Thanks For Visiting

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.Matthew asks:Should I switch to a midterm rental strategy to address our slow winter season and if so, what’s the best website for leads? How can I protect my property against potential squatters?(00:01:36) Hosting Hotline Success Story Highlight• Youtube: Parent Child Listing(00:03:10) Matthew Asks: Should I Switch to a Midterm Rental Strategy?(00:03:41) Our Experience with Transitioning from A Short Term to Midterm Rental Strategy• Where we find our leads: Furnished Finder, AirBnB, Zillow, ALE and CRS• Pros and cons of using Furnished Finder• Considerations and questions to consider with a midterm rental• Advice for negotiating pricing in a furnished midterm rental(00:09:06) How to Prepare Your Listing for This Rental Strategy Transition• When to start advertising for the winter season• When to take a listing off the market(00:12:21) How to Navigate the Algorithm To Increase Leads on AirBnB(00:13:30) Protect Your Property Against Squatters: Advice for Midterm Rental Agreements• What to look for to prevent a tenant from becoming a squatter• How to protect yourself in your lease agreement• BRRRR Method 101: Tips for Success in Long-Term Rentals with Jessie LangThanks 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:• Furnished Finder: furnishedfinder.com• Youtube: Parent Child Listing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookStayFi | 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!

Today’s expert guest is Keith Brady. Owner of Florida Vacation Rental Law, he’s Florida's leading authority on vacation rentals. Keith has dedicated his career to the vacation rental industry and offers counsel to governments, businesses, and individuals.Keith’s here to give us the cold hard facts about vacation rental chargebacks. The truth is, you’re very likely to be at risk! More truths? Chargebacks are a scam. They make us feel powerless. They force us to question the good in the world. They make us mad! But – they can also be avoided. And we even have a few useful steps to take after experiencing a vacation rental chargeback.Keith walks us through several useful steps to take in our messaging which drastically reduce our susceptibility to fraudulent chargebacks before, during, and after a contested reservation takes place. He’s an open book in sharing secrets of the trade, detailing his own professional experience, and leaving us with actionable steps to help protect against scammers.Don’t leave your business open to be taken advantage of! Preventative care is the name of the game. Huge thanks to Keith for sharing this important information with the Thanks For Visiting audience.(00:01:24) #STRShare: @seascapevillastx(00:03:24) Introducing Keith Brady: Vacation Rental Law Expert(00:11:49) Tried & True Methods to Circumvent STR Credit Card Fraud(00:19:20) How to Avoid Short-Term Rental Chargebacks (00:33:36) Tips to Combat Fraudulent STR Chargebacks(00:40:19) What to Do AFTER Losing/Winning an STR Chargeback CaseResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: floridavacationrentallaw.com • Email: admin@floridavacationrentallaw.com#STRShareSunday: @seascapevillastx• Submit your property for our next #STRShare at STRShare.com• Video: 7 Creeping .. Airbnb Business Expenses 😬 Look Out! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks 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!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

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.John asks:I'm in a ton of Facebook groups, and the most common question I'm seeing is… Should I charge for this or that? It could be a stained towel, a broken plate, a mark on a chair, all the way to wall damage or broken tiles. There are just so many opinions; I'd rather hear from the experts. What's the cost of doing business and what's not? How do you decide? (00:01:40) John Asks About the Cost of Doing Business as an Airbnb Host(00:04:02) Setting an Effective Threshold for STR Guest Damage Claims(00:06:20) Setting Up a Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Program(00:08:03) Pros & Cons to STR Damage Claims: Marketing, Time Investment & CommunicationThanks 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• Check out Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com/thanks-for-visiting • Check out Superhog: superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting • Video: 10 Must Have Apps for Airbnbs & Short Term Rentals• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guests are the owner/operators of Howzit Hostels, a growing brand of hostels based in the Hawaiian Islands. Michael and Nathan discuss their journey beginning with investing in short-term rentals to scaling up to commercial and hospitality properties. They currently own two hostels, one in Maui and the other on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a combined bed count of approximately 140 beds. Within only 3 years of opening, Howzit Hostels won the 2024 award for #1 Small Hostel in North America. Current annual gross revenues from their hostel business are expected to exceed $2.75 million. Their goal is to grow to 400 beds within the Hawaiian Islands and 4,000 beds in North America.Michael and Nathan explain why hostels are not only an excellent investment but a feel-good business that brings people together to share incredible experiences.(00:01:34) STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead(00:02:57) Introducing Mike and Nate of Howzit Hostels(00:16:54) Hostel vs. Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel(00:36:02) What’s it Like to Manage a Hostel?(00:47:23) Running the Numbers on Hostel ManagementResources:• Click here for full show notes• Instagram: @howzithostels • Book a Hostel: howzithostels.com • Investment Website: vortexmaui.com • Investment Instgram: @mikeandnate_thehostelguys • Swell Vacation Rentals: swellvacationrentals.com • STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead • Submit your property for our next STRShare at STRShare.com• Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb - A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!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!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

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.Suzie asks:I am new to co-hosting and I want my contract to be thorough, but not too nitpicky. What are some items you would add to your co-hosting contract today that you didn't think of when you were first starting out? Repair and maintenance times? Supply purchasing, design fees? Do I charge for my time?(00:01:44) Suzie Asks for Tips on Writing a Good STR Co-Hosting Contract(00:03:00) Importance of a Solid Foundation for STR Co-Host/Owner Relationships(00:05:13) Common Exclusions & Risks in Vacation Rental Co-Hosting Agreements(00:09:11) Decision Making Process: Who, What & How Much?(00:10:11) Setting (High) Standards for Your Co-Hosting Portfolio & Pay Structure 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• Link to our mastermind! thanksforvisiting.com/microcast • Video: 3 Things ALL Beginners NEED to know BEFORE Starting an Airbnb Business• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Isaac French, the visionary creator behind the stunning Live Oak Lake in Texas, shares his journey of building and selling a landscape hotel. He discusses how he achieved rapid success, selling for a million dollars a key, and emphasizes the importance of designing magical guest experiences. Isaac delves into the challenges of land development, innovative marketing strategies, and the power of passion in hospitality. His insights serve as a valuable guide for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs looking to create memorable experiences.

