Short Term Rental Riches

Platform promotions are everywhere right now, but are they actually helping your short-term rental business, or just draining your profits? In this episode, we dig into the truth behind Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com discounts, uncovering how they work and how you can use them strategically without sacrificing revenue. Learn how to stand out in search results without slashing your nightly rate. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How Airbnb's early bird, last-minute, and length-of-stay discounts really impact visibility • The "new listing" discount every OTA is pushing—and whether you should use it • Why dynamic pricing tools miss these promotions and how to avoid double discounts • Booking.com's loyalty Genius Program and how it compares to Airbnb or VRBO • A pro hack using PMS channel markups to gain visibility without lowering your prices If you've been unsure about whether OTA discounts are worth it, this episode brings clarity and strategy. Learn how to work the system—without letting it work you. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and check the links below for free tools to help you scale your rental income the smart way. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

If you've ever wondered how Airbnb's commission changes will impact your short-term rental business, this episode is for you. We break down what you need to know about the new guest service fee changes, and how to adjust your pricing to protect your profits. Get ready to make sure your property stays competitive, no matter the changes. • Discover why Airbnb is shifting the guest service fee to hosts and what this means for your bottom line. • How to mark up your prices by the right percentage to ensure you earn the same amount you do now. • Why hosts with PMS connections need to adjust their prices differently than those not using one (and what this means for competition). • The impact of Airbnb's changes on guests and how California's new law is keeping your pricing transparent. • Pro tips on how to adjust your cleaning fees, stay competitive, and keep your rental attractive for guests. If you're serious about staying ahead of the game on Airbnb and other platforms, this episode is a must-listen.  Resource Links: Download the Growth Handbook: https://strriches.com/growth-blueprint/  Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

If you've ever wondered how to profit from real estate without jumping through short-term rental hoops, this episode is for you. CEO of Furnish Finder, Jeff Hurst, shares how midterm rentals are solving affordability and regulatory issues—and why they're becoming one of the hottest trends in housing. Get ready to rethink your rental strategy. • Discover how Furnish Finder is quietly dominating the 30+ day rental space—more listings than Airbnb for monthly stays! • Why midterm rentals are booming—and what tenant types are driving demand in 2025. • Jeff Hurst's insider take on why Airbnb-style platforms miss the mark on midterm stays. • How to scale profitably with less turnover, more stability, and fewer regulations. • Pro tips to price and manage midterm rentals like a pro (and avoid costly gaps). If you're serious about sustainable rental income in today's economy, this episode is a must-listen. Jeff brings deep insight from years at Expedia and VRBO, now focused on the booming midterm rental space. Share this episode, leave a review, and stay tuned for more expert strategies. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Are you spotting red flag guests before they check in? Managing guest bookings effectively is key to running a smooth short-term rental business. In this episode, we reveal 9 red flags to look out for when screening guests — and how to avoid problematic stays before they happen. Discover the 9 red flags that could indicate a difficult guest. Learn why incomplete profiles and lack of communication are immediate red flags. Understand why last-minute bookings could signal trouble for your property. Hear how pushing boundaries on your house rules could lead to bigger issues. Get tips on handling local guests to avoid potential problems. Don't let bad guests disrupt your short-term rental success. Stay ahead of these red flags and protect your property with effective guest screening strategies. Stay proactive in your rental management — ensure your guests are a good fit before they arrive. If today's episode helped, make sure to subscribe, share, and check out our free tools and expert resources to run a smoother operation. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Are hidden Stripe fees eating into your profits? Most short-term rental hosts don't realize they're losing up to 1% on every transaction — and it's totally avoidable. In this episode, we uncover the overlooked costs tied to Stripe integrations and reveal the simple steps to keep more of your earnings. Discover how most hosts are unknowingly paying 30% more in transaction fees Learn the biggest mistake hosts make when setting up Stripe (and how to fix it!) Understand the sneaky "application fee" your PMS might be charging you Get the inside scoop on ChargeAutomation and other gateway alternatives Hear battle-tested tips for winning chargeback disputes and staying protected Get ready to rethink how you collect payments and unlock real savings on every booking. Still using Stripe the default way? This episode could save you thousands. Don't let Stripe fees quietly drain your short-term rental profits. With the right setup and tools, you can save big while keeping full control over your payments. If today's episode helped, be sure to subscribe, share, and explore our free tools and expert management services to scale smarter. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/  

