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Hosting Hotline: The Best Pricing Strategy When You First List Your AirbnbWhen you’re launching your short-term rental, pricing can feel like a guessing game. Should you start with low rates to get more bookings and reviews? Or is that a fast track to leaving money on the table? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we answer a listener’s question about how to price their new Airbnb and whether lowering rates is the right strategy.We also touch on midterm rentals—when they make sense, how they differ from short-term stays, and why they are not always the easy alternative some hosts expect.What We Cover in This Episode:Why pricing too low does not always mean more bookingsHow Airbnb already gives new listings a boost in the algorithmThe dangers of relying on lower rates as your default pricing strategyHow to analyze market demand before setting your ratesMidterm rentals vs. short-term rentals—what is the real differenceHow to transition from midterm back to short-term bookings without losing tractionResources & Links from This Episode:Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Boost Airbnb Income with these 4 EASY Upsells! Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!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!

Why Your PMS is the Heartbeat of Your STR Business—A Conversation with Hostfully’s CEOYour Property Management Software (PMS) is more than just a tool—it’s the heartbeat of your short-term rental business. But how do you know you’re using the right one? And are you truly optimizing it to save time, increase efficiency, and drive more revenue?In this episode, we sit down with Margot Schmorak, CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, our preferred PMS partner, to talk about the must-have features of a PMS, the biggest mistakes hosts make when choosing or switching systems, and how to use a PMS to scale smarter—whether you have one property or 100+.We also dive into:The number one mistake hosts make when selecting a PMSHow a strong tech stack can make your hosting life easierDirect bookings: Is a PMS worth it if you only have one or two properties?The power of repeat guests and how a PMS can help you get moreWhy booking direct is one of the biggest opportunities for hosts in 2025How Hostfully’s AI-powered inbox is saving hosts three or more hours per dayHow midterm rentals are evolving—and what Hostfully is doing about itWhether you’re shopping for a PMS, considering a switch, or just want to maximize the power of the one you have, this episode is packed with insights, strategy, and actionable tips to take your STR business to the next level.More About Our Guest: Margot SchmorakMargot is the CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, a leading PMS in the STR industry. Under her leadership, Hostfully has helped thousands of property managers streamline their operations, grow their portfolios, and embrace direct bookings as a key revenue driver.Beyond Hostfully, Margot is also a mom, wife, and creative entrepreneur based in San Francisco. She’s passionate about supporting women, moms, and underrepresented groups in tech and hospitality, and she loves travel, design, and music.Resources & Links from This EpisodeListen to Margot’s first TFV EpisodeExact Steps for Leaving a Negative Airbnb Guest Review | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelWant to get your property featured on #STRShareSunday? | Submit your listing here: strsharesunday.comMentioned in this episode:Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayHostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Which STR Upgrades Actually Increase Bookings?Investing in your short-term rental can be a big decision—so how do you know which upgrades will actually pay off? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help a listener evaluate whether adding privacy fencing is worth the investment. We dive into when (and why) outdoor enhancements can increase bookings, how to analyze market data before making a major purchase, and what hosts should consider before spending thousands on property improvements.What We Cover in This Episode:How to determine if an upgrade will increase bookings and revenueThe impact of outdoor spaces on guest experience and STR successWhen privacy fencing makes sense—and when it might notHow to use market data to evaluate upgrades before making a decisionWhat amenities can increase perceived value without a huge investmentThe importance of long-term financial planning for property improvementsResources & Links from This Episode:Check out this episode: Design Upgrades That Drive Higher STR Bookings with SomerledSchedule a Call with Somerled Designs: Learn MoreSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: No bookings for your Airbnb? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix ASAP!Grab your FREE STR Deal Analyzer: Analyze your next deal!Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | 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!

