Thanks For Visiting

We’re continuing to bring our favorite speakers from the VRMA onto the show! This time, we’re joined by the wonderful Dana Lubner. As Head of Leadership Development at Rent Responsibly, Dana works closely with alliance leadership teams to build united voices at the local level. She also serves on Denver’s short-term rental advisory committee alongside members of the city council. In Fall of 2020, Dana and VRMB’s Matt Landau launched a 10-part educational podcast titled “How to Save Your Vacation Rental Business,” with a second season in the works bravely tackling the difficult question of “What is fair regulation?” We dive into those plans and much more during this discussion. She delivers actionable tips and tricks to get involved in making sure the rental industry remains accessible to those who know, use, and love it appropriately.Resources:rentresponsibly.orgHow to Save Your Vacation Rental Business - Hosted by Dana Lubnereffortlessrentalgroup.comrentresponsibly.org/resourcesDon't have a STR alliance in your location? Start one! Check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE: Building a Self-Sustainable Short-Term Rental AllianceVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @thejbbeachhouseThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

We are all about starting fast without overthinking things. You don’t have to have everything dialed in and figured out before you dive into your first short-term rental property. But one thing you should have some idea of at the very beginning, is the end. That is, what do you do with that property once your STR journey is over? You never know where life is going to take you, so it’s smart to have these things in mind as things change over time. We’re going to explore what you need to know when you buy so that you can plan out a successful exit strategy. Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @black.barn.ranchThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

You can learn a lot from professional hosts, but what about a professional guest? In this episode, we reverse engineer what pulls at a potential guest’s heart strings when making a booking, and compare what we find to things we think or assume are their priorities.When COVID-19 hit, Zach Busekrus and his wife Gabby decided to break out of their 750-square foot apartment in Washington, DC and beta test the digital nomad lifestyle by hopping around to new Airbnbs every 2-4 weeks. They’ve spent countless hours on Airbnb’s platform and have learned a thing, or ten, about how to discern the wheat from the chaff, when to book (and when not to), and how to find the best deals. Now, they aim to share what they’ve learned with others hoping to do the same.Resources:sponstayneous.combehindthestays.comThe Sparrow's NestVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @thezinretreatThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Continuing a series of interviews featuring our favorite speakers from the 2021 Vacation Rental Managers Association International Conference in San Antonio, Texas, we sit down with Angie Leong, owner and CEO of Coconut Condos, a vacation rental management company founded in 2011 on the beautiful island of Maui. We talk about recognizing the tipping point between running things part-time on your own and hiring people to turn your STR project into a full-time business. We also discuss his perspective on approaching rental growth, riding pandemic policies in Hawaii, and how you can participate in the Dream Foundation.Resources:coconutcondos.comTo contact Coconut Condos, call today at (808) 419-1000 to speak with one of their friendly vacation rental specialists or email the team at [email protected]. dreamfoundation.orgVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @cozyescapesThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Heather Richer is a revenue management and distribution expert with over a decade of experience. She and her team have done revenue management for hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, and have been focusing on short-term rentals for the last 3+ years. We'll discuss the fundamentals of revenue management for short-term rentals. Even if you don’t feel like a revenue expert, it's critical to understand so that you can steal market share and beat your competition. She’s going to help you feel more confident, regardless of what your hosting situation happens to be.Resources:richerlogic.comastrho.orgVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @wanderchattThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

We’re still reeling from our first in-person conference post COVID. It was great to spend time among so many great and like-minded people at the Vacation Rental Managers Association International Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Listen for a rundown of our time there, from tips on how to get what you want out of people more effectively to how to handle negative reviews.Resources:Rent ResponsiblyBreezewayHostGPOVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @mountainlakebungalowThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Running multiple rental properties can be stressful… but managing them across multiple states? It’s still totally doable!Victoria is a Superhost who has been at it for over a year in her home city of Columbus, Ohio, and she and her husband recently expanded their hosting business to Nashville, Tennessee. Hosting has allowed her to blend her passion for real estate, hospitality, project management, and design into one industry while creating financial freedom for her and her family and enabling them to practice radical generosity.In this episode, listeners will hear a firsthand experience of what it’s like owning short-term rentals across multiple states and working with multiple management teams and vendors. We’ll discuss why it’s critical to have a boots on the ground management team that are experts in the area, how to maximize your property’s performance, as well as the local short-term rental laws and regulations! We’ll also discuss why it’s important to discuss your goals with your management company(s) to ensure all parties are aligned.Resources:Instagram: @vmhawleyColumbus properties: airbnb.com/users/show/257339160Nashville property: abnb.me/GQcDEp8LTjbVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @mouse.house.rentalsThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

