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.

Rich Somers, a seasoned real estate investor with an impressive $80M portfolio of boutique hotels, discusses the lucrative potential of boutique hotels as a thriving niche in real estate. He emphasizes how these hotels offer unique advantages like income-based valuation and operational control. Rich shares insights on scaling short-term rental businesses, seller financing strategies, and overcoming Airbnb regulations. Additionally, he highlights innovative marketing techniques vital for boosting guest experiences and maximizing revenue.

Discover twelve game-changing hacks for short-term rental success. Learn how to optimize your Airbnb listing by categorizing correctly and enhancing visibility. The power of professional photography, including drone shots and twilight lighting, is emphasized for attracting guests. The podcast also highlights essential amenities that elevate the guest experience. Plus, explore savvy strategies for managing properties remotely and scaling your business effectively. Small tweaks can lead to big revenue boosts!

Welcome back to Short-Term Rental Riches! I’m excited to be home in Medellin after visiting California, where I got to check in on my first short-term rental properties from 2015. This episode is all about the big takeaways from 2024 and what to expect in 2025. If you’ve been hosting Airbnb guests or managing short-term rentals, you know that market trends change fast—and understanding STR market trends for 2025 can be your key to maintaining high occupancy and revenue. This year, I’ve seen a significant drop in new STR supply, but demand has remained strong, creating a huge opportunity for hosts who are leveraging the right strategies. I’ll cover the most important trends, including how AI is reshaping how guests search for properties and why Google Vacation Rentals could be a game-changer for direct bookings. If you’re using tools like Price Labs or considering listing on Google to avoid commission fees, this is your guide to staying competitive. Whether you're focused on increasing your Airbnb revenue or refining your guest experience to earn more five-star reviews, this episode is packed with practical advice. Let’s dive in and set you up for success in 2025! If you're looking to increase your Airbnb revenue and optimize your STR listings, this episode is packed with actionable tips! In this episode, you’ll learn: Occupancy Trends & Supply Slowdown: STR supply is stabilizing or decreasing in some markets, giving established listings an edge to increase bookings. Average Daily Rate (ADR) Adjustments: Nationwide, ADRs have dipped slightly, making dynamic pricing tools like Price Labs essential for maximizing your revenue. AI’s Impact on Search: Guests are using AI-based searches to find highly specific STRs. Properties that align with personalized searches will see increased visibility. Google Vacation Rentals: Google’s no-commission listing option is a game-changer for direct bookings. Partnering with platforms like Hostaway makes integration seamless. Long-Term Strategy with Direct Bookings: A direct booking website can reduce your reliance on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, especially as competition grows. Thanks for tuning into Short-Term Rental Riches! With the 2025 market shaping up, staying informed and proactive can help you outpace the competition. Whether it’s leveraging AI to boost your listing visibility, optimizing your pricing strategy, or listing on Google Vacation Rentals, there’s never been a better time to strengthen your short-term rental business. 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. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments and let me know what trends you’re seeing in your market. Don’t forget to like, and subscribe for updates. Here’s to crushing your 2025 STR goals—see you in the next episode! You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!

John Bianchi, an expert in short-term rental market analysis, shares invaluable insights on finding profitable Airbnb properties. He discusses how to navigate saturated markets and identify lucrative investment opportunities, even in crowded areas. John emphasizes the importance of unique amenities that can set listings apart, as well as understanding market demand shifts. He also explores the risks of pandemic-inflated markets and suggests boutique hotels as potential stable investments. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their Airbnb portfolio!

John Bianchi, an Airbnb investing expert with over $90 million directed in STR investments, shares his insights on finding profitable Airbnb properties in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging data analysis tools like AirDNA for effective market research. Bianchi discusses essential amenities to attract guests and how to avoid risky markets that can lead to costly mistakes. He also highlights strategies to enhance guest experience and optimize listings for maximum income, making this a crucial conversation for aspiring property investors.

Real estate markets are constantly evolving, and short-term rental investing adds another layer of complexity. As an Airbnb host or STR investor, it’s not just about demographics and trends. You also need to consider unique factors like oversupply in short-term rentals, the potential for unfavorable regulations, and even crime rates in your chosen market. These risks, if overlooked, can undermine the success of your investment. In this video, we’ll unpack four reasons why some markets are just too risky for your next Airbnb or STR property. From volatile real estate speculation risks to markets with increasing short-term rental competition, knowing how to identify red flags can save you from costly mistakes. We’ll also talk about how guest reviews and selecting the right property type can help you stand out in competitive markets. So, whether you’re using tools like AirDNA to assess market trends or navigating landlord laws for STRs, these tips will ensure your next move is a smart one. 5 Key Points: Speculative Markets Are Risky: Investing in areas reliant on unpredictable appreciation is a gamble. Focus on markets with stable growth and strong fundamentals, avoiding those known for real estate speculation risks. Oversupply Can Hurt Profits: Use tools like AirDNA to analyze how new short-term rentals impact average occupancy and daily rates. Markets flooded with STRs often lead to declining revenues. Landlord Laws Matter: Research local landlord laws for STRs to ensure you're compliant. Regulations are constantly changing and can significantly affect your ability to operate. Crime Rates and Reviews: High crime rates can hurt both property value and guest experiences. Negative reviews stemming from unsafe neighborhoods can drive away future bookings. Differentiation is Key: In oversaturated markets, focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining strong Airbnb reviews to outperform the competition.   Investing in short-term rentals offers fantastic opportunities, but only if you approach it with the right knowledge. Understanding real estate speculation risks, avoiding oversupply, navigating landlord laws for STRs, and prioritizing safe neighborhoods are critical steps toward success. Stay ahead by leveraging tools like AirDNA, focusing on guest reviews, and staying informed about market trends. 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!