Discount requests from guests are inevitable, even when your pricing is perfectly optimized. But how you handle them can make or break your rental's profitability. In this episode, we're diving into the psychology behind discount requests, how to respond with confidence, and when—if ever—you should say yes. 5 Key Takeaways: Why guests really ask for discounts and how cultural norms may influence their behavior. The one scenario where offering a discount might make sense (and when it doesn't). 5 crucial considerations before you ever offer a discounted rate—including a warning on guest quality. Alternatives to discounts that can still delight guests (without slashing your profits). How to professionally respond to discount requests using pre-set rules, empathy, and AI tools like ChatGPT. Discounts don't have to be the norm—and they shouldn't be. With a clear strategy, professional responses, and a little confidence, you can keep your pricing intact while still giving guests a great experience. Don't forget to subscribe and share if this helped clarify your approach! Resource Links: Download the Growth Handbook: https://strriches.com/growth-blueprint/  Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Airbnb recently shook up its search rankings—and if you're still focused on Superhost status, you might be missing out. In this episode, we unpack the Guest Favorite Badge, Airbnb's new trust signal that can directly impact your bookings, revenue, and visibility. Find out what it takes to earn it and why it's more important than ever. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why Airbnb replaced the Superhost filter with the Guest Favorite Badge—and what that means for you • The 4 exact requirements to qualify (including the one most hosts overlook) • How this badge can skyrocket your listing visibility and lead to more bookings • The "gold trophy" benefits for top 1%, 5%, and 10% of listings • Why single-property hosts dominate the badge—and how to scale without losing your edge Understanding and earning the Guest Favorite Badge could be your edge in a crowded Airbnb market. Don't let your listing get filtered out—apply what you learned today, and watch your bookings climb. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode, and explore more resources to grow your short-term rental business. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Guest check-ins should be smooth—not stressful. With hundreds of smart lock options out there, how do you choose the right one for your short-term rental? This week, we break down the 8 essential features every host needs in a smart lock—plus, the top 3 models we've tested and trusted over tens of thousands of guests. 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE • The 8 non-negotiable features your smart lock must have for STR success (yes, wifi memory is one of them!) • Why direct Airbnb integration isn't enough—and how to cover VRBO & Booking.com too • The top 2 smart lock brands that perform best after 50,000+ guest stays • How platforms like RemoteLock and Operto automate guest codes across all channels • Bonus tip: Always have a backup entry plan (because tech still fails sometimes) Ready to avoid lockouts and keep your guests smiling? This episode gives you the blueprint to choose the right smart lock, boost automation, and reduce stress—for you and your guests. Don't forget to subscribe and share with a fellow host who could use fewer late-night check-in calls.

Scams in the short-term rental world are more common and damaging than ever. From copycat listings to payment loopholes, both hosts and guests are getting hit. In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the 7 most frequent STR scams and share the steps you can take right now to protect your business and your peace of mind. The copycat Craigslist scam (happened to us personally) Booking.com payment loopholes that cost you money Chargeback fraud from guests who actually stayed Stolen credit card bookings The dirty linens scam Cleanliness fraud (they use your place, then demand refunds) Third-party squatters who sublet your property Whether you're new to hosting or have hundreds of bookings under your belt, scam-proofing your short-term rental is no longer optional. Use these insights and practical tips to stay a step ahead. If you found value in this episode, don't forget to share, subscribe, and explore our bonus resources below.

