Thanks For Visiting

What does it take to turn a 10,000-square-foot building into a thriving short-term rental that can host up to 42 guests? For Andrew Llewellyn, the answer included grit, rejection, and relentless problem-solving.In this episode, Sarah and Annette sit down with Andrew to hear how he went from running ice cream shops and a food truck to becoming a real estate developer along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Andrew shares how he convinced a bank to back his vision (after 40 rejections), why he leans on parent-child listings to maximize occupancy, and the systems his team uses to pull off back-to-back turnovers for massive groups.You’ll learn:How Andrew pivoted from muffins to multi-unit rentals during COVID.Why defining your ideal guest avatar matters for large group stays.How to set up parent-child listings that increase revenue and flexibility.What it takes to build cleaning systems that can handle 42-guest turnovers.Why direct bookings and SEO fuel long-term sustainability.Andrew’s hard-won advice for dealing with city regulations and securing financing.This conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable strategies—whether you host a one-bedroom cottage or are dreaming about your own large-scale project.Resources:PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. SuperStay STR – Andrew’s direct booking site for large group stays in Louisville, Kentucky.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Should you use your company logo instead of your photo on Airbnb? It’s a question that comes up often—and in this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah is joined by a special guest: Thanks for Visiting’s Chief Operations Officer, Colleen Prochaska.With Annette out on a well-deserved vacation, Sarah and Colleen team up to tackle Samantha’s question about whether Airbnb hosts can (and should) use their company name and logo as their profile picture.They cover:What Airbnb’s terms and conditions actually say about using a company logoWhy some hosts choose logos over personal photos—and the real issue of discrimination behind itHow guests perceive management companies vs. individual hostsWhy your profile photo still matters for guest trust and conversionWhat you can do to encourage guests to book directly after their stayWhether you’re managing multiple properties or just getting started, this episode explains why your Airbnb profile is about more than compliance—it’s about connection.Resources mentioned: Airbnb Terms of Service: Review Airbnb’s official profile photo policies to ensure compliance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Are you bragging about being the first to get booked for a big event or next year’s vacation season? If so, you might be losing money without even realizing it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down Far Out Premium Pricing—their favorite feature in dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) that has saved them from missed revenue and tough conversations with guests.You’ll learn:What “far out” pricing actually means (and how it differs across markets).Why getting booked first isn’t always a win.How to set far out premiums to protect your calendar and maximize revenue.Real-life examples of how premium pricing strategies have generated thousands of extra dollars.Why pairing premium pricing with premium hospitality is the ultimate formula for success.Whether you’re new to dynamic pricing or just need a mindset shift around your calendar, this episode will help you think like a revenue manager and keep your profits strong.Resources: PriceLabs – Our go-to dynamic pricing software with powerful features like far out premiums. Try it FREE for 30 days!Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette take on a question from a new host who’s been live on Airbnb for a month without a single booking. Frustrated, they’re wondering if the problem is market saturation, high guest fees, or simply the fact that the neighbor’s house has a pool.If you’ve ever launched a property and heard crickets, you’re not alone. Sarah and Annette walk through the mindset shift and tactical steps every host needs when bookings aren’t rolling in:Stop blaming what you can’t control. Saturation, guest fees, and neighbor amenities aren’t the full story. Hosts need to focus on the levers they can control.Audit your listing presentation. Are your photos professional, clear, and guest-focused? Is your description highlighting unique value? Is your calendar even open and bookable?Identify true comps. The house with a pool isn’t a fair comparison if you don’t have one. Focus on properties with similar size, amenities, and guest profiles.Read your analytics. Airbnb’s insights show where guests drop off, whether you’re