Thanks For Visiting

REI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.Bookkeeping doesn’t always top the list of exciting short-term rental responsibilities—but it’s one of the most important. Without clean and accurate financials, it’s nearly impossible to know how your STR is really performing, plan for future growth, or take advantage of opportunities like refinancing or selling.In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we sit down with Adam Hamilton of REI Hub, a bookkeeping platform designed specifically for real estate investors and short-term rental hosts. Unlike traditional accounting tools, REI Hub understands the unique needs of property owners and makes it simple to track your income, expenses, and property performance.You’ll learn:Why generic accounting software often falls short for STR hosts.The most common financial mistakes hosts make—and how to fix them.How to use bookkeeping as a decision-making tool, not just a tax-time scramble.Practical ways to save time and reduce stress with systems that work in the background.How clean financials can help you secure better loans, attract investors, or prepare for an eventual exit.Whether you’re managing one listing or a growing portfolio, this episode will give you clarity on how to manage your money like a pro and set your business up for long-term success.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!MinoanMinoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re answering Renee’s question about buying a property that’s already operating as a short-term rental—and what to do about the future bookings that come with it.If you’ve ever considered purchasing an “active STR,” you’ll quickly find out there’s a lot more to it than inheriting a calendar full of reservations. Sarah and Annette explain why listings follow the host (not the property), what that means for your ability to transfer bookings, and the negotiations you’ll need to have with the seller before closing.You’ll learn:Why STR listings and reviews don’t automatically transfer with a property sale.How to negotiate booking transfers, co-hosting arrangements, or guest rebookings.The tax, payout, and guest experience factors you need to consider.How to involve OTAs (Airbnb, VRBO) in a booking transition.Why getting everything in writing is non-negotiable.If you’re thinking about buying a short-term rental, this episode will help you navigate the booking handoff process and avoid the pitfalls that can derail a smooth transition.Mentioned 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!

This week, we’re diving into a behind-the-scenes feature on Airbnb that too many hosts don’t know exists: listing issues. These hidden alerts could be silently hurting your visibility and even putting your listing at risk of suspension.Sarah and Annette break down what listing issues are, how to find them, and—most importantly—how to resolve them. They also share two real-life examples from their own properties, including one that was flagged for a surprise reason (hint: it involved kittens).Tune in to learn:How to activate Airbnb’s professional host toolsWhy private guest feedback still impacts your listingWhat red/yellow/green status lights mean for your listing healthHow to avoid getting flagged by Airbnb’s AIAnd don’t forget: now’s the time to diversify your booking strategy beyond Airbnb.Prefer to watch? We walk you through where to find the listing issues tab in your Airbnb dashboard and what to do if you’re flagged: Watch the full episode on YouTubeResources Mentioned:Airbnb Professional Hosting Tools Setup: Airbnb Help ArticleTFV YouTube Tutorial on Listing Issues: Watch hereCustom Pencils by Lucky Pencil Co.: Shop on EtsyMentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistStayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re answering Kelsey’s question about how to market a midterm rental beyond just listing on Airbnb or Furnished Finder. If you want to stay competitive in the midterm rental space, you can’t just “set it and forget it.”We break down why marketing your MTR should be part of your daily business routine, how to track what’s working, and why “fortune is in the follow-up.” You’ll learn:How to set up a referral system that keeps past guests thinking about your property.The right way to build relationships with insurance companies, relocation agencies, hospitals, and universities.Why local Facebook groups, real estate meetups, and professional associations are gold mines for leads.Creative ways to get press and leverage SEO to drive direct bookings.How to stay top-of-mind by following up—over and over again.Whether you’re brand new to MTRs or ready to scale, this episode will help you shift your mindset from passive listing manager to proactive business owner—and start filling your calendar with profitable bookings.Resources mentioned: ALE Solutions – A leading provider of temporary housing for displaced homeowners. Mentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re diving deep into a topic no host wants to deal with—but every host needs to understand: chargebacks.Whether you’ve faced one before or you’re hearing the term for the first time, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect your business from costly disputes. We’re breaking down what a chargeback is, why it happens, and the difference between when an OTA is the merchant of record and when you are.We’ll share:Real-world scenarios where chargebacks occur (including Sarah’s firsthand story)9 practical prevention strategies to deter fraud and false disputesHow to set up guest agreements, SOPs, and red-flag awarenessThe reality of winning a chargeback—and why you should always tryWhy this shouldn’t stop you from diversifying your booking platformsFrom spotting last-minute fraud attempts to resolving guest conflicts before they escalate, this episode is your playbook for keeping more of your hard-earned revenue where it belongs—in your pocket.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Stripe – Payment processor used for direct bookings and OTAs like Vrbo and Furnished Finder.Furnished Finder – A popular platform for finding mid-term tenants.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist

