Thanks For Visiting

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States, and for short-term rental hosts, this is not just another busy weekend.It is a multi-week, multi-city revenue opportunity.In this episode, we break down what is really happening behind the headlines, including those $17,000 Airbnb listings near MetLife Stadium, and what smart hosts are doing differently.This is not about price gouging. It is about understanding demand timing, fan behavior, booking windows, and strategic positioning.Whether you are in a host city, a drive-to market, or nowhere near a stadium, the strategies in this episode apply to any major event in your area, from concerts to conventions to college football.We cover:Why pricing only the final weekend is a massive mistakeHow to map match schedules and identify demand wavesTiered pricing versus one emotional rateWhy you should never be the first one sold outHow to optimize your listing for group logisticsThe operational blind spots that can crush your reviewsThe World Cup is a historic opportunity, but only if you approach it strategically.

Where you host matters, but how you operate matters even more.In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette break down what it really means to host legally and responsibly in today’s short-term rental landscape. From host-friendly states to high-risk markets, they explain why relying on outdated advice, spreadsheets, or assumptions can cost you everything.You’ll learn how state and city regulations differ, why Airbnb won’t protect you from illegal operations, and how professional hosts stay informed, compliant, and profitable long-term. This episode is a must-listen for anyone buying, operating, or scaling a short-term rental business.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

If the idea of hiring a virtual assistant feels overwhelming, or like something only “big hosts” do, this episode will change how you think about leverage.In this episode, we break down five practical ways short-term rental hosts can use virtual assistants to improve follow-through, stay organized, and grow their business without handing over the keys or losing visibility.Virtual assistants aren’t about stepping away from your business, they’re about staying focused on what actually matters. We share real-world examples, common mistakes hosts make when hiring VAs, and how to build a partnership that creates momentum instead of chaos.If you’re juggling too many tasks, dropping balls, or stuck doing work you know shouldn’t be on your plate anymore, this episode will show you where to start.In this episode, we cover:Why virtual assistants are a lever, not a luxuryThe daily, weekly, and monthly tasks VAs should ownHow VAs can support guest communication and salesUsing VAs to improve operational follow-throughHow VAs can help you stay accountable to your goalsWhy most VA relationships fail and how to avoid itResources mentioned: Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

Many hosts say “I feel like my listing is buried.” But feelings don’t get bookings—data does.In this episode, we break down the four Airbnb metrics that actually impact bookings and show you how to use Airbnb’s Professional Hosting Tools to pinpoint exactly where guests are dropping off in your funnel.Instead of randomly tweaking photos, prices, or descriptions and hoping for the best, you’ll learn how to make one strategic change at a time, guided by real performance data, not guesswork.We also reveal a common mistake hosts make that quietly hurts bookings, even when they feel like they’re doing everything right.If you’re ready to stop reacting and start hosting strategically, this episode will show you where to look and what to fix.In this episode, we cover:Why Airbnb data is more reliable than host “gut feelings”How the guest booking funnel actually worksThe four metrics every host should be trackingWhat causes guests to stop clicking — or stop bookingHow to test changes without tanking your performanceThe mindset shift that separates reactive hosts from strategic onesResources mentioned: Check out the Thanks for Visiting YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

What if your short-term rental could make money without guests sleeping there?In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down unconventional — but proven — ways hosts are generating additional revenue by leveraging their properties during the day, shoulder seasons, or slower periods.From commercial photo shoots to coworking days, private events, pool rentals, and wellness experiences, this conversation challenges the idea that overnight stays are the only path to profitability.You’ll learn:How hosts are monetizing their properties without overnight guestsWhy commercial photography and content creation can be highly profitableHow day-use bookings attract entrepreneurs, teams, and creatorsWhere private events can make sense — and where they don’tWhy pools, outdoor spaces, and amenities can become revenue driversThe guardrails you must have in place before exploring these ideasThese strategies aren’t shortcuts — they require planning, boundaries, and intention. But for the right properties and markets, they can unlock meaningful new income streams.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

If you haven’t looked at the 2026 calendar yet, this episode is your wake-up call.In 2026, major holidays fall on Fridays and Saturdays — and that one detail changes how guests book, arrive, and leave. If you price holidays the same way you always have, you risk blocked calendars, forced turnovers, or sitting empty on some of the biggest revenue weekends of the year.In this episode, Sarah and Annette walk through the 2026 holiday calendar and explain exactly how different holiday placements affect demand, guest behavior, minimum stays, and turnover flow. This is not about guessing — it’s about planning ahead so your calendar works for you.You’ll learn:Why Saturday and Friday holidays require completely different strategiesHow Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and ski weekends can create hidden riskWhat makes the 4th of July especially tricky in 2026Why Halloween doesn’t always increase demandHow Friday holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day create multiple booking opportunitiesThe biggest pricing mistakes hosts make when they focus on the holiday date instead of the full booking windowIf you want to protect your time, your team, and your revenue in 2026, this episode is required listening.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!

