Thanks For Visiting

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Heather asks:I have a studio apartment that's attached to our house. We've had it on Airbnb since May of this year. I’m realizing I probably need an email address, domain name, and bank account for the rental. Should I have a Gmail business email, which costs money, or just create another free Gmail account? Any other advice? (00:03:48) How To Set Up A Bank Account For Your STR Business (00:05:58) Options To Create An Email Account & Domain Name(00:08:11) Why It Pays To Create An Inexpensive Landing Page Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes • Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com/thanks-for-visiting• Video: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Airbnb Business the RIGHT way• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Owner Statements 101 | Save Your Seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/courseBreezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

We’re thrilled to welcome Marc Hostovsky, the founder of Minoan — a brand that makes your property shoppable and helps you save up to 60% on furnishings. Minoan is a podcast sponsor and a longtime supporter of Thanks For Visiting. We use Minoan all the time to furnish and replenish our short-term rentals. They help us create beautiful, memorable experiences for our guests. In this episode, Marc tells us about something special the brand is launching — a new showroom that helps you showcase the amazing products you’ve curated for your property, so guests can purchase them for their own home. Minoan makes it easy to become a four-walled influencer. We chat with Marc about how you can grow your revenue and enhance customer loyalty as a four-walled influencer. We also discuss why you should invest in high-quality furnishings, how hosts can succeed in today’s attention economy, and the product recommendations that hosts rave about. (00:01:01) #STRShareSunday: @sandhollowsunrise_zionvacation(00:05:27) Introducing Marc & Minoan (00:08:47) Where You Should Invest Most In Your Furnishings (00:18:16) Brands & Products Hosts Rave About (00:30:40) Become A Four-Walled Influencer With Minoan (00:40:39) Growing Revenue & Customer Loyalty As A Four-Walled Influencer (00:46:25) Minoan's Replenishable Amenities Resources:• Click here for full show notes • Minoan Showroom: minoan.com/tfvshowroom• Instagram: @minoanexperience • #STRShareSunday: @sandhollowsunrise_zionvacation• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Video: Invest In Quality Airbnb Furniture • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Danielle asks:I'm a new host. I would love for you guys to share some of those ‘aha moments’ of becoming first time hosts and falling into certain pitfalls. Can you share some examples where you have fallen for a trick or something to avoid while you're in your first stages of short-term rental hosting? (00:03:36) Hosting Lessons Annette & Sarah Learned The Hard Way (00:07:46) Planning Ahead & Booking Out Your Calendar (00:10:58) Guest Red Flags & Evolving Expectations Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes • Video: Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid as a Beginner Airbnb Host • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

We’re excited to welcome Jon Styer, a real estate broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals and Styer Hospitality Co., a short- and mid-term rental management company in Columbus, OH. Led by Jon and his wife, Sara, Styer Hospitality has grown to more than 50 doors under management in just over a year. But Jon has been in the real estate space for years before that. In this episode, we talk about Jon’s journey from managing LTRs to STRs — and why he finally landed on mid-term rentals as his sweet spot. We discuss balancing STRs and MTRs, overcoming challenges as you grow your business, marketing strategies that pay off, and how to cultivate guest/host relationships. If you’re considering whether mid-term rentals are right for you — or you’ve simply been curious about them — you need to hear Jon’s mic drop advice. (00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @VisitanaCollection(00:04:57) How We Connected With Jon(00:07:36) Jon’s Journey In Real Estate (00:12:50) His Mid-Term Rental “Aha Moment”(00:16:54) Balancing STRs and MTRs(00:22:15) Overcoming Challenges As You Grow (00:25:58) The Pros Of Becoming A Licensed Property Manager (00:29:01) The Tech Solution He Can’t Live Without (00:32:24) Tried And True Marketing Strategies That Work (00:37:03) His Approach To Furnishing (00:41:17) The Guest/Host Relationship (00:48:07) How Many Properties Are Enough Properties? Resources:• Click here for full show notes • styerrep.com• styerhospitalityco.com• #STRShareSunday: @VisitanaCollection• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Video: How To Market Your Airbnb Without Using Airbnb • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Leslie asks:I want to ask y'all about backup plans. I've heard you talk about what to do if internet goes down. I do not have a backup plan for this, so I wanted to hear about that. I can't wait to hear what you say about all of your backup plans.(00:02:48) Tybee Turtle Time Condo: @tybeeturtletimecondo(00:03:35) How To Not Miss Calls From Your STR Guests(00:07:12) Troubleshooting Wi-Fii Issues (00:09:36) More Backup Plans For Every Situation Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Tybee Turtle Time Condo: @tybeeturtletimecondo• Breezeway Call Center: breezeway.io• Video: Airbnb Backups For Your Backups • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

We’re thrilled to welcome Alexa Nota and Dave Krauss, co-founders of Rent Responsibly. Rent Responsibly is a community building and education platform on a mission to support short-term rental operators. They bring people in the STR community together, promote fair and reasonable regulation, and give hosts the tools they need to advocate for themselves. One of those tools is the new State Of The STR Industry Report, a comprehensive look at the latest data and trends on STR hosts and managers, tech, regulations, and local policy. In today’s episode, we do a deep dive into the report and all the lessons you can take away from it. We talk about the report’s most surprising findings, common misconceptions about STRs, and how to get involved in your local government to make your voice heard on housing ordinances. Alexa and Dave shed light on the most common challenges STR hosts face — plus the biggest win-win opportunities. This enlightening conversation makes us even more excited about the future of the hosting industry.(00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @the.bungalow.butlers(00:05:28) Introducing Rent Responsibly (00:09:05) The State Of The STR Industry (00:15:01) The Report’s Most Surprising Findings (00:21:46) Why STRs Are About More Than Money (00:31:56) How To Stay Updated On Your Local Ordinances (00:34:02) The Biggest Challenges STR Hosts Face(00:38:00) What Hosts Can Do To Move The Mission Forward (00:46:51) How To Create Your Own Marketing Buzz Resources:• Click here for full show notes • Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org• Get the State Of The Industry Report: rentresponsibly.org/2024-sstri/• Learn more about Brumby McLeod, PhD: thanksforvisiting.com/podcasts/363/• #STRShareSunday: @the.bungalow.butlers• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Video: Every Airbnb Host NEEDS These House Rules• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Diana asks:I am trying to furnish my first Airbnb, and I'm in the throes of figuring out which mattress to choose. You mentioned a hybrid, and I can't find links to the one you recommend. What do you suggest? (00:02:59) The Hybrid Mattresses We Use & Recommend • Helix Hospitality Mattress from HostGPO• Why HostGPO is worth the investment • Lucid Mattress from Amazon (00:04:39) Advice For Choosing Linens • Why linens are just as important as the mattress itself • The pros of standard textile linens(00:05:30) Handy Resources For Airbnb Hosts • Hosting Handbook• Airbnb Essentials ChecklistThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes • Helix Hospitality Mattress from HostGPO: members.hostgpo.com/users/apply/?via=0755e5• Lucid Mattress: amzn.to/3yK6GwL• Video: The Best Airbnb Bedding For Your Guest • Hosting Handbook: thanksforvisiting.com/handbook• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Join us for a Damage Waiver Crash Course: thanksforvisiting.com/courseStayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today, we’re