Thanks For Visiting

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!

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re joined by Darren Nix, founder and CEO of Steadily, one of the fastest-growing landlord insurance companies in the U.S.Darren’s story starts with a personal loss—his investment property burned down—and what followed was an eye-opening crash course in everything not to do when dealing with insurance. That experience inspired him to launch a company designed for landlords, by landlords.In this episode, Darren shares the biggest mistakes he sees hosts make when it comes to insurance, the real risks that lead to major claims, and how to make sure you're actually protected—not just hoping you are.In this episode, we cover:What Aircover does (and doesn’t) coverThe most common (and costly) insurance claims for STRsWhy “actual cash value” could be a trapHow to know if your property is underinsuredWhen to consider an umbrella policyWhat questions to ask your insurance agentWhy waivers might not protect you in courtThe difference between risk and fear when choosing coverageWhether you’re just getting started or scaling your portfolio, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident insurance decisions.Resources: Steadily – Landlord insurance built for real estate investors. STRShare.com – Submit your property for a chance to be featured. 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!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Lori from Fort Wayne, Indiana calls in with a big-picture question: how do you prepare your short-term rental (STR) for sale—and is it possible to sell it as a functioning business, not just a piece of real estate?In this episode, Sarah and Annette walk through everything you need to know before listing your STR, including how appraisers and lenders view short-term rentals, why finding the right realtor is essential, and how to identify—and package—your property’s intangible value. They also share strategies for maximizing your sale price by building out a direct booking system, collecting guest emails, and keeping historical data.Whether you're thinking about an exit strategy or just want to better understand your business’s future value, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode, we cover:Why STRs are typically valued as residential properties, not businessesHow to find a short-term rental-friendly realtorWhat makes your listing more appealing to investor buyersThe value of email lists, websites, and direct bookings in a saleCreative ways to structure a win-win sale (including co-hosting transitions)Why historical performance data adds credibilityTips for networking your way to a buyer Resources Mentioned:StayFi – StayFi helps you collect guest emails for future marketing and direct bookings. Google Vacation Rentals – A powerful way to generate direct bookings outside Airbnb. Hosting Business Mastery – Learn how to run your STR like a business with Thanks for Visiting’s exclusive program.

This week on Thanks for Visiting, Sarah is flying solo to dig deep into one of the most powerful (yet overlooked) elements of your Airbnb listing: the title.With only 50 characters to work with, your title has to do more than just describe your space—it needs to stop the scroll, spark curiosity, and drive clicks. In this episode, Sarah breaks down which words to ditch, how to use guest reviews for inspiration, and ways to craft headlines that convert.In this episode, you'll learn:– Why Airbnb listing titles matter more than you think– Common words that waste space (and what to use instead)– How to test and optimize your title for your ideal guest– Real examples of titles that stand out in crowded markets– Creative ways to rotate and update your title year-roundWhether you’re a seasoned host or just getting started, this episode is your crash course in title strategy that can lead to more bookings without spending another dime.Resources mentioned: – STRShare Sunday Submission – Submit your property to be featured– Hosting Business Mastery Method – Join our signature program for serious hostsMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re tackling one of the most common legal questions new hosts face: Do you really need an LLC to start hosting?Listener Jennifer is about to launch her first short-term rental and wants to make sure she’s protecting her personal assets and doing things the right way. We walk through how to approach this decision with confidence, who you should be talking to, and why the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.In this episode, we cover:– Why it’s worth consulting your attorney, CPA, and insurance broker early on– What an LLC can (and can’t) do for your business– How your long-term goals impact your setup– The mindset shift that comes with treating hosting like a real business– Why it’s never too late to make your business structure legitIf you’ve been wondering whether to form an LLC, this episode is a must-listen.Resources Mentioned:– Proper Insurance: https://www.proper.insure/

No matter how well you prepare your space, accidents happen—and that’s just part of the short-term rental business. But when damage occurs, do you know how to handle it professionally, recover costs effectively, and keep your emotions out of the process?In this episode, we walk you through how to navigate guest damage, from identifying what actually qualifies as a damage claim (versus normal wear and tear) to how to submit a successful claim with Airbnb’s AirCover. We also talk about communicating with guests, what to say (and what not to say), and how to prepare your systems before damage even occurs.In this episode, we cover:What doesn’t qualify as a damage claim (even if it’s frustrating)Examples of true negligence and when to take actionHow to approach your guest with professionalism and clarityWhat Airbnb expects for reimbursement—and how to give it to themWhy speed and documentation are critical when filing a claimHow to prevent retaliatory reviewsPlanning ahead: insurance, margins, and staying level-headedResources:AirCover is not insurance | Proper Insurance (our preferred STR insurance)YouTube: 11 Ways to Avoid Parties in Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

is week on the Hosting Hotline, Amy from Canada calls in with a common (but often overlooked) question: How should short-term rental hosts handle TVs and streaming services?We dive into:Where you should place TVs in your rental (and why it matters)Which streaming services to offer—and what to avoidSmart tips to protect guest privacy and your own subscriptionsOperational systems for checking logins, batteries, and connectivityHow your STR's brand and guest profile should influence your entertainment setupWhether you're running a cozy cabin or a large vacation rental, this episode will help you create a seamless, secure, and thoughtful guest experience around your in-home entertainment setup.