Thanks For Visiting (Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian)
Explore every episode of Thanks For Visiting
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2021 | 129. Give & Grow: How Philanthropic Hosting Helps Communities & Businesses Alike with Chelsea Dunckley | 00:48:26 | |
We all want to run a good business, but many of us want to do good in the world as well. Chelsea Dunckley of Digs Co. joins us as we explore how offering up your vacation rental in various philanthropic ways can create a cascade of positive ripple effects within your community, your town, your family, and your business. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 10 Feb 2022 | 150. Breaking Down Our Sales Blitz Strategy | 00:28:07 | |
Nearly every travel destination is going to experience off seasons at certain times of the year (if you don’t, let us just say — lucky you!). During lean times, it’s essential that you take booking into your own hands, rather than relying on OTAs to bring new guests in. You want to be connecting with the community and becoming a part of it. We call our method of bringing in guests directly our Sales Blitz method, and we’re going to teach it to you today. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | 213. Hosting Hotline: Pricing Your Property For Mid-Term Stays | 00:10:59 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Sharon (@WindroseDestinations) asks: How do you suggest pricing for mid-term stays, especially coming into the slow winter season? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 16 Jan 2024 | 324. Hosting Hotline: 7 Tips for First-Time Airbnb Hosts | 00:15:00 | |
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. Sandrine asks: My partners and I are finally set to launch our first STR next month. We will certainly diversify our OTAs, but I would love to know any hot tips that you may have for newbies like us. As we do set up our Airbnb listing, what things do we definitely want to make sure are turned on, or off? Can you share any tips that will make us more appealing on the platform? Thanks so much. (00:02:00) Any Hot Tips for Hosts Just Getting Started? (00:02:56) Importance of Professional Photography & Image Arrangement (00:04:18) Covering All the Details During Listing Set-Up (00:05:47) Establish a Dynamic Pricing Strategy (00:07:02) Dialing in Your House Rules Before You Need Them (00:08:01) Pressure Test, Pressure Test, Pressure Test (00:09:29) Prioritizing Safety & Security for Everyone Involved 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: Recommended dynamic pricing partner: PriceLabs Recommended STR insurance partner: Proper Insurance You’re invited to earn money as an Airbnb host: Get started on Airbnb Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Airbnb Link: https://www.airbnb.com/r/sarahk1481?s=6&t=061n0g Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. 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! | |||
| 16 Dec 2021 | 142. Vacation Rental Women’s Summit Recap | 00:33:23 | |
Rental Women’s Summit. It was impossible to see everything there was to see, so we enlisted the help of our Hosting Business Mastery Method members to divide and conquer! In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from the event. A massive thank you to each and every one of our Hosting Business Mastery Method members: Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | 224. Hosting Hotline: Protecting Your Airbnb From Scams + Squatters | 00:09:46 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Jasmine asks: How can you check if booking requests from brand new Airbnb users are valid? Specifically, if they are requesting a long-term stay but have just made an account and have zero reviews. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Visit https://www.hostmasterclass.com to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | 181. Building True Generational Wealth Through Real Estate | 00:38:59 | |
Jameelah Jordan is a biochemist turned real estate investor, broker, and digital nomad. For over 6 years, Jameelah has been honing her real estate skills, growing her portfolio which has enabled her to pursue her dream of helping others build generational wealth through real estate. Jameelah teaches property owners how to be hosts – not just someone with a door – and believes in diversifying your listings by not relying solely on a single OTA like Airbnb or VRBO for your income. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | 226. Hosting Hotline: How To Generate Direct Booking Leads Without Airbnb | 00:10:37 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Today’s Question: What suggestions do you have for generating direct booking leads? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 03 Feb 2022 | 149. Working With Influencers To Showcase Your STR Listing with Elise Armitage | 00:50:47 | |
Elise Armitage had the good job and a fancy title at a big brand. Her future was laid out in clear steps, but something was missing. It took taking a month from her day job at Google to convince her to dive head first into her side hustle, What The Fab, a start-up fashion and beauty blog that’s grown into a full-on travel and lifestyle brand. She walks us through the steps she took on her way to leaving her day job (Hint: six months of extensive planning) before we tackle a subject that’s growing more complex by the day: STRs and social media influencers. What’s appropriate? What’s fair? Who pays whom? All that good stuff. Elise’s story mirrors that of so many hosts, swapping out her blog for STR properties. We obsess and nurture them in our spare time, nights, weekends, and daydreams. But when is the right time to go all in? We hope this conversation helps open your eyes to what might be possible if you did the work and invested yourself, full-time, in a keystone listing, a group of properties, a brand, or any other passion project. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 05 Nov 2020 | 86. House Rules: Making Your Policies Clear For Guests | 00:46:38 | |
Tricia at @lakesuperiorvacations asked us a question about house rules and what a host should include on their list of rules. If you’re like us, you may have an adverse reaction to the word “rules,” but they are imperative to your short-term rental, and it’s important that your guest knows what they are. It helps everybody! So, let’s talk about creating rules for your space and how to communicate them to your guest. Resources:
Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 06 Nov 2019 | 37. Creating a Website (in Addition to Airbnb) for your Short Term Rental- with Kelly Rauch of Local Anywhere | 00:24:29 | |
A few weeks ago, Kelly Rauch taught us about how we can utilize Instagram and Facebook to market your short-term rental — go check that episode out if you haven’t already — and today she’s back to share how you can leverage a personal website to grow your short-term rental business. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 07 Oct 2021 | 132. Take Your Property from Overlooked to Overbooked with Brian and Kati Green | 01:02:33 | |
The number one thing that communicates to your potential guests and turns them to booked guests is effective photography. Kati and Brian Greene are “Superguests” who, after searching thousands of listings around the world, utilized that experience to create a service that optimizes listings to magnetize guests. They share tips you can use right away to boost the impression your property makes to potential renters, including some very powerful ones we’ve never heard of before. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | 198. Hosting Hotline: Working Around Your City’s STR Restrictions | 00:10:33 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Addie asks: Our township wants to impose their own licensing and taxes on short-term rentals, and while they deliberate, they’re proposing a one-year ban on all new STRs. This poses issues for our business and we’re just finishing up a new property and getting ready to list it. What can we do? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | 393. We Bought Land (Part 4): Why We Stopped Construction & How We’re Pivoting Our Strategy | 00:43:33 | |
Curious about what's going on behind our latest investment in the 134 acres of Hocking Hills? We’re diving into why we told our construction team to stop, how we're preparing to approach private money lenders, and the fun (and challenges) we’re facing with this glamping project. We also discuss how we approached working with someone to create financial models, lessons learned, and our next steps. We can’t wait to see how this project unfolds and catch you up again soon! (00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @thecliffs_hockinghills (00:04:29) Project Update: What’s Going on At Our Hocking Hills Investment Property (00:16:24) Growing Pains & Lessons In Team Communication (00:23:16) Progressing The Project Forward with Financial Modeling (00:33:09) The Reality of Balancing Time & Finances & Why You Should Check Your Insurance Policy Resources: • Rich Hollow Retreat Instagram: @richhollowretreat • #STRShareSunday: @thecliffs_hockinghills • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! | |||
| 03 Oct 2024 | 399. Short-Term vs. Mid-Term Rentals: Which Is Right For You? | 00:59:28 | |
We’re excited to welcome Jon Styer, a real estate broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals and Styer Hospitality Co., a short- and mid-term rental management company in Columbus, OH. Led by Jon and his wife, Sara, Styer Hospitality has grown to more than 50 doors under management in just over a year. But Jon has been in the real estate space for years before that. In this episode, we talk about Jon’s journey from managing LTRs to STRs — and why he finally landed on mid-term rentals as his sweet spot. We discuss balancing STRs and MTRs, overcoming challenges as you grow your business, marketing strategies that pay off, and how to cultivate guest/host relationships. If you’re considering whether mid-term rentals are right for you — or you’ve simply been curious about them — you need to hear Jon’s mic drop advice. (00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @VisitanaCollection (00:04:57) How We Connected With Jon (00:07:36) Jon’s Journey In Real Estate (00:12:50) His Mid-Term Rental “Aha Moment” (00:16:54) Balancing STRs and MTRs (00:22:15) Overcoming Challenges As You Grow (00:25:58) The Pros Of Becoming A Licensed Property Manager (00:29:01) The Tech Solution He Can’t Live Without (00:32:24) Tried And True Marketing Strategies That Work (00:37:03) His Approach To Furnishing (00:41:17) The Guest/Host Relationship (00:48:07) How Many Properties Are Enough Properties? Resources: • Click here for full show notes • #STRShareSunday: @VisitanaCollection • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com • Video: How To Market Your Airbnb Without Using Airbnb • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 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! | |||
| 11 Apr 2024 | 349. We Bought Land (Part 1): Laying a Foundation for Long-Term Partnership | 01:03:32 | |
