Thanks For Visiting

The Best Investment You Can Make as an Airbnb HostWelcome back to Thanks for Visiting, where we dive into the heart of what it takes to be a successful short-term rental host. In this solo episode, we explore a topic that often gets overlooked: the best investment you can make as a host—investing in yourself. 🎯From personal growth to professional development, this episode unpacks why prioritizing yourself is the key to unlocking your potential as a host, business owner, and individual.Episode Highlights[00:01:00] Listener Spotlight: Onyx OasisWe highlight Onyx Oasis, a beautifully curated property with a stunning Instagram feed featuring pinned posts that inspire hosts to elevate their social media game.[00:03:00] Why Investing in Yourself MattersDiscover why self-investment isn’t selfish but essential for long-term success in hosting and life.[00:04:00] Lessons Learned: Annette’s JourneyAnnette reflects on the shift from investing in others to making herself a priority—and the hard lessons that came with it.[00:06:00] Overcoming the Guilt of Self-InvestmentSarah and Annette discuss cultural pressures and common misconceptions around putting yourself first.[00:08:00] The Ripple Effect of GrowthLearn how personal growth positively impacts your business, relationships, and community.[00:11:00] Financial Growth: Managing Your Personal FinancesPractical tips for tracking spending, working with financial experts, and gaining clarity on your financial health.[00:14:00] Physical and Mental WellbeingThe connection between health, productivity, and avoiding burnout. Annette shares her experience with coaching, while Sarah emphasizes finding practices that work for you.[00:18:00] Business Development as Personal DevelopmentA deep dive into masterminds, courses, and retreats that Sarah and Annette have invested in—and why it’s worth every penny.[00:24:00] Building Community and RelationshipsHow nurturing personal connections and giving back to your community enhances your hosting journey.[00:37:00] Bootcamp Announcement!Join our first-ever January Bootcamp! Learn to audit your listings for success with expert-led sessions and actionable analytics. Sign up here.Resources MentionedOnyx Oasis: Follow on Instagram @OnyxOasisRocket Money App: Personal budget tracking made simpleUnreasonable Hospitality: A must-read book on going above and beyond in serviceFailing Forward by John C. Maxwell: A guide to turning failures into opportunitiesThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Save Your Seat!What Makes a Good Airbnb Listing: Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelAction StepWhat’s your plan for investing in yourself in 2025? Whether it’s joining a mastermind, prioritizing self-care, or diving into a new business tool, we challenge you to commit to your growth this year. DM us on Instagram or email us to share your plans!Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayExtenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline, where we answer your most pressing questions about short-term rentals! This week, Carol asks about whether a landline is necessary for remote vacation rentals. If your property is in a rural or remote location, this episode is packed with important safety insights and expert advice.In this episode, we dive into:Episode Highlights(00:01:00) Listener Question: Do I Need a Landline in My STR?Carol asks about landlines for remote properties, and we explore the importance of emergency communication.(00:02:00) Why Landlines Are Crucial for Remote RentalsWe discuss guest safety, connectivity issues, and how a landline can help protect your property and guests.(00:03:00) Expert Tip: Engage Local Emergency ServicesLearn why connecting with your local fire marshal and emergency services is a proactive step for rural property owners.(00:04:00) Personal Experience with Remote HostingSarah shares lessons from managing a remote property and working with safety expert Justin Ford.(00:05:00) Final Thoughts and RecommendationsWhy investing in safety infrastructure like a landline is worth it for peace of mind and guest safety.Resources Mentioned:Justin Ford: Short Term Rental Safety ExpertHow to Buy Land for your Airbnb Glamping BusinessGot questions you want answered? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com!Mentioned in this episode:Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Welcome back to Thanks for Visiting! As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the most loved episodes of the year and the incredible takeaways they’ve provided for our community of hosts. These episodes have sparked important conversations, inspired profitable strategies, and highlighted major wins from listeners just like you.From mastering pricing strategies to embracing themed properties, advocating for hosting rights, and optimizing operations, these episodes reflect the topics that matter most to short-term rental hosts everywhere.Episode Highlights:(00:01:00) #STRShareSunday: Mileaway StoweWe’re featuring this stunning farmhouse in Stowe, Vermont, and its gorgeous direct booking site.(00:02:00) Year in Review: Gratitude and 2024 ReflectionsLooking back on an election year, how hosting evolved, and what we learned as an industry.(00:05:00) Top 7 Episodes of 2024A rundown of the most loved episodes and the profitable strategies they uncovered:Dynamic Pricing vs. Cleaning Fees (Episode 321)How To Make Facebook & Instagram Ads That Drive Bookings for Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 333)Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings: Welcoming Dogs to Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 335)We Fought Restrictive Local Hosting Laws (and Won) (Episode 339)Optimize Your Supply Inventory as an Airbnb Co-Host in 2024 (Episode 347)Revenue Management 101: How to Track Growth & Optimize Your Strategy (Episode 391)Simple Strategy to Add Thousands to Airbnb Revenue (Episode 405)(00:25:00) The Land Journey & Personal GrowthSarah and Annette reflect on their long-term project of purchasing land and building unique properties.(00:30:00) YouTube Adventures & Stepping Out of Comfort ZonesHow Thanks for Visiting expanded to YouTube with video-specific content to serve the hosting community.(00:33:00) Member Success StoriesCelebrating HBM member wins, including:Katie’s $30K revenue increase with two properties.Michelle’s launch of 19 properties as a Co-host.Heatherly’s pivot to long-term insurance bookings.(00:36:00) 2025 Bootcamp AnnouncementsIntroducing Bootcamp Intensives to help you focus on specific aspects of your hosting business.(00:40:00) Final Thoughts & Community ReflectionsSharing our gratitude for the incredible hosting community and setting the stage for 2025.Resources:#STRShareSunday: @mileawaystoweSubmit Your Property: strshare.comDynamic Pricing Tools: PriceLabsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel!Hosting Business Membership: Get on the waitlist!Bootcamp Intensives: Join us in January for a Listing Audit Boot Camp!Rent Responsibly: Learn MoreMentioned in this episode:Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayHostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.

