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  • We’re coming to you live from the Vacation Rental Managers Association Conference! We partnered with Hostfully to host a party at the conference, and we took the opportunity to chat with leaders in the STR space and get their tips for you.

    In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from VRMA. Plus, we interview 8 major players in the STR industry — from CEOs to co-hosts to leading property managers. They offer insights and advice on leveraging AI in your business, working with influencers, and optimizing your maintenance strategies. We also talk about the biggest pain points hosts face, and how to solve for them.

    These conversations will give you a look into today’s STR landscape and inspire ideas for the future.

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick

    (00:02:26) Key Takeaways From Where We Stayed

    (00:07:30) Major Learnings From VRMA

    (00:20:25) Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality

    (00:26:21) Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount

    (00:33:48) Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette

    (00:39:24) Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host

    (00:43:48) Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully

    (00:52:20) Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi

    (01:01:15) Steve Davis, CEO at Operto

    (01:05:32) Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality

    • Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount

    • Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette

    • Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host

    • Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully

    • Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi

    • Steve Davis, CEO at Operto

    • Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com

    • Loctite Threadlocker

    • #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at

  • 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:

    We have two beach properties only listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. We're getting ready to get a PMS with the website builder so we can start doing direct bookings. As we were syncing everything up, I realized our host fee on Airbnb would change from our current 3% rate to the dreaded 15%. We can adjust our pricing to offset it, but is it really worth it? We get about 95% of our bookings from Airbnb, and I'm nervous about how our listings will compare to others in our area. Another idea is to still get a PMS and sync it with Vrbo, but not sync it with Airbnb to avoid that fee, or make a direct booking site through Squarespace and not use a PMS. That also makes my head spin, so I would love to hear your thoughts.

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:02:34) Choosing Data Over Drama

    (00:05:48) The Fee To Connect To A PMS

    (00:07:02) The Dangers Of Listing Only With Airbnb

    (00:08:34) Direct Booking With Return Guests

    (00:11:40) How We Would Approach This Decision

    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

    • PriceLabs

    • Key Data

    • Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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!

    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

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  • We’re tackling a topic that’s near and dear to our hearts — how to avoid host burnout and take back your time. We’re joined by Rich Sippos, the Head of Sales at Extenteam, the industry’s first staffing-as-a-service company, offering a unique labor subscription model that extends local teams with professional global talent. Extenteam has an exciting new product, Tailwind, which features 24/7 guest communication for hosts.

    Tailwind is a game-changer because it helps you provide an excellent customer experience — without needing to be constantly glued to your phone. Rich explains how Tailwind operates, how it supports hosts, and its affordable pricing structure. We also talk about tips for hiring a reliable team, solving pain points for hosts, and the secrets to preventing host burnout so you can optimize both your business and personal life.

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @hotelstellas

    (00:07:20) Rich’s Hospitality Journey

    (00:13:00) What Extenteam Does For Hosts

    (00:16:59) Building A Team You Can Rely On

    (00:21:28) Solving Pain Points In Hiring

    (00:32:34) Preventing Host Burnout

    (00:35:30) Are There Language Barriers With Tailwind?

    (00:42:05) Hiring A Dedicated Team Member With Extenteam

    (00:47:17) The Secret To Hiring Great Cleaners

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • Try Tailwind: extenteam.com/thanksforvisiting_tailwindpromotion

    • Connect with Rich: [email protected]

    • #STRShareSunday: @hotelstellas

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Video: 5 Tips To Overcoming Hosting Burnout

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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!

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.

    Vanessa asks:

    We run a short-term rental on Whidbey Island in Washington State called Bells Beach Lookout. Thanks to you, it's been going really well. We are in the process of purchasing our second short-term rental. The seller of this house is also an Airbnb host and has done very well. She has great reviews — like 4.93 — but I learned from Airbnb that those reviews can't be transferred. What tips do you have for me to make this transition effective and make it easy for past guests to want to come back? How can I connect with this seller, and what questions or requests should I be making of her?

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:02:44) Airbnb’s Terms & Conditions About Transferring

    (00:05:14) What To Request From The Current Owner

    (00:09:41) Updating & Optimizing The Listing

    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

    • Bells Beach Lookout: bellsbeachlookout.com

    • Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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.

  • This is a unique episode all about unique stays! We’re excited to welcome Whitney Hansen, a financial coach, host of The Money Nerds Podcast, and a unique property builder. She operates the Cascade Dome, a geo-dome in the mountains, and The Flower Pot, a giant flower pot you can actually sleep in. The Flower Pot was one of 100 global winners of the Airbnb OMG Fund.

    Whitney joins us to talk about how she grew The Flower Pot into a flourishing business, why she’s attracted to unique stays, and the benefits and challenges of experiential STRs. Whitney gets really honest about the financials of her properties, how she sets guest expectations, and her advice for managing social media and influencer outreach.

    This episode gave us a lot to think about for our next property, and we know you’ll find it valuable, too.

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @idahoflowerpot

    (00:04:52) How Whitney Won The OMG Fund

    (00:07:48) Her Journey In The STR Space

    (00:11:50) The Dollars & Cents Behind The Flower Pot

    (00:19:35) The Power Of Unique Stays

    (00:24:43) The Challenges of Unique Stays

    (00:26:50) The Cascade Dome’s Financials

    (00:30:35) Social Media Dos and Don'ts

    (00:40:42) The Benefits Of Direct Booking

    (00:46:56) Rapid-Fire Questions

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • Airbnb.com/h/idahoflowerpot

    • Airbnb.com/h/cascadedome

    • @cascadedome

    • #STRShareSunday: @idahoflowerpot

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Casper Mattress: amzn.to/3YuN4Xt

    • The Money Nerds Podcast: themoneynerds.com

    • Video: How to Buy Land For Your Airbnb Glamping Business

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.

    Madison asks:

    I've just completed my first direct booking at a property that I own and manage, and I'm going through the process of remitting taxes to my county and state. How do you handle this for co-hosted properties? I'd like to offer direct bookings, but would I remit taxes on behalf of the owner or is that their responsibility?

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:03:09) How Sarah Remitted Taxes On Her Clients’ Behalf

    (00:05:19) How To Make Life Easier For Your Clients

    (00:06:42) Remitting Taxes Even If You’re Not Co-Hosting

    Please note that we are not CPAs, and this information is location dependent. We encourage you to consult with a tax professional in your area.

    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: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Airbnb Business the RIGHT way (banking, taxes, LLC, profits)

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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.

    Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

  • We’re unpacking the biggest announcement of Airbnb’s 2024 Winter Release — their new co-host network. The network opens up fresh opportunities for you to grow your co-hosting business and earn extra money or find the right co-host for your property. Either way, you’ll optimize your business with this free tool.

    We break down how the network works, requirements to be a co-host, and the approval process. Plus, we talk about more Airbnb Winter Release updates, from new messaging features to last-minute stays.

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @hiwasseeriverretreat

    (00:06:05) Sarah & Annette’s Co-Hosting Journeys

    (00:08:30) Airbnb’s New Co-Host Network

    (00:12:20) Co-Hosting Opportunities For You

    (00:17:30) More Airbnb Updates

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • Airbnb Winter Release: airbnb.com/release

    • Hotel Tonight app: txt.htltn.com/wPgRXh32SNb

    • #STRShareSunday: @hiwasseeriverretreat

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Video: Co-Hosting for Airbnb - How To Know You’re Ready

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.

    Shaina asks:

    I have a quick question related to bedding. In the summertime, I have some light, colorful quilts. Going into winter, I was thinking about switching to duvets with white duvet covers. I'm wondering if you think we need to update the listing photos.

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:01:58) The Importance Of Attention To Detail

    (00:03:18) Photo Refresh Opportunities

    (00:05:22) Embracing Seasonality With Linens

    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: Affordable Bedding Must Haves For Five Star Airbnb Stays

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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.

  • Fall is in full swing and the holiday season is upon us. In this episode, we’re sharing six simple and seasonal strategies for your short-term rental. These tips will help you optimize your business, enhance your guest experience, and maximize your STR revenue.

    Apply these timely strategies now, and you’ll see the payoff for months — and years — to come!

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @floridacamprentals

    (00:04:54) Maximizing Long Weekends

    (00:06:07) Preparing For Holiday Guests

    (00:09:22) Leveraging Local Events

    (00:13:33) Slow Season Strategy

    (00:17:26) Black Friday & Gap Night Promos

    (00:19:21) Coordinating With Your Team

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • #STRShareSunday: @floridacamprentals

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Video: The Easiest Way to Add 25% More Profit to Your Airbnb Bookings

    • Make sure your property is fully stocked for the holiday season!: thanksforvisiting.com

    Thanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.

    Jenny asks:

    My first STR is undergoing some major construction, and we're hoping to launch it by this winter. I'm really lucky to say that I already have a social media presence as a travel and outdoor lifestyle blogger. We have around 50,000 followers across platforms, and I want to utilize this existing audience to promote the rental. But I don't want to change my handles. So what do I do? Do I create a separate account for the rental and start all over? Or do I somehow utilize what I already have?

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:02:28) How To Weave Together Multiple Social Accounts

    (00:04:41) Leveraging SEO & Email Lists

    (00:08:04) Ensuring Your Content Resonates With Your Audience

    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

    • Jenny’s Instagram: @girlof10000lakes

    • @arrowsandbow

    • Video: Marketing for Airbnb Hosts

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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.

    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

  • We want to help you make more money. That’s why we’re sharing a simple tip that can add about $1,500 a month to your STR revenue. You can be making an extra 5 figures a year without doing anything extra.

    In this episode, we break down what a gap night strategy is and how to optimize it. We share the 4 pillars of a gap night strategy. Plus, we explain how to effectively price, automate, and market your gap nights.

    This strategy is a no-brainer and a win-win for both you and your guests. We’re excited to see you try it!

    (00:00:00) Introductions

    (00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @goldiesbeachhouse

    (00:05:03) What Is A Gap Night Strategy?

    (00:09:21) Pillar 1: Knowing Your Numbers

    (00:14:00) Pillar 2: Understanding Your Booking Window

    (00:17:52) Pillar 3: Pricing Your Gap Night

    (00:23:03) Pillar 4: Shifting Your Mindset

    (00:25:18) Messaging Your Gap Nights

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • Breezeway

    • minoan.com/tfvshowroom

    • #STRShareSunday: @goldiesbeachhouse

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Video: The Easiest Way to Add 25% More Profit to Your Airbnb Bookings

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.

    Jonathan asks:

    We began hosting a few months ago. We are getting in the swing of things, and I feel like we have our basic operation figured out, but I'm starting to look at tech. There's so much out there. What tech did you add first to your business? Do I need any of it?

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    (00:02:14) Financial Software Everyone Needs

    (00:04:18) Tech For Safety & Security

    (00:06:29) Tech To Help Your Business Grow & Thrive

    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

    • PriceLabs

    • Relay

    • Breezeway

    • StayFi

    • NoiseAware: Use code TFVNA20 for 20% off

    • Video: Top 7 Apps To Automate Your Airbnb Business

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

    Thanks 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.

    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

  • We can’t wait for you to hear this conversation with Stephanie West, the COO of HostWise. After beginning her journey as a cleaner, Stephanie co-founded and grew HostWise into a business with over $4M in sales. HostWise manages more than 100 units in Pittsburgh and has an overall rating of 4.93.

    In this episode, Stephanie shares her wise secrets for building a cleaning business and finding a great cleaner for your properties. She shares why cleaners are the most important role in STRs, and why you should cater to your cleaners. We also talk about streamlining communication between hosts and cleaners, staging advice, non-negotiable boundaries with clients, and successful pricing strategies. Plus, she tells us her #1 regret when starting her business — and how you can avoid it.

    This is a must listen for hosts, whether you’re starting out, growing your business, or looking for a new niche.

    (00:01:01) #STRShareSunday: @thewooderhouse

    (00:05:27) Stephanie’s Start In The Industry

    (00:14:38) Building A Cleaning Business

    (00:19:23) Streamlining Virtual Assistant/Cleaner Communications

    (00:22:44) Her Secrets For Finding A Great Cleaner

    (00:36:19) Non-Negotiables For Clients

    (00:42:35) Staging & Onboarding Advice

    (00:45:25) Successful Pricing Strategies

    (00:49:11) Her Secret Sauce To Starting Your Business Strong

    Resources:

    • Click here for full show notes

    • hostwisestays.com

    • steelcitystra.org

    • #STRShareSunday: @thewooderhouse

    • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

    • Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb - A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts

    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

    Thanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

    Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

    Owner Statements 101 | Save Your Seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/course

    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.

    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.com

    Thanks 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/course

    Breezeway | 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.com

    Thanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.com

    Thanks 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.com

    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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.com

    Thanks 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.com

    Thanks 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 Checklist

    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

    • 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.com

    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Join us for a Damage Waiver Crash Course: thanksforvisiting.com/course

    StayFi | 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