In this episode, we take a deep dive into short-term rental insurance, breaking down why having the right coverage is essential for protecting your property, income, and business. We welcome Nick Massey, Chief Sales Officer at Proper Insurance, who shares critical insights on what hosts need to know, from common misconceptions about platform-provided coverage to real-life case studies of claims and payouts.What We Cover:Why short-term rental hosts need specialized insuranceCommon claims and risks in the short-term rental industryThe differences between standard homeowners insurance, landlord insurance, and commercial policiesHow loss of income coverage can save your business after a claimGuest-caused damage: what’s covered and what’s notHow to ensure your amenities—pools, hot tubs, kayaks, and more—are properly insuredThe biggest mistakes hosts make when it comes to insuranceWhat co-hosts and property managers need to know about liabilityWhy arbitrage hosts need a unique insurance solutionHow insurance providers evaluate your property and listing for risk managementThe importance of transparency when discussing insurance with property ownersResources & Links from This Episode:Breezeway Safety Program | Learn more AirCover for Hosts | Learn more11 Ways To Avoid Parties In Your Airbnbs | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayExtenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Attending in-person conferences is one of the best ways to network, learn, and level up your short-term rental business—but with so many options, how do you pick the right one? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help listener Sarah decide which industry event is the best fit for her goals in 2025.We break down the top vacation rental conferences, including their unique focuses, vendor access, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Whether you're looking for insights on social media marketing, midterm rentals, or revenue management, there’s an event for you.If attending a conference is on your business goals list, listen in for our expert tips on choosing the right one, maximizing your experience, and ensuring your investment pays off.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to choose the best short-term rental conference for your goalsThe top STR events in 2025 and what makes them uniqueThe importance of setting a clear objective for attending an eventWhy networking and vendor connections are just as valuable as educationTips for maximizing your experience (and making it a tax write-off)Events Discussed on the Show:Level Up Your Listing – March 9-11, Phoenix, AZ (More Info)VR Nation – April 27-28, Austin, TX (More Info)Midterm Rental Summit – April 27-29, San Diego, CA (More Info)VR Women's Summit – August 19-21, Charleston, SC (More Info)VRMA International – October 12-15, Las Vegas, NV (More Info)DARM (Data & Revenue Management Summit) – December 1-3, Sandestin, FL (More Info)Additional Resources:Meetup.com – Find local real estate and STR networking eventsRentResponsibly.org – Stay updated on local industry events and advocacyMinoan – Meet STR vendors in-person at conferencesListen now to find the best event for your short-term rental business in 2025!Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | 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!

Safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential for every short-term rental. In this episode, international safety expert Justin Ford returns to discuss the biggest safety risks hosts often overlook and how to protect your guests and business.From smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to hot tub safety and bunk beds, this episode is packed with actionable insights for hosts at every level. Justin has spent over a decade advocating for vacation rental safety, and today, he’s sharing the most critical lessons from real-life incidents, upcoming regulatory changes, and how to stay ahead of safety requirements.We’re also joined by Wendy Doris, a successful co-host, who shares how implementing Justin’s safety strategies has improved her business and given her peace of mind.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe most overlooked safety risks in short-term rentalsWhy fire safety should be your top priority (and common mistakes hosts make)How to keep guests safe in hot tubs and poolsThe real cost of ignoring safety (beyond legal liability)Why the Breezeway safety course should be mandatory for your teamThe future of short-term rental safety regulations and how to stay compliantListen now to ensure your rental meets the highest safety standards.