The short-term rental market has evolved, and unique properties are leading the way! This week, Tim Hubbard welcomes back Dave Zook of Zook Cabins to discuss how modular cabins are reshaping STR investments. Discover why smaller, high-quality units can generate massive returns and how turnkey solutions simplify the process for investors. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why modular cabins outperform traditional STR properties How investors can test the waters with a single unit before scaling The surprising ROI of compact, high-quality park model homes The benefits of tax-friendly depreciation for modular properties How off-grid solutions and Starlink are making remote rentals easier than ever Why Listen? If you're looking for a high-return, low-hassle way to expand your short-term rental portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn how Zook Cabins simplifies STR investing with modular solutions that maximize profits while minimizing operational headaches. Tune in now! Resource Links:Check out Zook Cabins here: https://www.strriches.com/cabin/ Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your FREE management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to EARN MORE with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Are you a short-term rental host with stellar reviews? If so, you might be sitting on a goldmine! In this episode, we break down how a perfect 5-star rating can significantly boost your pricing power. Using real data from cities like Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Paris, we explore how top-rated listings perform and what pricing strategies you can implement to maximize your revenue. What You’ll Learn: How review scores impact your booking rates and pricing potential The percentage of listings with perfect reviews in major STR markets How to use dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs for premium pricing Why monitoring booking windows is crucial for revenue growth The best setting to automate and optimize your STR pricing strategy Having an exceptional review score isn’t just about bragging rights—it directly affects your revenue! This episode dives deep into how to position your property for premium pricing, boost occupancy, and take advantage of automated pricing strategies. Tune in to discover how you can make the most of your hard-earned 5-star status and increase your short-term rental income. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Pricing your short-term rental is no easy task—but with the right tools, you can maximize revenue and occupancy. In this episode, Tim welcomes Anurag Verma, co-founder of PriceLabs, to discuss how dynamic pricing has evolved, why data-driven decisions matter, and how hosts can optimize their strategies in an increasingly competitive market. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How PriceLabs grew from a beta tool to managing 450,000 properties worldwide Why pricing flexibility leads to higher earnings The most underutilized feature in PriceLabs that hosts should be using How AI and automation are shaping the future of dynamic pricing Actionable tips for setting the perfect base price and fine-tuning your strategy Why Listen? Whether you’re a new host or an experienced property manager, this episode is packed with insights to help you optimize pricing, increase bookings, and stay ahead of market trends. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/ Relevant Tags: #DynamicPricing #PriceLabs #AirbnbOptimization #ShortTermRentals #RevenueManagement #VacationRentalSuccess #STRInvesting #HospitalityTech #RealEstateTools

Justin Winfield, a real estate veteran and co-founder of Corzly Inc., dives into the evolution of property management. He argues that traditional models are outdated and highlights how technology, especially AI, transforms the hospitality industry. Justin shares his global experiences, from coaching in China to running a boutique hotel in Colombia. Discover how virtual management boosts profitability and guest satisfaction while simplifying operations. He reveals why adapting to tech-first solutions is crucial for modern property owners.

In this discussion, Marcus Rader, CEO of HostAway, dives into the booming short-term rental realm. He reveals how HostAway secured a $924 million valuation and why tech is reshaping guest experiences. Marcus emphasizes the potential of direct bookings to sidestep major OTAs and explores the emerging trend of midterm rentals for longer stays. He shares essential strategies for scaling rental businesses and a game-changing tip to boost guest reviews, showcasing why now is the perfect moment to enter this evolving market.

Housekeeping is one of the biggest contributors to short-term rental success. Yet, large property managers are consistently failing in this area, leading to bad reviews and lost revenue. In this episode, we look at national review averages from over 5,000 vacation rentals in the most popular areas and why they have averages from 4.02 to 4.62! Tim Hubbard discusses why property owners should consider hiring their own housekeepers to maintain higher standards and create better guest experiences. Housekeeping & Review Scores – Why cleanliness impacts guest ratings and revenue. Large Property Managers’ Shortcomings – How inconsistent housekeeping teams hurt your rental business. The Benefits of Hiring Your Own Housekeeper – Improved consistency, attention to detail, and guest experience. How to Find Your Own Housekeepers – Tips for recruiting and setting cleaning standards. The Financial Impact of Cleanliness – How better reviews lead to higher nightly rates and more bookings. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why hiring your own housekeeper is one of the best investments you can make for your rental business. If you’re looking for ways to optimize your rental strategy, be sure to follow Short-Term Rental Riches for more expert insights. Don’t forget to grab our free property management guide at strriches.com to help maximize your rental income! Looking to earn more money with less headaches? Chat with the team that manages Tim's portfolio of 46 properties: https://strriches.com/management-services/

