Have you ever found yourself in need of a furnished rental for 30 days or longer? If so, then you may have heard of Furnished Finder, an alternative to Airbnb that caters specifically to travelers seeking mid-term temporary housing. As a former five-star Airbnb host and frequent user, I decided to embark on a new adventure with Furnished Finder and share my experience with you.
What Sets Furnished Finder Apart?
Furnished Finder acts as a classified ad website, combining the functionalities of Craigslist and Airbnb. It offers a safer and more secure platform than traditional classified ads while avoiding the corporate hassles of Airbnb. Like Airbnb, you can browse listings and read reviews from previous guests. However, unlike Airbnb, Furnished Finder allows direct communication with hosts, and you even have the option to visit the property before making a decision.
Who Uses Furnished Finder?
While Furnished Finder was initially created to serve traveling nurses, it has become a popular choice for a wide range of individuals. Business travelers looking for an alternative to impersonal corporate housing, people in the midst of a home remodel, and even those relocating to a new city use Furnished Finder as a solution for their temporary housing needs.
An Alternative Within the United States
Furnished Finder is currently exclusive to the United States, catering to both domestic and international guests. So, if you're planning a trip within the country, Furnished Finder could be the perfect alternative to Airbnb.
Choosing Your Ideal Accommodation
One of the advantages of Furnished Finder is the flexibility it offers. Just like Airbnb, you can choose between booking an entire home or renting a room in a shared space. While renting a room can be more cost-effective, those who value privacy may prefer to have an entire home to themselves. Furnished Finder has a diverse range of housing options, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
The Payment Process
For anyone new to Furnished Finder, understanding the payment process can be a bit confusing. Unlike Airbnb, Furnished Finder doesn't handle payments. Instead, you'll pay your host directly. Once you've chosen your rental, the contract will outline the payment details. In my case, I simply made a monthly Venmo payment to the homeowner.
My Journey with Furnished Finder
I decided to use Furnished Finder when I relocated to St. Louis in 2021. After years of dealing with frustrating property management firms in Seattle, I was ready to find a furnished home or apartment to stay in until I closed on a house in my new city.
Navigating Furnished Finder initially proved to be a challenge. Some listings didn't respond to my inquiries, and finding an available rental took more effort than I anticipated. However, I persisted and eventually connected with a couple who were seeking a tenant for their home while they traveled internationally. What I loved most about Furnished Finder was the opportunity to visit the property in person before making a commitment, something that Airbnb doesn't offer.
After viewing the home and meeting the homeowners, I decided to move forward with renting the first property I had seen through Furnished Finder. The process of signing a contract, paying a deposit, and eventually moving in was similar to renting any other apartment.
Settling into My New Home
Moving into my Furnished Finder rental felt like a breath of fresh air. Having the comfort and convenience of a real home, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, made the experience much more enjoyable compared to short-term vacation rentals. Of course, there were minor inconveniences, like a missing towel holder, but these were easy to overlook in the grand scheme of things.
Ending My Furnished Finder Stay
Leaving my Furnished Finder apartment was bittersweet. I had accumulated more belongings during my two-month stay than I had anticipated. However, the experience was seamless, and I was able to move directly into my new home in St. Louis after closing the deal.
As a courtesy to the homeowners, I left a positive and detailed review of my stay on the Furnished Finder platform. I was so impressed with the service that I recommended it to a friend who had a basement apartment for rent. She decided to give it a try and has since become a happy Furnished Finder host.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To ensure a safe and hassle-free experience, here are a few tips I've gathered from my years of renting on various platforms, including Furnished Finder:
- Check references and reviews of the property and host.
- Verify the authenticity of listing photos to avoid scams.
- Document the condition of the property before moving in to protect yourself from false damage claims.
Final Thoughts on Furnished Finder
In my opinion, Furnished Finder has the potential to be a strong competitor to Airbnb, especially for stays of 30 days or longer. It offers the charm of real homes and the opportunity to connect with hosts on a personal level. With lower fees and greater transparency, Furnished Finder provides a unique and advantageous experience for both guests and hosts.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of a longer-term rental, consider giving Furnished Finder a try. Who knows? You may discover a new way to travel that surpasses your expectations.