The number one thing that communicates to your potential guests and turns them to booked guests is effective photography. Kati and Brian Greene are “Superguests” who, after searching thousands of listings around the world, utilized that experience to create a service that optimizes listings to magnetize guests. They share tips you can use right away to boost the impression your property makes to potential renters, including some very powerful ones we’ve never heard of before.Resources:overlooked2overbooked.comClick here to get Kati and Brian’s eyes on your listing: overlooked2overbooked.com/listing-reviewVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @sanctuary33cabinThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

What can you do when your gut is sending you warning signs about a guest booking?While you don’t want to be individually vetting guests, you do want to make sure that they’re a good fit for your properties – especially if you have specific rules, guidelines, or qualifications. Airbnb is on your side when it comes to making sure guests stay honest.We’re going to outline some of the things Airbnb already does to help hosts (including identity verification), as well as some of the “do”s and “don’t”s to keep you safe.Resources:Safely: safely.comInsuraGuest: insuraguest.comAutohost: autohost.aiVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @bluejayhavenThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Moira Sedgwick is the James Beard Awards Director and founder of A Chalet Collective, a short term rental design, remote management, and consulting business. In this episode, listeners will hear about the convergence of hospitality and design. We will dive into why it's important to create a unique, elevated experience and how to level up the vibe when creating your space.Resources:The Lost Cabin, Portland Maine@dirtandglassRecommended photographers: @cfunk44 + @heypamcakes@[email protected]@away.house@campchicoryVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @gregoryhillbnbThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

We all want to run a good business, but many of us want to do good in the world as well. Chelsea Dunckley of Digs Co. joins us as we explore how offering up your vacation rental in various philanthropic ways can create a cascade of positive ripple effects within your community, your town, your family, and your business.Resources:digs-co.comInstagram: @thedigs.coVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @thehouseonlawstreetThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Dan Ferretti has spent most of his life acting, singing, and pursuing a career in theater. He supplements this unstable career choice by managing a rooftop baseball club at Wrigley Field in his hometown of Chicago, as well as working as a standardized patient at Rush University Medical College and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dan is also a Superhost of his vacation condo in Puerto Vallarta, and co-host of two other units his friend owns there. He shares the entire story of how he found his first property in Mexico, how he used his personal traveling experience to inform how he ran his rental, and the wild ride that came along with it.Resources:Instagram: @casa_pavo_real_pvFacebook: facebook.com/CasaPavoRealPVDan’s STR: Casa Pavo RealVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @greengateguesthousesThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Last week we talked about how to find a property manager that’s a good fit for you. But what if you’re on the management side, you take a job and, down the line, you realize the property doesn’t align well with your brand? Whether you're co-hosting, you’re looking to bring a property into your portfolio, or you’re stop-and-go on getting started, we’re going to help you listen to that inner voice – and guide you with what to do when you’ve ignored it.Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @wildpinescabinThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Even if you LOVE being a property manager, practically everyone hits a point where they realize “You know what? Maybe I don’t want to be managing all of my own properties forever.”When you get there, there’s only one thing to do: start hiring. But when it’s time to hire, how do you make sure you find a great property manager, co-host, or hosting company? We’ve narrowed it down to eleven things to look out for when you’re hiring help.Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @thedigs.coThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