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBreezeway Safety Course (free training for hosts) – Sign up hereBreezeway STR Software (your first property is free) – Claim it hereSmoke Alarm with Strobe (for hearing-impaired guests) – First Alert StoreHeat Detector (for garages & attics) – First Alert StoreBest Fire Extinguisher for STRs – First Alert PRO5Add This to Your ListingHosts should include a Safety section in their Airbnb or direct booking listing:Safety: We do full safety audits of this property annually, and smoke alarms, CO alarms, pool alarms, and the quality of hot tubs and pools are checked before each guest arrives. Our annual safety audits include fire safety, fall prevention, emergency preparedness, electrical and appliance safety, furniture and amenity safety, and pool and hot tub safety.More from Justin FordOther Episodes Featuring Justin:What Every Host Needs to Know About STR Safety8 Danger Zones in a Short Term Rental and How to Avoid ThemDryer Safety in Your Short Term RentalCleaning is Now SafetyHow to Make Your Short-Term Rental Safe: Top 5 Preventable STR Accidents from 20207 Tips to Ensure Pool & Spa SafetyBack to Basics: Fire Alarm 101Fire Safety Comes First in Your STRHoliday Safety Tips for Your STRThe Ultimate Airbnb Spring Safety GuideHoliday Safety Tips for Your STRSTR Safety in 2024: Regulations, Technology & TrendsSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelHUGE Aircover Mistake Most Airbnb Hosts Make – Watch NowTake Action: If you do one thing today, check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Implementing even a few of Justin’s tips can make your rental significantly safer for guests.If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and leave a review to help more hosts improve safety in their rentals.Happy Hosting!Mentioned in this episode:Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Hosting Hotline: Can You List a New Construction Airbnb with Renderings?In this episode of the Hosting Hotline, we answer Donny's questions about launching a new construction Airbnb listing with renderings and strategies for securing month-long bookings. Whether you're in the process of building a short-term rental or exploring midterm stay opportunities, we’ve got tips to help you navigate these challenges confidently.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Using Renderings for ListingsCan you list an under-construction property using renderings? Learn how to set expectations with guests, manage your calendar conservatively, and avoid unnecessary stress.[00:04:00] Transparency is KeyTips for clearly communicating with guests when using renderings, including strategies for being honest about timelines and delivering on promises.[00:06:00] Build Buzz Before OpeningWhy it’s never too early to start building an email list and generating interest through local partnerships and online communities.[00:07:00] Marketing Month-Long StaysExplore strategies for attracting midterm guests, including creating separate listings and targeting digital nomads and seasonal travelers.[00:09:00] Price and Expense ConsiderationsWhy understanding your market, potential guest profiles, and operational costs are critical to making month-long stays profitable.[00:10:00] Practical Next StepsActionable advice for launching your new property, managing bookings, and preparing for success.Key Takeaways:Renderings Can Work: Using renderings is a great way to pre-launch your listing, but clear communication about timelines and expectations is essential.Conservative Calendars: Avoid unnecessary stress by opening your calendar cautiously to account for potential delays.Start Building Interest Early: Leverage social media, email lists, and partnerships to generate buzz for your property.Separate Listings for Midterm Stays: Optimize bookings by creating distinct listings for month-long stays while keeping shorter-stay options available.Understand the Costs: Thoroughly calculate pricing and potential expenses for longer stays to ensure profitability.Resources:How to Get Your Airbnb Listing Seen by More Guests (And Earn More!) | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

In this episode, we dive into one simple yet game-changing strategy to boost your Airbnb bookings in 2025: turning on Instant Book. Whether you’re hesitant about giving up control or ready to take your listing to the next level, this episode will show you how Instant Book can help you attract more guests, maximize revenue, and streamline operations—all while staying in control of your property.Episode Highlights[00:01:00] #STRShareSunday: Shoutout to @ShilohGlamping for their fantastic Instagram presence and direct booking site. Check out their inspiring FAQ section and video tour for ideas to level up your listing.[00:03:30] What is Instant Book? Learn how this feature simplifies the booking process for guests and helps you fill your calendar.[00:05:00] Why Guests Use Instant Book: Understand why many travelers filter for Instant Book listings and how that affects your visibility.[00:08:00] Overcoming Instant Book Fears: Addressing concerns like problem guests, last-minute bookings, and maintaining control over your property.[00:10:00] Proven Results: How turning on Instant Book can increase your bookings by up to 50% and improve your search ranking on Airbnb.[00:14:30] Customization Options: Tips for setting up guest requirements, pre-booking messages, and cutoff times to fit your hosting style.[00:18:00] Automation That Feels Personal: Combining automation with warm, personal touches to create an exceptional guest experience.Key TakeawaysBoost Visibility: Airbnb prioritizes Instant Book listings, giving you an edge in search rankings.Simplify Guest Communication: Automation reduces back-and-forth messaging while still keeping the personal touch.Control Last-Minute Bookings: Customize settings like advance notice and cutoff times to ensure your property is always ready.Maximize Revenue Potential: With 60% of bookings made through Instant Book, you’ll attract more guests and fill your calendar faster.Experiment with Confidence: Turning on Instant Book isn’t permanent—you can adjust or turn it off anytime to find what works best for you.Resources Mentioned#STRSHARESUNDAY: @ShilohGlampingTurn on Instant Book: Airbnb How ToNo bookings for your Airbnb? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix ASAP! | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayHostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

