The Landlord Diaries

Is your space “too small” to rent? Think again. In this inspiring episode of Furnished Finder’s podcast, The Landlord Diaries, we prove that compact properties can deliver massive returns, especially in the monthly midterm rental space.Meet Yesenia Garkanian, a first-year host who transformed a 600 sq ft guest house on her primary residence into a profitable, family-friendly rental. 100% of her bookings come through Furnished Finder, and she's now living the landlord life she once studied.Yesenia shares how she overcame doubt, priced her unit for success, added thoughtful design touches, and used Furnished Finder’s tools like the Landlord Performance Panel and Damage Protection Plan to confidently rent her space and spend more time with her kids.If you're sitting on a guest house, ADU, studio, or any compact rental and wondering, “Will anyone actually book this?” This episode is for you.We’ll talk about:Creative storage and layout tips for tiny rentalsWhy guest reviews prove that compact spaces do workHow to maintain privacy while renting on your propertyThe exact tools that help Yesenia operate with peace of mindList Your Property on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:10 Why a guest house can be a powerful income stream4:20 Sharing your primary residence with midterm tenants5:25 Busting the “too small to rent” myth7:55 Real guest reviews that validate tiny rentals10:30 Tiny rental pricing: California vs. Texas vs. Iowa12:15 Why full-size amenities matter in small spaces14:15 Designing compact spaces that feel like home17:25 Creative storage hacks that renters love19:25 Setting expectations with strong communication21:50 Where to store backups and supplies in small units22:35 Decluttering tip: remove what guests won’t use23:00 Don’t forget a space for cleaning supplies24:30 Maintaining privacy when sharing your property27:25 Furnished Finder tools that helped Yesenia thrive30:30 How the Landlord Performance Panel guided her pricing33:15 Using market data to validate your rental decision37:50 How the Damage Protection Plan gives landlords peace of mind42:40 Yesenia’s advice: “Just do it”Yesenia’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=yesThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Monthly midterm rental pricing can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we dive into proven pricing strategies that help real estate investors stay competitive and profitable with their furnished monthly rentals. Our guest, Kyle Driskell, Senior Solutions Consultant at PriceLabs, brings expert insights from one of the most powerful revenue management tools in the furnished rental space. Kyle has led pricing masterclasses nationwide and brings expert-level insights you won’t want to miss.We’ll show you how to confidently price your rental by understanding your monthly expenses, analyzing local comps, and making smart, low-risk tweaks to maximize both occupancy and earnings. Plus, we explore how Furnished Finder’s built-in tools like the market insights, map search, and Listing Performance Panel help you price with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're MTR-only or running a hybrid STR/MTR strategy, this episode will help you stop guessing and start earning more.👉 List your property on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listingsFREE Pricing Worksheethttps://try.furnishedfinder.com/pricingworksheet/⏱️ Time Stamps:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:00 Meet Kyle Driskell: His journey into pricing strategies & PriceLabs3:30 The Pricing Struggle: Why most MTR hosts feel stuck or uncertain5:50 Step 1: Know your monthly expenses & set a confident pricing floor10:00 What’s a good occupancy rate for midterm rentals? (It’s better than you think!)10:50 Research 101: Finding your “sweet spot” using comps & market data11:50 Matching comps by amenities, location & quality: A Furnished Finder guide17:45 Don’t let “analysis paralysis” hold you back, jump in & watch for pricing signals21:40 Using PriceLabs tools to automate & refine your pricing strategy25:35 Monitoring your Furnished Finder Listing Performance panel for feedback28:15 Reading the market: Are guests telling you your pricing is too high or low?29:25 How adding MTR to your STR strategy can improve occupancy & stabilize income33:00 Why your fees and deposits could be affecting bookings36:45 Final Takeaways: Simple pricing steps you can apply todayThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Can you scale a