This Hosting Hotline episode looks a little different.Instead of answering a listener question, Sarah and Annette are pulling back the curtain on a big decision: sunsetting the Hosting Hotline format and refocusing their time, energy, and creativity on deeper ways to support hosts.In this episode, they share the real reasons behind the shift, what they’ve learned from years of Hotline questions, and why “less but better” has become a guiding principle for both Thanks for Visiting and their own hosting businesses.You’ll hear:Why quick answers were no longer serving hosts at the level they deserveWhat the Hosting Hotline taught Sarah and Annette about real hosting challengesHow context, data, and deeper strategy lead to better resultsWhy sunsetting something good can be the right move for long-term growthWhat comes next for hosts who want to go deeper with Thanks for VisitingThis isn’t the end of support. It’s a commitment to better support.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel: In-depth visual breakdowns, strategy sessions, and hosting educationThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

AI is no longer a future concept for hosts. It is already shaping how guests search, discover, and choose where to stay.In this episode, Sarah and Annette sit down with AI strategist Rick Mulready to break down what hosts actually need to understand about AI right now and how it impacts visibility, bookings, and direct booking websites. From generative engine optimization to answering guest search questions inside AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, this conversation goes beyond buzzwords and into real, practical applications.You will learn how AI is changing search behavior, why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough, and how hosts can start positioning their listings and websites to show up where guests are already looking. Rick also shares how AI can save hosts time, simplify decision making, and help you run your short term rental like a real business without losing the human touch that great hospitality requires.If you want to stay competitive, increase visibility, and future proof your hosting business, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Resources mentioned: Rick Mulready’s AI Playbook communityRick Mulready’s YouTube channel on AI for businessMentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

Should you rename your Airbnb listing photos with SEO keywords before uploading them? In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette break down when photo naming actually matters and when it doesn’t.They explain how Airbnb and other OTAs interpret image data, why guest search behavior matters more than marketing adjectives, and how intentional photo naming can support long-term visibility and accessibility across platforms. This isn’t a shortcut or hack—but it is a smart, low-effort optimization that compounds over time.If you’re serious about aligning your listing with how guests search, and helping platforms better understand what you truly offer, this episode is for you.Resources mentioned: Subscribe to the Thanks for Visiting Youtube Channel!Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.

Furnishing a short-term rental can feel overwhelming and expensive, especially when you’re trying to stand out in a competitive market. In this episode, we break down exactly where hosts should splurge and where they can save when furnishing their properties.After furnishing dozens of short-term rentals and helping hosts across the country do the same, we’ve seen the same costly mistakes over and over again: overspending on things guests don’t care about and cutting corners on the things they absolutely do.We walk through the specific items that have the biggest impact on guest experience, reviews, and repeat bookings—from beds and seating to cookware, rugs, and design moments. Plus the areas where you can save without sacrificing quality. We also share our favorite insider strategy for getting access to high-quality brands at host-only pricing, even when you’re “splurging.”If you’re furnishing a new short-term rental or upgrading an existing one, this episode will help you spend smarter and design with intention.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Minoan: a no-cost, all-in-one purchasing platform for hosts, designers, and property managers. They offer insider discounts on 150+ top brands and the ability to track all of your orders, deliveries, invoices, and receipts in one streamlined view.

Airbnb’s host fee changes have left many hosts wondering where, and how, to make adjustments without breaking their pricing strategy.In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer a question from Jenna Louise about whether management fee changes should be handled inside PriceLabs or directly through Airbnb or a PMS.They walk through why your base rate must remain stable, why there’s no universal percentage that recaptures Airbnb’s new host fee, and what hosts should be tracking right now as platforms continue to evolve. If you’re trying to protect your margins without chasing hacks or distorting your data, this episode will help you make smarter, more controlled decisions.Resources mentioned: Thanks for Visiting Priced & Profitable Bootcamp