Today’s expert guest (and one of our new business partners!) is Mike Navarro of Columbus, Ohio. Mike and his wife Ingrid entered the residential market as first-time homebuyers and have since expanded into multi-family housing, constructing single-family homes ranging from 400 sqft to 4500 sq ft. Their diverse portfolio comprises over 20 units, including single-family homes, multi-units, and condos, with a total real estate holding value of $10 million. We chat with Mike today to lay the groundwork for a series of episodes in which we’ll be detailing our newfound property partnership together – the plan, the preparation, and everything in between – in as much detail as we possibly can. In this one, you get the skinny on Mike and his wife, as we cover the background of their incredible scalability and unlimited energy. We get vulnerable about our own thought processes before, during, and after the deal closed only a few short weeks ago, and we get excited (well, most of us) about the next steps – surveys, utilities, operations, branding, marketing, oh my! So many of you ask us about partnerships – consider this episode just the tip of the iceberg on a deeply personal case study illustrating our take on the process, and how we go about our decision making challenges along the way. (00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @timbercovehideaway (00:02:54) Introducing Columbus STR Expert: Mike Navarro (00:14:00) What Made Them Switch to STRs? (00:22:28) How Sarah, Annette & Mike First Crossed Paths (00:25:24) Mike Navarro’s New-Build Property Experience (00:32:36) Deal Maker: How (and Why) We Became STR Partners (00:47:39) Reviewing Our Final Land Acquisition Deal Resources: • #STRShareSunday: @timbercovehideaway • Website: rowehouserentals.com • Instagram: @rowerentals • Thanks For Visiting Org Chart: Free Download • Relevant Video: We Bought Our First Airbnb Together: Part 1 • Relevant Video: We Bought Our First Airbnb Together: Part 2 - Renovation & Updates • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 21 Feb 2019 | 1. Your First Investments: Starting an Airbnb 101 | 00:19:04 | |
Airbnb can be a tremendously profitable side hustle, or even a full-on business, but it can also be daunting figuring out where to start. The very first step is considering what you want to invest, and that really comes down to three things: time, money, and heart. Resources:
Thanks For Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | 220. Hosting Hotline: Set Up Direct Booking As A New Airbnb Host | 00:08:52 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Kara asks: As a brand new host, what do I need to be aware of when setting up a direct booking site for my property? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 19 May 2022 | 164. Getting Scrappy to Start Investing in Real Estate with Dr. Erin Hudson | 00:53:53 | |
Dr. Erin Hudson went from being in private practice to moving into single-family investment properties, short-term rentals, and then jumped into the multifamily space and is making big waves! She is one of five founding partners of Quattro Capital, which is an equity real estate firm that buys apartments ranging from 30 units to 250 units. Erin is also a licensed financial professional and helps others create their own family bank to fund their real estate transactions. She is on a mission to help women kick fear to the curb and step out in courage. We discuss how she got started in the early stages of investing, finding the grit and determination needed to be successful no matter the cost, and getting resourceful with what you have in order to get started. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced and published by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 22 Aug 2024 | 387. How to Run a Modern (and Clean!) Hostel with Hawaii’s Hostel Guys, Mike and Nate | 00:58:58 | |
Today’s expert guests are the owner/operators of Howzit Hostels, a growing brand of hostels based in the Hawaiian Islands. Michael and Nathan discuss their journey beginning with investing in short-term rentals to scaling up to commercial and hospitality properties. They currently own two hostels, one in Maui and the other on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a combined bed count of approximately 140 beds. Within only 3 years of opening, Howzit Hostels won the 2024 award for #1 Small Hostel in North America. Current annual gross revenues from their hostel business are expected to exceed $2.75 million. Their goal is to grow to 400 beds within the Hawaiian Islands and 4,000 beds in North America. Michael and Nathan explain why hostels are not only an excellent investment but a feel-good business that brings people together to share incredible experiences. (00:01:34) STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead (00:02:57) Introducing Mike and Nate of Howzit Hostels (00:16:54) Hostel vs. Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel (00:36:02) What’s it Like to Manage a Hostel? (00:47:23) Running the Numbers on Hostel Management Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Instagram: @howzithostels • Book a Hostel: howzithostels.com • Investment Website: vortexmaui.com • Investment Instgram: @mikeandnate_thehostelguys • Swell Vacation Rentals: swellvacationrentals.com • STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead • Submit your property for our next STRShare at STRShare.com • Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb - A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! | |||
| 12 May 2022 | 163. Travel Hacking & Conscious Credit Card Use with Kara Greene | 00:53:14 | |
We’re all about giving a holistic approach to your short-term rental: looking at the whole picture, from safety, marketing, real estate, and more. And while we’ve touched on all of the things you need to buy for your properties, we haven’t discussed how you can best capitalize on the purchases you make to get the most out of them. Kara Greene is an influencer on Instagram with over 47 thousand followers. She shares tips and stories from her own personal finance successes over the last 27 years, including being debt free (yes, even her mortgage), saving up for both of her children’s college educations, and redeeming over $87k in travel points over the last ten years. She shares with us some of the simple ways to get started with travel hacking, how to avoid information overwhelm, and approaching credit cards without taking risks. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced and published by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | 372. Hosting Hotline: How (and Why) to Add Celebration Upsells to Your STR Listing | 00:13:14 | |
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 get a lot of couples that stay at our romantic gazebo cottage. I had a guest that reached out to me who wanted to know if we have any add-on packages to help celebrate an anniversary. Unfortunately, I did not, but I would like to offer something. I don't know what to include or how to find it. Any insight that y'all would have would be greatly appreciated. (00:01:58) Elaine Asks About Special STR Celebration Packages (00:03:29) How to Design Special Occasion Airbnb Upsells (00:06:33) Benefits of Partnering with Local Boutique Businesses (00:07:51) We Recommend Breezeway for System Building 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: rusticpinesretreat.com • Check out Breezeway • Check out Hostfully Guidebooks • Coach Wendy: mostess.host • Video: Top 3 Airbnb Hosting Tips for 5 Star Reviews • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! | |||
| 21 May 2024 | 360. Hosting Hotline: Should Direct Bookings Earn More Revenue Than OTAs? | 00:13:14 | |
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. Angela asks: One of my properties has a 60% direct booking rate. I'm trying to figure out the best way to adjust my pricing so that my net earnings on a direct booking is slightly higher than when guests book through a third-party platform. Right now, if I get an Airbnb booking, I pay 3% commission to Airbnb. If I get a direct booking, I pay a 3% commission to Stripe in credit card fees. So I net the same either way, it's only the guest that saves money by booking directly. I know I can add a booking fee for direct bookings that would increase my bottom line, but I think a long list of fees is a turnoff for guests. I'm curious what's worked for you and what percentage do you add, if any, to your direct booking rate so that you're netting more? (00:02:03) How Can I Boost Bottom-Line Revenue via Direct Bookings? (00:03:39) Reframing the Inherent Value of Captured STR Customer Data (00:05:26) Leveraging PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing to Boost Revenue 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 • Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial • Angela's properties: lazypinesnm.com • Video: Dynamic Pricing Software for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! | |||
| 09 Oct 2019 | 33. Do I Need an Instagram or Facebook Account For My Airbnb or Short-Term Rental?- with Kelly Rauch of Local Anywhere | 00:44:03 | |
We met today’s guest, Kelly Rauch, at our most recent local Airbnb meetup — so, let that me a lesson to you: go to your local meetups, or if one doesn’t exist, start one. You can meet some really cool people there... and then, a week or two later, you might even be on their podcast! Kelly is a marketing expert who just blew us away when she told us how she used social media to launch a new high-end rental in Mexico, and how she’s been getting repeat guests to up their occupancy rate and bring in more income. These are FREE tools that can completely transform your short-term rental business — so if you aren’t taking advantage of social media marketing yet, take good notes and get ready to blow up your business and brand! Want to see what’s working for other people? Check out some of these popular Airbnb influencers: @flippinwendy, @thebeachlodge, @thegranvillebarn, @theboxhop. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 04 Jan 2024 | 321. PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing vs. Airbnb Cleaning Fees | 00:50:32 | |
Today’s expert guest is Monique DeLorenzo, a host who was eager to dive deeper into the financials of our great industry. In addition to hosting her cute Vermont a-frame property, she’s also a solutions consultant with PriceLabs, a revenue management tool for hosts and property managers that provides users with dynamic pricing and market insights. We use PriceLabs and were inspired to email Monique as soon as the Airbnb winter release became public, to see if she had any insight on the cleaning fee changes and how one might best leverage our new parameters in that area to maintain, or even boost, revenue. She covers that and so much more in this super deep dive on dynamic pricing. You don’t want to miss this one as you set your goals and expectations for the new year and beyond. (00:01:22) #STRShareSunday:@littlecoveaframe (00:03:37) (Re)Introducing Monique DeLorenzo (00:16:34) Singing the Praises of Dynamic Pricing (00:19:55) Update on Airbnb Platform Changes (00:27:29) Common Pricing Mistakes that Hosts Make (00:34:14) PriceLabs vs. Airbnb Smart Pricing (00:40:50) Final Word on Airbnb Cleaning Fees Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 01 Sep 2022 | 185. Create An Abundance Mindset Through Collaboration, Not Competition | 00:39:25 | |
Kyle Stanley is an AirBnB operator out of Fresno, CA. Although he has been doing AirBnB since 2015, he didn't truly turn it into a business until May of 2019. When Kyle learned he could operate AirBnB's in homes that he didn't even own, he realized that he could scale the business quickly. In under 18 months, Kyle went from 1 listing to 25 listings, netting over $20K per month. Now 3 years into the business, Kyle has over 60 properties and nets an average of $60k per month while spending just 3 hours per week in his business. With the extra time, he now teaches others how to replicate his path. Kyle also has a YouTube and Podcast called "The Fearless Investor." Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 04 Apr 2024 | 347. How to Optimize Your Supply Inventory as an Airbnb Co-Host in 2024 | 00:53:22 | |
