Thanks For Visiting

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

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.Megan asks:I have a question about how to handle an incident that occurred in one of my units. Some event or incident occurred that caused significant damage. This included wall repairs, couch cleaning, rug cleaning, and replacing some of the unit's supplies and decor. What are the steps that we can take through Airbnb? How do we charge this to the guest? And then, where do you go from there?(00:01:15) Megan Asks About Damage Claims at Her Airbnb Property(00:01:54) How to Effectively Document Damage at Your STR Listing(00:06:38) Research & Review Steps Prior to Making an Airbnb Damage Claim(00:08:14) Tips for Writing a Vacation Rental Damage Claim Invoice (00:09:24) Final Steps to Getting Reimbursed for Damaged Items in Your STR PropertyThanks 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• Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Programs 101 #374 • Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s expert guest is our new friend, Louis Andrews, President and Director of OVO Network, a company specializing in the short-term rental of high-end mountain chalets in authentic destinations, primarily in the French Alps. We met Louis on our castle STR retreat, and knew he’d provide great insight for our listeners.Under his leadership, OVO Network manages 218 properties, focusing on blending technological solutions with dedicated support to maximize rental revenue and enhance guest experiences. We learn all about his innovative lead-generation strategies, his focus on ongoing owner education, and how he – get this – runs his company without cleaners and maintenance. This one is another great example of creative problem solving in our industry, accomplished on a scale that all of us can aspire to and dream of. Hosting in the French Alps? Yes, please; and he does it on his own terms. Louis proves there's more than one way to manage your property, have it fit your lifestyle, and have it fit your way of getting things done.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse(00:05:19) Introducing Louis Andrews, European STR Expert(00:13:23) Running the Numbers on French Chalet Airbnb Listings(00:24:17) Managing Vacation Rentals Without Cleaning & Maintenance?(00:39:12) Louis Shares His Predictions for Near & Distant STR FuturesResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: ovonetwork.com/en/home • Instagram: @ovonetwork.chalets • Linkedin: Louis Andrews• #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• 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/handbookSuperhog | 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!

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.Megan asks:I live in the Dallas, Texas area and I am getting into the Airbnb business. I really wanted to start one in my local area, first, but Dallas recently banned short-term rentals in single-family areas. Right now, I'm limited to condos and apartments. I would love to start my first Airbnb in a condo, but I just wanted to get your input if you've experienced issues like this before. Do you think it's a good idea for me to continue here even after Dallas put this ban in place? Any input would be great for these first-time Airbnb hosts. Thanks. (00:01:19) Megan Asks for Advice Regarding the Dallas, Texas Airbnb Ban(00:02:28) How to Stay Informed of Local Short-Term Rental Regulations(00:04:12) Host Hacking: Sarah & Annette Cover a Few Creative STR Options(00:06:49) Get Involved in the STR Industry Before Purchasing a Property 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• Dallas STR Ordinances: Short-Term Rentals• Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org • Video: How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s special episode comes to you live from the showroom floor of the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum in Austin. We sit down with a few expert attendees; recap our findings from presenters, sessions, and roundtables; and start to apply new lessons to our own businesses.Denise Poteet, from Safari for the Soul Glamping in Marble Falls, gives us some juicy tips for creating an audience-specific energy at their couples focused glamping property. Michael Chang, from Trustbnb and STR Like The Best, reveals his strategy for arbitrage and the one hot market he’s going all-in on. And Jun, from Ohana Stay, gets methodical on staffing and problem solving.What’s the one piece of this industry that we all still struggle with?Which tech strategy rises above the rest?And what do other experts see in the near future of this market?All this and more in this informative and inspiring episode on the road. Let us know what you think of the new format via email at hi@thanksforvisiting.com.(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin(00:04:37) Check out the custom art and designer furnishings (00:06:21) Live From the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum(00:16:19) Romantic Hosting Tips from a Chief Glamping Officer(00:25:04) What’s the Deal with Vacation Rental Lease Arbitrage? (00:32:17) Problem Solving Masterclass with a Co-Hosting Expert in Hawaii(00:41:29) Day One: Programming Takeaways & Education Recap(00:48:19) Day Two: Programming Takeaways & Education RecapResources:• Click here for full show notes• Event Summary: 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum• #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• 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!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!

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.Elaine asks:We have an outdoor tub, but we do not have a hot tub. We've been getting some feedback from guests wishing that we had a hot tub. I would love to know a great brand, tips for upkeep, and insurance. Do you have to change the water every day? Is it more hassle or do you think it would bring in a lot more bookings? I'm just not sure. I would love your feedback on pros and cons.(00:01:18) Elaine From Rustic Pines Retreat Asks About STR Hot Tubs(00:02:35) Follow the Data & Use STR Analytics Tools(00:04:30) The Harsh Reality of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Vacation Rental(00:06:43) Quick Safety Tips for STR Hot Tub Amenities 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• Website: Rustic Pines Retreat• Pricelabs: Check out PriceLabs• STR Insights: app.STRinsights.com• Video: Get More Bookings! 5 Tips From Airbnb Superhosts• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

As owner and co-founder of a European rental management company overseeing 900+ properties, Richard Vaughton has significant experience in short-term rentals and property management. He’s also got some surprising takes on where our industry is headed in the near and long term future. Uniquely plugged into the industry, and endlessly experienced with real-life work in our world (hello, cleaning toilets on a Saturday) – Richard delivers one of the most deeply impactful conversations we’ve ever had on the show. After circling the globe hosting rentals of all shapes and sizes, he’s raw and honest about what it takes to win – and why he’d never try it again.He’s also a supremely accomplished businessman, boasting numerous successful exits in industries far and wide. He brings all of his know-how, all of his access, and all of his wisdom for this powerful conversation. This is the reality of our industry! Spoken in plain terms by a trusted voice who’s seen and done it all. You do not want to miss it. Make sure to follow Richard on Linkedin (linked below) for his takes on the latest tech, trends, and industry news.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML(00:03:42) Introducing Richard Vaughton: Global STR Expert(00:19:38) Weighing Perfection vs. Productivity vs. Profitability (00:30:15) Pro Tips for Direct Booking & STR Marketing (00:43:30) Forecasting the Future of Vacation Rentals Around the WorldResources:• Click here for full show notes• LinkedIn: Richard Vaughton• #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons• 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.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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.Betsy asks:I wanted to talk about damage waivers using companies like Waivo. I'm using Waivo specifically and encountering some significant challenges.I quickly learned that the generous linen coverage that I thought Waivo provided was not that, that things like standard bodily fluids that don't come out in the wash are not covered. We are encountering this problem at one particular property almost every turn, on multiple beds. It adds up quickly for the owners to have to be replacing all these linens. I also want to make sure I’m not giving guests a false sense of hope that they can just relax and not see a bill at the end of the day within reason.(00:01:16) Betsy Asks About Linen Coverage at Her Co-Hosted STRs(00:03:04) Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Program Options(00:04:48) Consider an In-House Damage Waiver Process(00:06:47) What Do Vacation Rental Damage Waivers Cover?(00:08:04) How To Design Your Own STR Damage Waiver ProgramThanks 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• Proper Insurance: proper.insure• Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com (get $50 when you fund a Relay account)• 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: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!