showing up in search, and what your conversion rate looks like. Data removes guesswork.Adopt an owner’s mindset. Hosting isn’t passive income — it’s active business ownership. Treat your listing like a product that needs to be tested, tweaked, and improved.At the heart of this episode is a challenge to hosts: take extreme ownership. If your listing isn’t getting booked, don’t wait for Airbnb’s algorithm to save you. The hosts who succeed are the ones who audit their listing, study their competition, and make data-driven changes until they get results.Resources mentioned: YouTube Video: The Secret Airbnb Setting That Improves Listings by 300% – Deep dive into Airbnb settings that can boost visibility and conversions.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Local events are one of the biggest missed opportunities for hosts. Whether it’s a football game, a concert, or a citywide convention, event-driven demand can skyrocket your revenue—if you know how to capture it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their system for spotting demand spikes and making the most of them with the help of dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs. From annual football schedules to hidden “sleeper events” like comedy shows and board game conventions, they’ll show you how to combine human insight with smart tech to boost your earnings.You’ll learn:Why event-driven demand creates pricing power for STR hosts.How to map out annual and quarterly event calendars.The difference between obvious citywide events and “sleeper hits.”How to layer local knowledge on top of dynamic pricing software.Why you should never “set it and forget it” with your rates.Don’t give away nights at your property when demand is at its highest. With the right strategy, you’ll be prepared to capture every opportunity—big and small.Resources: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. In May 2025, PriceLabs users earned an average of $222 more on event dates.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week’s Hosting Hotline question comes from Shaune, who has a short-term rental in a small town that hosts a massive week-long festival every year. The big question: should you require a full week-long stay during the event, or will multiple shorter bookings at premium rates bring in more revenue?Sarah and Annette break down three smart strategies to help you decide:Require a week-long stay (ideal if demand is strong for full-week bookings).Allow shorter stays at premium rates (often a higher revenue generator).Try a hybrid approach (adjusting minimum nights as the festival gets closer).Beyond the tactics, Sarah and Annette emphasize the importance of understanding your market and your goals. Do people actually stay for the entire week? Or are two- and three-night trips the norm? Do you want maximum revenue, or would a single booking simplify your life during the chaos of festival season?This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how to balance personal goals with smart business strategy. By analyzing demand patterns, testing different approaches, and staying flexible, you’ll learn how to maximize your revenue and still keep your sanity.Resources mentioned: Hosting Hotline – Submit your own question to be answered on the show.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Midterm rentals are all the buzz right now, but before you pivot your short-term rental strategy, Sarah and Annette are pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to run them. After years of managing hybrid stays, they’ve learned that midterm rentals come with their own set of challenges—and they’re sharing the top five realities every host needs to know.From unpredictable income and complex leases to heavier turnovers and ongoing maintenance, this episode breaks down what most people don’t talk about when it comes to midterm rentals. If you’ve been thinking this strategy is the “easy button” for your slow season, think again—and tune in for actionable insights that will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your business.You’ll learn:Why midterm rentals don’t guarantee steady incomeHow to juggle multiple platforms and keep reviews freshThe hidden costs of midterm rental turnoversLegal and leasing pitfalls that can catch hosts off guardHow to handle property maintenance when guests stay for monthsWhether you’re a full-time host or just exploring new ways to fill your calendar, this is your guide to going into midterm rentals with eyes wide open.Resources: Breezeway — Operations management software to streamline turnovers, maintenance, and property care.Furnished Finder — A platform connecting property owners with traveling professionals and midterm guests.Mentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