Today’s expert guest is Wendy Doris. Experienced house flipper, host, co-host, and Hosting Business Mastery Method (HBMM) coach, Wendy loves the details, especially when it comes to the operations of her business. We lean into that expertise in this episode, jumping into the deep end on supplies as they relate to short-term rental listings. Managing more than a dozen properties in the Phoenix area, Wendy set out to reimagine her supply chain operations – where, who, why, when, and how. We won’t spoil her story, but to let you know that she gets very detailed with the specific calculations she ran, hiccups and highlights, and of course, the bottom line financial results of what she’s implemented. Her approach is a great example of why we run numbers in our industry – and how to avoid being paralyzed by them. The funny thing about the work it takes to set up efficient systems is that, if done effectively – they disappear from your to-do list! Wendy explains that she ideated on the program for six months before taking the leap and putting it into action. The results, as they say, speak for themselves. Big thanks to Wendy for taking the time to share this super niche but super valuable insight with the community today. We hope inspires you to take a closer look at some of the more mundane, ongoing costs in your business to see if a creative solution like Wendy’s might apply. (00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @CandyCabinsofBrokenBow (00:02:51) (Re)Introducing STR Co-Hosting Expert Wendy Doris (00:08:05) Managing Stock of Supplies for an STR Business (00:17:41) Supply Program Results & Reactions: One Year Later (00:38:13) Other Tips & Tools for Your STR Supply Inventory Resources: • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! • Co-hosting website: mostess.host • Video: Airbnb Hosts: A Simple Supply System • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com • #STRShareSunday: @CandyCabinsofBrokenBow Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 23 May 2023 | 256. Hosting Hotline: Mastering Dynamic Pricing and Modified Bookings | 00:11:53 | |
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. Today’s question: We often have guests who will edit their booking to add an extra night, but because of dynamic pricing, Airbnb displays the added night at a different rate than their original booking (usually higher). How do you deal with this and keep guests happy? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | 402. Hosting Hotline: Do I Need a Domain Name & Bank Account For My First STR? | 00:16:13 | |
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. Heather asks: I have a studio apartment that's attached to our house. We've had it on Airbnb since May of this year. I’m realizing I probably need an email address, domain name, and bank account for the rental. Should I have a Gmail business email, which costs money, or just create another free Gmail account? Any other advice? (00:03:48) How To Set Up A Bank Account For Your STR Business (00:05:58) Options To Create An Email Account & Domain Name (00:08:11) Why It Pays To Create An Inexpensive Landing Page 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 • Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com/thanks-for-visiting • Video: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Airbnb Business the RIGHT way • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. Owner Statements 101 | Save Your Seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/course | |||
| 22 Dec 2022 | 214. Your Top 10 Hosting Tips for 2022 | 00:24:14 | |
Annette + Sarah share their Top 10 Hosting Tips for 2022. You can submit your top tips on Instagram @ThanksForVisiting_
Resources:Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | 367. We Stayed in a Castle! European Short-Term Rental Industry Review | 00:40:50 | |
In today’s solo (duo?) episode, we unpack an expansive recent experience we shared in England, learning about this amazing industry. From an STR business retreat hosted in a towering castle, complete with moat, to the Short Stay Summit 2024 in London – we’ve come home with a wider and more full picture of what hosts are doing and seeing around the world. Our journey begins at Middleton Castle, where our new friend, Humphrey Bowles of Superhog, expertly curated a thought leadership retreat for 17 of the space’s foremost voices and innovators. We talk about what exactly led us to getting an invite, what we saw and heard there, and the value in getting out of one’s usual workspace – both mentally and physically. From there, we recap our key takeaways from Short Stay Summit 2024, including cleaning questions heard round the world, hard sustainability truths, guest and property safety, and of course – the five-hundred pound gorilla in the room: artificial intelligence. (00:01:50) #STRShareSunday: @middletoncastle (00:07:09) Getting the Invite to Middleton Castle (00:17:11) Top Takeaways from Vacation Rental Leaders (00:21:14) Short Stay Summit in London 2024 (00:25:02) Growing Role of AI in Vacation Rental Industry Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! • #STRShareSunday: @middletoncastle • Video: Airbnb Guest Expectations: How to Set the Right Expectations • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! | |||
| 07 May 2020 | 62. Creating an Unforgettable Airbnb Experience: Star Wars Edition- with Bryndee Barton | 01:01:01 | |
Everyone wants their property to stand out from the crowd, and one way to do that is through experiential properties. These properties take their guest experience to the extreme. Bryndee Barton, the designer at Loma Homes, has an incredible Star Wars-themed rental that you can experience right now. She started in the more traditional real estate realm and now she focuses on managing Airbnbs that take their guests’ stay to the next level. We dive into all of the work that goes into creating these themes and properties, finding investors for your Airbnb rental, finding trustworthy people, and the extra staging that goes into a property as special as this. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | 155. Taking Your Short-Term Rental from Job to Business with Kylan Pimley | 00:46:30 | |
One thing nobody tells you when you start your hosting journey is that you’re going to have to get really, really good at revenue management. Well, scratch that, because we’re going to tell you now – with a little help from a member of our Hosting Business Mastery group, Kylan Pimley! We talk about the moment she realized that this needed to be managed like a business, when they began making the shift from treating it like a job to a company, and how managing short-term rentals requires looking at things through a different lens than a landlord. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | 408. Hosting Hotline: Should I Refresh My Bedding & Photos Seasonally? | 00:08:49 | |
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. Shaina asks: I have a quick question related to bedding. In the summertime, I have some light, colorful quilts. Going into winter, I was thinking about switching to duvets with white duvet covers. I'm wondering if you think we need to update the listing photos. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:58) The Importance Of Attention To Detail (00:03:18) Photo Refresh Opportunities (00:05:22) Embracing Seasonality With Linens 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 • Video: Affordable Bedding Must Haves For Five Star Airbnb Stays • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. | |||
| 28 Nov 2024 | 415. Live From The VRMA Conference: The Biggest Takeaways About The STR Industry | 01:15:33 | |
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.com Resources: • 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 • #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick • Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at | |||
| 16 Mar 2020 | BONUS. COVID-19 and Your Airbnb | 00:48:54 | |
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about the coronavirus disease. We wanted to address some of the questions and concerns hosts may be facing, including cancellations, cleaning questions, and how to handle reservations. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 21 Jul 2021 | 121. Hiring a Team That Works with You with Taylor Arbaugh | 00:57:14 | |
One of the questions we get asked most often is: how do you hire a team that has the same ethos and attention to detail as you? Taylor Arbaugh is a property coordinator at The Cliffs Hocking Hills and a team member of Sarah's. She helps to host the property. She is a mom and local in the area where The Cliffs is located, in Hocking Hills, Ohio. She doesn’t come from a property management background, but she has been a great addition to the team. If you’re not in the industry yourself, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn what it takes to make a great project manager. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 03 Dec 2020 | 90. Secrets of the Hospitality Industry- with Simon DeSwaan | 00:48:57 | |
When you can learn from someone with a history of experience in hospitality, you take it! Simon DeSwaan is a Superhost who has spent 15 years working for Four Seasons hotels and resorts, and now works from home as an executive recruiter in the hospitality industry. He enjoys hosting his own short-term rental as a way to interact with people from all over the world. From his extensive experience working with some of the top hotels and restaurants in the world, he has picked up a lot of tricks that are applicable to his (and your!) short-term rental business. Resources:
Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 09 Jul 2024 | 374. Hosting Hotline: Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Programs 101 | 00:14:30 | |
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 Program 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 • 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.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | 412. Hosting Hotline: Can I Transfer Reviews When I Buy an Airbnb? | 00:15:05 | |
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. Vanessa asks: We run a short-term rental on Whidbey Island in Washington State called Bells Beach Lookout. Thanks to you, it's been going really well. We are in the process of purchasing our second short-term rental. The seller of this house is also an Airbnb host and has done very well. She has great reviews — like 4.93 — but I learned from Airbnb that those reviews can't be transferred. What tips do you have for me to make this transition effective and make it easy for past guests to want to come back? How can I connect with this seller, and what questions or requests should I be making of her? (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:44) Airbnb’s Terms & Conditions About Transferring (00:05:14) What To Request From The Current Owner (00:09:41) Updating & Optimizing The Listing 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 • Bells Beach Lookout: bellsbeachlookout.com • Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. | |||
| 19 Mar 2020 | 55. Tactical Things You Can Do Tomorrow To Raise Revenue- with Sharon Keefe | 00:34:17 | |
Whatever your mission is in this journey of short-term rentals, revenue is going to be a common driving factor. One of the common shortcomings when it comes to vacation rentals is not properly compensating yourself for all the services you provide. You may be trying to pass on as much of the savings to your customer as possible, but if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you’re going to risk burnout. Sharon Keefe joins us today to talk about simple, actionable things you can do to raise the revenue of your rental properties so that you can grow effectively. Sharon has spent the last 17 years in the hospitality space and her passion for the last 14 years has been in the vacation and short-term rental industry. She coaches and teaches how to run the business more efficiently, increase positive guest reviews and make more money. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 26 Sep 2022 | 192. Hosting Hotline: How To Organize Your Work (and Life) As An STR Owner | 00:20:12 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Kelsey (@StayJandK) asks: How do you set up your Workday or your work week? There’s so many things I know I could (or should) be doing, but some days it’s so much that I get analysis paralysis. How do you structure things on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and how do you know when it’s time to delegate tasks out to your team? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | 410. Hosting Hotline: How Do I Remit Taxes For Co-Hosted STR Properties? | 00:11:37 | |