rental portfolio without buying a single property? Yes—and today’s guests are living proof. Join us on The Landlord Diaries as we sit down with power couple Nate & Katie Lyon to unpack their rental arbitrage strategy for monthly midterm rentals. Katie Lyon, Marketing Director at Furnished Finder, brings over a decade of real estate and marketing experience to the conversation, while Nate adds an extensive background in marketing, operations and design. Together, they’ve built a 14-door portfolio mainly through out-of-state arbitrage in Iowa—leveraging Furnished Finder as the foundation for growth.You’ll learn why arbitrage works especially well for 30+ day furnished rentals, how to approach arbitrage partners, run the numbers, structure leases, and find quality tenants like travel nurses, relocating families, and corporate professionals. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand, this episode is your step-by-step guide to midterm rental arbitrage.👉 List your property on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property (Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)👉 Explore MTR tools and resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources👉 View Nate & Katie Lyon’s properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8👉 Furnishing your MTR with Minoan:https://youtu.be/mc5IFRErgCk?feature=shared📝 Free MTR Furnishing Checklist:https://assets.ctfassets.net/8rvbu1uw8lem/4pKVOxeFmg0umMHL2vclew/0cfaabe735029d6f5181bb20cdf26aa6/Monthly_Rental_Essentials_Checklist_-Minoan-Furnished_Finder-.pdf⏱️ Episode Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries3:25 Why arbitrage + midterm rentals = perfect partnership4:30 The Lyons’ first arbitrage deal (and why they started in Iowa)5:25 The 3 key players in MTR arbitrage6:55 Arbitrage vs. ownership: Pros, cons & cash flow differences10:00 Why MTR arbitrage over STR arbitrage for property managers12:35 Securing your first arbitrage partnership and tenant placement14:05 The groundwork: Setting up your arbitrage business16:15 Market research tips: Traveler types, pricing, and Furnished Finder market data22:35 How to find and pitch your first arbitrage partner29:10 Pro tip: How to make a confident first call to the property manager32:10 Structuring tenant leases in arbitrage units35:55 Why midterm travelers are the ideal tenant type38:10 Marketing your listing like a pro (headline, calendar, pricing)47:50 Why every arbitrage unit should be listed on Furnished Finder51:05 Lessons learned & scaling tips from arbitrage experts52:30 3 easy steps to start your MTR arbitrage journey today🎯 Whether you’re a cash-strapped beginner or a scaling investor, this episode gives you a real-world playbook to succeed in the monthly rental space—without buying a property.🔔 Subscribe for more landlord stories and strategies, only on The Landlord Diaries, powered by Furnished Finder.The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

If you think travel nurses are the only game in town for midterm rentals, think again! In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we welcome Amy Fraser, co-owner of Cottage Real Estate & Rental Collection in Huntersville, North Carolina. Amy’s firm manages 11 high-end monthly rentals primarily targeting relocation tenants—a segment that’s grown 130% year-over-year.We’ll break down why limiting your strategy to healthcare professionals could leave money on the table, and how expanding to relocation tenants, corporate travelers, and digital nomads can drive consistent cash flow. Amy shares actionable tips on HOA compliance, design choices that stand out, and how to leverage Furnished Finder’s powerful tools to maximize your booking pipeline.Whether you have one furnished rental or a growing portfolio, you’ll learn how to diversify your guest pool and build relationships that translate into future real estate opportunities.List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)⏰ Time Stamps0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:15 Why top real estate brokers invest in midterm rentals4:00 Positioning midterm rentals as a winning cash flow strategy5:45 Beyond travel nurses: who else is renting midterm?9:25 Amy’s first guest: a digital nomad that stayed 6 months10:30 Building trust and relationships with Tenant Leads15:00 Furnished Finder’s top 3 traveler segments revealed16:20 Local industries driving relocation demand18:15 How relocation tenants can help you navigate strict HOAs19:20 Saving struggling short-term rental owners through MTR