A powerful new bill has changed the game for short-term rental investors. If you're looking to reduce your tax bill and increase your ROI, now is the time to act. In this episode, we reveal how 100% bonus depreciation can work in your favor—and how to qualify for it even without being a full-time host. • The little-known IRS rule that could unlock massive tax deductions in year one. • Two surprising ways to "materially participate" (without being a hands-on landlord). • A strategy that turns your property setup time into a long-term tax advantage. • Why traditional STR management might be holding you back financially. • What smart investors are doing right now to stack tax savings for years to come. If you're earning a high income and want to reduce your taxes legally, this episode could be your biggest tax-saving opportunity yet. Don't miss out—your future self (and CPA) will thank you. Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

If your short-term rental isn't booking, slashing your prices might seem like the easy fix—but that move could be draining your profits. In this episode, we uncover five common pricing mistakes hosts make that actually hurt their revenue. Learn when not to drop your rates, and what strategies to use instead to maximize bookings., and so much more: Why matching market prices often misses the real problem (visibility & reviews) When low occupancy means hold steady, not slash prices How your market's booking window prevents panic pricing Why high occupancy + discounting = lost revenue How to price unique properties without comps Knowing when not to lower your rates is just as important as knowing when to offer deals. These five pricing insights could save you thousands and unlock more consistent bookings. If you found value in this episode, leave a quick review and share it with another host—it really helps! Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

It's our 300th episode, and we're pulling back the curtain on 10 years of short-term rental success! From 50,000+ guests to managing properties in 3 countries, Tim reflects on the real journey—wins, losses, and the seven books that changed everything. If you're serious about STRs, this milestone episode is one you don't want to miss. ● The early days: managing STRs from across the hall to managing globally from afar ● Why falling in love with the problem is the real secret to scaling your business ● The 7 life-changing books that built the foundation of long-term STR success ● How STR management has gotten harder—and why that's actually good news for operators ● What's next: The vision behind building the largest virtual STR management company in the world This episode is a blueprint for sustained success in the evolving world of short-term rentals—perfect for both newbies and seasoned hosts. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

While most hosts are still handling guest communication the old way, the biggest hotel chains and STR management companies are already using AI to handle guest reception. This week, we're exploring how AI guest reception can revolutionize your operations, enhance consistency, and cut costs without losing the human touch.  In this episode, we break down: Exactly how AI guest reception works and when to use it 5 ways AI outperforms human communication When AI will fail you (and you need real people) Real examples from companies already using this successfully How our team of 20+ uses AI to manage guest communication for 200+ properties Listen in to find out how to make it work for your business. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

How much money do short-term rentals really make after five years? In this episode, Tim pulls back the curtain on one of his personal properties, revealing actual numbers - gross, net, and everything in between. As the STR landscape shifts nationwide, find out how rising supply and falling rates are impacting returns and what to do about it. • Discover supply surges in major STR markets • Hear the full breakdown of Tim's Memphis STR: gross income, cash flow, and true ROI • Learn why 2022 was an outlier year for many STRs and what's changed since • Get 5 proven ways real estate pays • Walk away with actionable backup plans for when income dips and expenses rise This episode is a rare, honest peek into real-world STR returns. Don't miss the tips that could protect your profits and maximize your property's long-term value. Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

First impressions make or break your bookings. In this fun and revealing episode, we react to real Airbnb listings that totally missed the mark, and break down exactly why. Whether it's poor photo choices, bad review responses, or incomplete details, we uncover the do's and don'ts of creating a listing that converts. Get ready to laugh and learn. 5 Key Takeaways • 73% of guests decide to book or bounce within the first 30 seconds of viewing your listing. • Your title should sell unique amenities, not repeat obvious info. • Bad lighting, poor staging, and non-professional photos tank your credibility. • Review responses can make or break your future bookings. • Small details and info go a long way in building trust. Great listings don't happen by chance. From polished photos to professional guest communication, the little things separate a booked-up property from a lonely calendar. Want help perfecting your listing? We've got the tools and team to help. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for next week's episode! Resource Links: Check out our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches Grab your free management eBook: https://strriches.com/#tools-resources Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/