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. Madison asks: I've just completed my first direct booking at a property that I own and manage, and I'm going through the process of remitting taxes to my county and state. How do you handle this for co-hosted properties? I'd like to offer direct bookings, but would I remit taxes on behalf of the owner or is that their responsibility? (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:09) How Sarah Remitted Taxes On Her Clients’ Behalf (00:05:19) How To Make Life Easier For Your Clients (00:06:42) Remitting Taxes Even If You’re Not Co-Hosting Please note that we are not CPAs, and this information is location dependent. We encourage you to consult with a tax professional in your area. 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 • Video: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Airbnb Business the RIGHT way (banking, taxes, LLC, profits) • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | 302. Hosting Hotline: Tips To Create Two Seasonal Listings for One STR Property | 00:11:45 | |
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. John asks: I run Seaside Shacks in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where it's beautiful weather and strong tourism from May through October. However, November rolls around and we get local winds called Les Suêtes, 60 to 120 mph at least once a week from November through April. I’d like to avoid mixing our sunny summer reviews with windy winter reviews. How do I set up two different profiles with the same listing without getting removed from platforms? 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:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 24 Nov 2022 | 207. Building Wealth + Growing An STR Business With Your Partner | 00:49:28 | |
Kacia & Seena are brand new to STRs and real estate investing, but they have a BIG vision of where they want to take this, and how they are going to use the power of community to build out an STR brand. After 13 years together and three months into their marriage, they are taking a deep dive into real estate investing. Kacia has 9 years experience as an entrepreneur, and Seena left his career as a dentist one year ago when he realized that career path was no longer aligned with their shared vision. They are both big dreamers who are driven by creating legacy for their future families, as well as long-term generation wealth. They have a huge vision of where they want to take their goals with STRs, and feel it's so important to keep people looped in every step of the way to teach and inspire others who might have similar goals. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | 236. Hosting Hotline: The Best Bedding For An Airbnb Wedding Venue | 00:12:22 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Amelia (@EmersonFieldsVenue) asks: Our wedding venue is preparing to host overnight stays. What is your advice on bedding and linens: do we buy multiples of something cheap & disposable to replace over time, or something durable that can be used repeatedly? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Noise Aware Monitor your property's noise levels and keep guest noise – and neighbor noise complaints – under control. Use code 'TFVNA20' for 20% and a FREE sensor, at noiseaware.com. | |||
| 20 Aug 2020 | 76. How to Close Down Listings Efficiently and Ethically Without the Overwhelm- with Tracey Northcott | 00:44:59 | |
Naturally, every host is concerned with starting and running their listings. But what do you do to efficiently—and ethically—close down a listing without all the overwhelm? Tracey Northcott has been an Airbnb Superhost for nearly a decade and a guest experience specialist consultant for the last two years. She’s a writer, a speaker, a mentor, and she lives in Tokyo, Japan. She’s had to really look at her short-term rental business as a business and focus on the properties that are going to give her the biggest bang for their buck while closing down other listings. We talk about what you need to keep in mind to do this safely, effectively, and legally. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 19 Jan 2023 | 221. Taking Your Airbnb Business To the Next Level with Wendy Doris and Amy Corbett | 00:46:37 | |
Wendy Doris and Amy Corbett are two amazing STR owners who’re part of our membership group, Hosting Business Mastery Membership. They’re joining the podcast today (for the second time!) to discuss their hosting journeys, what led them to join HBMM, what’s changed for their businesses since then, and what they're planning for the future. Learn more about Hosting Business Mastery Membership and sign up here. Listen back to the origin stories for Wendy (Episode 27) and Amy (Episode 96) on the podcast. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | 352. Hosting Hotline: Pros & Cons of Converting From STR to MTR Bookings | 00:16:40 | |
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. Kendra asks: We purchased a property, my husband's pipe dream, in western Wisconsin on the trout streams where he grew up fishing. We launched it on Airbnb and VRBO in March. It's called the Trimbelle Cottage and we've had good success with consistent bookings and buzz in the area since that time. We had someone reach out asking to book it as a mid-term rental from November through March of next year. I believe those would be our slower months anyway. But it's hard to know because we haven't had it on the market for a whole year yet. We're trying to decide if it's best for us to go for what seems to be a safer mid-term route. Do we risk losing ground in the STR market, on the algorithm, Instagram, or word of mouth? We would love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of taking a mid-term rental vs. keeping it on the STR market through the down season. Thank you so much. (00:03:01) Should We Convert to Mid-Term for Our Slow Rental Season? (00:04:34) Understanding Risk & Knowing Your Why (00:05:14) The (Harsh) Realities of Today’s Mid-Term Rental Market (00:06:21) Prioritize Running Your Numbers with PriceLabs (00:07:39) Nurture Existing Guest Leads: All of Them! (00:10:19) Specific Prep & Comms for a Mid-Term Pivot 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: • Video: 3 Analytics Airbnb Hosts Need to be Tracking • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 06 Jan 2022 | 145. Real Estate Investing & the Power of Communities with Stacey St. John | 00:44:46 | |
Stacey St. John is a boss babe who was bitten by the STR bug and never looked back. While working for a global consulting firm, she fell into the real estate game by accident. After a few short months of renting out that “accidental” investment, Stacey quickly realized that she had an appreciating asset on her hands, all while someone else paid her mortgage, grew her bank account, and earned her tax benefits. Now, she is passionate about helping other women turn their real estate goals into successful businesses without having to sacrifice their family, free time, or sanity. We talk about building communities and partnerships with people you know and trust, sharing information, and how we can build up the short-term rental community as a whole. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | 339. We Fought Restrictive Local Hosting Laws (and Won): Lessons in Short-Term Rental Advocacy | 01:00:52 | |
Today’s expert guests are Bob and Callie Karlen. A husband-and-wife investing team, they currently house hack their primary residence near Minneapolis, own and operate Bigwater Cove – their STR cabin in Northern MN – and are hoping to scale their portfolio in 2024 in the commercial boutique motel space in the near future. Following last week’s informative discussion covering a painful acquisition process that didn’t quite work out, we talk to Bob and Callie about their own emotionally charged short-term rental rollercoaster – only this time, we get a (mostly) happy ending. Off and running with their new Minnesota-based vacation rental cabin, Bob and Callie received the kind of letter that sends shivers up your spine. They were operating without a license. To complicate things further, they learned their address was located in a township, not the city in the sale listing that they’d done deep STR homework on. They didn’t give up. In fact, they teamed up to bring their case to the planning commission and, over months and months, affect positive change in their community. We can’t wait for you to hear this riveting success story, and hope it inspires other hosts to fight for their own right to rent responsibly. (00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @thewanderstay (00:03:41) Doing Their Homework to Purchase a Vacation Cabin (00:09:45) STR Licensing Issues: A Letter From the Planning Commision (00:17:18) Now What? Amending the Ordinance (00:26:38) Callie’s Vacation Rental PowerPoint Presentation to the Township (00:29:25) The Painstaking Process of Changing STR Legislation (00:43:54) Successfully Lobbying for Your Right to Rent (00:46:45) Update on Required Noise Monitoring Technology (00:48:22) Mindset Tips for Overcoming Restrictive STR Legislation Resources: • Website: bigwatercove.com • Airbnb: Bigwater Cove - Lakefront cabin near Brainerd • Instagram: @bigwater_cove • Noise Aware: Indoor and Outdoor Sensors monitor noise levels at your property and will alert you through your Dashboard or Mobile App when the noise levels go over your set thresholds. Use code TFVNA20 for 20% off ($144/year including 1 free indoor sensor) and 20% off any additional indoor or outdoor sensor: noiseaware.com • #STRShareSunday: @thewanderstay • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Hosting Business Mastery Method |... | |||
| 11 Dec 2019 | 42. The “What If” Episode- with Jesse Gross | 00:41:22 | |
Do you have burning questions about starting up your first short term rental? What if your tenants throw a big party? What if someone gets hurt? The questions are endless! We had the pleasure of meeting Jesse Gross, CEO and co-founder of Makomi, which is a short term rental management company. He has so much experience, because they manage properties from all over. We’re going to talk about the “What If’s” that could happen to your property, and hopefully put your mind at ease! Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 28 Mar 2019 | 9. Leaving a Career to be an Airbnb Host - with Superhost Patti Whalen | 00:38:47 | |
We hit the road again, and we came back with some great memories and a great conversation with Superhost Patti Whalen! We discuss Patti’s fact-finding expeditions to Airbnbs in Europe, the long history between women and B&Bs, following the rules, furnishing apartments (with minimal IKEA), Patti’s worst Airbnb experiences, tips and tricks for managing multiple properties, and investing in yourself. Resources:
Thanks For Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 02 Oct 2019 | 32. Best & Worst Cities for Airbnb: Making Money & Paying Your Mortgage with Short-Term Rentals- with Gillian Luce | 00:35:07 | |
We often talk about strategies for hosts who are already in the game (how to welcome guests, how to set pricing, etc.), but we’ve missed an important step: getting the property you can use as an Airbnb! We also know that a lot of your are listening because you are still planning and working up the courage to open your first short-term rental — and the more you know, the less scary that becomes! So we sat down with Gillian Luce, Senior Marketing Manager for Homes.com. She helps us understand some data that we can use to strategize our side hustle goals for 2020, plus some other things that homeowners need to know if they are considering using Airbnb (like how it can help you pay your mortgage). Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | 173. Expanding Your Rental Portfolio for Long-Term Wealth | 00:44:05 | |
