Thanks For Visiting

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feedback from guests who may not be your target audienceThe risk of overselling your space with overly edited or outdated imagesWhy investing in professional photos can increase your confidence as a hostHow photography ties into professionalizing the entire STR industryWhether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

The 2025 holiday season is a unique opportunity for short-term rental hosts—but only if you plan your pricing and calendar strategy the right way. In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette break down how the holiday calendar lines up this year and how you can use it to boost your bottom line without adding extra work.They’ll show you why setting minimum stays, adjusting rates on key dates, and preparing your team now can make the difference between leaving money on the table and having your most profitable holiday season yet.You’ll learn how to:Spot unique 2025 travel patterns that create bonus holiday weekends.Set three-to-four-night minimums to increase revenue and reduce turnover.Use dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs to automate smart adjustments.Prepare your property and team in advance so you can enjoy the holidays too.Shift your mindset to see the calendar not as dates, but as opportunities for revenue.Smart hosts don’t wait until December—they plan now and reap the rewards later.Resources:PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software to automate rate adjustments and maximize your revenue.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

The hosts celebrate their milestone of 500 episodes by sharing essential insights for aspiring and seasoned hosts. They discuss effective strategies like parent-child listings to boost revenue and the importance of ownership agreements in partnerships. Financial clarity is crucial, so they offer advice on hiring financial professionals and scaling your team. Additionally, they emphasize the need for a year-round pricing strategy and building an email list for guest communication. Lastly, they introduce a new mentoring program to help hosts achieve accountability and growth.

As the year winds down, the hosts emphasize the importance of proactive planning for short-term rental success in 2026. They share strategies like reviewing quarterly revenue to identify strengths and weaknesses, and the necessity of consulting financial experts for tax prep. Auditing the tech used can also save costs and enhance efficiency. Upgrading properties to improve guest experiences and scheduling deep cleans are essential too. The key takeaway? Act now, pivot intentionally, and prepare for a prosperous year ahead!

Discover effective strategies for attracting new homeowners to list their properties. Learn why treating co-hosting like a professional business is crucial for growth. From leveraging social media to sharing behind-the-scenes content, there's actionable advice that can help build your client base. Hear success stories of co-hosts scaling from one property to dozens, and understand the importance of tracking your sales funnel. Finally, get insights on maintaining visibility and the value of persistence in your marketing efforts.

Feeling overwhelmed by the quest for the perfect property management system? You're not alone! Discover what a PMS truly is and who should consider one. Learn about the core features that can streamline your operations and boost your direct bookings. Say goodbye to PMS hopping as the hosts highlight the importance of committing to your choice. Explore essential tips for evaluating vendors and implementing effective onboarding strategies. Plus, they remind us that while no PMS is flawless, taking action is better than waiting for perfection!

The Hosting Hotline is buzzing with questions about Airbnb’s new 15.5% host-only fee. Starting October 27, 2025, all property management software (PMS)–connected hosts will be switched to this single-fee structure. But what does that mean for your business, your pricing, and your profitability?Sarah and Annette are joined by Thanks for Visiting COO and revenue management expert, Colleen Prochaska, to break down what this change really means for hosts. They share their firsthand experience of being forced onto the new fee structure last year, how they adjusted without losing revenue, and why your pricing strategy matters more than ever.From PMS considerations to direct booking diversification and preparing for 2026, this episode will help you navigate Airbnb’s fee update with confidence.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why ditching your PMS isn’t the answerHow to reframe the 15.5% fee as part of your overall pricing strategyTactics for co-hosts and property managers to address fees with ownersWhy focusing on your booking funnel is just as important as pricingHow to future-proof your hosting business with diversification and forecastingResources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your pricing, calendar, and booking funnel so you can thrive in any market. thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampAirbnb Fee Structure Update – Read Airbnb’s official announcement here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857/service-feesMentioned 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!

Too many hosts believe that lowering their nightly rate will magically generate bookings. The truth? Dropping your price doesn’t create demand—it only leaves money on the table. In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down why cutting rates doesn’t work, what demand actually is, and the smarter levers you can pull to increase bookings and profitability.You’ll learn:Why lowering your price doesn’t change guest search behaviorHow to understand supply, demand, and occupancy forecasts in your marketThe risks of attracting the wrong guests with discount pricingWhat a true “try everything” strategy looks like (and what it doesn’t)Practical steps to audit your listing, amenities, and calendar managementHow to take control of your demand through marketing, referrals, and direct bookingsIf you’re tired of feeling like your only option is slashing rates, this episode will help you rethink your approach and start running your rental like the business it is.Resources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Five days of live training with Sarah and Annette to help you increase revenue and improve your hosting business. PriceLabs – A dynamic pricing tool that helps you understand occupancy forecasts and market demand so you can price smarter. Learn moreMentioned 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!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Jan calls in with a creative question: what if she and her neighbor teamed up to offer both of their homes as a combined rental experience? One property has a pool and putting green, the other has a hot tub—together, they could make the ultimate Tucson getaway.We walk through the upsides of partnering with another host, from expanding guest offerings to building community instead of competition. But we also cover the less glamorous side: liability, financial considerations, calendar coordination, and making sure you and your partner are aligned on guest experience.You’ll learn:How to think about “parent-child” listings and when they make sense.Key financial, legal, and insurance questions to sort out before teaming up.Why guest feedback should guide whether a joint listing adds value.Creative ways to collaborate with other hosts without merging your listings.Marketing strategies that make a joint offering easier to communicate.Partnerships in hosting can be powerful, but they take careful planning. Tune in to hear our tips for turning a fun idea into a smart business move.Resources: Jan’s Website — Madrona Stays – Beautiful properties in Tucson and the Pacific Northwest.Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp — Learn how to up-level your STR listings with actionable strategies and a supportive host community. Join hereParent-Child Listing Resources — Watch our YouTube videos explaining how to structure joint or linked listings. Watch hereMentioned 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!