We’ve spent a lot of time focused on two phases of the property-owning process: buying and renting. But there’s another step we have had a chance to dive into yet, and that’s the selling process.Jacoby Olin has been involved in short-term vacation rentals, litigation consulting, food and beverage, and real estate for over a decade. He’s one of the preeminent M&A consultants in the short-term rental industry. He specifically advised buy-side clients looking to expand into new markets through acquisitions and developer partnerships.We discuss why you would want to sell your property, define cap rates and capital gains, and the steps you can take right now to set you up for a successful sale down the line.Resources:[email protected] thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @the_hideaway_torquayThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Mike Hicks is a real estate maverick. He’s been involved throughout the industry for over 20 years, beginning in new construction and working his way to long-term rentals, flips, and short-term rentals as well. When he converted a duplex to a STR in 2016, he was hooked. We talk about real estate, his journey into short-term renting, the pros and cons of short and long-term renting, and building a rental inside of a shipping container.Resources:wanderchatt.comInstagram: @wanderchattInstagram: @findyourrepurposeVisit www.thanksforvisiting.me/live to join us live next week #STRShareSunday: @theoliverokcThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

We always try to be transparent about what is going on in our businesses in the hopes that doing so will serve you. We share our hopes, ideas, struggles, and more. And on that note, we’re going to share one of our most recent embarrassments because you can learn from it.As we’ve worked together, we have evolved from wanting to focus on education (don’t worry, we’ll still be doing that!) and into growing our own short-term rental empire together. In fact, we just took the first step by making an offer on a property! This has been a long time in the making, and – honestly – we made it take a LOT longer than it needed to. That’s what we’re going to discuss.Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @hiplandiaThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Some people like to dip their toes into the short-term rental world. Others, like today’s guest, go all in from the beginning. Despite having no background in the market, Callie Witcher is a Superhost from Fredericksburg, TX in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, where she and her husband built three short-term rentals from the ground up. She shares why short-term rentals were right for her family, why they decided on Fredericksburg as the place to host, and how she manages to find balance and handle the stress of it all.Resources:aframeranch.comInstagram: @aframeranchVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @sprucewoodcottageThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

One of the questions we get asked most often is: how do you hire a team that has the same ethos and attention to detail as you?Taylor Arbaugh is a property coordinator at The Cliffs Hocking Hills and a team member of Sarah's. She helps to host the property. She is a mom and local in the area where The Cliffs is located, in Hocking Hills, Ohio. She doesn’t come from a property management background, but she has been a great addition to the team. If you’re not in the industry yourself, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn what it takes to make a great project manager.Resources:Find Taylor on Instagram: Email: [email protected] the Property: @thecliffs_hockinghillsVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @thecovecabinThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

When it comes to safety, it always feels like an accident will never happen with you – until it does.Justin Ford, our Safety Captain, is professionally trained by the coastguard, volunteers as a firefighter, and previously ran a 600-property vacation rental company. He has personally experienced tragedy at one of his own properties, so he speaks from a high level of experience.This time, we’re talking about deck safety. There is an epidemic of deck collapses in the United States, and we need to get it under control. Here are a couple of easy ways to address the problem.Resources:breezeway.io/safety-appVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @aqualuxe850Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

There are so many things to clean within your short-term rental, so it’s worryingly easy to overlook something. We’re exploring the top five things that could save you a trip to your rental thanks to some smart, preventative cleaning.Resources:barkeepersfriend.combreezeway.io#STRShareSunday: @loosecreekcabinsThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

When you’re running a business, keeping track of your expenses is just as important as tracking income. But there are some costs that you’d never think of. We’re going to cover one hidden expense that’s going to give you a real gut check – and that’s your time.Most expenses are pretty straightforward: how much are linens, how much is WiFi? But when it comes to the cost of time, there’s far more involved. There’s a lot of emotion tied up in how we view our time and, as most of us know, hosting does not have a strict start or end. You’re on call all the time. It’s hard to nail down exactly how many hours you’ll be working.Resources:Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!#STRShareSunday: @magnoliawvThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