What do the most-downloaded Thanks for Visiting episodes of 2025 have in common?They weren’t about shortcuts or trends. They were about pricing, revenue, and running a smarter hosting business.In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down the top-performing episodes of 2025 and what they reveal about how hosts are thinking differently. From pricing strategy and upgrades to insurance, taxes, cancellation policies, and direct bookings, a clear pattern emerged: hosts want clarity, confidence, and better decision-making backed by data.If you’re heading into the next year focused on profitability and long-term growth, this episode highlights the conversations worth revisiting and why they matter.What we covered:What the most downloaded episodes of 2025 reveal about today’s hostsWhy pricing and revenue strategy continue to be top prioritiesHow hosts are shifting away from vanity metrics toward profitabilityThe role of upgrades, insurance, and cancellation policies in protecting marginsWhy AI, listing titles, and direct bookings are no longer optionalHow these lessons shaped the creation of Strategic Host coachingResources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Vanessa brings a highly unique scenario: an off-grid cabin by the river and a big decision to make: stay fully off grid or add water to potentially increase demand.Rather than treating this as a technical upgrade question, Sarah and Annette zoom out to what really matters: your goals, your values, and the kind of hosting business you actually want to build.In this episode, we cover:Why not every hosting decision is about maximizing revenueHow your “why” should drive every investment you makeThe difference between designing an experience and chasing demandWhy having expenses is part of being a business ownerHow to use data without letting it override your valuesWhen narrowing your guest profile is a strategic choice—not a mistakeWhat it means to go all in on your version of hospitalityThis episode is a reminder that success in hosting isn’t about copying others. It’s about choosing your lane and committing to it with confidence.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlistHipcamp

AI is everywhere—and short-term rental hosts are using it more than ever. But where does AI actually help, and where can it quietly create risk?This week, Sarah and Annette are joined by attorney Scott Brown to break down what hosts need to understand before relying on AI in their business, especially when it comes to legal agreements, contracts, and compliance.In this episode, we cover:How AI is being used in STR businesses todayWhere AI saves time and where it can create serious problemsWhy using AI to draft contracts is riskyReal-world examples of AI “hallucinations” in legal workWhat AI tools can help with safelyThe importance of editing and human oversightWhen transparency around AI use mattersWhy professional advisors still matter in an AI-driven worldAI isn’t going away, but understanding its limits is critical if you want to protect your business, your properties, and your income.Resources Mentioned:Scott Brown, AttorneyThanks for Visiting Priced & Profitable Bootcamp 

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Randa writes in with a question many new hosts face: What should I be focusing on while I’m waiting to take possession of my first short-term rental?Sarah and Annette walk through exactly how to use this in-between time wisely—so you’re not scrambling once the first guest checks in.In this episode, we cover:Why buying an STR means starting a business—not just furnishing a propertyWhat to set up financially before you ever get the keysHow to build your business “dream team” earlyWhy revenue strategy should come before design decisionsWhat market research you can do without stepping inside the homeHow to start building your operational support systemThe habits every successful host sets up before opening dayWhy consuming too much hosting content can actually slow you downIf you’re waiting to close—or planning your first STR—this episode helps you focus on the work that truly sets you up for long-term success.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Priced & Profitable Bootcamp

Every market has a slow season—and no, it doesn’t mean your listing is broken. This week, Sarah and Annette break down how to use your slow season strategically so you can maximize revenue when demand returns.In this episode, we cover:What actually defines a slow season (and why every market has one)How to stop “panic pricing” when demand doesn’t existThe industry secret: using a slow season to get aheadThe operational tasks that matter most right nowWhy a deep clean isn’t just about your space—it’s about your numbersHow to reconnect with past guests and segment your audienceWhat financial foundations every host should review annuallyHow reinvesting in yourself leads to better revenue outcomesYou can’t change the market. But you can change how you respond to it—and a smart slow-season strategy sets you up for your most profitable year yet.Resources mentioned:Priced & Profitable Bootcamp Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Alexandra asks a common question: “How do you screen guests?”Sarah and Annette break down why the word “screening” doesn’t belong in hospitality—and how hosts can shift their approach to something far more effective: guest alignment.In this episode, we cover:Why your language matters more than you thinkHow to approach bookings from a hospitality-first mindsetWhat Airbnb’s trust and verification system actually protectsWhy Instant Book can help—not hurt—your businessWhat red flags are worth reviewing (and which aren’t)The key question to ask every guest to confirm fitHow to communicate expectations without sounding accusatoryWhy consistency matters more than creating the “perfect” processWhether you’re new to hosting or refining your systems, this episode will help you evaluate bookings with confidence—without slipping into fear-based hosting.Resources mentioned:Truvi (identity verification for direct bookings)Priced & Profitable Bootcamp