When you’re just starting out on Airbnb or launching a new property, one of the biggest challenges is building trust before reviews start rolling in. Should you put “new listing” in your title or description to explain why your property has zero reviews? Or could that actually backfire?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette tackle a great listener question about whether to use “new listing” in your Airbnb description—and the best ways to overcome the objections that come with having little to no reviews. They share how to leverage Airbnb’s algorithm boost for new listings, avoid overpromising, and use smart marketing language to build credibility right out of the gate.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Whether or not to include “new listing” in your title or descriptionHow Airbnb’s algorithm favors new properties—and how to maximize that boostWhy accuracy in your listing copy matters more than hypeMarketing strategies to overcome the lack of reviewsTips for building guest trust from day one through responsiveness and communicationIf you’re launching a new property, or still figuring out how to make your first reviews count, this episode is a must-listen.Resources: Booked & Profitable Listing Audit Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your Airbnb listing for conversions and overcome common guest objections. Join at: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

In a market some call “oversaturated,” Kristen and Michael have proven that storytelling, strategy, and smart reinvestment can still make a short-term rental shine. The husband-and-wife duo behind The Seventh Ray House in Joshua Tree join Sarah and Annette to share how they got started, the risks they took, and how they continue to grow in a competitive space.From renovating while living on-site to launching a direct booking website with Lodgify, Kristen and Michael break down the reality of building a sustainable hosting business—what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently if they had to start over.You’ll learn how they:Balanced risk while betting on themselves in an uncertain market.Reinvested strategically with upgrades like a Nordic Warrior XL hot tub.Elevated their brand through professional photography and design.Built a direct booking strategy with Lodgify to reduce reliance on OTAs.Navigated discount requests, direct booking fears, and guest challenges.Shifted goals as their family and hosting journey evolved.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your hosting strategy, this episode will inspire you to think long-term, reinvest wisely, and bring pride and creativity to your rental.Resources: Lodgify – Build your own professional direct booking website and reduce reliance on OTAs.The Seventh Ray House Direct Booking Site – Book directly with Kristen and Michael at their stunning Joshua Tree property.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

When it comes to short-term rentals, few topics spark more debate than photography. Do you really need to hire a professional—or can natural, well-lit DIY photos do the trick?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette respond to a listener comment that challenges their long-standing belief: that professional photos are a non-negotiable for serious hosts. They explore the value of constructive feedback, how to use it to refine your marketing, and why your photos are more than just pictures—they’re a conversion tool.You’ll learn:Why professional photos often pay for themselves through higher bookings and ratesHow to balance feedback from guests who may not be your target audienceThe risk of overselling your space with overly edited or outdated imagesWhy investing in professional photos can increase your confidence as a hostHow photography ties into professionalizing the entire STR industryWhether you’re convinced or skeptical, this conversation will challenge how you think about your listing images—and what they say about your business.Resources mentioned: Learn more about Strategic Host — our newest program designed for hosts craving accountability, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

The 2025 holiday season is a unique opportunity for short-term rental hosts—but only if you plan your pricing and calendar strategy the right way. In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette break down how the holiday calendar lines up this year and how you can use it to boost your bottom line without adding extra work.They’ll show you why setting minimum stays, adjusting rates on key dates, and preparing your team now can make the difference between leaving money on the table and having your most profitable holiday season yet.You’ll learn how to:Spot unique 2025 travel patterns that create bonus holiday weekends.Set three-to-four-night minimums to increase revenue and reduce turnover.Use dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs to automate smart adjustments.Prepare your property and team in advance so you can enjoy the holidays too.Shift your mindset to see the calendar not as dates, but as opportunities for revenue.Smart hosts don’t wait until December—they plan now and reap the rewards later.Resources:PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software to automate rate adjustments and maximize your revenue.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This episode marks a major milestone—500 episodes of Thanks for Visiting! Sarah and Annette are celebrating by revisiting the most impactful strategies, tools, and lessons shared throughout the show. From pricing to partnerships, tech to team building, they highlight the must-know advice that separates hobbyists from professional hosts.Tune in for a rapid-fire rundown of what’s worked for hundreds of hosts and how you can apply the same insights to your business right now.You’ll learn how to:Use parent-child listings to increase revenue, especially in slower seasons.Set up ownership agreements that protect family and friend partnerships.Create a year-round pricing strategy that maximizes peak season profits.Boost visibility when bookings are slow without panic pricing.Gain financial clarity with the right bookkeeper and accountant questions.Know when to hire your first team member (and why it’s a milestone).Choose the right tech stack without drowning in options.Build and leverage your email list for long-term success.Create systems that turn chaos into consistency.Plus, Sarah and Annette introduce Strategic Host, their newest program designed for hosts craving accountability, mentorship, and one-on-one guidance.Learn more about Strategic HostMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