excited to pass the mic to one of our longtime Hosting Business Mastermind members, Tanya Rooney. Tanya interviewed us for her podcast, Tribe Builders, and we’re sharing the full conversation here. Through our Hosting Business Mastermind, Tanya found her tribe in the short-term rental space. The women she met in the mastermind helped inspire her real estate, business, and personal growth. In this episode, we talk about the importance of community in buying and running short-term rentals. We give advice on how to build and nurture community through online engagement and in-person events. We also share our biggest surprises, wins, and misses in building our business. And we get real about the limiting beliefs that we’re still working through — and how they will fuel our next steps. If you’re ready to find your tribe in the short-term rental space, this episode is a must-listen! (00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @elranchitopoconos(00:04:08) Introducing Tanya Rooney (00:07:44) Tanya Interviews Us! How We Built A Community Around Short-Term Rentals (00:16:59) Nurturing Community Through Online Engagement & In-Person Meet-Ups(00:24:42) Building & Choosing Community With Intention (00:28:27) The Biggest Surprises Of Our Community Building Journey (00:37:47) Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs (00:44:26) Leaning On Your Tribe (00:50:22) Our Biggest Wins & Misses (00:55:42) What We’re Looking For Right Now Resources:• Click here for full show notes • #STRShareSunday: @elranchitopoconos• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Hosting Business Membership: https://thanksforvisiting.com/join• Tribe Builders Podcast: tanyarooney.com/podcast• Video: 10 Beginner Steps To Setting Up Your Airbnb Business • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Join us for a Damage Waiver Crash Course: thanksforvisiting.com/course

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Vanessa asks:I have a pet-friendly apartment on 5 acres in rural Florida and added 7 wildlife warnings to my welcome book. Is this too much information, or is it better to warn guests about potential risks?(00:01:42) The Importance of Providing Clear & Concise Safety Information to Guests• Validating the intent of providing warnings and being guest-centric• Safety is always essential when providing information to guests!(00:03:43) Advice for Providing Nature Warnings• Our advice for providing nature warnings for guest pets and children• How you can address this warning in multiple places(00:05:08) Unique & Memorable Ways to Share Important Information with Guests• Memorable ways to inform guests of important warnings• How to inform guests about safety in a fun way• Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings: Welcoming Dogs to Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 335)(00:06:41) Making Messaging Clear, Positive & Visible• Highlighting nature as a feature of your property in a positive way• The importance of visual warnings in different areas of the property for all guests • Reference the National Park Service for inspiration on messaging (00:08:23) Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback!• How to ask your guests for feedback about this updated messaging• Building rapport with guests and knowing who might be receptive to sharing feedbackThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Curious about what's going on behind our latest investment in the 134 acres of Hocking Hills? We’re diving into why we told our construction team to stop, how we're preparing to approach private money lenders, and the fun (and challenges) we’re facing with this glamping project. We also discuss how we approached working with someone to create financial models, lessons learned, and our next steps. We can’t wait to see how this project unfolds and catch you up again soon!(00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @thecliffs_hockinghills(00:04:29) Project Update: What’s Going on At Our Hocking Hills Investment Property(00:16:24) Growing Pains & Lessons In Team Communication(00:23:16) Progressing The Project Forward with Financial Modeling(00:33:09) The Reality of Balancing Time & Finances & Why You Should Check Your Insurance PolicyResources:• Rich Hollow Retreat Instagram: @richhollowretreat• #STRShareSunday: @thecliffs_hockinghills• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Delilah asks:How do I address concerns with property owners who constantly monitor security cameras and update me on guests' activities, without offending them or jeopardizing our working relationship?(00:01:03) Delilah Asks: How Do I Tell The Property Owners to Stop Checking Security Cameras?(00:02:31) How to Communicate the Importance of Guest Privacy with Owners• How Sarah has communicated with owners about this issue in the past• Explaining why guests deserve privacy and how to set this boundary(00:04:31) Setting Up Proper Channels for Communicating with the Property Owner• Addressing owners texting about property management• Setting processes in place for how the property owners can communicate with you • Why we don’t give out our personal cell phone numbers• Channels we use for communication• RingCentral• Grasshopper(00:07:29) Adding A Guest Privacy Clause to Your Contract• Considering how your guests are more like you than you think • Adding a clause in your contract about behavior if the property has a Ring camera Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today, we're excited to welcome back a familiar face, Colleen Prochaska, a key player in our property management team, managing everything from guest services to revenue management. In this episode you’ll get a peek inside our in-depth quarterly meetings where we review how things are going and where we're headed in our short term rental business.In this episode, we'll be diving into the past three months of key performance indicators, reviews, and team dynamics, as well as forecasting strategies for the next three to six months, sharing key strategies for property management and business growth along the way. We share insights on what we’ve learned leading virtual teams, how we optimize revenue through data-driven decisions, and adjust strategies for better occupancy. We also discuss our customer service expectations, and how Colleen wonderfully handles guest communication and feedback. Finally, we take a look at how we are preparing for seasonal shifts. If you feel lost or intimidated by the analytics side of your short term rental business, this episode will be your guide to leveraging data to grow your business! (00:01:27) #STRShareSunday: @apex38655(00:03:54) How to Train, Lead & Empower a Virtual Team(00:10:45) Tackling KPI’s: Behind The Scenes Of A Revenue Growth Meeting(00:17:19) Midhoff Property Review: Booking Window, Occupancy & Revenue Optimization(00:24:43) Eastview Property Review & Advice for Getting Comfortable with Revenue Management(00:35:43) Tracking Numbers 101 & Our Strategy for Filling Gap Nights(00:39:25) Going Over Reviews! Handling Constructive Criticism & Responding to Guest Feedback(00:47:42) How We’re Forecasting for the High Season & Preparing for the Low SeasonResources:• #STRShareSunday: @apex38655• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Matthew asks:Should I switch to a midterm rental strategy to address our slow winter season and if so, what’s the best website for leads? How can I protect my property against potential squatters?(00:01:36) Hosting Hotline Success Story Highlight• Youtube: Parent Child Listing(00:03:10) Matthew Asks: Should I Switch to a Midterm Rental Strategy?