So many hosts complain about the drawbacks of online travel agencies – but few actually do anything about them. Most don’t even know how!In an ever-competitive marketplace, Mark Simpson helps short-term rental hosts thrive. After successfully coaching over one thousand hospitality businesses to date, Mark’s current mission is to help one million hosts increase their direct bookings so they are no longer under the control of online travel agencies.Resources:boostly.co.ukboostly.co.uk/pmsVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @gastongetawayThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Lauren Noble is a Superhost from Austin, Texas whose short-term rental was featured on the CNBC show “Cash Pad” with the Bachelorette's JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers in the fall of 2019. Hosting was supposed to be a fun part time project for her, but it has turned into a busy side gig that has jump started her desire to get more involved in real estate investing. She’s also an ICU nurse and first-time mom! She runs the Airbnb by herself, with the occasional help of her husband, a small business owner. She talks about her experience being on the show, what the rental market is like in Austin, and their plans for the future!Resources:Airbnb: The Boho Bungalow in Great HillsFull Opening: The first seven minutes of the 'Austin Boho Bungalow' episodeInstagram: @atxbohobungalowVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @cozycoastalhpThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Looking for a creative, fun, and accessible way to get into the short-term rental space? Look no further!Matt Mitchell is a digital nomad who turned his passion for campervan travel into a short-term rental business. Through each rental experience, he’s able to educate travelers about their investment in adventure and outdoor recreation. He spent a year traveling across the US & Canada in his home on wheels, and the experience gave him more than he could possibly describe. Now, he wants to share the feeling and encourage others to get outside and live minimally – or at least get a taste of the lifestyle before making the leap. He talks about how he got started, the appeal of this kind of rental, the kinds of questions he regularly receives, and the hosting service he tries to provide for his guests.Resources:wevanwild.comInstagram: @wevanwild2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Camper Van Rental in Ashland, VA2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Camper Van Rental in Ashland, VAVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @barefootinsaubleThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Marketing and branding are how you take your short-term rental business to the next level, but how do you introduce your brand to all of your guests - especially those that book through online travel agencies? And how do you capture email addresses during their stay?Arthur Colker is the Founder and CEO of StayFi, the #1 provider of WiFi marketing services for vacation rental companies. Vacation rental managers use StayFi to brand their WiFi, collect guest data, and increase direct bookings – all while providing a better online experience for vacationing rental guests. Getting direct bookings is only going to be more important as time goes on, so don’t make the same mistake we did; start collecting those emails now!Resources:Try StayFi and use code THANKS for 50% off your first 3 months of serviceVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @thegingerbreckhouseThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

You’re all here because you want to learn more about the short term rental industry. Maybe you want to get involved, but don’t know how to get started. Turns out, it might be that the best way to get into the world of short-term rentals isn’t to own, but to invest. If you’re interested in getting a short-term rental started with an investment group, Tribevest makes it easy to get started. You can start investing in just a few days. We talk to Travis Smith, founder and CEO of Tribevest, about how his vision came together and how you can form your own investment tribe.Use promo code TFV50 and receive $50 when you start your tribe!Resources:tribevest.comthanksforvisiting.me/investInstagram: @tribevestVisit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @awayframeThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Solo travel is a rising trend, but it can be dangerous — especially for women.Yaa Birago is a tech entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, and the co-founder and CEO of FemmeBnb, the first social networking vacation and STR platform for women, by women. FemmeBnb allows women to rent their spaces to other women in the hopes of maximizing safety, peace-of-mind, and comfort. It also provides users with an AI-powered travel companion, to help plan their trip from start to finish.We discuss how FemmeBnb brought the idea of creating a secure space for women that alleviates travel-anxieties to fruition, and the company’s pay-it-forward initiative which provides menstrual products to girls in Africa in an effort to help eradicate poverty.Resources:femmebnb.comInstagram: @yaa_birago | @femmebnbLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yaa-priscilla-birago-b6b64754Visit thanksforvisiting.me/workshop to take your hosting to the next level!#STRShareSunday: @campcaribouyurtThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