The year’s not over yet—and that’s exactly why now is the perfect time to plan ahead. In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette break down five essential end-of-year steps that will help you finish 2025 strong and set your short-term rental business up for a profitable 2026.From reviewing your revenue to auditing your tech stack, they’ll show you how small but intentional actions now can lead to less stress, smarter decisions, and more consistent profitability in the year ahead.You’ll learn how to:Review your revenue and identify your best and worst performers.Meet with your financial team to get ahead on taxes, write-offs, and 1099 prep.Audit your tech stack to eliminate wasted costs and optimize your tools.Refresh property care and guest experience with strategic upgrades.Plan with purpose while leaving room for intentional pivots.The hosts who thrive year after year aren’t the ones who wait until January to plan—they’re the ones who take action now.Resources: Don’t miss our free live host training on September 23 at 1 PM ET. Everyone who attends live gets our $491 Show-Up Pack filled with tools to grow your short-term rental business—available only during the event. Save your seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/joinMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week’s Hosting Hotline question comes from Susan, who asks: “How do you go about attracting new homeowners to list their properties with you? What’s worked best for you when trying to grow your portfolio?”In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down the strategies that have helped them—and other hosts—successfully land new co-host clients. From building long-term professional relationships to leveraging social media, they’ll share actionable advice you can start using today.You’ll learn why persistence matters, how to confidently make the ask, and the importance of creating a strong first impression with potential clients. Plus, hear success stories from inside their coaching program that prove co-hosting can go from one property to dozens with the right systems and mindset.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this Hosting Hotline episode will help you build the foundation for a thriving co-hosting business.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why treating co-hosting like a professional business is essentialHow to confidently market yourself and “go for no”The role of social media and behind-the-scenes content in attracting leadsWhy tracking your sales funnel and conversion rates is criticalResources: Don’t miss our free live host training on September 23 at 1 PM ET. Everyone who attends live gets our $491 Show-Up Pack filled with tools to grow your short-term rental business—available only during the event. Save your seat: https://thanksforvisiting.com/joinHosting Hotline – Submit your questions at hostinghotline.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel – More tips and coaching: youtube.com/thanksforvisiting.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to choose a property management system (PMS), this episode is for you. Whether you're a one-property host or looking to scale, your PMS is the backbone of your business—and picking the right one can be the difference between growth and chaos.Sarah and Annette break down exactly what a PMS does, who needs one, and how to choose a system that fits both where you are now and where you're headed. They also share common pitfalls (like PMS hopping) and a checklist of must-have features to look for.Tune in to learn:What a PMS actually is (and why it’s not just for big hosts)Core and advanced features to prioritizeHow to evaluate customer support, integrations, and pricingTips to avoid decision paralysis and confidently move forwardPlus: real talk about onboarding, hacks when features fall short, and why no PMS is perfect—but progress is better than perfection.Resources Mentioned:Shire Home Co. Direct Booking Inspiration: shirehomeco.comPMS Features Checklist (Coming Soon): Get our PMS comparison tool at thanksforvisiting.meMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

The Hosting Hotline is buzzing with questions about Airbnb’s new 15.5% host-only fee. Starting October 27, 2025, all property management software (PMS)–connected hosts will be switched to this single-fee structure. But what does that mean for your business, your pricing, and your profitability?Sarah and Annette are joined by Thanks for Visiting COO and revenue management expert, Colleen Prochaska, to break down what this change really means for hosts. They share their firsthand experience of being forced onto the new fee structure last year, how they adjusted without losing revenue, and why your pricing strategy matters more than ever.From PMS considerations to direct booking diversification and preparing for 2026, this episode will help you navigate Airbnb’s fee update with confidence.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why ditching your PMS isn’t the answerHow to reframe the 15.5% fee as part of your overall pricing strategyTactics for co-hosts and property managers to address fees with ownersWhy focusing on your booking funnel is just as important as pricingHow to future-proof your hosting business with diversification and forecastingResources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Learn how to optimize your pricing, calendar, and booking funnel so you can thrive in any market. thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampAirbnb Fee Structure Update – Read Airbnb’s official announcement here: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1857/service-feesMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!