(00:03:41) Our Experience with Transitioning from A Short Term to Midterm Rental Strategy• Where we find our leads: Furnished Finder, AirBnB, Zillow, ALE and CRS• Pros and cons of using Furnished Finder• Considerations and questions to consider with a midterm rental• Advice for negotiating pricing in a furnished midterm rental(00:09:06) How to Prepare Your Listing for This Rental Strategy Transition• When to start advertising for the winter season• When to take a listing off the market(00:12:21) How to Navigate the Algorithm To Increase Leads on AirBnB(00:13:30) Protect Your Property Against Squatters: Advice for Midterm Rental Agreements• What to look for to prevent a tenant from becoming a squatter• How to protect yourself in your lease agreement• BRRRR Method 101: Tips for Success in Long-Term Rentals with Jessie LangThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Furnished Finder: furnishedfinder.com• Youtube: Parent Child Listing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookStayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Keith Brady. Owner of Florida Vacation Rental Law, he’s Florida's leading authority on vacation rentals. Keith has dedicated his career to the vacation rental industry and offers counsel to governments, businesses, and individuals.Keith’s here to give us the cold hard facts about vacation rental chargebacks. The truth is, you’re very likely to be at risk! More truths? Chargebacks are a scam. They make us feel powerless. They force us to question the good in the world. They make us mad! But – they can also be avoided. And we even have a few useful steps to take after experiencing a vacation rental chargeback.Keith walks us through several useful steps to take in our messaging which drastically reduce our susceptibility to fraudulent chargebacks before, during, and after a contested reservation takes place. He’s an open book in sharing secrets of the trade, detailing his own professional experience, and leaving us with actionable steps to help protect against scammers.Don’t leave your business open to be taken advantage of! Preventative care is the name of the game. Huge thanks to Keith for sharing this important information with the Thanks For Visiting audience.(00:01:24) #STRShare: @seascapevillastx(00:03:24) Introducing Keith Brady: Vacation Rental Law Expert(00:11:49) Tried & True Methods to Circumvent STR Credit Card Fraud(00:19:20) How to Avoid Short-Term Rental Chargebacks (00:33:36) Tips to Combat Fraudulent STR Chargebacks(00:40:19) What to Do AFTER Losing/Winning an STR Chargeback CaseResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: floridavacationrentallaw.com • Email: [email protected]#STRShareSunday: @seascapevillastx• Submit your property for our next #STRShare at STRShare.com• Video: 7 Creeping .. Airbnb Business Expenses 😬 Look Out! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.John asks:I'm in a ton of Facebook groups, and the most common question I'm seeing is… Should I charge for this or that? It could be a stained towel, a broken plate, a mark on a chair, all the way to wall damage or broken tiles. There are just so many opinions; I'd rather hear from the experts. What's the cost of doing business and what's not? How do you decide? (00:01:40) John Asks About the Cost of Doing Business as an Airbnb Host(00:04:02) Setting an Effective Threshold for STR Guest Damage Claims(00:06:20) Setting Up a Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Program(00:08:03) Pros & Cons to STR Damage Claims: Marketing, Time Investment & CommunicationThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Check out Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com/thanks-for-visiting • Check out Superhog: superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting • Video: 10 Must Have Apps for Airbnbs & Short Term Rentals• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guests are the owner/operators of Howzit Hostels, a growing brand of hostels based in the Hawaiian Islands. Michael and Nathan discuss their journey beginning with investing in short-term rentals to scaling up to commercial and hospitality properties. They currently own two hostels, one in Maui and the other on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a combined bed count of approximately 140 beds. Within only 3 years of opening, Howzit Hostels won the 2024 award for #1 Small Hostel in North America. Current annual gross revenues from their hostel business are expected to exceed $2.75 million. Their goal is to grow to 400 beds within the Hawaiian Islands and 4,000 beds in North America.Michael and Nathan explain why hostels are not only an excellent investment but a feel-good business that brings people together to share incredible experiences.(00:01:34) STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead(00:02:57) Introducing Mike and Nate of Howzit Hostels(00:16:54) Hostel vs. Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel(00:36:02) What’s it Like to Manage a Hostel?(00:47:23) Running the Numbers on Hostel ManagementResources:• Click here for full show notes• Instagram: @howzithostels • Book a Hostel: howzithostels.com • Investment Website: vortexmaui.com • Investment Instgram: @mikeandnate_thehostelguys • Swell Vacation Rentals: swellvacationrentals.com • STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead • Submit your property for our next STRShare at STRShare.com• Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb - A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Suzie asks:I am new to co-hosting and I want my contract to be thorough, but not too nitpicky. What are some items you would add to your co-hosting contract today that you didn't think of when you were first starting out? Repair and maintenance times? Supply purchasing, design fees? Do I charge for my time?(00:01:44) Suzie Asks for Tips on Writing a Good STR Co-Hosting Contract(00:03:00) Importance of a Solid Foundation for STR Co-Host/Owner Relationships(00:05:13) Common Exclusions & Risks in Vacation Rental Co-Hosting Agreements(00:09:11) Decision Making Process: Who, What & How Much?(00:10:11) Setting (High) Standards for Your Co-Hosting Portfolio & Pay Structure Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Link to our mastermind! thanksforvisiting.com/microcast • Video: 3 Things ALL Beginners NEED to know BEFORE Starting an Airbnb Business• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Isaac French, the visionary creator behind Live Oak Lake, a stunning 7-cabin landscape hotel nestled in the heart of Texas. Having recently sold the venture, Isaac is now channeling his passion and expertise into Experiential Hospitality, a vibrant community and masterclass program for elite hospitality entrepreneurs. In this eye-opening conversation, we learn about how Isaac built his dream property from the ground up — and quickly sold it for a million dollars a key. We hear all about his unique vision, what he learned along the way, the highs and lows of his experience, and what it was like to sell so fast. We also explore the power of creating a magical experience for your guests. Speaking to Isaac was another reminder that people crave experiences above all else — and you can deliver them through intentional design and operational choices. We are definitely going to apply these lessons as we build or own property! (00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @TheGoodHostCo(00:02:39) Introducing Isaac French, Experiential Hospitality Expert (00:16:01) From Zero To Opening In 10 Months (00:19:41) Creating Magic In Design (00:29:57) Is The Price Right For Your Property? (00:39:38) The Landscape Of Experiential Stays (00:45:49) Pro Tips For Experiential Properties (00:48:32) When The Stars Align To Sell (00:54:40) The Power Of Passion & Vision Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: isaacjfrench.com• Website: liveoaklake.com• Instagram: @isaacfrench_• Masterclass: Experiential Hospitality (Use code TFV20 for 20% off)• #STRShareSunday: @TheGoodHostCo• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Video: Good Aesthetics Make More Money • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Marie asks:We are wondering if we should get a PMS. We have four properties. They're all on Airbnb, and they're doing well. We're about to bring on a fifth and we're wondering if now is the time, but we are truly overwhelmed with all the options. How do we decide which PMS to use? How did you guys decide, and what is important to look for when you are deciding?(00:01:18) Marie Asks How To Choose a Property Management Software (PMS)(00:02:42) How To Evaluate Customer Support in Property Management Softwares (00:04:44) Choose a PMS That Will Grow With Your Business Goals(00:08:01) Is Investing in a PMS Important for Long-Term STR Success? (00:09:32) Software Options + How Sarah And Annette Chose Their PMS(00:16:12) An Exercise To Help You Start Your Search Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Hostfully: hostfully.com • Lodgify: lodgify.com/thanksforvisiting • Hospitable: hospitable.com • Guesty: guesty.com • Hostaway: hostaway.com • OwnerRez: ownerrez.com • Track: tnsinc.com • Streamline: streamlinevrs.com • FutureStay: futurestay.com • Video: 10 Must Have Apps For Airbnbs & Short-Term Rentals • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Nick Taylor, driver of strategic direction at Nox Cape Town Villas & Apartments in South Africa, and steward of its real estate portfolio worth more than $150M USD.With an educational background in hotel operations, he saw early career success for a top hotel brand in London. After learning how to manage a top-of-class operation, Nick was inspired to bring his talents back to Cape Town, dedicating himself to one specific niche while going all-in on guest satisfaction, tourism potential, and high-end hospitality.In a conversation that affirms many lessons we learned from Louis Andrews in the French Alps, Nick provides another fascinating global perspective on the short-term rental industry; what success looks like for a hosting company, it’s partners (property owners), and their guests; and what he sees in the future for all parties involved.We also get a valuable lesson on how he’s deployed a circular sales pipeline to nurture rental guests into becoming possible partners/owners. We learn what’s different about operating vacation rentals in South Africa (labor costs!) and, of course, compare areas where our worlds overlap (going the extra mile).Nick’s full of interesting takes on doing business, providing us an open book on how he’s been so successful deploying a hyperlocal strategy in a region he knows like the back of his hand – while revealing where and why that familiarity comes back around to benefit his bottom line.