As a travel nurse, part of the job is finding a place to live.
And with so many options out there, this can be pretty stressful (I know it is for me).
Usually though, the answer comes down to between Furnished Finder and AirBnB.
So the question is, between Furnished Finder vs Airbnb, which is the best travel nurse housing site?
While both offer furnished short-term rentals, there are distinct differences between them that travel nurses should consider.
Why Furnished Finder vs Airbnb?
As a seasoned travel nurse, I have stayed in short-term rentals for both platforms.
And out of the best travel nurse housing sites, I have also noticed that these two seem to be the most popular as they are the first sites that come to my mind when looking for a place to live.
Furnished Finder:
- Specializes in furnished monthly rentals for travel nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Despite the criticisms, Furnished Finder is legit.
In contrast, Airbnb:
- Provides a broader range of accommodations, from entire homes to apartments to rooms in shared spaces.
- While Airbnb does offer some furnished rentals, they are not specifically tailored to the needs of travel nurse housing.
While Furnished Finder is typically more affordable for longer stays, Airbnb may be a better option for shorter stays.
When weighing Furnished Finder vs Airbnb for travel nurses, there are a few factors to consider. These include factors such as length of stay, offered amenities, and cost.
Additionally, Furnished Finder often offers amenities that are specifically tailored to provide short-term housing for traveling professionals and the needs of travel nurses, such as proximity to hospitals and medical facilities.
Overall, whichever option you choose depends on what your preferences are, but which is the best travel nurse housing site?
Overview of Furnished Finder
Furnished Finder: The Best Travel Nurse Housing Site?
Furnished Finder stands out as a go-to site offering both long and short-term furnished housing for travel nurses.
It’s a hub where travel nurses can connect with property owners who are open to a traveling nurse’s rental agreement for their work contract.
Furnished Finder is an ideal platform for travel nurses who are looking for a hassle-free way to find accommodation. The website offers a simple and user-friendly interface that allows travel nurses to search for properties based on their location, budget, and other preferences.
The platform also provides a secure payment system that ensures that both travel nurses and property owners are protected.
Key Features
Furnished Finder offers several key features that make it an attractive option for travel nurses. Some of the key features of the platform include:
- Extensive Property Listings: Furnished Finder has a large number of property listings that are specifically designed for travel nurses. The platform offers a wide range of options that cater to different budgets, locations, and preferences.
- Secure Payment System: Furnished Finder provides a secure payment system that ensures that both travel nurses and property owners are protected. The platform uses a secure payment gateway to process all transactions, which helps to prevent fraud and other security issues.
- Rentals tailored to travel nurses: When looking at a listing, it is easy to see what amenities are included and also the proximity to the surrounding hospitals.
My Furnished Finder Experience
Furnished Finders is the platform that I have used the most during my travel nursing career.
And yes, Furnished Finder is legit.
Not only is it my first place to look when eyeing a potential job or when it’s time to actually find a place, but it also by far has the most amount of options to choose from.
When starting my search, I will usually message the owner (if they don’t respond, send them a text to their phone), and have a phone conversation to see if it would be a good fit for both of us.
Then after a walkthrough, they will send over a basic lease (or I’ll send my own) and then I will pay a deposit using either Zell or Venmo.
When I say “walkthrough”, I mean having the property manager walk through the property while on a video call so you can see that one, the property is real, and two, it looks like the pictures in the ad.
When finding travel nurse housing, one should always be aware that there is always the potential for scams or the property not looking as it does in the pictures.
It is required that the owner pays to list their property on the site so that does keep a lot of scammers away, but there are also horror stories where the place looks nothing like the pictures and is a total dump.
I always recommend you request a walk-through on Facetime so you can be sure that you are getting what you paid for.
I have also never used Furnished Finder’s application or payment system, and I have also never had an issue doing so.
Sending a large amount of money to a stranger is always nerve-wracking, but I have yet to be taken advantage of.
And on that note, if you have a bad or slimy feeling about anything at all, trust your gut and don’t pursue the property. (Read more on staying safe in my article, The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nurse Housing).
In summary, Furnished Finder is a reliable and user-friendly platform that offers a wide range of furnished housing for travel nurses.
The platform provides a secure payment system, extensive property listings, and lots of great amenities, making it an ideal option for travel nurses who are looking for a hassle-free way to find temporary housing.
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Overview of Airbnb
Airbnb: The Best Travel Nurse Housing Site?