pivots20:00 Why Class A neighborhoods work best for Amy’s properties22:40 Consistent design for repeatable success in furnished rentals27:00 Marketing tips: attract one tenant type without alienating others29:45 Amy’s favorite Furnished Finder marketing features31:00 Two easy tweaks to present as a pro host, even with one property35:40 Matching tenant types to property size and layout37:10 Amy’s outlook on corporate relocation and monthly rental demand40:30 Final advice: always pivot and refine your MTR strategy42:30 Landlord homework: broaden your tenant poolTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResourcesAmy’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=amy.fraser  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

What makes a midterm rental feel like home instead of just a place to crash? In this episode of The Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Madison Miller, who has stayed in 5 different Furnished Finder rentals in just one year—and owns a midterm rental herself.Madison breaks down what separates a great monthly rental from an average one, the dealbreakers that make her skip a listing, and the one thing landlords should never forget when designing a space for 30+ day tenants. She also shares the exact questions she asks landlords before booking and how those insights helped her market her own Kansas City rental like a pro.Whether you're a real estate investor, new landlord, or curious traveler, this episode is packed with must-know strategies to increase occupancy, attract quality tenants, and optimize your listing on Furnished Finder.📈 Get insider tips on:Tenant-approved amenities that make a property feel like homeWhy some landlords are losing bookings without even realizing itThe ROI of professional photos and clear communicationReal-world examples of how small touches = 5-star staysList Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)⏱️Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:00 Renting your home while traveling: peace-of-mind passive income3:00 Why Madison booked 3 Furnished Finder rentals in one city4:45 What makes a rental “great” vs. just “okay”9:45 Game-changing landlord tips from a tenant’s point of view12:20 Madison’s two must-haves before booking any monthly stay15:10 How Madison markets her property using guest experience insights19:00 Traveler types you didn’t expect on Furnished Finder20:45 Top questions every midterm tenant should ask before booking23:30 What stops the scroll? Listings that stand out on Furnished Finder26:25 Hosting through a tenant’s lens: Madison’s smart setup strategy29:35 Self-managing vs. using a property manager while traveling32:25 Who’s really booking Madison’s rental? (Not who you think!)33:40 Madison’s #1 tip to start or upgrade your rental today Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResourcesMadison’s Listing on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/545977_1 The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Monthly furnished rentals are exploding—and savvy investors are already cashing in. In this data-packed episode of The Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder and former president of VRBO, to unpack the biggest tenant trends, market opportunities, and demand signals shaping the midterm rental space in 2025.🔥 Did you know that traveler demand in Abilene, Texas is up 400% year-over-year? That’s just the beginning. From corporate relocations to healthcare travel, demand for monthly rentals is outpacing supply by 6–7x nationwide.We break down:What’s driving demand in small towns like Abilene, Juneau, and ButteMedium-sized cities (like Milwaukee and Portland, ME) that urgently need more inventoryBig city markets like Chicago, Silicon Valley, and Seattle—where supply STILL isn’t keeping upHow to evaluate YOUR market in 4 steps: compare Furnished Finder demand stats, Airbnb supply, Zillow pricing, and extended stay hotel costsWhy travelers are booking earlier, staying longer, and often moving with pets—and why 60% of tenants on Furnished Finder are womenHow to tap into insurance, relocation, and construction tenant types beyond just travel nurses👉 Visit https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats to research your market.List your property on Furnished Finder: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property (Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)🎧 Subscribe now to never miss expert insights on monthly rentals, property management strategies, and hidden investment gems.