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals(00:04:03) Should Hosts Provide Linens at Beach House Properties?(00:08:38) Introducing Nick Taylor: STR Host in Cape Town, South Africa(00:20:38) Defining Our Service: Hotel vs. Vacation Home(00:32:22) Working With Compatible STR Owners & Cleaners(00:41:52) Diversifying Revenue Through Real EstateResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: nox.capetown• Rentals: noxrentals.com• Real Estate: noxproperty.co.za• Hosting: noxmanagement.co.za• #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals• Video: 5 Tips to Overcoming Hosting Burnout• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Katie asks:We're about to start our first short-term rental. My question right now is… How important is it to have drawers in the bedrooms? I currently don't have drawers. I don't really want to add them because I like the look and the space that not having them provides. There are big closets in both bedrooms where I have installed luggage racks and shelves. Do you think that having drawers is an absolute must?(00:01:29) Listener Question About Airbnb Garment Storage Options(00:02:51) Sarah’s Emotional Closet Storage Experience on HGTV(00:05:54) Do You Need Drawers in Your STR Listing? (Yes)(00:07:48) Creative Ways to Offer Clothing Storage Options in Your Airbnb Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Sarah on HGTV in Gulf Shores • Video: Mastering Linen Management: Essential Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

In today’s episode, we’re getting (painfully) real. We felt the need, after seeing a flood of negativity in online STR spaces, to bring this all back to its foundation – why do we work in hospitality, anyway? What does it mean to truly serve the guest? And, how can we go above and beyond in that mission?As open and honest as ever, we recount some educational examples from our recent, and not so recent, past – including breakdowns in delivery of service, frustrating lapses in communication, a broken couch, missing knives, and so much more.The truth is, guest satisfaction is our top priority. This industry, your business, and ours – is built on that very fact. Sometimes it’s helpful to unplug the daily/weekly machine of how and when we do things to reverse engineer our “why” – and rededicate ourselves to the things that really matter.What’s in a 5-star review? What is your problem and what isn’t? What is the baseline, for the guest and for us? And, how are they different? These important questions, and more, are addressed today. We hope tuning in inspires you to do some soul searching of your own, too, to reignite the flame of hospitality excellence that got you into this work in the first place.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard(00:03:10) Why Do We Work in Hospitality?(00:06:29) STR & Service-Based Business Stories to Learn From(00:18:07) Tips for Going Above & Beyond for Your Airbnb Guests(00:29:25) Stop the Bashing: STR Guest Satisfaction is #1Resources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard • Video: Airbnb Host: No Refund and Gamble Bad Review? • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Megan asks:I have a question about how to handle an incident that occurred in one of my units. Some event or incident occurred that caused significant damage. This included wall repairs, couch cleaning, rug cleaning, and replacing some of the unit's supplies and decor. What are the steps that we can take through Airbnb? How do we charge this to the guest? And then, where do you go from there?(00:01:15) Megan Asks About Damage Claims at Her Airbnb Property(00:01:54) How to Effectively Document Damage at Your STR Listing(00:06:38) Research & Review Steps Prior to Making an Airbnb Damage Claim(00:08:14) Tips for Writing a Vacation Rental Damage Claim Invoice (00:09:24) Final Steps to Getting Reimbursed for Damaged Items in Your STR PropertyThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Programs 101 #374 • Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s expert guest is our new friend, Louis Andrews, President and Director of OVO Network, a company specializing in the short-term rental of high-end mountain chalets in authentic destinations, primarily in the French Alps. We met Louis on our castle STR retreat, and knew he’d provide great insight for our listeners.Under his leadership, OVO Network manages 218 properties, focusing on blending technological solutions with dedicated support to maximize rental revenue and enhance guest experiences. We learn all about his innovative lead-generation strategies, his focus on ongoing owner education, and how he – get this – runs his company without cleaners and maintenance. This one is another great example of creative problem solving in our industry, accomplished on a scale that all of us can aspire to and dream of. Hosting in the French Alps? Yes, please; and he does it on his own terms. Louis proves there's more than one way to manage your property, have it fit your lifestyle, and have it fit your way of getting things done.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse(00:05:19) Introducing Louis Andrews, European STR Expert(00:13:23) Running the Numbers on French Chalet Airbnb Listings(00:24:17) Managing Vacation Rentals Without Cleaning & Maintenance?(00:39:12) Louis Shares His Predictions for Near & Distant STR FuturesResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: ovonetwork.com/en/home • Instagram: @ovonetwork.chalets • Linkedin: Louis Andrews• #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookSuperhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Megan asks:I live in the Dallas, Texas area and I am getting into the Airbnb business. I really wanted to start one in my local area, first, but Dallas recently banned short-term rentals in single-family areas. Right now, I'm limited to condos and apartments. I would love to start my first Airbnb in a condo, but I just wanted to get your input if you've experienced issues like this before. Do you think it's a good idea for me to continue here even after Dallas put this ban in place? Any input would be great for these first-time Airbnb hosts. Thanks. (00:01:19) Megan Asks for Advice Regarding the Dallas, Texas Airbnb Ban(00:02:28) How to Stay Informed of Local Short-Term Rental Regulations(00:04:12) Host Hacking: Sarah & Annette Cover a Few Creative STR Options(00:06:49) Get Involved in the STR Industry Before Purchasing a Property Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Dallas STR Ordinances: Short-Term Rentals• Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org • Video: How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s special episode comes to you live from the showroom floor of the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum in Austin. We sit down with a few expert attendees; recap our findings from presenters, sessions, and roundtables; and start to apply new lessons to our own businesses.Denise Poteet, from Safari for the Soul Glamping in Marble Falls, gives us some juicy tips for creating an audience-specific energy at their couples focused glamping property. Michael Chang, from Trustbnb and STR Like The Best, reveals his strategy for arbitrage and the one hot market he’s going all-in on. And Jun, from Ohana Stay, gets methodical on staffing and problem solving.What’s the one piece of this industry that we all still struggle with?Which tech strategy rises above the rest?And what do other experts see in the near future of this market?All this and more in this informative and inspiring episode on the road. Let us know what you think of the new format via email at [email protected].