Thanks For Visiting

Join Andrew Llewellyn, a real estate developer who transformed a 10,000-square-foot building into a sought-after short-term rental along Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. He shares his incredible journey from running ice cream shops to navigating over 40 bank rejections for financing. Discover his unique strategies for maximizing occupancy with parent-child listings and the secrets behind efficient cleaning systems for hosting 42 guests. Andrew also offers insights on direct bookings, SEO tactics, and the importance of defining your ideal guest. This conversation is packed with actionable advice!

Should you use your company logo instead of your photo on Airbnb? It’s a question that comes up often—and in this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah is joined by a special guest: Thanks for Visiting’s Chief Operations Officer, Colleen Prochaska.With Annette out on a well-deserved vacation, Sarah and Colleen team up to tackle Samantha’s question about whether Airbnb hosts can (and should) use their company name and logo as their profile picture.They cover:What Airbnb’s terms and conditions actually say about using a company logoWhy some hosts choose logos over personal photos—and the real issue of discrimination behind itHow guests perceive management companies vs. individual hostsWhy your profile photo still matters for guest trust and conversionWhat you can do to encourage guests to book directly after their stayWhether you’re managing multiple properties or just getting started, this episode explains why your Airbnb profile is about more than compliance—it’s about connection.Resources mentioned: Airbnb Terms of Service: Review Airbnb’s official profile photo policies to ensure compliance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Are you bragging about being the first to get booked for a big event or next year’s vacation season? If so, you might be losing money without even realizing it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down Far Out Premium Pricing—their favorite feature in dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) that has saved them from missed revenue and tough conversations with guests.You’ll learn:What “far out” pricing actually means (and how it differs across markets).Why getting booked first isn’t always a win.How to set far out premiums to protect your calendar and maximize revenue.Real-life examples of how premium pricing strategies have generated thousands of extra dollars.Why pairing premium pricing with premium hospitality is the ultimate formula for success.Whether you’re new to dynamic pricing or just need a mindset shift around your calendar, this episode will help you think like a revenue manager and keep your profits strong.Resources: PriceLabs – Our go-to dynamic pricing software with powerful features like far out premiums. Try it FREE for 30 days!Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Struggling with no bookings? Sarah and Annette tackle the frustrations of new hosts, focusing on what you can control. Forget blaming market saturation or guest fees. Audit your listing presentation—invest in professional photos and engaging descriptions. Learn to identify true competitors, not just the flashy neighbor with the pool. Utilize Airbnb analytics to understand guest behavior and optimize your strategies. Embrace an owner mindset and treat hosting like a serious business. Continuous improvement is key to turning crickets into cash!

Local events are one of the biggest missed opportunities for hosts. Whether it’s a football game, a concert, or a citywide convention, event-driven demand can skyrocket your revenue—if you know how to capture it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their system for spotting demand spikes and making the most of them with the help of dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs. From annual football schedules to hidden “sleeper events” like comedy shows and board game conventions, they’ll show you how to combine human insight with smart tech to boost your earnings.You’ll learn:Why event-driven demand creates pricing power for STR hosts.How to map out annual and quarterly event calendars.The difference between obvious citywide events and “sleeper hits.”How to layer local knowledge on top of dynamic pricing software.Why you should never “set it and forget it” with your rates.Don’t give away nights at your property when demand is at its highest. With the right strategy, you’ll be prepared to capture every opportunity—big and small.Resources: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. In May 2025, PriceLabs users earned an average of $222 more on event dates.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week’s Hosting Hotline question comes from Shaune, who has a short-term rental in a small town that hosts a massive week-long festival every year. The big question: should you require a full week-long stay during the event, or will multiple shorter bookings at premium rates bring in more revenue?Sarah and Annette break down three smart strategies to help you decide:Require a week-long stay (ideal if demand is strong for full-week bookings).Allow shorter stays at premium rates (often a higher revenue generator).Try a hybrid approach (adjusting minimum nights as the festival gets closer).Beyond the tactics, Sarah and Annette emphasize the importance of understanding your market and your goals. Do people actually stay for the entire week? Or are two- and three-night trips the norm? Do you want maximum revenue, or would a single booking simplify your life during the chaos of festival season?This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how to balance personal goals with smart business strategy. By analyzing demand patterns, testing different approaches, and staying flexible, you’ll learn how to maximize your revenue and still keep your sanity.Resources mentioned: Hosting Hotline – Submit your own question to be answered on the show.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Midterm rentals are all the buzz right now, but before you pivot your short-term rental strategy, Sarah and Annette are pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to run them. After years of managing hybrid stays, they’ve learned that midterm rentals come with their own set of challenges—and they’re sharing the top five realities every host needs to know.From unpredictable income and complex leases to heavier turnovers and ongoing maintenance, this episode breaks down what most people don’t talk about when it comes to midterm rentals. If you’ve been thinking this strategy is the “easy button” for your slow season, think again—and tune in for actionable insights that will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your business.You’ll learn:Why midterm rentals don’t guarantee steady incomeHow to juggle multiple platforms and keep reviews freshThe hidden costs of midterm rental turnoversLegal and leasing pitfalls that can catch hosts off guardHow to handle property maintenance when guests stay for monthsWhether you’re a full-time host or just exploring new ways to fill your calendar, this is your guide to going into midterm rentals with eyes wide open.Resources: Breezeway — Operations management software to streamline turnovers, maintenance, and property care.Furnished Finder — A platform connecting property owners with traveling professionals and midterm guests.Mentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

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

Kristen and Michael reveal how they carved a niche for their Joshua Tree rental in a competitive market. They share the risks taken and lessons learned while becoming self-sustaining through strategic upgrades like a hot tub and professional photography. Discover how their direct booking site, powered by Lodgify, reduced reliance on OTAs and transformed their business. As they reflect on evolving goals and the importance of quality in a cooling market, they inspire hosts to make long-term, thoughtful investments.

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