This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Mike calls in with a creative question about syncing Airbnb calendars—but what he really unlocks is a much bigger opportunity for short-term rental hosts.Mike and his wife host three cabins in the highly competitive Hocking Hills market and recently added an escape room to one of their properties. While Airbnb doesn’t currently allow you to sync an experience calendar with a listing calendar, this episode dives into the mindset shift that can turn unique amenities like escape rooms into powerful marketing tools.We discuss:Why relying too much on Airbnb’s ecosystem might hold you backCreative ways to promote unique features without using Airbnb ExperiencesHow to leverage your existing guest list for repeat visitsUsing special events to fill orphan nightsUnderstanding what revenue opportunities are actually worth your timeMike’s question sparked a much larger conversation about thinking like a business owner, not just a host. If you’ve built something special into your property, this episode is your blueprint for maximizing its impact.ResourcesMike’s Instagram (@hillsideamble): Follow to see how he markets his cabins and escape room in Hocking Hills, Ohio.Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Learn how to optimize your listings and increase revenue with smart pricing, calendar management, and creative marketing. https://www.thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistMentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist

If you’ve ever second-guessed your Airbnb cancellation policy—or gotten a refund request that threw you off—this episode is for you.We’re diving into the pros and cons of each Airbnb cancellation policy option (from Flexible to Super Strict), what they actually do to your listing’s visibility and booking velocity, and how to decide which one is best for your business. We're also sharing real-life guest messages, how we responded, and when we’ve chosen to bend the rules—or stand firm.Whether you’re a solo host or running a Co-hosting or property management team, you’ll leave this episode with new ideas for making cancellation decisions more confidently, protecting your revenue, and empowering your team.In this episode, we cover:What each Airbnb cancellation policy really meansHow cancellation policies may (or may not) impact the Airbnb algorithmWhat to consider before switching to Strict or FlexibleReal guest messages and how we handled themHow to set up a cancellation decision tree for your teamCreative alternatives to full refunds that can protect your revenueResources:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The Airbnb Instant Book Mistake YOU Might Be Making That is Costing You $$$!!!!The doors to our private group coaching membership are open—but not for long! Learn more here: thanksforvisiting.com/business It’s time to invest in yourself and your hosting business.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer listener Dayne’s two-part question about couch cushion covers and temperature control settings in short-term rentals. First, they discuss the pros and cons of using removable couch covers vs. investing in performance fabric for sofas. Then, they dive into the hot topic (pun intended) of thermostat control—should guests be allowed to set their own temperatures, or is it worth installing smart limitations to avoid outrageous utility bills? Sarah and Annette share real-life examples, hosting philosophies, and best practices to help you make decisions that balance guest comfort with operational efficiency.Resources Mentioned:Eco Mode / Smart Thermostats: Consider models like Nest or Ecobee for features like motion detection, scheduling, and remote access.Performance Fabric Sofas: Brands like Inside Weather, Burrow, and Article offer durable, easy-clean couches perfect for STRs.Hosting Hotline: Have a question for Sarah and Annette? Leave them a voicemail at hostinghotline.com to be featured in a future episode.

This week, we’re diving into one of the most common questions we hear from hosts: Should you say yes to that influencer asking for a free stay?Whether you're actively seeking partnerships or you're flooded with DMs from creators offering “exposure,” this episode is packed with practical advice on how to approach influencer marketing with confidence—and boundaries.We walk you through:Setting clear goals for influencer partnerships (and how to track ROI)Red flags to look for when influencers reach outHow to vet influencers beyond their follower countWhat deliverables to request—and when to ask for themWhy contracts matter and what they should includeHow to protect yourself if someone cancels last minuteOur thoughts on content creators, UGC, and SEO-based partnershipsPlus, we highlight a host who’s doing it right and using creative influencer partnerships to boost bookings and brand visibility.Resources Mentioned:Download Our Free Influencer Partnership ChecklistWatch This Video: The Setting That Can Increase Bookings by 300%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!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Airbnb’s AirCover might sound reassuring—but is it enough to truly protect your short-term rental? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we break down a YouTube comment that sparked an important conversation about insurance: what Airbnb does (and doesn’t) cover, why it’s not technically a policy, and the major risks hosts take when relying solely on platforms like Airbnb for protection.We’ll walk through:The common (and dangerous) misconception about Airbnb’s million-dollar liability promiseWhy basic homeowner’s insurance may drop you if they find out you’re hosting guestsWhat coverage you actually need to operate a short-term rental safelyWhy diversifying your booking platforms is just as critical as having proper insuranceThe importance of reviewing your policy annually with a brokerIf you’re not sure whether you’re truly protected, this episode is a must-listen. We want every host to operate with peace of mind—and avoid learning these lessons the hard way.Resources Mentioned:Proper Insurance – A leading provider of short-term rental insurance designed to replace a homeowner’s or landlord policy with comprehensive coverage for vacation rentals.Steadily – Fast, affordable landlord insurance that also offers policies tailored specifically for short-term and vacation rental hosts. Get a quote in minutes.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!