⏱️Timestamps:0:00 Welcome + Abilene, TX sees 400% traveler growth (What’s going on?)1:10 Why midterm rental demand is growing 6–7x faster than supply2:20 Booking requests surge 100% YoY: What that means for your cash flow3:40 Monthly rental tenant types: corporate travel, healthcare, and relocation5:05 Zillow vs. Padsplit vs. Furnished Finder: long-term housing trends6:30 New tenant behaviors: earlier bookings, more pets, larger groups8:45 Monthly Rentals vs. Midterm Rentals: What tenants are actually searching10:00 4-step method to analyze if your market works for monthly rentals13:50 What the data tells us: How to spot demand and underserved markets14:45 Hidden gem markets: Abilene, TX and the data center development boom17:20 Juneau, AK case study: What demand without inventory looks like20:25 Medium markets that need more listings NOW (Portland, Milwaukee & more)24:50 Major cities where demand still exceeds supply (Chicago, Silicon Valley, Boston)28:30 Investor tip: Learn your market’s story, not just its numbers30:10 How to use the FurnishedFinder.com/stats page like a pro31:40 Comparing your Furnished Finder listing to Zillow, Airbnb, and extended stay hotels33:10 Biggest mistake new landlords make with monthly rentals34:55 Closing thoughts + how to stay ahead of tenant trendsThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Want to attract high-quality tenants and boost your midterm monthly rental cash flow—without overspending on furnishings? This episode of The Landlord Diaries is your ultimate guide. We’re joined by Jennifer Zureikat, Marketing Director at Minoan, to reveal how landlords can furnish monthly rentals beautifully, affordably, and strategically. Learn how to skip the overwhelm, cut costs drastically, and even monetize your furnishings through Minoan’s unique tools—like digital showrooms and affiliate commissions from your guests. Jennifer shares her real estate journey to monthly rentals and Furnished Finder. You’ll hear practical tips from three active midterm rental operators who know exactly what it takes to turn a unit into a guest magnet.BONUS: FREE Midterm Rental Furnishing Checklist—created by Minoan & Furnished Finder— start furnishing smarter, not harder. https://assets.ctfassets.net/8rvbu1uw8lem/4pKVOxeFmg0umMHL2vclew/0cfaabe735029d6f5181bb20cdf26aa6/Monthly_Rental_Essentials_Checklist_-Minoan-Furnished_Finder-.pdfGet Started with Minoan: https://minoan.com/partnership-ff-2025 List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)🔗 Explore Your Market's MTR Demand:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/stats⏱️ Time Stamps:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries1:00 The win-win partnership: Furnished Finder x Minoan2:15 Jen’s journey to midterm monthly rentals5:45 Why Minoan is your furnishing secret weapon7:10 How to earn passive income through your furniture8:15 Introducing the Minoan x Furnished Finder furnishing checklist10:25 Why STR furniture lists don’t work for monthly rentals13:40 Small upgrades that dramatically improve tenant experience17:25 How Minoan makes furnishing fast and affordable21:00 Invest now, save later: Furnishings that last24:10 What belongs in your midterm rental “starter kit”26:15 First impressions: Why furnishings shape tenant relationships27:05 The 5 most important furnishings for MTRs30:45 Design tips for better property photos + pet-friendly must-haves32:40 Outdoor spaces matter—how to make yours rental-ready34:35 Start where you are: Furnishing without overwhelm38:00 Often-overlooked items that tenants expect42:15 Ready to level up? Download the Minoan checklist nowMinoan + Furnished Finder Webinar:https://youtu.be/mc5IFRErgCk?si=34aZ8xXICFj0zoDJ  Jennifer’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=jennifer.zureikat   Host Katie Lyon’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8      Host Kelly Bailey’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly.Bailey13The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Discover how to optimize your rental calendar for maximum occupancy. Kelly and Katie share their secrets to maintaining over 95% occupancy in midterm rentals. Learn the importance of accurate listings and how to avoid common booking pitfalls. They delve into the significance of syncing calendars with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO and highlight communication tips that turn inquiries into confirmed bookings. Uncover strategies that boost visibility and streamline your rental management for more passive income.