Avery Carl is the author of ShortTerm Rental, Long Term Wealth: Your Guide To Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties, and the host of "The Short Term Show" podcast. Avery went from a 37k salary to a real estate investment portfolio of 100 doors in 5 years through strategically investing in short-term and vacation rentals. This strategy allowed her to grow her portfolio much more quickly than starting off with traditional long-term rentals. The Short TermShop has helped over 4,500 families create generational wealth through real estate investing. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | 329. How to Identify Warning Signs of Human Trafficking in the STR Industry | 00:54:46 | |
Today’s expert guest is Catherine Ratcliffe. A vacation rental owner and host since 2018, she’s pivoted from a successful HR career to run a consulting business where she takes on tough subjects for employers and hosts – including today’s heavy topic, the global human trafficking crisis. Catherine shares subtle details to look out for and security protocols to implement in your business to combat this horrific invisible threat. You will leave this episode with a list of new methods to root this evil out from where it lurks, to identify issues in your organization or that of your partners and vendors, and to act on what you see. In the United States, we are the largest consumer of our own people. Host, guest, interested in our industry or not – if you are a member of society, this conversation applies to you. This is going to take everybody, globally, elevating our awareness and being on board with the mission of ending human trafficking. (00:01:25) #STRShareSunday: @yyhminnesota (00:06:20) Catherine Ratcliffe’s Mission & Inspirations (00:13:59) Recommended Step-by-Step Training Protocol (00:22:08) What Can STR Hosts Do to Combat Human Trafficking? (00:31:45) How to Address Trafficking Issues That You Notice Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Handbook | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist Minoan Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 10 Nov 2022 | 204. The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get | 00:42:25 | |
Alex Sabio is a married father of four from Southern California. He has been in healthcare for over 20 years, and focuses on helping other healthcare workers become financially free through investing in STRs. Alex had a rocky start in real estate investing, including bankruptcy, builder issues, and even a Ponzi scheme. But through it all, he always had an innate feeling that he was making the right moves, and continued to persevere through these struggles. Today, he’s thriving with multiple properties, and always networking with partners and fellow hosts to find new opportunities. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | 342. Hosting Hotline: Creative Ideas for Concierge Services to Differentiate Your STR | 00:14:24 | |
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. Francesca asks: I am looking for ways to enhance the guest experience through concierge services. As an example, I saw someone post that they'll put away Instacart groceries for guests before they arrive. I'm looking for unique and creative concierge services to offer guests and differentiate from competitors. If you have any suggestions, that would be awesome. We are in a beach market. (00:01:20) Question About Concierge Services at Vacation Rental (00:02:19) Getting Your Strategy Straight: Revenue Driver vs. Free Gift (00:03:14) Recommended Creative Concierge Services for Your STR Listing (00:07:17) Market Research & Generative Brainstorming for Hosts 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: • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | 190. Hosting Hotline: Comparing Your STR House Rules with Airbnb’s Guest Policies | 00:15:15 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Courtney asks: We recently had a situation with Airbnb in which a guest had not signed a rental agreement within 48 hours of booking, which is specified in our listing’s rules. Airbnb refused to uphold our rule, and stated that the guests had until the moment of check-in to meet our requirement of signing the rental agreement. Airbnb has very much sided with guests, claiming that they would not cancel the reservation on their end until that moment of check-in, and even going so far as to threaten me about canceling the reservation as a host because of their new policy (which just took effect in August). How do you go about ensuring that guests sign a rental agreement when Airbnb won't uphold your rules? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 21 Feb 2023 | 230. Hosting Hotline: How Your Cancellation Policy Affects Your Airbnb Listing | 00:07:44 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Christine asks: Does our cancellation policy affect our listing’s visibility on Airbnb? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources: Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | 311. Pet-Friendly or Not? Weighing the Many Benefits of a Pet-Friendly STR | 00:29:23 | |
Don’t forget Fido for today’s special pet-themed episode of Thanks For Visiting as we unpack the immense power of the pet-friendly designation on Airbnb, recommended processes and platforms to smooth out your animal operations, and preview our brand new Pet-Friendly Essentials Checklist: breezeway.io/pet-checklist. That’s right, we’ve created the most comprehensive pet checklist that we could so that you can download it and use it to set up your rental to be pet friendly. In this episode, we spotlight Breezeway as our partner in data collection on this project – sharing a few eye-opening figures on how welcoming pets into your properties can impact your bottom line. We also touch on recommended cleaning supplies, offer up some ideas on homey pet-themed amenities, and do a deep dive on what your tech stack might look like when it’s all said and done. Make 2024 the year you check that box, invite furry family members into your homes, and watch as your booking and profitability metrics get a case of the zoomies. (01:29) #STRShareSunday: @cedarglengetaway (04:45) Breezeway Shares the Data on Pet-Friendly Rentals (08:19) Preview to Pet-Friendly Essentials Checklist (17:55) Recommended Cleaning Supplies & Communicating Pet Rules Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 20 Apr 2023 | 247. The Ultimate Airbnb Spring Safety Guide with Justin Ford | 00:50:32 | |
We’re getting summer ready with our safety captain, Justin Ford. He's an international safety expert who works at Breezeway and he has an undying passion to make short-term rentals safer, which is good for you, the owner, the guest and our industry. After 13 years in the vacation rental industry as a Property Manager, 15 years as a firefighter and four years in the US Coast Guard, Justin combined his experiences to create a niche within the short-term rental industry that did not exist in 2013; short-term rental safety. In 2014, Justin created the first vacation rental safety checklist for the vacation rental industry, and in 2017 Justin created Dwell Safe®, a certification program devoted to the safety of vacation rentals, which he sold to Breezeway® in 2019. In this episode we talk about some recent accidents in rental properties that remind us of how important it is to be legally up to code in all properties, and have the right equipment, technology and instructions to keep our guests safe. We’re talking fire safety for grills and firepits, legal egress for windows, gas leaks, pool and hot tub safety and more. Justin shares common mistakes he sees in short term rental properties, offers quick and inexpensive solutions, and his spring cleaning checklist you can use today to make sure your property is up to date and ready for summer fun. Here is our amazon shop to find all the items Justin recommends in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thanksforvisiting_ Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 04 Jun 2020 | 66. The Hosts of HGTV’s “Stay or Sell” Open Their First Short-Term Rental- with Brad & Heather Fox | 00:55:43 | |
How do you juggle owning two businesses, starting your first short term rental, and filming a TV show at the same time? That’s what Brad and Heather Fox, a married couple who own Fox Homes & Realty and Foxwell Design, ended up doing. They share the story of how this all happened, what factored into their decision when buying a property, and tips to stand out from other listings. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 22 Oct 2020 | 84. How to Give Constructive Criticism to Your Turnover Team | 00:31:17 | |
In the rental industry, we all REALLY depend on our turnover teams. They’re an essential part of making sure business runs smoothly and that our guests are happy. So what do you do if you notice room for improvement, but don’t want to come across as rude or obsessive? This is not about your demands as the host, it’s about giving the guest the best experience possible. Keep in mind, no one is going to care about your business as much as you do. That being said, your turnover team is operating their own business, and they want to keep their client (you) happy just as much as you want to keep your guests happy. Let’s look at how you can communicate with your turnover team without being too harsh, but still get everything you need to run your business. Resources:
Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 02 Jan 2020 | 45. How to Bounce Back When You Let Your Guests Down | 00:42:20 | |
Mistakes are going to happen when you have an Airbnb, and that can be kind of scary. We’re going to share the experiences we’ve had and how we bounced back in hopes of alleviating some of that fear. You are not alone if you’ve made a mistake. No matter how good you are, things are going to happen, and what matters in those moments is how you handle it. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 29 Dec 2022 | 216. Our Top 10 Episodes Of 2022 | 00:28:46 | |
To wrap up the year, we’re recapping our Top 10 episodes of 2022! Thank you to all of our amazing guests who’ve joined us on the show, and for our new AMA episodes, thanks to all you listeners for submitting questions throughout the year. See you in 2023! Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | 314. Hosting Hotline: Should You Decorate Your Vacation Rental for the Holidays? | 00:12:03 | |
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. Nick asks: I really get into the holiday season and I wonder… Do you think there's any value in decorating for the holidays for guests? Are there any pieces that I'm missing as far as our cleaners or anything like that in terms of cost vs. reward? (00:01:52) Cost vs. Reward on Holiday Decorations? (00:02:30) Communicate With Cleaning Team About New Decor (00:03:05) Look for Tasteful, Non-Denominational Pieces (00:05:36) Positive Experiences & Good Examples (00:06:44) Making Decor Choices Repeatable & Replaceable 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:
Thanks 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. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 09 Feb 2023 | 227. Converting A Summer Camp Into Overnight Stays And Event Venue | 00:47:36 | |