If you had the opportunity to purchase a historic home, what would you do with it? James and Jacob created an Airbnb rental, a country retreat, and a hub for fine dining, photoshoots, weddings, and more.The two now own Farrand Hall, a historic estate built by Henry K. Farrand in the magic capital of the world: Colon, Michigan. Farrand Hall was added to Michigan State Preservation Office’s List of Historic Sites in 1971 and The National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Both James and Jacob live and work in Chicago, but expect to make Farrand Hall their full-time jobs very soon.We’re passionate about hosting on Thanks for Visiting, but James takes it to a whole new level. He talks about how he and Jacob grew Farrand Hall into a multi-faceted business with rentals, events, and more. Hear the details of how he hires professional chefs to host unique dinner events at the property, the challenges with turnover, and the secret behind their signature pink door...Resources:farrandhall.comInstagram: instagram.com/farrand1854#STRShareSunday: @honeybebeachhousesThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Safety is such an important component of the rental industry. You’re inviting people who aren’t familiar with the space and carry responsibility for their safety while they stay. We’re talking to our Safety Captain, Justin Ford, once again to discuss safety when it comes to pools and spas.With summer just around the corner and the world opening up after the pandemic, people are itching to get out there, relax, and cool off. Before they do, Justin has seven tips for hosts and owners to keep their pools and spas safe for guests.Resources:justinford.expertbreezeway.io$11.6 Million Verdict Against Short-Term Rental OwnerWater WatcherSafety Barrier GuidelinesCoral Manta: coraldrowningdetection.comJoin our on-demand training at thanksforvisiting.me/workshop#STRShareSunday: @duckpondaframeThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Who wouldn’t want to vacation on a Caribbean island for free?That was the goal for Larry Nettles, a short term rental property owner in St. Croix. He bought one property as an investment with no experience but he is bringing the dream to life. His story is relatable for anyone looking to start their own STR journey and shows what’s possible in just a few years.Resources:Larry’s Airbnb: abnb.me/25rfKNENofbEmail: [email protected]#STRShareSunday: @stayincrozetThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

What if we told you that the actual reservation is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true value your guests represent?We’ve been in a reflection mood lately. Part of looking back on our hosting journey is recognizing how much we’ve grown while looking closely at the mistakes that we’ve made along the way. There are three giant missteps that we’ve made that we can’t stop thinking about. One of the biggest ones is this: Underestimating the lifetime value of your guest.Automation is great, but if you limit interaction with your guest just to “turn and burn” you’re going to leave money on the table. You can get so much more value out of each guest beyond the actual reservation.Resources:thanksforvisiting.me/workshopJoin StayFi#STRShareSunday: @dustyrosegaThanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Being a successful host requires more than being reactive to issues — you have to be proactive and preventative. Andrew Kaiser of MendBnb chats with us to cover the top five maintenance issues that all hosts can prevent to improve the guest experience.Resources:mendbnb.comVisit https://mendbnb.com/thanksforvisiting/mend/59/ for 50% off your first monthRequest MendBnb in your city: mendbnb.com/newcity#STRShareSunday: @broadrivercabin_____________________________________________ Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

In Part One of this interview with Shannon Leyh, we heard how she wanted to get into the short-term rental game and purchased a rental in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Thanks to some recording magic, you don't have to wait months to hear how that story ends — we have the answers for you right now!Resources:Shannonleyh.comInstagram: @shannon_realestate_life | @happyshamrock68Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

What if you could follow someone’s journey from hopeful host to burgeoning success and see what exactly it takes to make it in this business?Shannon Leyh reached out to us just as she decided to take part in this world and asked us to chronicle her experience — and we couldn’t say no! She’s vulnerable, honest, and shares all of the numbers behind what it takes.Don’t worry — you won’t have to wait months to find out how this all turned out! In part two of our discussion, we’ll dive deep into how all of this plays out. We can’t wait to share it with you.Resources:Shannonleyh.comInstagram: @shannon_realestate_life | @happyshamrock68#STRShareSunday: @heavencentcabinAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Anyone who’s worked in the industry long enough begins to identify some of the pain points. Still, it takes a true entrepreneur to turn the solution into a business — one that’s going to make the lives of all rental property hosts and managers easier.Jeffrey Iloulian has been in the vacation rental industry for over a decade, setting up, managing, or operating over 250 vacation rental properties. Most recently, he created HostGPO, a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) that helps short-term rental owners get supplies more easily and cheaper.Resources:hostGPO.com#STRShareSunday: @wildpinescabinAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate MediaMentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Should you be focused on short-term or long-term rentals?Julie Gates is a real estate investor, and while she enjoys the complex world of short-term rentals, she specializes in stays of 30 days or more. She’s been in the long-term rental industry for a while now, renting out a guest home on her property, but making Airbnb a part of her business allowed her to grow tremendously — to over 30 properties owned and managed.She goes over all of the considerations when booking for longer term rentals, as well as where she finds her guests, booking for businesses, and more.Resources:sidwashere.com#STRShareSunday: @bigbluehavenAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