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.Marie asks:We are wondering if we should get a PMS. We have four properties. They're all on Airbnb, and they're doing well. We're about to bring on a fifth and we're wondering if now is the time, but we are truly overwhelmed with all the options. How do we decide which PMS to use? How did you guys decide, and what is important to look for when you are deciding?(00:01:18) Marie Asks How To Choose a Property Management Software (PMS)(00:02:42) How To Evaluate Customer Support in Property Management Softwares (00:04:44) Choose a PMS That Will Grow With Your Business Goals(00:08:01) Is Investing in a PMS Important for Long-Term STR Success? (00:09:32) Software Options + How Sarah And Annette Chose Their PMS(00:16:12) An Exercise To Help You Start Your Search 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 • Hostfully: hostfully.com • Lodgify: lodgify.com/thanksforvisiting • Hospitable: hospitable.com • Guesty: guesty.com • Hostaway: hostaway.com • OwnerRez: ownerrez.com • Track: tnsinc.com • Streamline: streamlinevrs.com • FutureStay: futurestay.com • Video: 10 Must Have Apps For Airbnbs & Short-Term Rentals • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Nick Taylor, driver of strategic direction at Nox Cape Town Villas & Apartments in South Africa, and steward of its real estate portfolio worth more than $150M USD.With an educational background in hotel operations, he saw early career success for a top hotel brand in London. After learning how to manage a top-of-class operation, Nick was inspired to bring his talents back to Cape Town, dedicating himself to one specific niche while going all-in on guest satisfaction, tourism potential, and high-end hospitality.In a conversation that affirms many lessons we learned from Louis Andrews in the French Alps, Nick provides another fascinating global perspective on the short-term rental industry; what success looks like for a hosting company, it’s partners (property owners), and their guests; and what he sees in the future for all parties involved.We also get a valuable lesson on how he’s deployed a circular sales pipeline to nurture rental guests into becoming possible partners/owners. We learn what’s different about operating vacation rentals in South Africa (labor costs!) and, of course, compare areas where our worlds overlap (going the extra mile).Nick’s full of interesting takes on doing business, providing us an open book on how he’s been so successful deploying a hyperlocal strategy in a region he knows like the back of his hand – while revealing where and why that familiarity comes back around to benefit his bottom line.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals(00:04:03) Should Hosts Provide Linens at Beach House Properties?(00:08:38) Introducing Nick Taylor: STR Host in Cape Town, South Africa(00:20:38) Defining Our Service: Hotel vs. Vacation Home(00:32:22) Working With Compatible STR Owners & Cleaners(00:41:52) Diversifying Revenue Through Real EstateResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: nox.capetown• Rentals: noxrentals.com• Real Estate: noxproperty.co.za• Hosting: noxmanagement.co.za• #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals• Video: 5 Tips to Overcoming Hosting Burnout• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Katie asks:We're about to start our first short-term rental. My question right now is… How important is it to have drawers in the bedrooms? I currently don't have drawers. I don't really want to add them because I like the look and the space that not having them provides. There are big closets in both bedrooms where I have installed luggage racks and shelves. Do you think that having drawers is an absolute must?(00:01:29) Listener Question About Airbnb Garment Storage Options(00:02:51) Sarah’s Emotional Closet Storage Experience on HGTV(00:05:54) Do You Need Drawers in Your STR Listing? (Yes)(00:07:48) Creative Ways to Offer Clothing Storage Options in Your Airbnb 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• Sarah on HGTV in Gulf Shores • Video: Mastering Linen Management: Essential Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

In today’s episode, we’re getting (painfully) real. We felt the need, after seeing a flood of negativity in online STR spaces, to bring this all back to its foundation – why do we work in hospitality, anyway? What does it mean to truly serve the guest? And, how can we go above and beyond in that mission?As open and honest as ever, we recount some educational examples from our recent, and not so recent, past – including breakdowns in delivery of service, frustrating lapses in communication, a broken couch, missing knives, and so much more.The truth is, guest satisfaction is our top priority. This industry, your business, and ours – is built on that very fact. Sometimes it’s helpful to unplug the daily/weekly machine of how and when we do things to reverse engineer our “why” – and rededicate ourselves to the things that really matter.What’s in a 5-star review? What is your problem and what isn’t? What is the baseline, for the guest and for us? And, how are they different? These important questions, and more, are addressed today. We hope tuning in inspires you to do some soul searching of your own, too, to reignite the flame of hospitality excellence that got you into this work in the first place.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard(00:03:10) Why Do We Work in Hospitality?(00:06:29) STR & Service-Based Business Stories to Learn From(00:18:07) Tips for Going Above & Beyond for Your Airbnb Guests(00:29:25) Stop the Bashing: STR Guest Satisfaction is #1Resources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard • Video: Airbnb Host: No Refund and Gamble Bad Review? • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode: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!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook