Thanks For Visiting

When you’re just starting out on Airbnb or launching a new property, one of the biggest challenges is building trust before reviews start rolling in. Should you put “new listing” in your title or description to explain why your property has zero reviews? Or could that actually backfire?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette tackle a great listener question about whether to use “new listing” in your Airbnb description—and the best ways to overcome the objections that come with having little to no reviews. They share how to leverage Airbnb’s algorithm boost for new listings, avoid overpromising, and use smart marketing language to build credibility right out of the gate.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Whether or not to include “new listing” in your title or descriptionHow Airbnb’s algorithm favors new properties—and how to maximize that boostWhy accuracy in your listing copy matters more than hypeMarketing strategies to overcome the lack of reviewsTips for building guest trust from day one through responsiveness and communicationIf you’re launching a new property, or still figuring out how to make your first reviews count, this episode is a must-listen.Resources: Booked & Profitable Listing Audit Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your Airbnb listing for conversions and overcome common guest objections. Join at: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

In a market some call “oversaturated,” Kristen and Michael have proven that storytelling, strategy, and smart reinvestment can still make a short-term rental shine. The husband-and-wife duo behind The Seventh Ray House in Joshua Tree join Sarah and Annette to share how they got started, the risks they took, and how they continue to grow in a competitive space.From renovating while living on-site to launching a direct booking website with Lodgify, Kristen and Michael break down the reality of building a sustainable hosting business—what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently if they had to start over.You’ll learn how they:Balanced risk while betting on themselves in an uncertain market.Reinvested strategically with upgrades like a Nordic Warrior XL hot tub.Elevated their brand through professional photography and design.Built a direct booking strategy with Lodgify to reduce reliance on OTAs.Navigated discount requests, direct booking fears, and guest challenges.Shifted goals as their family and hosting journey evolved.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your hosting strategy, this episode will inspire you to think long-term, reinvest wisely, and bring pride and creativity to your rental.Resources: Lodgify – Build your own professional direct booking website and reduce reliance on OTAs.The Seventh Ray House Direct Booking Site – Book directly with Kristen and Michael at their stunning Joshua Tree property.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

When it comes to short-term rentals, few topics spark more debate than photography. Do you really need to hire a professional—or can natural, well-lit DIY photos do the trick?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette respond to a listener comment that challenges their long-standing belief: that professional photos are a non-negotiable for serious hosts. They explore the value of constructive feedback, how to use it to refine your marketing, and why your photos are more than just pictures—they’re a conversion tool.You’ll learn:Why professional photos often pay for themselves through higher bookings and ratesHow to balance feedback from guests who may not be your target audienceThe risk of overselling your space with overly edited or outdated imagesWhy investing in professional photos can increase your confidence as a hostHow photography ties into professionalizing the entire STR industryWhether you’re convinced or skeptical, this conversation will challenge how you think about your listing images—and what they say about your business.Resources mentioned: Learn more about Strategic Host — our newest program designed for hosts craving accountability, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

The 2025 holiday season is a unique opportunity for short-term rental hosts—but only if you plan your pricing and calendar strategy the right way. In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette break down how the holiday calendar lines up this year and how you can use it to boost your bottom line without adding extra work.They’ll show you why setting minimum stays, adjusting rates on key dates, and preparing your team now can make the difference between leaving money on the table and having your most profitable holiday season yet.You’ll learn how to:Spot unique 2025 travel patterns that create bonus holiday weekends.Set three-to-four-night minimums to increase revenue and reduce turnover.Use dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs to automate smart adjustments.Prepare your property and team in advance so you can enjoy the holidays too.Shift your mindset to see the calendar not as dates, but as opportunities for revenue.Smart hosts don’t wait until December—they plan now and reap the rewards later.Resources:PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software to automate rate adjustments and maximize your revenue.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This episode marks a major milestone—500 episodes of Thanks for Visiting! Sarah and Annette are celebrating by revisiting the most impactful strategies, tools, and lessons shared throughout the show. From pricing to partnerships, tech to team building, they highlight the must-know advice that separates hobbyists from professional hosts.Tune in for a rapid-fire rundown of what’s worked for hundreds of hosts and how you can apply the same insights to your business right now.You’ll learn how to:Use parent-child listings to increase revenue, especially in slower seasons.Set up ownership agreements that protect family and friend partnerships.Create a year-round pricing strategy that maximizes peak season profits.Boost visibility when bookings are slow without panic pricing.Gain financial clarity with the right bookkeeper and accountant questions.Know when to hire your first team member (and why it’s a milestone).Choose the right tech stack without drowning in options.Build and leverage your email list for long-term success.Create systems that turn chaos into consistency.Plus, Sarah and Annette introduce Strategic Host, their newest program designed for hosts craving accountability, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance.Learn more about Strategic HostMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