We’ve talked about what the short-term rental industry can learn from the hotel industry… but what can Airbnb and other short-term rentals do even better than big chain hotels?Wil Slickers is the creator of hospitality podcasts Slick Talk and Good Morning Hospitality and co-founder of Recreation Rentals, a boutique rental management company. He always had a love for people but didn’t know where to channel that passion until he discovered the hospitality industry. He started his podcast to interview people who had an extensive background in the industry and great stories that people could learn from. We talk about what he’s learned from working in the hospitality industry and from the many guests he’s featured on his show, as well as what short-term rentals can do that hotels just can’t.Resources:slicktalkthepodcast.comdestinationaire.comInstagram: @slicktalkpodListen: Slick Talk Podcast with Merilee Karr#STRShareSunday: @birminghamtreehouseAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Merilee Karr is the founder and CEO of UnderTheDoormat and chairperson of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association. She went all-in on the short-term rental world when she saw an opportunity to start her own business. She believed that, in order for the home rental market to blow up, it needed to be treated professionally.She made the decision to take that leap and enter that market, serving what she knew was an underserved and upcoming market. Merilee talks about making that transition, starting the Short Term Accommodation Association, staying ahead of government regulation, building a business that can grow, and creating a great guest experience.Resources:underthedoormat.comuk.linkedin.com/in/merileekarrGet our hosting handbook at thanksforvisiting.me/hostinghandbook#STRShareSunday: @rockridgecasitaAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

What would you do if you could pick the brain of one of the people responsible for Airbnb’s success? Well, you just might have that chance!New York Times best-selling author Chip Conley is the boutique hotel entrepreneur who is largely responsible for Airbnb becoming the global hospitality brand that it is today while serving as their Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, and today he acts as the Strategic Advisor for Hospitality and Leadership. He’s also the founder of the Modern Elder Academy, where a new roadmap for midlife is offered to all.We dig into what made him so successful in the hotel industry, what he brought to the table at Airbnb, and how to be a lifelong learner.Resources:chipconley.commodernelderacademy.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chipconleysfRead: "Wisdom at Work"Read: "Peak"Other books: Chip Conley's books#STRShareSunday: @abide.staysAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Amanda Williams is known as “The Traveling Realtor” because she runs all of her businesses remotely, including a 15-property Airbnb portfolio, and is currently living in Cabo. She helps other real estate agents create multiple streams of income, focusing on passive income streams that give you more time and freedom. She shares her background, how she came to be The Traveling Realtor, and what she’s currently up to.Resources:amandathetravelingrealtor.comamandathetravelingrealtor.com/passiveInstagram: @amandathetravelingrealtor#STRShareSunday: @adohi_cabinAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Julie George is a celebrity in the Airbnb world. She’s the author of “Million Dollar Host” and now a consultant in the STR industry. She listed her first property on Airbnb in 2016 and, less than three years later, she was managing 130 properties on Airbnb for property owners,  amassing an excess of $8 million in bookings. She sold her management business to a larger company, and now mentors other budding entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business in the sharing economy. She shares how she got started managing properties, how she scaled her business structure so quickly, what she might have done differently, and why she decided to sell.Resources:milliondollarhost.com.auRead: “Million Dollar Host”#STRShareSunday: @farrand1854Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Excuse us while we get on our soapbox: We are so anti heads-in-beds. We are not about getting as many people into a space as possible to make as much money as possible.We’ve consulted on properties before where it’s clear the owner’s goal is just to get people in, give them a place to sleep, and make some money—and we’ve had to get brutally honest about what they need to do to remain competitive. Whether you’re hosting a property yourself or helping to manage someone else’s, there are definitely some things that are non-negotiable.Resources:#STRShareSunday: @saguarowhispersAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Why are you interested in short-term rental hosting? Like everything in life, hosting is not always easy, and when the hard times inevitably come, you’ll want to be able to look back and remember the strong “why” that got you started. Amy Corbett is the founder and chief Airbnb-er of All Belong Collective, and her “why” lies in creating unique spaces where anyone can belong. She and her husband take their diverse family very seriously, and incorporate it into everything they do. This is what inspired them to create places where anyone can feel like they belong. She shares how she got started with short-term rentals, how they scaled up from a solo operation to managing teams, pricing advice, some of the challenges involved between guests and owners, and how they are incorporating a feeling of belonging in their properties.Resources:allbelong.coInstagram: @allbelong.co#STRShareSunday: @annas_getawayAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