Did you know only 50% of tenants signed a lease for their last mid-term rental stay? That stat shocked us too. In this episode, we’re diving into why every landlord offering monthly furnished rentals needs a rock-solid lease agreement—and exactly how to build one that protects you and your property without overcomplicating things.We’re joined by Deborah Holstein, Chief Growth Officer at Rocket Lawyer, to break down the essentials of a great lease for mid-term rentals. Whether you’re brand new to monthly rentals or you’ve hosted dozens of traveling nurses and corporate guests, this episode is your roadmap to creating clear, legally sound, and easy-to-manage lease agreements.Through Furnished Finder’s powerful partnership with Rocket Lawyer, landlords have access to state-specific, attorney-approved leases that are tailored to the unique needs of the MTR (Mid-Term Rental) space. We talk through the 8 things every MTR lease needs, real-world landlord data, and tips to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time, money, or your property’s reputation.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Why a lease matters more than you think for monthly stays- The 8 essential elements every MTR lease should include- Furnished Finder data: average deposits, pet fees, cleaning fees & more- How to handle early lease termination (ELT), utilities, shared spaces, pets &  damage waivers- Why generic leases from friends or Google just won’t cut it- How to get started today using KeyCheck & Rocket Lawyer toolsThis episode is packed with actionable insights to help you operate like a pro. 🚀🔗 Ready to simplify your lease process? Access Rocket Lawyer’s MTR-optimized leases now: https://www.keycheck.com/  List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property(Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResourcesEpisode Highlights:0:00 Only 50% of tenants signed a lease in their last MTR stay2:00 Furnished Finder + Rocket Lawyer: How this partnership is empowering landlords3:20 Why leases matter for mid-term rentals (yes, even for 30-day guests)7:00 The 8 must-have elements for your MTR lease7:45 Lease terms: stay length, payment timing & due dates9:15 75% of tenants prefer paying online—are you prepared?10:25 Deposits, fees, damage waivers—what’s standard on Furnished Finder?12:55 How Rocket Lawyer makes lease-building super simple15:00 Hot topic: Security deposits & standard MTR fees18:15 Data point: Average FF cleaning fee is $175—checked our market lately?19:25 Early lease termination: rules, fees & flexibility24:30 Pet policies & deposits: What works for monthly rentals29:15 Amenities, storage, parking—yes, they should be in your lease31:15 Why random leases from the internet are a legal risk37:10 Lease questions? Connect now: https://www.keycheck.com/Home/ContactUs  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you curious about monthly stays, room rentals or how to earn while you travel? Meet Reva Lewis, a NICU nurse and seasoned traveler who has spent over eight years crisscrossing the U.S. using Furnished Finder for safe, affordable stays. With around 80% of her travels booked on Furnished Finder—including both room rentals and entire spaces—Reva knows what midterm renters prioritize, from pricing and privacy to flexible lease terms.As a travel nurse turned host, she shares insider tips on room rentals, house hacking, and setting up your property for success. Whether you're a property owner looking to boost your income or a travel nurse in need of housing, this episode is packed with actionable insights on pricing strategies, travel nurse stipends, cancelled contracts and location challenges in rural markets.Check rental demand in your area: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/statsList your property now on Furnished Finder: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property (Use code LLD10 for $10 off new listings)Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:00 House hacking & room rental benefits for real estate investors3:00 Who books room rentals? Travel nurses, professionals & corporate travelers3:55 Pricing & privacy: How travel nurses choose between a room or an entire space5:50 Travel nurse industry insights: How Mardi Gras impacted the industry6:35 Midterm rentals vs. short-term rentals: How MTRs benefit local communities7:20 Location challenges: Why more midterm rentals are needed in rural areas9:00 Why Furnished Finder? More control over pricing & tenant communication12:50 The best questions to ask as a host & traveler before booking14:35 Cancelled contracts & flexible lease terms – tips from experienced hosts17:35 Considering room rentals? Reva’s top 3 tips for success19:35 Financial upsides of room rentals & house hacking for monthly travelers21:45 Managing midterm rental payments through KeyCheck25:15 Are property showings expected for midterm rental guests?28:25 Reva’s favorite Furnished Finder stay: What makes a rental stand out29:50 Connect with Reva Lewis for travel nurse housing & room rental advice🚀 Don’t miss this episode if you’re serious about making money with monthly furnished rentals!Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Reva Lewis’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Reva.LewisHost Kelly Bailey’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly.Bailey13  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.