Airbnb, a well-known marketplace for short-term lodging, offers travelers a wide variety of unique accommodations.
However, for traveling nurses, who may require more specialized short-term travel nurse housing, Airbnb generally tends to be focused on vacations — not 4-month stays.
Key Features
While Airbnb’s diverse options are a draw, travel nurses often need more predictable and tailored housing solutions that sites like Furnished Finder are designed to provide.
For example, while staying in a tree house, castle, or yurt may seem fun, we need something a little bit more traditional for our stay.
- Quality Control: Airbnb ensures a secure booking experience with stringent quality controls, including verified IDs, user reviews, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 customer support for peace of mind.
- Flexibility: In case you are ever in a situation where you can’t move into your short-term rental for a week or three, Airbnb can be a good interim option in place of a hotel.
- Alternative Options: Airbnb hosts a wide array of options besides an entire home. If you are willing to just rent a room, the option is there and you know the host has been background checked for peace of mind.
My Airbnb Experience
I have used Airbnb one time in all of my traveling nurse adventures. It was a very small town and extremely limited in its furnished, short-term housing market.
The property itself was a house that was converted into three apartments.
The unit was small but cozy.
Plus, it was the first time the kitties had seen or used stairs, so that was entertaining.
The biggest drawback for me was the price — there is on average an extra $800-$1000 in “Airbnb fees”, which can be a deal-breaker for some.
I ended up moving out of my Airbnb two months early (due to tree-trimming and home renovations next door during the daytime hours that I was sleeping).
But, because I had gone through Airbnb, I was able to “break the lease” and move without having to pay for the cost of the entire stay.
I want to point out one thing that Furnished Finder doesn’t offer, and that is a cancellation policy. Because I had gone through Airbnb, I was able to “break the lease” and move without having to pay for the cost of the entire stay.
There are also other safeguards in place in case there is an emergency or the landlord rips you off, which can offer some peace of mind while you’re living in another state.
This is something that FF doesn’t offer due to signing a traditional lease instead of an Airbnb contract.
Comparing The Two
Ultimately, both platforms could be the best travel nurse housing sites, but understanding the nuances of each is crucial.
Furnished Finder’s model as one of the best travel nurse housing sites, with its focus on furnished short-term housing and specific offerings for traveling professionals, may give it an edge in certain scenarios.
| Factor | Furnished Finder | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More market value | Usually higher |
| Location | Focuses its housing on proximity to hospitals and makes it a key feature on their listings. | Since they aren’t made for travel nurses, the location can be anywhere. |
| Amenities | Focuses its listings on amenities that a travel nurse would want | Amenities are more focused on having a good vacation, not necessarily a work trip. |
| Cancellation Fees | I have always signed a lease when going through FF, which is costly to break. | If you cancel before the first 30 days, you should be able to get a full refund (besides having to pay the full first month’s rent). After that, there is a large fee. |
Advantages of Furnished Finder for Travel Nurses
Furnished Finder is a popular housing platform for travel nurses. Here are some advantages of using Furnished Finder over Airbnb:
1. Designed for Travel Nurses
Furnished Finder is specifically designed to cater to the needs of travel nurses.
It provides a comprehensive list of furnished housing options suitable for travel nurses.
The platform has a filter that allows users to search for properties that are close to hospitals, which is a crucial factor for travel nurses.
2. Lower Fees
Furnished Finder charges lower fees compared to Airbnb. Airbnb charges a service fee to both the host and the guest, which can add up to a significant amount.
Furnished Finder, on the other hand, charges a small fee to the host only.
3. No Need to Compete with Tourists
Airbnb is a popular platform for tourists, which means that hosts have to compete with other hosts to attract guests.
Furnished Finder, on the other hand, is a platform that is specifically designed for travel nurses.
This means that hosts on Furnished Finder do not have to compete with tourists, making it easier for them to attract guests.
4. Short-term Leases
Furnished Finder offers short-term leases, which are ideal for travel nurses who need temporary housing.
Airbnb, on the other hand, is more suited for longer stays. This means that travel nurses who use Airbnb may have to pay for unused days, which can be costly.
Advantages of Airbnb for Travel Nurses
Airbnb is a popular platform for finding short-term rentals for vacationers, while also having several advantages for travel nurses. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Wide Variety of Options
Airbnb offers a wide variety of housing options, ranging from private rooms to entire apartments or houses.
This variety allows travel nurses to find housing that meets their specific needs and preferences.