One of the biggest mistakes short-term rental (STR) owners make is assuming their STR manager is handling repairs in the most cost-effective way. The truth? Many property managers either mark up repair costs, delay small fixes until they become major problems, or use their own preferred vendors who charge higher rates. If you’re not reviewing your Airbnb repair expenses, you could be losing thousands of dollars every year without realizing it. The key to running a profitable short-term rental isn’t just about getting bookings—it’s also about managing expenses. STR maintenance costs can add up quickly, but with the right approach, you can avoid unnecessary fees and keep your property in great shape. In this video, I’ll share the top risks of letting your STR manager handle repairs unchecked and give you practical strategies to protect your rental income while keeping your guests happy. Let’s get into it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Overpriced Repairs – Many STR managers mark up maintenance costs or hire expensive contractors instead of getting competitive quotes. Unnecessary Fixes – You might be paying for repairs that aren’t urgent or even needed at all. Always ask for before-and-after photos. Delayed Maintenance – Small issues, like a leaky faucet, can turn into costly repairs if ignored. Some managers don’t prioritize timely fixes. Lack of Transparency – If you’re not reviewing repair invoices, you could be paying hidden fees without realizing it. Limited Vendor Options – Many STR property managers use their own preferred vendors who charge higher-than-average rates, cutting into your profits. Letting your STR manager handle repairs might seem like the easiest option, but it can come at a cost—literally. If you’re not actively monitoring repair expenses, you could be overpaying for Airbnb maintenance without even knowing it. The good news? A little oversight goes a long way. Always ask for itemized repair invoices, get multiple quotes for major fixes, and consider having a backup handyman you trust. Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help. Are you enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, leave a rating and a review, and share it! This helps us reach others that may find the info helpful as well. You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!

Hosting on Airbnb is an amazing way to make passive income, but it’s not always smooth sailing. Most guests are great, but every now and then, you’ll get a guest who leaves you completely speechless. Airbnb horror stories are rare, but when they happen, they’re unforgettable. Recently, Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, shared a bizarre guest complaint—someone wanted a refund because a ghost was "harassing them." Funny enough, the Airbnb listing actually mentioned the ghost (his name was Stanley). But as wild as that sounds, I can tell you—we’ve dealt with way crazier things in our short-term rental properties. In this episode, I’m sharing some of our craziest Airbnb guest stories, from guests checking into the wrong unit to naked people in common areas—and even a dead raccoon hidden in the walls. Whether you’re an Airbnb Superhost or just starting your STR business, these stories will give you a real look at what it’s like behind the scenes. Plus, I’ll share some Airbnb host tips to help you avoid your own guest nightmares. Let’s get into it! In this episode, you'll learn: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s Ghost Story—We Have Our Own! A guest once requested a refund because a ghost was “harassing” them, even though they booked the listing because of the ghost. They left a 3-star review a full year after their stay! The Naked Guest & Her Life-Size Unicorn One of our cameras caught a guest standing completely naked at the top of a shared staircase—with a giant unicorn prop next to her. Just another day in Airbnb hosting. Wrong Unit Mix-Ups Happen More Than You Think From guests entering occupied units to one guest knocking on every door in a gated community, Airbnb check-in issues are more common than you’d expect. The Worst Airbnb Smell Ever—A Dead Raccoon in the Walls Guests complained about a horrible smell in one of our vacation rentals. After weeks of searching, we found a rotting raccoon inside the walls. Definitely one of the worst hosting surprises ever. A Guest Walked in on a Couple in Their Own Bed A guest returned from making a cocktail on a shared terrace, only to find a couple in their bed… in the middle of the act. Turns out, the other guests had walked into the wrong unit and made themselves at home. If you’ve been an Airbnb host, you probably have a crazy guest story of your own. And if you’re new to short-term rentals, don’t worry—these Airbnb nightmares are rare, but they do happen. The good news? With the right guest screening and Airbnb hosting strategies, you can avoid bad guests and make your STR business run much more smoothly. Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help. Are you enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, leave a rating and a review, and share it! This helps us reach others that may find the info helpful as well. You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!

Explore why real estate investors often stumble, with a focus on five key mistakes such as analysis paralysis and poor property management. Learn how traditional revenue targets can mislead short-term rental investors, emphasizing the importance of dynamic pricing. Discover strategies for overcoming fear of risk and enhancing decision-making to build a successful property portfolio. Remember, real estate success is about strategic action, not waiting for the perfect deal.

Is 2025 the right time to dive into short-term rentals? The podcast tackles this burning question by exploring rising competition and market saturation. Listeners will learn about evolving guest expectations, with travelers seeking unique experiences over standard accommodations. It also highlights the importance of leveraging modern property management tools and creating standout amenities. Whether a first-time host or an industry veteran, there are still profitable strategies to unlock in the Airbnb market.