This week, Sarah and Annette break down a simple but powerful strategy every host should be using to stay competitive: analyzing your comp set the same way professional revenue managers do—without spending thousands on data tools.Inside the episode, they walk you through a three-step workflow for using ChatGPT to read, synthesize, and analyze your competitors’ guest reviews so you can understand what travelers actually value, what’s frustrating them, and where you can immediately stand out.But before the AI magic, they start by defining what a comp set really is—and why most hosts get this part wrong. If you feel like your property has “no competitors,” this episode will challenge that thinking in a way that makes your marketing sharper and your operations more profitable.They also highlight one listener property, Snow Place Like Home, and walk through their smart paid marketing strategy using regional travel publications.Inside the episode you’ll learn:• What a competitive set actually is (and why 90 percent of hosts build it incorrectly)• How OTAs decide which listings you compete with• Why relying on intuition instead of data limits your revenue potential• A step-by-step workflow to extract and analyze 50–100 competitor reviews using ChatGPT• How to identify what guests consistently love, dislike, or wish was different• How to use review language to improve your listing copy and boost conversions• How to prioritize amenity upgrades based on real demand• How to refine your brand positioning using insights from your comp set• Why this AI-powered review analysis is like getting a free market research report• How to use your own reviews to stay ahead of guest expectationsThis is a practical, repeatable workflow you can implement today—and revisit every quarter—to stay sharp in your market without expensive consultants, tools, or guesswork.Chat GPT Prompt:How to Use This Prompt Copy and paste the full prompt below into your favorite AI chatbot (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.). Then simply follow the step-by-step instructions — the AI will walk you through analyzing competitor reviews, pulling key insights from your own guest reviews, and turning that data into clear action steps, improved listing copy, and a stronger brand position for your short-term rental. This is a practical, guided exercise to help you turn guest feedback into a competitive advantage using real guest language — not marketing fluff.Quick Disclaimer Every AI system is a little different. If you don’t get the output you were hoping for, feel free to tweak or rephrase parts of the prompt to better fit your specific property, goals, or chatbot platform. The structure is flexible — the power is in how you use it. Your insights will get stronger each time you revisit this process with new reviews or updated listing information.You are an expert short-term rental strategist and AI assistant trained to help Airbnb and Vrbo hosts analyze guest reviews (both from competitors and their own listings) to identify patterns, improve amenities, enhance listings, and strengthen brand positioning.Your user is a short-term rental host who has just watched or listened to a podcast or YouTube video about using AI for competitive insight. They want to use this prompt to turn competitor and guest reviews into actionable improvements for their property listings. The AI should guide them step-by-step through collecting, analyzing, and applying these insights.The AI must be compatible with any chatbot platform (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) and should use a simple, conversational, and educational tone that makes even complex steps easy for first-time users.Your task is to guide the user through a structured, multi-step process to:Analyze competitor reviews to find what...

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer a question from Susie, a host who’s leveling up her short-term rental and wants to know: should you provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in every bathroom?It seems simple, but this small decision says a lot about your professionalism, your brand standards, and the overall guest experience. The answer is yes—and Sarah and Annette dive into why this baseline amenity matters more than hosts often realize.Inside the episode, they cover:• The Nashville stay that proved why missing basics can sink an otherwise great property• How guest expectations have drastically evolved going into 2025 and beyond• Why amenities are less about luxury and more about clarity, consistency, and professionalism• How missing basics show up in reviews (and how providing them quietly prevents friction)• Why standardized bathroom setups reduce mental load and improve operations• The role of comp-set research when choosing what to provide• How to anticipate guest needs using hotel-level hospitality thinking• An inside perspective from Taylor at Minoan on why amenities directly impact five-star reviewsWhether you’re a new host or scaling a professional operation, this episode is a reminder that thoughtful basics are never optional. They are the foundation of a frictionless stay.Resources Mentioned: Minoan: Professional-grade supplies and better-than-trade pricing for hostsThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlistMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down their data-backed predictions for the 2026 short-term rental market. After a recalibration year in 2025—marked by softened bookings, rising standards, and increased competition—they’re sharing the six major trends every host needs to prepare for.They cover what a “flat but stable” market really means, why guest expectations continue to climb, how regulations will tighten nationwide, the growing dominance of drive-to markets, shrinking traveler loyalty, and the economic factors shaping demand.Whether you’re navigating new permitting rules, rethinking your guest experience, or finally committing to a revenue management plan, this episode will help you build a smarter, more resilient hosting strategy for the year ahead.What You’ll Learn:Why 2025 was a recalibration year and what that means going into 2026What “flat is the new normal” means for hostsWhy guest standards continue to rise everywhereHow tightening regulations will impact your businessThe continued dominance of drive-to destinations and 3–4 night staysWhy traveler loyalty is fading and trust now drives bookingsWhat economic factors may shape demandHow to audit your 2025 data and plan intentionally for the new yearWhy 2026 is the “professional era” for hostsResources Mentioned:Rent Responsibly — An education and community-building platform for short-term rental operators that helps owners, hosts, and managers navigate their local laws and professionalize their hospitality businesses.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!