For example, some travel nurses may prefer to stay in a private room within a larger home, while others may prefer to have an entire apartment or house to themselves.
Another thing to consider is what amenities are available on the property.
Is there a coffee maker, air fryer, and storage? It is important to know what travel nurse essentials to pack with you.
2. Peace of Mind
If a property is listed on Airbnb and there are reviews, you should be able to feel pretty confident that the place is real and not a scam.
It takes a lot to post a listing on the site, not to mention a lot more user reviews than on Furnished Finder.
3. Easy to Use
AirBnB’s platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple for travel nurses to find and book housing.
Additionally, Airbnb provides a messaging system that allows hosts and guests to communicate directly, which can be helpful for coordinating check-in times and addressing any issues that may arise during the stay.
4. Unique and Personalized Experiences
Many Airbnb hosts offer unique and personalized experiences to their guests, such as local recommendations or insider tips on the best places to eat or visit in the area.
This can be especially valuable for travel nurses who are new to a city or area and want to explore and experience everything it has to offer.
Safety and Security Measures
When it comes to safety and security measures, both Furnished Finder and Airbnb have policies in place to ensure their users have a safe experience.
Furnished Finder has a verification process for property owners, requiring them to provide a government-issued ID and a valid phone number.
They also require property owners to have a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance and offer a secure payment system for renters. Additionally, they offer a 24/7 customer service hotline for any issues that may arise.
Airbnb also has a verification process for both hosts and guests, requiring them to provide a government-issued ID and a profile picture.
It is important to note that while both platforms have safety measures in place, travelers should still take precautions when booking accommodations.
Travelers should thoroughly research the property and the area it is located in, read reviews from previous guests, and communicate with the host before booking.
Support and Customer Service
Both Furnished Finder and Airbnb offer support and customer service to their users.
Furnished Finder has a dedicated support team available via phone and email during business hours, as well as an online chat feature available 24/7.
They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website that covers a range of topics from how to list a property to how to pay for a booking.
Airbnb also offers support and customer service via phone, email, and an online chat feature.
They also have a community forum where users can ask and answer questions, as well as an extensive help center with articles on a wide range of topics.
Airbnb, on the other hand, caters to a wider range of travelers and may not have the same level of expertise in healthcare-related issues.
| Support and Customer Service | Furnished Finder | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Support | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Email Support | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Online Chat | ✔️ (24/7) | ✔️ |
| Community Forum | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Specialized Healthcare Knowledge | ✔️ | ❌ |
Final Recommendations
In my professional and experienced opinion, Furnished Finder comes out on top.
With a wide range of listings and locations, travel nurses can easily find a place to stay that is close to their assignment.
While the competition was close, not all Airbnb listings are suitable for extended stays, and travel nurses should carefully review the amenities and location of each listing before making a reservation.
Furnished Finder is specifically designed for travel nurse housing and other healthcare professionals who need furnished short-term housing.
The platform offers a wide range of listings that are vetted for quality and safety, and many listings offer amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
Additionally, Furnished Finder offers a dedicated support team that can help travel nurses find the perfect housing option for their needs.
Ultimately, the choice between Furnished Finder and Airbnb is a personal one.
I recommend you have a list of qualities in mind and go with whatever is the number one priority for you.
FAQ
Is Furnished Finder Legit?
From numerous personal experiences, I can say that yes, Furnished Finder is legit. It is the go-to platform for travel nurse housing due to it being tailored toward travel nurses. I also use it to get a general feel of the housing situation when deciding on taking an assignment or not.
Can I Use Furnished Finder if I am not a nurse?
Yes! You do not need to be a travel nurse to use the site — it is just built and tailored to suit our unique needs. Anyone needing short-term furnished housing may use the site.
What’s the difference between Furnished Finder and Airbnb?
Furnished Finder is better suited and made for longer-term stays with most of the properties listed on the site having a one-month minimum. Airbnb has a much shorter limit, usually starting at one day.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author based on personal experiences. They do not necessarily represent the views of any entities affiliated with the author or the platforms discussed. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. No relationship between the reader and the author should be inferred or established. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication; however, the author does not assume any liability for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter herein. The author is not affiliated with Furnished Finder, Airbnb, or any of the housing platforms mentioned, nor does the author receive any form of compensation from them. Any action you take upon the information in this article is strictly at your own risk, and the author will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from its use. –Ashly Jean