity to capitalize on the influx of fans coming to the city for the matches this summer. She decided to rent out a part of her Tudor-style home after reading about homeowners profiting from the event and viewed it as a logical choice.
In contrast to many hosts who vacate their properties during major sports events, Robin has opted to stay in her home alongside her guests. She expressed her preference for being present while hosting strangers, citing trust as a key factor.
By choosing to cohabit with her guests, Robin has had the chance to engage with football enthusiasts from around the world, including those from Mexico and Argentina. She shared a positive experience with an Argentine couple who helped her with setting up a Smart Lock.
Guests staying at her property have access to various amenities, including a spacious bedroom, kitchenette, dining area, living room, and private bathroom. An additional downstairs bedroom can accommodate two more visitors.
Six years ago, Robin began renting out a portion of her residence after her long-term housemate departed. Initially targeting nurses on short contracts near a research facility, she discovered that furnished accommodation could yield higher earnings compared to traditional lodgers.
Although her property quickly attracted bookings after being listed on Airbnb, Robin has struggled to maintain consistent guest flow due to limited reviews. She anticipates an upsurge in bookings post-World Cup, as most reviews are expected then.
While acknowledging that some revenue claims related to the tournament may be exaggerated, Robin emphasized the positive impact of the additional income. She highlighted how the earnings are helping her invest in necessary home upgrades and expressed willingness to rent out her property for future sporting events.
From her initial two bookings, Robin earned approximately $700 (£531) and projects a total income of $3,208 (£2,434) for June alone. She foresees an additional $973 (£738) in July, with availability still open for potential guests.