The number of people renting Airbnb properties in Buffalo is up substantially for the Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Monday Night Football game.
According to Airbnb, 994 guests are expected to arrive in Buffalo from October 28th to October 30th. This is up 531 guests from the same time last year, and up 431 from the weekend prior.
For local Airbnd hosts, who rent out their homes and property, the company said they are expected to make a total of $59,700 - with the typical host getting $182.
The number of Airbnb hosts in the Buffalo area has been growing over the past few years.
Why rent your home to a stranger?
"It is good money and you meet people from all over the world," said Buffalo Airbnb host Joseph Galvin.
Galvin has two Airbnb apartments on 19th Street in the City of Buffalo.
One of his single-bedroom apartments use to lease for $600/month. It is now renting to Airbnb guests for $110/night and making 2 to 3 times what it use to.
"Things can be slow in the winter months but during the peak times of the year, I can pull in close to $2,800 a month," Galvin explained to 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly.
There are responsibilities, such as keeping the property maintained and cleaned, but Galvin said he has never had a problem with any of his guests who come from around the world.
Guests and hosts are rated online using a 5-star system. That rating plays a role in how people are selected. More information about being an Airbnb host can be found here: https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes
Ed Reilly will have more on being a Buffalo Airbnb host tonight at 6 p.m.
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