Helen Christopher is a former elementary teacher turned hospitable host, author, and event planner in Upstate New York. In 2021, she bought a former girls summer camp called Brookledge which offers guests 60 acres of cabins, glamping tents, and event space. As owner, she helps guests reconnect with nature and disconnect from their hectic lives. Helen has been featured in the Times Union, Ramble and Roam blog, and Connecting Roads. In 2023, look for her in the book Hospitable Hosts (second edition). She now lives with her family and two dogs in what was once the nurse’s office at Brookledge and enjoys camp life every day. Helen joins the show today to discuss how she came across Brookledge and what led her to buy the property, how she and her husband had to seriously downsize after moving into the Brookledge nurse’s office, and their proximity to Saratoga Springs, NY, a nearby tourist destination. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | 366. Hosting Hotline: Five-Star Patio Amenities to Differentiate Your Vacation Rental Listing | 00:12:02 | |
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. Patrick asks: It's Patrick with Farmhouse805 on the beautiful central coast of California. I have a big question for you… We've been having a lot of success with our STR. We've got a nice patio with a gas fire pit and a commercial grade barbecue, but we just don't have the budget to do a swimming pool. And I'm not a big fan of the spas for the patio. We're thinking about adding a movie screen and maybe a digital projector that guests can use to watch movies outside. We’re just trying to figure out if that's something that would be attractive to guests. I would love to hear your feedback. We love everything about your show – keep it up! (00:01:40) Patrick Asks About an Outdoor Movie Projector (00:02:58) Building Out a Unique Vacation Rental Experience (00:05:31) Borrow Tips & Effective Ideas from Local Competitors 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: • Website: farmhouse805.com • Video: Airbnb Guest Expectations: How to Set the Right Expectations • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! | |||
| 11 Jun 2020 | 67. What if We Get Another Stay-at-Home Order This Fall? How to Prepare - with Steve Trover | 00:34:50 | |
Things are opening back up in the US! While we all take a moment for a collective sigh of relief, remember that COVID-19 hasn’t gone anywhere just yet. How can you prepare yourselves for a second wave and potential future stay-at-home orders? To talk about that we have returning guest Steve Trover. He’s been in the vacation rental industry for over 20 years, so we lean on him and his expertise in preparing for the future. Nobody saw COVID-19 coming, but now that it’s here we have a chance to look ahead and prepare for what could potentially come in the future. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 05 Aug 2021 | 123. Our Mistakes Making Property Offers & How to Avoid Them | 00:39:50 | |
We always try to be transparent about what is going on in our businesses in the hopes that doing so will serve you. We share our hopes, ideas, struggles, and more. And on that note, we’re going to share one of our most recent embarrassments because you can learn from it. As we’ve worked together, we have evolved from wanting to focus on education (don’t worry, we’ll still be doing that!) and into growing our own short-term rental empire together. In fact, we just took the first step by making an offer on a property! This has been a long time in the making, and – honestly – we made it take a LOT longer than it needed to. That’s what we’re going to discuss. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 18 Apr 2019 | 12. How to Attract Business Guests to Your Airbnb: A Great Opportunity for Repeat Guests | 00:25:15 | |
People travelling for business make great guests: they almost never wreck your place, they’re often more concerned about convenience than saving a few bucks, and best of all, they can become repeat guests! Today, we talk about how you can make your space more attractive for business and corporate guests, what you NEED to be business class, how you can find out more about potential repeat guests, and what goes into negotiating corporate/business pricing. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | 196. Hosting Hotline: How To Manage an Out Of State Rental Property | 00:14:54 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Jesse asks: We just purchased property in another state, which is zoned residential upstairs and commercial/office space downstairs. What tips do you have for managing a rental property from long-distance? And do you have any ideas for leveraging the commercial space on the first floor? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources: Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | 398. Hosting Hotline: The Backup Plans Every Host Needs In Place | 00:16:44 | |
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. Leslie asks: I want to ask y'all about backup plans. I've heard you talk about what to do if internet goes down. I do not have a backup plan for this, so I wanted to hear about that. I can't wait to hear what you say about all of your backup plans. (00:02:48) Tybee Turtle Time Condo: @tybeeturtletimecondo (00:03:35) How To Not Miss Calls From Your STR Guests (00:07:12) Troubleshooting Wi-Fii Issues (00:09:36) More Backup Plans For Every Situation 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 • Tybee Turtle Time Condo: @tybeeturtletimecondo • Breezeway Call Center: breezeway.io • Video: Airbnb Backups For Your Backups • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks 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. | |||
| 06 Dec 2022 | Bringing Buying Group Power To All STR Hosts | 00:55:41 | |
Jeff Iloulian has been in the vacation rental industry for nearly a decade. He has set up, managed, and/or operated over 250+ vacation rental properties; from cozy cabins in the woods, to luxury mansions in Beverly Hills. Additionally, Jeff has successfully grown several businesses and has a passion for interdisciplinary problem solving in emerging industries. He firmly believes that the further you push outside of your comfort zone, the larger that zone becomes. With a background in Economics and Philosophy from Columbia University and a JD from UCLA School of law, Jeff spent three years as a lawyer practicing Business Litigation, Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity before becoming an entrepreneur. Jeff is now CEO of HostGPO, THE buying group for hosts, which helps all STR business owners get access to the industry’s best discounts on furniture, linens, and everything you need to create long-term growth for your short-term rental. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 20 Jun 2019 | 18. The Box Hop: A Container Airbnb- with Emily Britt & Seth Britt | 00:56:57 | |
We’ve been spying on today’s guests on Instagram for a long time (@theboxhop – check it out), and we are so excited to finally be able to chat with them!! Emily and Seth Britt live in Columbus, and they love it, but they also yearn for a space where they can return to return to their rural roots. So Seth followed his long-time dream to build a shipping container home in one of their favorite places: the Hocking Hills of Ohio. It took one year of planning, three shipping containers, seven months of sweat and tears, a lot of help, and a whole lot of late nights, but they finally did it... and it is BEAUTIFUL! Their desire is to now share this home and dream with others – and we are so excited to share them with you! Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 24 Mar 2022 | 156. Scaling Your Business with Investor Capital with Jeff Brown | 00:50:25 | |
Jeff Brown is here to teach us how to dream big and scale our businesses with investor capital. He’s the co-founder of Loma Homes, a vacation rental brand that specializes in unique themed experiences. He talks about what you need to do to get started looking for investors, the way that will affect your approach to finding properties, his “20% rule” for ensuring revenue, and how to build a portfolio of properties that can be sold at a massive profit. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | 203. Hosting Hotline: How To Safely Provide Alcohol For Your Guests | 00:09:24 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Meg asks: Are there restrictions around offering alcohol to your guests, whether as a check-in gift or as an upsell to “stock the bar?” Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 29 Aug 2024 | 389. What is a Short-Term Rental Chargeback? And How To Avoid Them with Keith Brady | 01:02:15 | |
Today’s expert guest is Keith Brady. Owner of Florida Vacation Rental Law, he’s Florida's leading authority on vacation rentals. Keith has dedicated his career to the vacation rental industry and offers counsel to governments, businesses, and individuals. Keith’s here to give us the cold hard facts about vacation rental chargebacks. The truth is, you’re very likely to be at risk! More truths? Chargebacks are a scam. They make us feel powerless. They force us to question the good in the world. They make us mad! But – they can also be avoided. And we even have a few useful steps to take after experiencing a vacation rental chargeback. Keith walks us through several useful steps to take in our messaging which drastically reduce our susceptibility to fraudulent chargebacks before, during, and after a contested reservation takes place. He’s an open book in sharing secrets of the trade, detailing his own professional experience, and leaving us with actionable steps to help protect against scammers. Don’t leave your business open to be taken advantage of! Preventative care is the name of the game. Huge thanks to Keith for sharing this important information with the Thanks For Visiting audience. (00:01:24) #STRShare: @seascapevillastx (00:03:24) Introducing Keith Brady: Vacation Rental Law Expert (00:11:49) Tried & True Methods to Circumvent STR Credit Card Fraud (00:19:20) How to Avoid Short-Term Rental Chargebacks (00:33:36) Tips to Combat Fraudulent STR Chargebacks (00:40:19) What to Do AFTER Losing/Winning an STR Chargeback Case Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Website: floridavacationrentallaw.com • Email: admin@floridavacationrentallaw.com #STRShareSunday: @seascapevillastx • Submit your property for our next #STRShare at STRShare.com • Video: 7 Creeping .. Airbnb Business Expenses 😬 Look Out! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | 98. You Can Become a Million Dollar Host- with Julie George | 00:50:16 | |
Julie George is a celebrity in the Airbnb world. She’s the author of “Million Dollar Host” and now a consultant in the STR industry. She listed her first property on Airbnb in 2016 and, less than three years later, she was managing 130 properties on Airbnb for property owners, amassing an excess of $8 million in bookings. She sold her management business to a larger company, and now mentors other budding entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business in the sharing economy. She shares how she got started managing properties, how she scaled her business structure so quickly, what she might have done differently, and why she decided to sell. Resources:
Are you ready to master your hosting business without sacrificing guest experience? Click HERE for our free workshop! Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 18 May 2023 | 255. The Real Estate Robinsons: Forging A Partnership In Business & In Life | 00:48:45 | |