Uncover the implications of Airbnb's 15% fee structure and learn how to adjust your pricing for better profitability. Explore creative strategies to inspire guests to leave glowing reviews without sounding pushy. Hear real-world success stories from hosts who have thrived under these challenges. Discover practical tools like PriceLabs to optimize your property management and boost direct bookings. A treasure trove of tips awaits for both new and seasoned short-term rental hosts!

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we’re diving into the world of themed short-term rentals and how niche design can transform properties into viral sensations. From Taylor Swift-inspired Airbnb listings to managing high-turnover calendars, we chat about turning creativity into profitability. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging unique designs to stand out in a competitive market.Episode Highlights(00:01:00) STR Share Sunday: Lavender Haze PlayceWe feature this Taylor Swift-inspired property and its incredible Instagram-worthy design.(00:04:00) Collaboration Dynamics: Owner and Co-HostDiscover how Kelly Straka and Wendy Doris built a successful partnership that balances creative vision with operational excellence.(00:10:00) Designing for Viral SuccessLearn how Kelly’s attention to detail transformed a basic rental into a social media phenomenon.(00:22:00) Leveraging Marketing and Themed DesignWendy shares how marketing and direct booking strategies took their properties to the next level.(00:33:00) Managing High-Turnover PropertiesStrategies for maintaining impeccable standards while hosting daily Swiftovers.(00:40:00) Expanding with IntentionThe duo discusses creating additional themed properties while maintaining uniqueness and profitability.Resources:Click here for full show notesSave your seat for the Listing Audit Bootcamp | Booked & Profitable#STRShareSunday: @lavenderhazeplayceSubmit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.comVideo: Design your Airbnb the RIGHT way! DO NOT Follow Popular Interior Design Advice!Mostess HostLux-LivingKelly StrakaSee all the incredible Swiftie-inspired properties hereMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!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.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline, where we answer your most pressing short-term rental questions. Today’s question comes from Jenny, who asked via our YouTube channel:"Do you still recommend dynamic pricing even if you're in a rural area without lots of activities?"In this episode, we dive into the nuances of dynamic pricing for rural short-term rentals. Whether you're in a small town with limited attractions or hosting in an area without high guest turnover, we unpack how tools like PriceLabs can help you price competitively, maximize revenue, and even uncover hidden demand in your market.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why dynamic pricing can benefit rural properties just as much as urban rentals.The importance of competitor analysis, even if you only have one or two local competitors.How to identify events or peak seasons you may not know about—and price accordingly.Practical tips to make the most of dynamic pricing tools during your free trial period.Why we recommend dynamic pricing as the #1 software tool for STR hosts starting out.Resources Mentioned:PriceLabs Free TrialThe Ultimate Airbnb Tool Kit: What We Use to Keep Things Running SeamlesslyGot questions you want answered? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com!Mentioned in this episode:Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