(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin(00:04:37) Check out the custom art and designer furnishings (00:06:21) Live From the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum(00:16:19) Romantic Hosting Tips from a Chief Glamping Officer(00:25:04) What’s the Deal with Vacation Rental Lease Arbitrage? (00:32:17) Problem Solving Masterclass with a Co-Hosting Expert in Hawaii(00:41:29) Day One: Programming Takeaways & Education Recap(00:48:19) Day Two: Programming Takeaways & Education RecapResources:• Click here for full show notes• Event Summary: 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum• #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Elaine asks:We have an outdoor tub, but we do not have a hot tub. We've been getting some feedback from guests wishing that we had a hot tub. I would love to know a great brand, tips for upkeep, and insurance. Do you have to change the water every day? Is it more hassle or do you think it would bring in a lot more bookings? I'm just not sure. I would love your feedback on pros and cons.(00:01:18) Elaine From Rustic Pines Retreat Asks About STR Hot Tubs(00:02:35) Follow the Data & Use STR Analytics Tools(00:04:30) The Harsh Reality of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Vacation Rental(00:06:43) Quick Safety Tips for STR Hot Tub Amenities Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: Rustic Pines Retreat• Pricelabs: Check out PriceLabs• STR Insights: app.STRinsights.com• Video: Get More Bookings! 5 Tips From Airbnb Superhosts• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

As owner and co-founder of a European rental management company overseeing 900+ properties, Richard Vaughton has significant experience in short-term rentals and property management. He’s also got some surprising takes on where our industry is headed in the near and long term future. Uniquely plugged into the industry, and endlessly experienced with real-life work in our world (hello, cleaning toilets on a Saturday) – Richard delivers one of the most deeply impactful conversations we’ve ever had on the show. After circling the globe hosting rentals of all shapes and sizes, he’s raw and honest about what it takes to win – and why he’d never try it again.He’s also a supremely accomplished businessman, boasting numerous successful exits in industries far and wide. He brings all of his know-how, all of his access, and all of his wisdom for this powerful conversation. This is the reality of our industry! Spoken in plain terms by a trusted voice who’s seen and done it all. You do not want to miss it. Make sure to follow Richard on Linkedin (linked below) for his takes on the latest tech, trends, and industry news.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML(00:03:42) Introducing Richard Vaughton: Global STR Expert(00:19:38) Weighing Perfection vs. Productivity vs. Profitability (00:30:15) Pro Tips for Direct Booking & STR Marketing (00:43:30) Forecasting the Future of Vacation Rentals Around the WorldResources:• Click here for full show notes• LinkedIn: Richard Vaughton• #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Betsy asks:I wanted to talk about damage waivers using companies like Waivo. I'm using Waivo specifically and encountering some significant challenges.I quickly learned that the generous linen coverage that I thought Waivo provided was not that, that things like standard bodily fluids that don't come out in the wash are not covered. We are encountering this problem at one particular property almost every turn, on multiple beds. It adds up quickly for the owners to have to be replacing all these linens. I also want to make sure I’m not giving guests a false sense of hope that they can just relax and not see a bill at the end of the day within reason.(00:01:16) Betsy Asks About Linen Coverage at Her Co-Hosted STRs(00:03:04) Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Program Options(00:04:48) Consider an In-House Damage Waiver Process(00:06:47) What Do Vacation Rental Damage Waivers Cover?(00:08:04) How To Design Your Own STR Damage Waiver ProgramThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Proper Insurance: proper.insure• Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com (get $50 when you fund a Relay account)• Video: Mastering Linen Management: Essential Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

We’re making progress on our Hocking Hills glamping project with cabin demo, prefab purchases, and creative financing. Check in for an honest, relatable recollection of the development process from two eager investors knee deep in a long term legacy build.First, we take you behind the scenes on Day 1 of cabin demo, a delightfully quick process with some fun creative questions to answer (roll-away bed or no roll-away bed?). Along the way, we sing the praises of our investment team, highlighting the cost savings we’ve enjoyed thanks to their specific skills and areas of expertise.Next, a big reveal! We talk about the research we did on prefabricated structures and unveil which incredible design we’ve elected to bring to our property, when they will arrive, how we plan to furnish them, and – somewhat critically – how we will pay for them.Next, what’s next? We’ll need to raise money, create or move some roads, put in landscaping, build decks, and purchase and install amenities; there’s still so much to do and be excited about. We’re proud to bring you along for the ride, and thank you for joining us in this challenging endeavor!(00:01:37) #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat(00:04:07) Update on Our Hocking Hills STR Glamping Project(00:19:27) Getting Priorities Straight: Creativity vs. Cash Flow(00:29:31) Next Steps in Building Our Dream Vacation Rental PropertyResources:• The Cliffs at Hocking Hills: @thecliffs_hockinghills • We Bought Land (Part 2): Use ChatGPT in Your STR Competitive Analysis #361• We Bought Land (Part 1): Laying a Foundation for Long-Term Partnership #349• #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat• Video: Funding Your NEXT Airbnb or Real Estate Property• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Elaine asks:We get a lot of couples that stay at our romantic gazebo cottage. I had a guest that reached out to me who wanted to know if we have any add-on packages to help celebrate an anniversary. Unfortunately, I did not, but I would like to offer something. I don't know what to include or how to find it. Any insight that y'all would have would be greatly appreciated. (00:01:58) Elaine Asks About Special STR Celebration Packages (00:03:29) How to Design Special Occasion Airbnb Upsells(00:06:33) Benefits of Partnering with Local Boutique Businesses (00:07:51) We Recommend Breezeway for System Building Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: rusticpinesretreat.com• Check out Breezeway• Check out Hostfully Guidebooks• Coach Wendy: mostess.host• Video: Top 3 Airbnb Hosting Tips for 5 Star Reviews• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Ellyn Vollmer. She’s got a wild pain-to-purpose story that many hosts will find eerily familiar. She and her husband Devin live in Pittsburgh, PA and recently launched their first STR property in Oceanside, CA after a long and winding road filled with false starts and regulatory red tape.We talk all about how their six-month plan turned into a two-year (and more!) ordeal that involved almost every possible hurdle, spending the first year creating a rental experience they could be proud of and another year dealing with city politics in order to get their permit approved.This one will make you frustrated, it will make you sad, it will remind you that this business is based in emotion and fueled by thoughtfully presented data. We hope you find her story as inspiring as we do, and urge you to check out her new listing any time you’re in California.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @sea.sun.maui(00:03:26) Early STR Trials & Tribulations of Ellyn Vollmer(00:14:04) STR Shed Permits? STR Shed Permits!