As the year winds down, the hosts emphasize the importance of proactive planning for short-term rental success in 2026. They share strategies like reviewing quarterly revenue to identify strengths and weaknesses, and the necessity of consulting financial experts for tax prep. Auditing the tech used can also save costs and enhance efficiency. Upgrading properties to improve guest experiences and scheduling deep cleans are essential too. The key takeaway? Act now, pivot intentionally, and prepare for a prosperous year ahead!

This week’s Hosting Hotline question comes from Susan, who asks: “How do you go about attracting new homeowners to list their properties with you? What’s worked best for you when trying to grow your portfolio?”In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down the strategies that have helped them—and other hosts—successfully land new co-host clients. From building long-term professional relationships to leveraging social media, they’ll share actionable advice you can start using today.You’ll learn why persistence matters, how to confidently make the ask, and the importance of creating a strong first impression with potential clients. Plus, hear success stories from inside their coaching program that prove co-hosting can go from one property to dozens with the right systems and mindset.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this Hosting Hotline episode will help you build the foundation for a thriving co-hosting business.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why treating co-hosting like a professional business is essentialHow to confidently market yourself and “go for no”The role of social media and behind-the-scenes content in attracting leadsWhy tracking your sales funnel and conversion rates is criticalResources: Don’t miss our free live host training on September 23 at 1 PM ET. Everyone who attends live gets our $491 Show-Up Pack filled with tools to grow your short-term rental business—available only during the event. Save your seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/joinHosting Hotline – Submit your questions at hostinghotline.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel – More tips and coaching: youtube.com/thanksforvisiting.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Feeling overwhelmed by the quest for the perfect property management system? You're not alone! Discover what a PMS truly is and who should consider one. Learn about the core features that can streamline your operations and boost your direct bookings. Say goodbye to PMS hopping as the hosts highlight the importance of committing to your choice. Explore essential tips for evaluating vendors and implementing effective onboarding strategies. Plus, they remind us that while no PMS is flawless, taking action is better than waiting for perfection!

The Hosting Hotline is buzzing with questions about Airbnb’s new 15.5% host-only fee. Starting October 27, 2025, all property management software (PMS)–connected hosts will be switched to this single-fee structure. But what does that mean for your business, your pricing, and your profitability?Sarah and Annette are joined by Thanks for Visiting COO and revenue management expert, Colleen Prochaska, to break down what this change really means for hosts. They share their firsthand experience of being forced onto the new fee structure last year, how they adjusted without losing revenue, and why your pricing strategy matters more than ever.From PMS considerations to direct booking diversification and preparing for 2026, this episode will help you navigate Airbnb’s fee update with confidence.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why ditching your PMS isn’t the answerHow to reframe the 15.5% fee as part of your overall pricing strategyTactics for co-hosts and property managers to address fees with ownersWhy focusing on your booking funnel is just as important as pricingHow to future-proof your hosting business with diversification and forecastingResources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your pricing, calendar, and booking funnel so you can thrive in any market. thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampAirbnb Fee Structure Update – Read Airbnb’s official announcement here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857/service-feesMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!

Too many hosts believe that lowering their nightly rate will magically generate bookings. The truth? Dropping your price doesn’t create demand—it only leaves money on the table. In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down why cutting rates doesn’t work, what demand actually is, and the smarter levers you can pull to increase bookings and profitability.You’ll learn:Why lowering your price doesn’t change guest search behaviorHow to understand supply, demand, and occupancy forecasts in your marketThe risks of attracting the wrong guests with discount pricingWhat a true “try everything” strategy looks like (and what it doesn’t)Practical steps to audit your listing, amenities, and calendar managementHow to take control of your demand through marketing, referrals, and direct bookingsIf you’re tired of feeling like your only option is slashing rates, this episode will help you rethink your approach and start running your rental like the business it is.Resources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Five days of live training with Sarah and Annette to help you increase revenue and improve your hosting business. PriceLabs – A dynamic pricing tool that helps you understand occupancy forecasts and market demand so you can price smarter. Learn moreMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.