Tony & Sara Robinson are a husband and wife duo turned business partners and have built a presence on social media as STR experts. They went from climbing the corporate ladder to now managing a multi-million dollar STR portfolio in a span of two years. Tony J. Robinson is a Real Estate Investor, the co-host of The Real Estate Robinsons YouTube channel, and the co-host of the Bigger Pockets Real Estate Rookie Show. Tony has experience in long-distance real estate investing, the BRRRR strategy, real estate partnerships, and short term rentals. Tony has defied all odds as a young black male who became a father at 16, quickly scaled the corporate ladder at companies like Tesla, and has now become a full time real estate investor growing his portfolio to 30 short term rentals in the last 2 years. Sara Robinson is a Real Estate Investor and she and her husband, Tony J Robinson, co-host “The Real Estate Robinsons” YouTube channel where they share the behind the scenes work of their short term rental & flipping business. She was initially disinterested in being a part of her husband's real estate journey, but got fully on-board when he decided to focus on STRs. Sara knew her natural people skills mixed with her experience in customer service and desire to design spaces were perfect qualities to help grow their STR portfolio TOGETHER as a team! Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | 186. Hosting Hotline: Invest In Your Property by Hiring A Caretaker | 00:11:38 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Calvin asks: You’ve talked about finding a caretaker for your property (or properties), who is more involved and invested in your rentals than just a turnover team or pool cleaner. Do you have any advice on finding a caretaker (also called a property coordinator, inspector, or detailer)? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | 281. Raising Millions Without Asking: Bill Allen's Method for Private Lending Partnerships | 00:47:13 | |
Bill Allen is the CEO and Owner of 7 Figure Flipping a real estate organization based out of Nashville, TN. He and his team currently flip and wholesale 200+ deals per year in Tennessee and northern Florida, while leading the top house flipping and wholesaling mentoring groups in the nation. Bill began his career as a Naval Officer with 18 years of military experience and discovered through the avenue of real estate, that his calling is leading others by helping them find their own success through networking and accountability. This year, 2021, Bill released the book 7 Figure Flipping Underground. Bill shares his proven system for partnering with private lenders, overcoming limiting beliefs around asking for money, and highlighting the advantages of leveraging OPM (other people's money) rather than traditional bank loans. We discuss the fixed returns and benefits investors receive, building trust and confidence with new partners, and reframing "asking" to "presenting exciting opportunities." Bill emphasizes having a clear "why" for growth, pursuing the freedom financial security brings, and creating positive impact by empowering others. His high-energy approach will help listeners gain confidence in raising capital to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams. Resources: • Instagram: @7FigureFlipping • Instagram: @BillAllenRei • Podcast: 7 Figure Flipping • Website: 7FigureFlipping.com • YouTube: 7 Figure Flipping • Facebook: 7 Figure Flipping • #STRShareSunday: @Twinflowercabinky Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 30 May 2024 | 363. The History of Vacation Rentals: Back to School with Brumby McLeod, Ph.D. | 00:53:18 | |
Today’s expert guest is the ultra-informed researcher and short-term rental historian, Brumby McLeod, Ph.D., an associate professor at the College of Charleston, School of Business in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management. He is also a research fellow with the Office of Tourism Analysis and the Riley Center for Livable Communities. The focus of his research is in overnight accommodation with a primary focus on housing, short-term rentals, and tourism. Dr. McLeod walks us through the length of his career spent studying the many complex nuances of the vacation rental industry – from the offline family vacation homes of decades past, all the way to the explosion of digital hosting providers, and into the future. Going back to school, even just for one day, we pepper Dr. McLeod with questions about how Airbnb disrupted his research, whether or not the data tells a positive or negative story in vacation communities, which stakeholders are the most vocal in opposition to STR expansion, and so much more. A true academic, Brumby is so good at remaining neutral. He gets excited seeing everyone's point of views and then putting them together so he can create research and solutions for various aspects of the industry – whether it's small government, investors, hosts, or renters themselves. (00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @lazy_pines_cabins (00:03:21) Back to School with Brumby McLeod, Ph.D. (00:17:51) Charting the Rise of STR Hosting Platforms (00:22:35) STR Impact: Building vs. Decimating Communities (00:27:02) Unpacking the Right to Bear Guests (00:35:50) How Hosts Can Best Advocate for the Vacation Rental Industry (00:39:39) Airbnbust? Brumby on the Future of Our Industry Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Gary Keller: https://a.co/d/hFPmcFZ • #STRShareSunday: @lazy_pines_cabins • Video: Airbnb Market Shift | Thrive as a Host • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today! | |||
| 18 Oct 2023 | Vacation Ventures 002. Creative Deal Structuring with Bill Cook (Success Unlocked S1) | 00:46:21 | |
Welcome back to Success Unlocked, where our hosting business master membership coaches discuss operations, social media, unique builds, co-hosting strategies, and so much more. This week’s episode is Vacation Ventures, hosted by Michael Hicks, an STR host and creative builder with over twenty years of experience. Mike talks to Bill Cook, an accomplished expert in real estate investing, to shed light on his iron-clad private funding techniques rooted in human connection and hard work. His story starts in a cinematically familiar place – excelling as a door-to-door vacuum salesman in the 1980s. The two swap stories of early inspiration and overcoming nay-sayers on their way to building unique and fulfilling careers in the rental space, going into deep detail on strategies which have proven out as effective, decade after decade. Resources:
WIN $100k IN CASH PRIZES | There’s a powerful why behind your business. The reason you keep up the hustle, inspire your team and trudge through the tough times. From now until November 12th, our partners at Relay are asking you to share your why with them. To compete for the Grand Prize, submit your entry here and complete all of the application steps before the deadline of November 12, 2023. To be eligible, you’ll also need to open a Relay account, as this step will help Relay verify your business. Learn more here. No purchase is necessary. Terms and conditions apply. Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 16 May 2024 | 359. Why Dynamic Pricing Should Be Your #1 Priority as an Airbnb Host | 00:46:58 | |
Welcome back to the officially unofficial Money Making May, where we have a full month’s worth of content all around pricing profitable properties with PriceLabs! Today’s expert guest is our very own Chief Operating Officer, Colleen Prochaska! Colleen brings over ten years of hospitality experience as a hotel General Manager for Marriott and Hilton brands to Thanks for Visiting. Her passion lies in supporting guests' experiences and mentoring associates throughout her career. Her philosophy entails equipping the team with tools, providing clear communication, and ensuring success for all. She’s here today to walk us through a lightning-fast masterclass on revenue management for short-term rentals – highlighting the mind blowing features and money-making capability of our dynamic pricing partner, PriceLabs, along the way. PriceLabs helps you make more money than you would without it. It's a rare piece of operational software that brings with it an immediate ROI – the holy grail of any business investment, especially when you’re operating on a tight budget or just starting out. Come for the money-making tips, but stay as Sarah and Colleen air out some dirty laundry on a big mistake we made in Q1 of this year. We are, if nothing else, open and honest in our mission to make you more money on your STR journey! (00:01:21) #STRShareSunday: @trimbellecottage (00:03:15) Colleen’s Revenue Management Tips via PriceLabs (00:20:00) Bigger Picture: Monthly & Annual Pricing Adjustments (00:27:05) Practical Example of STR Revenue Management Concepts (00:33:12) We Made This STR Pricing Mistake So You Don’t Have To Resources: • Click here for full show notes • #STRShareSunday: @trimbellecottage • Check out PriceLabs: Start your 30-day free trial • Taking Calculated Risks in the STR Industry with Our Chief Operations Officer #271 • Video: Dynamic Pricing Software for Airbnb & Short Term Rentals • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. | |||
| 11 Sep 2019 | 29. Funding Your Airbnb Investment Property | with Marc Kade of PrimeLending | 00:45:04 | |
We met Marc Kade at a real estate investor meetup about a year ago — and, oh boy, this is the guy to talk to about all things lending! He’s a branch manager for PrimeLending and a real estate investor himself, and we brought him on because we know a lot of you want to know more about how to actually acquire the properties to use as short-term rentals. Now, even if you’re not in the real estate investing game (or not yet), we urge you to stick with this episode. Marc is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to buying properties of any kind, even if it’s a personal home for you down the road, and he just might give you some new ideas you can use to expand a fledgling Airbnb business! Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 06 Jul 2023 | 269. Behind the Scenes: We’re Buying 175 Acres of Land | 00:29:56 | |
We have heard from you all that you would like a little bit more behind the scenes of what Annette and I get ourselves into, so we’re sharing about our current journey buying 175 acres of land out in Ohio. In this episode, we're going to go over the who, what, when, where, and why of this exciting new project. We share who we are collaborating with for this project and why we believe it’s a good partnership. We talk about our plan for the structures on the land, and how long it has taken us to find the right property. We also get into why we’ve chosen central Ohio as where we are investing in real estate, and the long list of “whys” we’re so excited about this next challenge. Resources: • BiggerPockets Podcast: biggerpockets.com • #STRShareSunday: @motojave1953 Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 25 Nov 2021 | 139. Renting Responsibly: Playing a Role in Your Local Regulation | 00:49:52 | |
We’re continuing to bring our favorite speakers from the VRMA onto the show! This time, we’re joined by the wonderful Dana Lubner. As Head of Leadership Development at Rent Responsibly, Dana works closely with alliance leadership teams to build united voices at the local level. She also serves on Denver’s short-term rental advisory committee alongside members of the city council. In Fall of 2020, Dana and VRMB’s Matt Landau launched a 10-part educational podcast titled “How to Save Your Vacation Rental Business,” with a second season in the works bravely tackling the difficult question of “What is fair regulation?” We dive into those plans and much more during this discussion. She delivers actionable tips and tricks to get involved in making sure the rental industry remains accessible to those who know, use, and love it appropriately. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 21 Feb 2019 | 5. Professional Photography: Starting an Airbnb 101 | 00:21:23 | |
Photography is probably the most important thing you put out there when you start to list on Airbnb, so today, we’re going to offer our tips and tricks for what to shoot and where to find a photographer. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | 167. 3 Ways You’re Leaving Money on the Table in Your STR | 00:25:49 | |