(00:22:22) Fighting for Her Right to Host a Vacation Rental(00:37:58) Making Her Case to Oceanside (with Money)(00:41:19) Finally Hosting Their First STR GuestsResources:• Click here for full show notes• Direct booking at stayblueskies.com• Instagram: @stayblueskies• #STRShareSunday: @sea.sun.maui• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Brandy asks:We host on a 10-acre property. We also live on this 10-acre property. But we continue to have guests that will break our terms and conditions, even though it is stated very plainly that we do not allow parties or gatherings of larger than six people. The last one, I walked in on their vows and was like… What's going on here?What do you recommend we do when this happens? Is it for me to physically go down there and stop the party or stop the gathering? Or should I just message it, take photographs, and then send it in? I do allow small gatherings, but it's at a different price rate because the way they use the property is different. What do you recommend here?(00:01:29) Brandy Asks About Disrupting Vacation Rental Parties (00:03:29) Wield the Power of a Well-Timed Phone Call (00:06:13) Using Neutral Phrasing & Framing with STR Guests (00:07:24) Thanks For Visiting Tech Recommendation: MinutThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Check out Minut crowd control tech • Get the Hosting Handbook: thanksforvisiting.com/handbook• Video: New to Airbnb Don't Make These 3 Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands!• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Lisa Roads, a seasoned short-term rental professional, whose journey began as a property investor in her early twenties. As Lisa continued to grow her property portfolio, she recognised the potential for early adoption in an emerging market in Cyprus. This investment move created the opportunity to start her second business venture, providing a fully managed service for hands-off investors like herself. Focusing on high-quality coastal properties and leveraging her partnership and marketing experience, with her team in Cyprus, the business scaled to 175 properties in five years. We learn all about how she made it happen – remotely! – including emergency communications after a massive earthquake and a six-week power outage on the island.After transitioning her hosting business to a new owner in 2021, Lisa has now shifted her focus to providing industry education and strategy support to business owners who are looking to scale in a dynamic short-term rental market – a mission we wholeheartedly support!(00:01:16) #STRShareSunday: @littlecottageonthefarm(00:03:25) Meeting the Dynamic & Driven Lisa Roads(00:08:03) Growing the STR Market on a Mediterranean Island Nation(00:21:24) Lisa Shares Insights on Business Building & Balance (00:31:21) Managing Owner Expectations as a Remote STR Co-Host(00:42:19) What’s Next? Leaving Her Vacation Rental Listings in Cyprus (00:47:15) Amplifying Women’s Voices in the Short-Term Rental SpaceResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: theholidaypropertycoach.wordpress.com • #STRShareSunday: @littlecottageonthefarm • Video: Airbnb Co-Host: Best Practices - Handling Guest Inquiries and Bookings• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!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.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Melissa asks:I am going to be a new host, and I have a question about bed frames and headboards. I have a couple headboards that are upholstered. What are your thoughts about using those and cleaning those instead of buying new headboards that are wood or washable? I would love to know because it could save me a lot of money if I can use the headboards that I have now.(00:01:26) Melissa Asks About Different Kinds of Vacation Rental Headboards (00:02:04) Top Tech Recommendation: Bissell Green Machine(00:03:06) How To Prep & Clean Headboards in Your Short-Term Rental(00:04:45) Introducing: The TFV Hosting Handbook!Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Bissell Green Machine: https://amzn.to/3KvFi7X• Get the Hosting Handbook: thanksforvisiting.com/handbook• Video: The Best Airbnb Bedding for Your Guest• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!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.

In today’s solo (duo?) episode, we unpack an expansive recent experience we shared in England, learning about this amazing industry. From an STR business retreat hosted in a towering castle, complete with moat, to the Short Stay Summit 2024 in London – we’ve come home with a wider and more full picture of what hosts are doing and seeing around the world.Our journey begins at Middleton Castle, where our new friend, Humphrey Bowles of Superhog, expertly curated a thought leadership retreat for 17 of the space’s foremost voices and innovators. We talk about what exactly led us to getting an invite, what we saw and heard there, and the value in getting out of one’s usual workspace – both mentally and physically.From there, we recap our key takeaways from Short Stay Summit 2024, including cleaning questions heard round the world, hard sustainability truths, guest and property safety, and of course – the five-hundred pound gorilla in the room: artificial intelligence.(00:01:50) #STRShareSunday: @middletoncastle(00:07:09) Getting the Invite to Middleton Castle(00:17:11) Top Takeaways from Vacation Rental Leaders (00:21:14) Short Stay Summit in London 2024(00:25:02) Growing Role of AI in Vacation Rental IndustryResources:• Click here for full show notes• Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!• #STRShareSunday: @middletoncastle• Video: Airbnb Guest Expectations: How to Set the Right Expectations• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by 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.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Patrick asks:It's Patrick with Farmhouse805 on the beautiful central coast of California. I have a big question for you… We've been having a lot of success with our STR. We've got a nice patio with a gas fire pit and a commercial grade barbecue, but we just don't have the budget to do a swimming pool. And I'm not a big fan of the spas for the patio. We're thinking about adding a movie screen and maybe a digital projector that guests can use to watch movies outside. We’re just trying to figure out if that's something that would be attractive to guests. I would love to hear your feedback. We love everything about your show – keep it up! (00:01:40) Patrick Asks About an Outdoor Movie Projector (00:02:58) Building Out a Unique Vacation Rental Experience (00:05:31) Borrow Tips & Effective Ideas from Local Competitors Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Website: farmhouse805.com• Video: Airbnb Guest Expectations: How to Set the Right Expectations• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Colleen Chrien, a hyper-engaged member of our Hosting Business Mastery Method, mom of four young kids, and owner of Picket Fence Properties and Fully Furnished Charleston where she manages a portfolio of 38 long-term rentals and 21 furnished rentals – a mix between short, mid, and long term listings.We learn all about how she launched her business and landed in Charleston as a long term hub of operations, detail a few pain points on her initial projects, and unpack mindset shifts inspired by challenging life events – how she’s shifted her business goals to align with her vision of the future. Make no mistake, what we have here today is a true superhero of hosting. Colleen’s a one-woman show, and gets super honest with us about the bottlenecks that she’s identified, from how she’s gone about adding to her team, to the brutal truth about the tidal wave of emerging tech in our industry — there’s no magic button to press!Her candidness about the journey is a fresh counter to social media’s insistence on impossible “passive income” and “set-it-and-forget-it” narratives. In this industry, we work! And we’re proud of it. We know you’ll be as inspired by Colleen’s story as we are.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @dellcollective(00:03:46) Introducing HBMM VIP: Colleen Chrien(00:10:07) The Evolution of Fully Furnished Charleston(00:19:11) STR Hiring, Operations & Business Goals (00:27:36) Colleen’s Short-Term Rental Tech Stack TipsResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: fullyfurnishedcharleston.com• Instagram: @fullyfurnishedcharleston• Instagram: @colleen_chrien• Check out Hospitable, PriceLabs, and Breezeway• Learn about our Hosting Business Mastermind• #STRShareSunday: @dellcollective• Video: Co Hosting for Airbnb - How to Know You're Ready• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!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.