Too many hosts believe that lowering their nightly rate will magically generate bookings. The truth? Dropping your price doesn’t create demand—it only leaves money on the table. In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down why cutting rates doesn’t work, what demand actually is, and the smarter levers you can pull to increase bookings and profitability.You’ll learn:Why lowering your price doesn’t change guest search behaviorHow to understand supply, demand, and occupancy forecasts in your marketThe risks of attracting the wrong guests with discount pricingWhat a true “try everything” strategy looks like (and what it doesn’t)Practical steps to audit your listing, amenities, and calendar managementHow to take control of your demand through marketing, referrals, and direct bookingsIf you’re tired of feeling like your only option is slashing rates, this episode will help you rethink your approach and start running your rental like the business it is.Resources: Booked & Profitable Bootcamp – Five days of live training with Sarah and Annette to help you increase revenue and improve your hosting business. PriceLabs – A dynamic pricing tool that helps you understand occupancy forecasts and market demand so you can price smarter. Learn moreMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Jan calls in with a creative question: what if she and her neighbor teamed up to offer both of their homes as a combined rental experience? One property has a pool and putting green, the other has a hot tub—together, they could make the ultimate Tucson getaway.We walk through the upsides of partnering with another host, from expanding guest offerings to building community instead of competition. But we also cover the less glamorous side: liability, financial considerations, calendar coordination, and making sure you and your partner are aligned on guest experience.You’ll learn:How to think about “parent-child” listings and when they make sense.Key financial, legal, and insurance questions to sort out before teaming up.Why guest feedback should guide whether a joint listing adds value.Creative ways to collaborate with other hosts without merging your listings.Marketing strategies that make a joint offering easier to communicate.Partnerships in hosting can be powerful, but they take careful planning. Tune in to hear our tips for turning a fun idea into a smart business move.Resources: Jan’s Website — Madrona Stays – Beautiful properties in Tucson and the Pacific Northwest.Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp — Learn how to up-level your STR listings with actionable strategies and a supportive host community. Join hereParent-Child Listing Resources — Watch our YouTube videos explaining how to structure joint or linked listings. Watch hereMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!

REI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.Bookkeeping doesn’t always top the list of exciting short-term rental responsibilities—but it’s one of the most important. Without clean and accurate financials, it’s nearly impossible to know how your STR is really performing, plan for future growth, or take advantage of opportunities like refinancing or selling.In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we sit down with Adam Hamilton of REI Hub, a bookkeeping platform designed specifically for real estate investors and short-term rental hosts. Unlike traditional accounting tools, REI Hub understands the unique needs of property owners and makes it simple to track your income, expenses, and property performance.You’ll learn:Why generic accounting software often falls short for STR hosts.The most common financial mistakes hosts make—and how to fix them.How to use bookkeeping as a decision-making tool, not just a tax-time scramble.Practical ways to save time and reduce stress with systems that work in the background.How clean financials can help you secure better loans, attract investors, or prepare for an eventual exit.Whether you’re managing one listing or a growing portfolio, this episode will give you clarity on how to manage your money like a pro and set your business up for long-term success.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!MinoanMinoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re answering Renee’s question about buying a property that’s already operating as a short-term rental—and what to do about the future bookings that come with it.If you’ve ever considered purchasing an “active STR,” you’ll quickly find out there’s a lot more to it than inheriting a calendar full of reservations. Sarah and Annette explain why listings follow the host (not the property), what that means for your ability to transfer bookings, and the negotiations you’ll need to have with the seller before closing.You’ll learn:Why STR listings and reviews don’t automatically transfer with a property sale.How to negotiate booking transfers, co-hosting arrangements, or guest rebookings.The tax, payout, and guest experience factors you need to consider.How to involve OTAs (Airbnb, VRBO) in a booking transition.Why getting everything in writing is non-negotiable.If you’re thinking about buying a short-term rental, this episode will help you navigate the booking handoff process and avoid the pitfalls that can derail a smooth transition.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!