Hosting Hotline: How Can I Organize My Hosting Business?Show Notes:Welcome to the Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re tackling a fantastic question from Jilayne about staying organized as a busy host and business owner. Whether you’re jotting down ideas on the go, managing multiple properties, or trying to streamline tasks, staying organized is essential for business success.In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their go-to tool for organization, Asana, and offer actionable tips for using it effectively. From setting due dates to managing recurring tasks and integrating your calendar, this episode is packed with advice to help hosts take control of their to-do lists and reduce overwhelm.Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Listener Shoutout: Celebrating Jilayne’s success and determination as a host and entrepreneur.[00:02:00] The Power of Organization: Why staying organized is key for hosts running a business, even when life gets busy.[00:04:00] Why We Love Asana: A breakdown of why Asana is our favorite organization tool and how it works for hosting businesses.[00:06:00] Pro Tip 1: Always start tasks with a verb or action to keep your to-do list clear and actionable.[00:08:00] Pro Tip 2: Set due dates for every task to prioritize effectively and avoid overdue tasks.[00:13:00] Pro Tip 3: Use Asana’s recurring tasks feature to streamline maintenance and operations.[00:17:00] Pro Tip 4: Integrate Asana with your calendar to ensure your schedule matches your task list.[00:20:00] Staying Accountable: Why habits matter and how to build them for organizational success.Resources Mentioned:Asana: The ultimate organizational tool for hosts.Paul Minors on YouTube: Expert tutorials on getting started with Asana.Relay Bank: Our favorite business banking tool for short-term rental hosts. Airbnb Supply Closet Management... Pro Tips + Newbie Mistakes | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!Stay Connected:Got a question for the Hosting Hotline? Visit HostingHotline.com and leave us a message!Follow us on Instagram for more hosting tips: @thanksforvisiting_.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Airbnb Shut Our Listing Down: Here’s What We LearnedWelcome back to another episode of Thanks for Visiting! This week, we’re diving into a hosting nightmare that became a learning opportunity. Imagine waking up to find that Airbnb has not only shut down your listing but removed it entirely from the platform. That’s exactly what happened to us, and we’re here to share the entire story, how we handled it, and what you can learn from our experience.Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you prepare for the unexpected and keep your hosting business running smoothly—even when things go wrong.Episode Highlights[00:01:00] #STRShareSunday: WanderChattWe’re highlighting @WanderChatt, a vacation rental business specializing in unique builds like the incredible Merry Mushroom property. Learn how they’ve mastered the art of partnering with influencers to market their rentals.[00:03:00] The Gas Leak IncidentA late-night message from a guest reporting a potential gas leak sets off a chain of events that leads to Airbnb shutting down our listing. Here’s what happened next.[00:06:00] Navigating Airbnb SupportWe break down the frustrating process of working with Airbnb’s support team, including why they initially refused to communicate with us as co-hosts.[00:10:00] Getting the Listing Back OnlineFrom proving the property was safe to dealing with the slow response times, we share how we finally got the listing reinstated—and the important documentation that made it possible.[00:15:00] Why Direct Bookings MatterThis experience reinforced the importance of having a direct booking option. We explain how we leveraged our email list to fill last-minute availability while waiting for Airbnb to reinstate the listing.[00:19:00] Lessons Learned for HostsWhat every host should know about preparing for emergencies, working with Airbnb, and diversifying booking platforms to protect your revenue.Stay ConnectedHave you ever experienced something similar with your Airbnb listing? We’d love to hear your story!📧 Email us at hi@thanksforvisiting.com.📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thanksforvisiting_.Resources MentionedSTRShareSunday: WanderChatt – Follow on InstagramHow to Create a Direct Booking Site for Your Airbnb Business – Watch on YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today