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Becky asks:I have an ADT security system and my control panel has a little camera on it. It takes a picture of the person who is setting or disabling the alarm. Nobody ever sets the alarm in the Airbnb, but it is in the hallway. I was wondering… Does that count as a camera for Airbnb? If I put a sticker over it, would that work as not having a camera? (00:01:32) Question About Airbnb’s New No-Camera Policy(00:02:07) Out of Context: Is it an Interior Camera? (00:03:00) Call Your Insurance, Ask Airbnb & Ask Your Attorney Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Airbnb Summer 2024 Release for Hosts• Video: Airbnb Self Check In with Smart Locks - Hosts, You Need This!• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by 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.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is the ultra-informed researcher and short-term rental historian, Brumby McLeod, Ph.D., an associate professor at the College of Charleston, School of Business in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management. He is also a research fellow with the Office of Tourism Analysis and the Riley Center for Livable Communities. The focus of his research is in overnight accommodation with a primary focus on housing, short-term rentals, and tourism.Dr. McLeod walks us through the length of his career spent studying the many complex nuances of the vacation rental industry – from the offline family vacation homes of decades past, all the way to the explosion of digital hosting providers, and into the future.Going back to school, even just for one day, we pepper Dr. McLeod with questions about how Airbnb disrupted his research, whether or not the data tells a positive or negative story in vacation communities, which stakeholders are the most vocal in opposition to STR expansion, and so much more.A true academic, Brumby is so good at remaining neutral. He gets excited seeing everyone's point of views and then putting them together so he can create research and solutions for various aspects of the industry – whether it's small government, investors, hosts, or renters themselves.(00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @lazy_pines_cabins(00:03:21) Back to School with Brumby McLeod, Ph.D.(00:17:51) Charting the Rise of STR Hosting Platforms(00:22:35) STR Impact: Building vs. Decimating Communities (00:27:02) Unpacking the Right to Bear Guests(00:35:50) How Hosts Can Best Advocate for the Vacation Rental Industry(00:39:39) Airbnbust? Brumby on the Future of Our IndustryResources:• Click here for full show notes• Gary Keller: https://a.co/d/hFPmcFZ• #STRShareSunday: @lazy_pines_cabins• Video: Airbnb Market Shift | Thrive as a Host• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!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.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Taylor asks:Can you please break down the Airbnb summer release for us? What do we need to know? Thank you so much. Can't wait to hear your response.(00:01:13) What’s New with the Airbnb Summer Update?(00:01:32) NEW Airbnb Icons: Sadly, Mostly Marketing(00:04:35) Guest-Related Updates in Airbnb’s Summer Release(00:06:39) Host-Related Updates in Airbnb’s Summer ReleaseThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Airbnb: Summer Release 2024• Video: Airbnb Platform Updates: What They Mean for Hosts (2023)• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Welcome back to this dedicated series on the acquisition, set-up, and launch of our brand new Hocking Hills vacation rental project. In this episode, we update listeners on the actions we’ve taken since signing the deal, hard decisions we’ve already made, and what’s coming up next.Golden nuggets include how Sarah has leveraged artificial intelligence to create temporary branding for the property, early thoughts on how we might utilize existing structures (or not), and which critically important tasks we’ve already elected to outsource – two jobs you’ll be very surprised to see we’ve offloaded.Even before breaking ground, ideas are flying and challenges have mounted. That’s why it’s great to be supported by a team of like-minded experts – as we are – and why we’ve decided to share each and every step along the way with you, our amazing audience.(00:01:41) #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat(00:03:32) Recapping Our New Hocking Hills Cabin Project(00:08:53) Now What? Getting Started with Reporting & Planning(00:15:54) Planning the Plot: Surveying Existing Buildings & Utilities (00:22:12) Important Steps We’ve Already Outsourced & WhyResources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat• Video: How to Design Your First Airbnb - Essentials• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Angela asks:One of my properties has a 60% direct booking rate. I'm trying to figure out the best way to adjust my pricing so that my net earnings on a direct booking is slightly higher than when guests book through a third-party platform.Right now, if I get an Airbnb booking, I pay 3% commission to Airbnb. If I get a direct booking, I pay a 3% commission to Stripe in credit card fees. So I net the same either way, it's only the guest that saves money by booking directly. I know I can add a booking fee for direct bookings that would increase my bottom line, but I think a long list of fees is a turnoff for guests. I'm curious what's worked for you and what percentage do you add, if any, to your direct booking rate so that you're netting more?(00:02:03) How Can I Boost Bottom-Line Revenue via Direct Bookings?(00:03:39) Reframing the Inherent Value of Captured STR Customer Data(00:05:26) Leveraging PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing to Boost Revenue Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial• Angela's properties: lazypinesnm.com• Video: Dynamic Pricing Software for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by 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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the officially unofficial Money Making May, where we have a full month’s worth of content all around pricing profitable properties with PriceLabs!Today’s expert guest is our very own Chief Operating Officer, Colleen Prochaska! Colleen brings over ten years of hospitality experience as a hotel General Manager for Marriott and Hilton brands to Thanks for Visiting. Her passion lies in supporting guests' experiences and mentoring associates throughout her career. Her philosophy entails equipping the team with tools, providing clear communication, and ensuring success for all.She’s here today to walk us through a lightning-fast masterclass on revenue management for short-term rentals – highlighting the mind blowing features and money-making capability of our dynamic pricing partner, PriceLabs, along the way.PriceLabs helps you make more money than you would without it. It's a rare piece of operational software that brings with it an immediate ROI – the holy grail of any business investment, especially when you’re operating on a tight budget or just starting out.Come for the money-making tips, but stay as Sarah and Colleen air out some dirty laundry on a big mistake we made in Q1 of this year. We are, if nothing else, open and honest in our mission to make you more money on your STR journey!(00:01:21) #STRShareSunday: @trimbellecottage(00:03:15) Colleen’s Revenue Management Tips via PriceLabs(00:20:00) Bigger Picture: Monthly & Annual Pricing Adjustments (00:27:05) Practical Example of STR Revenue Management Concepts(00:33:12) We Made This STR Pricing Mistake So You Don’t Have ToResources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @trimbellecottage• Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial• Taking Calculated Risks in the STR Industry with Our Chief Operations Officer #271• Video: Dynamic Pricing Software for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!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.