In this episode, we’re excited to share a special reshare of our guest appearance on the Cashflow Positive Podcast with host Kenny Bedwell, founder of STR Insights. Known for his data-driven approach to short-term rental success, Kenny invited us to discuss how we combine the art and science of hosting to elevate guest experiences, optimize revenue, and grow a thriving STR business. From personal branding tips to actionable revenue management strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help hosts of all levels.Episode Highlights(00:00:00) Introduction and #STRSHARESUNDAYWe highlight this week’s #STRShareSunday property: Montague on Magnolia. Discover how their bold, colorful interiors and shoppable design elevate their guest experience.(00:05:00) Guest Introduction: Kenny BedwellKenny introduces us and dives into our hosting journeys, from house hacking to co-hosting, showcasing the diversity in hosting approaches.(00:15:00) Beating Market Trends in RevenueWe share how our properties consistently outperform local market trends, detailing strategies like proactive revenue management and leveraging historical data.(00:20:00) The Role of InspectorsLearn how our property inspector role has become a game-changer, ensuring every detail is guest-ready and preventing negative feedback.(00:29:00) Elevating Guest ExperiencesDiscover creative ways to surprise and delight guests with personalized touches like handwritten cards and “forgot something” baskets.(00:37:00) Branding Your STR for SuccessWe discuss how thoughtful branding—like unique theming and naming—sets properties apart and attracts ideal guests.(00:46:00) Final Takeaways and TipsSarah’s Tip: Track historical data to identify trends and continually improve your performance.Annette’s Tip: Set aside dedicated time monthly to review and forecast your STR performance.Mentioned 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.

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.Chrissy asks:Hi Annette and Sarah. This is Chrissy, the host of the Costelli Corner, a Scandinavian themed Airbnb in East Nashville. First, I want to thank you both for the thanks for visiting podcast. You both were huge help in our first year as hosts, helping us hit milestones. Like superhero status and ranking in the top 1 in our area. So, our question stems from a remodel we are doing in our Airbnb finishing this space to include a second room, which we're outfitting with a twin bed, a trundle, and an office setup. This allows us to market the property as a two-bedroom, one bath space, ideal for small families or workers or musicians. We're thinking of offering the space as a flexible parent child model where the full two-bedroom parent listing and a one-bedroom child listing for smaller groups. This way we could prioritize booking the two-bedroom but still open up availability for the one-bedroom option if we see fewer bookings coming in the full space. So, our question is about the best way to approach this change on the Airbnb platform. Should we update our current listing to the two-bedroom layout so we can retain our reviews and momentum and create a brand-new listing for the one-bedroom option? Is there a best practice for transitioning a listing like this while maximizing flexibility and maintaining a momentum to yield the best results? We'd love your advice. Thanks. (00:00) Introduction(01:27) Listener's Question(02:42) Understanding Parent-Child Listings(04:16) Advice on Listing Strategies(07:54) Maximizing Revenue with Bed Configurations(09:13) ConclusionThanks 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 • PriceLabs• Video: How to Get Your Airbnb Listing Seen by More Guests (And Earn More!)• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comMentioned 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!

We’re coming to you live from the Vacation Rental Managers Association Conference! We partnered with Hostfully to host a party at the conference, and we took the opportunity to chat with leaders in the STR space and get their tips for you. In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from VRMA. Plus, we interview 8 major players in the STR industry — from CEOs to co-hosts to leading property managers. They offer insights and advice on leveraging AI in your business, working with influencers, and optimizing your maintenance strategies. We also talk about the biggest pain points hosts face, and how to solve for them. These conversations will give you a look into today’s STR landscape and inspire ideas for the future. (00:00:00) Introductions(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick(00:02:26) Key Takeaways From Where We Stayed (00:07:30) Major Learnings From VRMA (00:20:25) Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality(00:26:21) Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount (00:33:48) Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette (00:39:24) Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host(00:43:48) Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully (00:52:20) Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi (01:01:15) Steve Davis, CEO at Operto(01:05:32) Chris Hawkins with Tidy.comResources:• Click here for full show notes • Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality• Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount • Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette • Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host• Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully • Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi • Steve Davis, CEO at Operto• Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com• Loctite Threadlocker • #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com• Video: The Best Highlights From TFV Live• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

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.Samantha asks:We have two beach properties only listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. We're getting ready to get a PMS with the website builder so we can start doing direct bookings. As we were syncing everything up, I realized our host fee on Airbnb would change from our current 3% rate to the dreaded 15%. We can adjust our pricing to offset it, but is it really worth it? We get about 95% of our bookings from Airbnb, and I'm nervous about how our listings will compare to others in our area. Another idea is to still get a PMS and sync it with Vrbo, but not sync it with Airbnb to avoid that fee, or make a direct booking site through Squarespace and not use a PMS. That also makes my head spin, so I would love to hear your thoughts. (00:00:00) Introduction(00:02:34) Choosing Data Over Drama(00:05:48) The Fee To Connect To A PMS(00:07:02) The Dangers Of Listing Only With Airbnb(00:08:34) Direct Booking With Return Guests (00:11:40) How We Would Approach This Decision 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 • PriceLabs• Key Data • Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!