This episode may be a bit controversial, but we’re here for it. There is extra work and extra costs associated with any short-term rental, and we believe this is work you should be charging for. After all, you’re not a hotel; if you’re running an STR, you don’t have the same flexibility as hotels do, and when extra requests lead to more work or put a strain on your team (or yourself), you should include fees to compensate for this. So, here are 3 ways you may be leaving money on the table with your STR: 1. Early check-in and late check-out fees Whether you’re a solo operator with a small team or running a business with multiple properties and a larger team, early check-ins and late check-outs can interrupt your normal flow of business with your rental. If your property is ready and there’s no previous booking, absolutely accommodate your guest and let them in early. But–when you have back to back bookings and need to coordinate with your cleaning team to make early check-in (or late check-out) a possibility, you should charge for it. This comes down to your most valuable asset: your TIME. And not just your own time, but your team’s time as well, as this puts pressure on them to flip the same home in half the time. Be sure to present it in a professional manner and mention that you incentivize your turnover team, especially in situations like this. A common practice for fees is to charge by the hour, for every hour before/after the original allotted time. 2. Pet fees Even well-behaved dogs and hypoallergenic pups will leave behind a bit of a mess, and takes a bit of extra cleaning to ensure your pet friendly environment doesn’t impact other guests who may not have pets. Compare your pet fee to the rate of a typical kennel or dog service at home, which are usually priced per pet, per day. For longer rentals, we suggest a monthly cap to keep the fee in check. And don’t forget to speak with your turnover team to best plan for pet cleaning, and what they might suggest charging for the extra work. 3. Shipping fees for forgotten items It’s a nice courtesy, but paying for shipping and packaging is still going to cost you, and can eat up your time as well. Even with clear check-out instructions for your guests, some things may get left behind, and it’s reasonable to charge a small fee to get these items back to your guest. We start with a flat $50 fee for shipping which then covers our team’s time, boxes and packaging, and the shipping costs with UPS, FedEx, or similar. If shipping was cheap and there’s money leftover from the fee, we send it right back to the guest. But, we aren’t fronting the money for sending the items back. Heart is at the center of every short-term rental, but NOT at the expense of bad business practices. The expenses associated with all of these extras add up over time. Remember: this isn’t gouging, this is you providing extra services for your guests. Including these fees in your STR will start to provide more liquidity to invest back in your properties, in your turnover team, and in your business. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced and published by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. | |||
| 18 Nov 2021 | 138. Buying with the End in Mind | 00:36:32 | |
We are all about starting fast without overthinking things. You don’t have to have everything dialed in and figured out before you dive into your first short-term rental property. But one thing you should have some idea of at the very beginning, is the end. That is, what do you do with that property once your STR journey is over? You never know where life is going to take you, so it’s smart to have these things in mind as things change over time. We’re going to explore what you need to know when you buy so that you can plan out a successful exit strategy. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 10 Jan 2023 | 218. Hosting Hotline: Our Airbnb Isn’t Booking, Should We Sell? | 00:13:27 | |
Welcome to another Ask Me Anything (Ask Us Anything?) episode! Each week we’ll answer your questions on STR, real estate, OTAs, and everything in between. Kitty asks: We have a great property, but because the town is extremely seasonal, it’s very difficult to rent. Should we sell? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah & Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | 172. Discover the Power To Pivot Your Business | 00:44:28 | |
Meredith Cowley is a passionate Social Worker turned Short Term Rental Entrepreneur. Following the birth of her son, then a diagnosis of breast cancer, Meredith re-evaluated her priorities and found a business that aligned with these. Meredith strives to keep a healthy balance between family life and a flourishing hospitality and real estate gig. Sometimes she gets it right, but it's always a work in progress. The important part is making decisions - even in business - that are centered around what’s best for your family, instead of the other way around. For Meredith this may look like keeping a 20-hour work week and delegating on-site work to her team, or balancing the business after her partners stepped away, or pivoting from areas like arbitrage to property management as her business continues to evolve. Based in sunny Australia, she has grown a boutique STR business where she helps guests and property owners create memories. She is also a contributing author in the international best selling book Hospitable Hosts. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | 394. Hosting Hotline: How Can I Make Wildlife Warnings Clear Without Scaring Off Guests? | 00:14:06 | |
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. Vanessa asks: I have a pet-friendly apartment on 5 acres in rural Florida and added 7 wildlife warnings to my welcome book. Is this too much information, or is it better to warn guests about potential risks? (00:01:42) The Importance of Providing Clear & Concise Safety Information to Guests • Validating the intent of providing warnings and being guest-centric • Safety is always essential when providing information to guests! (00:03:43) Advice for Providing Nature Warnings • Our advice for providing nature warnings for guest pets and children • How you can address this warning in multiple places (00:05:08) Unique & Memorable Ways to Share Important Information with Guests • Memorable ways to inform guests of important warnings • How to inform guests about safety in a fun way • Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings: Welcoming Dogs to Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 335) (00:06:41) Making Messaging Clear, Positive & Visible • Highlighting nature as a feature of your property in a positive way • The importance of visual warnings in different areas of the property for all guests • Reference the National Park Service for inspiration on messaging (00:08:23) Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback! • How to ask your guests for feedback about this updated messaging • Building rapport with guests and knowing who might be receptive to sharing feedback 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: • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. | |||
| 11 Aug 2022 | 179. Managing Luxury Listings Is All About the Details | 00:51:16 | |
Scott Graden is a passionate Real Estate and Hospitality expert with over 25 years of experience in Development and Sales and Marketing of for sale and for rent real estate. His visionary company, GoodNight Stay, has been setting the standard for the new breed of build to rent short term rentals that are seen in today's market. - Over $3B in real estate sales - Over $1B in assets managed - Over $500M in rents collected - Over 1M guests hosted GoodNight Stay is all about the details, which keeps them thriving through the ups and downs of economic recessions and changes in the real estate market. Scott’s prior experience in the Chicago real estate market set him up for success and allowed him to pivot into short-term rentals, servicing couples, families, and corporate retreats. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | 275. Mastering Short-Term Rental Furnishings with Minoan: Free for Hosts | 00:59:50 | |
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Sage Nathan, a seasoned hospitality enthusiast and key player at Minoan, as our guest. Sage is a self-proclaimed “boutique geek” with a passion for hospitality. Sage started her career in eCommerce and retail and spent over two years as an omni-channel buyer at Jet.com (later acquired by Walmart in 2016 for $3.3B) where she worked alongside Minoan’s founder, Marc. She then left Jet.com/WMT and joined Minoan in 2020. Minoan, a platform we faithfully use for our short-term rentals, allows hosts to furnish their spaces with high-quality items from over 160 brands, all at amazing discounts. Minoan takes on the “unsexy” sides of ordering like tracking, customer service, etc. so hosts can focus on what they do best – hosting! And the best part is, it's completely free to use! In this episode Sage will be sharing insights on how to maximize the capabilities of Minoan and new features on the platform, revealing how cohosts and even short-term rental designers can use the platform to optimize their furnishing needs. We'll also dive deep into the current popular buys among hosts, like the best-selling mattresses, linens, and rugs. Whether you're a veteran host or just starting out, Sage's behind-the-scenes insight and hosting hot tips are sure to help you streamline your processes and create the best experience for guests. So, tune in as we explore how you can optimize your guest’s experience through smart furnishing with Sage from Minoan. Resources: • LinkedIn: Sage Nathan • Website: minoanexperience.com • #STRShareSunday: @pepinforesttreehouse Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com. Minoan | Minoan helps short-term rentals and boutique hotels enhance their appeal with their customizable, curated retail platform. Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! | |||
| 16 Jul 2020 | 72. The Benefits of Cleaning Training & Certification- with Jill Mason | 00:33:23 | |
We’re getting down and dirty with cleaning with Jill Mason, the founder and CEO of VRScheduler.com. She’s been working with property managers and cleaning companies for over four years to make them more efficient and accurate, and she’s recently pivoted into staff training with her new cleaning certification program. We have always highly recommended showing proof of the hard work you put in, and getting certified to prove that your cleaning process is safe has massive benefits for you AND your guests. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 15 Aug 2019 | 26. How to Be Wheelchair & Handicap Compliant in a Short-Term Rental: ADA Compliance & Design- with LeAnne Lavender | 00:41:58 | |
We believe that true superhosts should endeavor to serve all guests, but sometimes, you just don’t know what you don’t know – so, today, we are going to learn about how to make a short-term rental space accessible to people of all abilities! Our guest is LeAnne Lavender, who herself learned so much about renovating or redesigning your space to be ADA compliant after her husband experienced an accident that left him paralyzed. Now, they share their journey with others to inspire and educate their audience on everything from renovation to food to healing. Resources:
Thanks for Visiting is a production of Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | 270. Hosting Hotline: Don’t Skimp On Your Space! Tips for Large Airbnb Groups | 00:07:48 | |
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. Suzanne asks: I’m building a luxury short-term rental that sleeps 16 people. What tips do you have to make sure the entire space – not just the bedrooms – are ready for big groups of guests? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, visit Speakpipe.com/ThanksforvisitingAMA Resources: • Use code TFV20 at IntelliHost.co Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media. Mentioned in this episode: Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate! | |||