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Samantha asks:What's your take on grills at a short-term rental? I always wanted to stay away because I'm terrified someone will burn down our brand new houses. But we recently had an upcoming guest ask if we had a grill, and they were pretty bummed out that we didn't offer that. Then, they asked us if we could provide one for them. Are we missing out on potential clients? Is it worth it? We would love your insight on this. (00:01:48) Intro to Grilling at Vacation Homes (Yes, You Need One)(00:03:10) BTS of Sarah’s Gulf Shores HGTV Experience (00:05:04) Recommendations for an Airbnb Grill Amenity (00:06:02) Safety First! How to Encourage Safe GrillingThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Check out Breezeway • HGTV: Sarah and Nick on Beach Flip• Video: How To Create An Airbnb Audit - Inspector Checklist• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today it’s time to get serious – as serious as a catastrophic house fire. With no exaggeration, it is essential that any short-term rental host, or aspiring host, listen into this entire episode.This week’s expert guest is Nicholas Libertin. He and his wife live in the Cleveland area and host a vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His area of expertise, unfortunately, lies in his experience with a second listing – a mountain cabin – which tragically burnt down in January of this year.No one was hurt. But the entire home was lost to the fire.Nick is incredibly gracious and, in an effort to better educate the STR community, came ready and willing to detail his entire experience with this worst-case scenario come true. He walks us through that fateful day, how he was informed, who he called first, and all of the important roles played – from his insurance (proper.insure) and mortgage providers, to Airbnb and AirCover.So, what happens when the worst possible thing you can imagine, as an Airbnb host, interrupts your weekday Zoom meeting?Nick walks us through the painful emotions, the disappointing community fallout, and the difficult decisions that he and his wife were forced into as a result of the fire – providing an invaluable service to all of us in this industry. Be sure to stick around for his well-earned takeaway tips and required homework assignments.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @cancast_seaside(00:02:50) Nicholas Libertin: Getting Started in Vacation Rentals(00:09:27) Intro to Nick’s Blue Ridge Short-Term Rental Project(00:13:17) A Catastrophic House Fire: January 4th, 2024 (00:24:23) What To Do With a Burned Down Airbnb?(00:37:20) AirCover for Hosts: Nick’s First-Hand Experience(00:43:50) Now What? Next Steps at the PropertyResources:• #STRShareSunday: @cancast_seaside• Direct Booking: villaatvictoriapark.lodgify.com• Email: [email protected]• Photos: See the post-fire property• Proper Insurance: proper.insure• Read: Long-Distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene• Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips!• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.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.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.A listener asks:I already use dynamic pricing strategies in my business right now. I see that Airbnb is making some changes to their fees. The host fee for me is going up from 3% to 15% and the guest is paying nothing. With that in mind, does it still make sense for me to use dynamic pricing tools?(00:01:16) Airbnb Hosting Fees vs. Dynamic Pricing Tools(00:02:26) Make Thorough Bookkeeping a Priority for Your STR Business(00:04:05) Why We Recommend PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing Software Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial• Video: Dynamic Pricing Software for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by 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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome to the officially unofficial Money Making May, where we have a full month’s worth of content all around pricing profitable properties with PriceLabs!Today’s expert guest is Michael Lacalle, a teacher, husband, and father of two who stumbled into house hacking as a means to afford living on the Central Coast of California. From there, he got the real estate bug and now owns five short-term rental listings on three separate properties (HINT: He is looking to partner with like-minded investors and scale his portfolio!)We chat with Michael about his inspiring three-tiered story – launching a studio STR space attached to his first home purchase, rolling the dice on a wait-and-see vacation rental project in Joshua Tree, and partnering up for a sprawling cabin escape in New York. We also touch on a few important niche STR subjects, like how he’s leveraged dynamic pricing to get the most out of his listings and seller financing – who, what, where, when, and why it makes so much sense for both the seller and the buyer.We met Michael in a moment of cosmic fate, in an airport of all places, and were enthralled with his willingness to share the nitty gritty details of his various deals, processes, and plans. He’s another great example of a real life person, just like you, out there doing his thing and having great success in this industry through passion and purpose. (00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @treebonesresort(00:07:08) Launching a Short-Term Rental in Central California(00:22:03) Expanding His Portfolio of Investment Properties(00:29:53) Understanding Seller-Financed Deals (00:36:59) Prepping Operations for a Cross-Country STR Listing(00:52:48) Michael’s Top Short-Term Rental Hosting Hot TipsResources:• #STRShareSunday: @treebonesresort• Instagram: @michael_lacalle_real_estate• Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial• Video: Funding Your NEXT Airbnb or Real Estate Property• Recommended Short-Term Rental Training Tools & Software #338• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Russell asks:Hosts are seeing so much out there right now about cameras and Airbnb. I have one on my front porch. Is this still okay? Can you guys cut through all the noise and tell us exactly what we need to know about the cameras? Can we have them? Should we have them?(00:01:10) What’s the Deal with Cameras & Airbnb? (00:02:27) Exact Verbiage of Airbnb’s New Camera Policy(00:05:55) Combatting Public Concern Over Hidden STR Cameras(00:07:31) Other Useful (and Legal) Airbnb Monitoring Sensors(00:09:39) How to Get Camera Compliant on Your Airbnb ListingThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Important: Airbnb Camera Policy• NoiseAware | The Indoor and Outdoor Sensors monitor noise levels at your property and will alert you through your Dashboard or Mobile App when the noise levels go over your set thresholds. Use code TFVNA20 for 20% off ($144/year including 1 free indoor sensor) and 20% off any additional indoor or outdoor sensors.• Video: Noise Aware - for Noisy Airbnb Guests• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by 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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

This week’s expert guest is Kristie Wolfe, creative off-grid builder and short-term rental superstar. With her one-of-a-kind projects, her focus is on creating unforgettable guest experiences, not just accommodations.Kristie is not only the builder in her business, she is also the designer, and she crafts some of Airbnb's most sought-after wishlist stays. She has several tree houses, a hobbit hole, a cocoon cottage, a shipwreck, and even a potato hotel – properties which have earned thousands of five-star reviews as the main attraction to niche travelers from all over the world.Our chat with Kristie is one of the most entertaining and educational we’ve ever had! We get all the juicy details about her first treehouse build in the Hawaiian jungle, that time she bought a shipwreck on Craigslist, touring the country to promote Idaho Potatoes, and so many other memorable and meaningful stories from across her accomplished career.The creative nuggets in this one are uber inspiring – packed with a zest for life and artistic expression that you’ll hear in Kristie’s voice. But she doesn’t stop there! About halfway through this one, she drops the mic with several solid gold operational tidbits that will change how you think about running your short-term rental business.For years, we’ve had Kristie Wolfe atop our list of dream podcast guests – and, dear listeners, she delivered in a major way. We’re so thankful for her spending her valuable time with us today and look forward to following along with her latest treehouse museum project.(00:01:27) #STRShareSunday: @ae.premiumrentals(00:03:35) Introducing: Creative Builder, Kristie Wolfe(00:12:35) Building a Short-Term Rental in the Jungle(00:19:32) Kristie Wolfe’s Eclectic Portfolio of Rental Properties (00:26:54) Pro Tips on Juggling Hosting While Completing Builds (00:41:45) One-of-a-Kind Listings: Cocoon Cottage & Shipwreck House(00:50:47) Kristie’s Advice for STR Hosts & Aspiring BuildersResources:• #STRShareSunday: @ae.premiumrentals• Instagram: @kristiemaewolfe• Website: kristiewolfe.com• LinkTree: linktr.ee/kristiemaewolfe• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com• Video: How to Design Your First Airbnb - EssentialsThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.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.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!