Do you have a great property with beautiful photos and a fair price that you just KNOW would get more bookings… if you could just get it in front of more eyes?Kelvin Mah is the founder of RankBreeze, a company that helps short-term rental managers get more bookings by optimizing their Airbnb listings for better search rankings and conversions—and that means more money!Resources:rankbreeze.com/thanksforvisitingLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelvinmah#STRShareSunday: @thebungalowcdaAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

When people stay at a rental property, they have an expectation that the property is safe and secure. This is something that we, as hosts, need to make our top priority.But in 2020, there were several preventable incidents in short-term rentals that managed to make the news, and we’re going to go over each of them—and how to make sure you’re only making headlines for the right reasons.Of course, that means we’re talking to Justin Ford, our safety captain at Thanks For Visiting and the director of safety and certifications programs at Breezeway. As usual, he’s going to give us a wake-up call when it comes to safety.Resources:breezeway.ioSafety Checklist: breezeway.io/safety-checklistSafety Certification: breezeway.io/safety-certifications Use code TFV50 for 50% offRecommended CO AlarmWeber Grilllevislegacy.com10 adults, 15 children hospitalized after carbon monoxide leak in DonnellyBarbecue Grill Identified as Cause of Lake of the Ozarks Condo FireNo serious injuries reported in Avon deck collapse5 hurt when rental house deck crashes down: VA Beach photos3-year-old girl dies after being pulled from Glendale poolKayaker from New York likely drowned in frigid Maine pondToddler who fell in fire pit returns home to Vergas from burn unit#STRShareSunday: @mcjoppa.the.hutAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Michael and Debbie Campbell are known as The Senior Nomads. As they headed into retirement, they felt the call to adventure. They rented out their home, sold their sailboat, cars, and anything that wouldn’t fit into a small storage unit, and then set off to explore the world. After years of being seasoned Airbnb guests, they have a thing or two to share with the hosting community about what makes a listing attractive to potential guests and what’s important when it comes to services provided. They share how COVID-19 has impacted their travels, how they handle mail without a permanent address, how they manage their budget, and making healthcare and emergency information readily available to guests.Resources:seniornomads.comRead: "Your Keys, Our Home"Instagram: @seniornomads#STRShareSunday: @elylogcabinAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

We’ve been fangirls of Zeona McIntyre for a while. She’s been an Airbnb host since 2012, and after eight years of being a property manager and consultant, she transitioned into selling real estate to investors looking to “house hack.” She owns seven homes and manages 15 on a short- to medium-term basis. She talks about hosting remotely, diving into real estate investing, how her career and goals have shifted, how she became financially independent in just over two years, and her pointers for a brand new host.Resources:zeonamcintyre.comInstagram: @zeonamcintyrerealestateBiggerPockets: Zeona McIntyre Show 229 - Retirement Through Short Term Rentals#STRShareSunday: @vintageinthevineyardAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

As 2020 heads to a close, we want to round up our top 5 most listened to episodes of the year and explain why we think they’re getting so much attention. If you’ve never heard them before, or even if you’ve heard them once, this is a great time to listen to them and let them sink in.Resources:Visit breezeway.io/safety-certifications and use coupon code TFV50 for 50% off your safety certification#STRShareSunday: @thelakeviewhavenAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

When you can learn from someone with a history of experience in hospitality, you take it!Simon DeSwaan is a Superhost who has spent 15 years working for Four Seasons hotels and resorts, and now works from home as an executive recruiter in the hospitality industry. He enjoys hosting his own short-term rental as a way to interact with people from all over the world.From his extensive experience working with some of the top hotels and restaurants in the world, he has picked up a lot of tricks that are applicable to his (and your!) short-term rental business.Resources:#STRShareSunday: @willow_chaletAre you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.