Thanks For Visiting

Today’s expert guest is our new friend, Louis Andrews, President and Director of OVO Network, a company specializing in the short-term rental of high-end mountain chalets in authentic destinations, primarily in the French Alps. We met Louis on our castle STR retreat, and knew he’d provide great insight for our listeners.Under his leadership, OVO Network manages 218 properties, focusing on blending technological solutions with dedicated support to maximize rental revenue and enhance guest experiences. We learn all about his innovative lead-generation strategies, his focus on ongoing owner education, and how he – get this – runs his company without cleaners and maintenance. This one is another great example of creative problem solving in our industry, accomplished on a scale that all of us can aspire to and dream of. Hosting in the French Alps? Yes, please; and he does it on his own terms. Louis proves there's more than one way to manage your property, have it fit your lifestyle, and have it fit your way of getting things done.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse(00:05:19) Introducing Louis Andrews, European STR Expert(00:13:23) Running the Numbers on French Chalet Airbnb Listings(00:24:17) Managing Vacation Rentals Without Cleaning & Maintenance?(00:39:12) Louis Shares His Predictions for Near & Distant STR FuturesResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: ovonetwork.com/en/home • Instagram: @ovonetwork.chalets • Linkedin: Louis Andrews• #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookSuperhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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.Megan asks:I live in the Dallas, Texas area and I am getting into the Airbnb business. I really wanted to start one in my local area, first, but Dallas recently banned short-term rentals in single-family areas. Right now, I'm limited to condos and apartments. I would love to start my first Airbnb in a condo, but I just wanted to get your input if you've experienced issues like this before. Do you think it's a good idea for me to continue here even after Dallas put this ban in place? Any input would be great for these first-time Airbnb hosts. Thanks. (00:01:19) Megan Asks for Advice Regarding the Dallas, Texas Airbnb Ban(00:02:28) How to Stay Informed of Local Short-Term Rental Regulations(00:04:12) Host Hacking: Sarah & Annette Cover a Few Creative STR Options(00:06:49) Get Involved in the STR Industry Before Purchasing a Property 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• Dallas STR Ordinances: Short-Term Rentals• Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org • Video: How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s special episode comes to you live from the showroom floor of the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum in Austin. We sit down with a few expert attendees; recap our findings from presenters, sessions, and roundtables; and start to apply new lessons to our own businesses.Denise Poteet, from Safari for the Soul Glamping in Marble Falls, gives us some juicy tips for creating an audience-specific energy at their couples focused glamping property. Michael Chang, from Trustbnb and STR Like The Best, reveals his strategy for arbitrage and the one hot market he’s going all-in on. And Jun, from Ohana Stay, gets methodical on staffing and problem solving.What’s the one piece of this industry that we all still struggle with?Which tech strategy rises above the rest?And what do other experts see in the near future of this market?All this and more in this informative and inspiring episode on the road. Let us know what you think of the new format via email at hi@thanksforvisiting.com.(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin(00:04:37) Check out the custom art and designer furnishings (00:06:21) Live From the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum(00:16:19) Romantic Hosting Tips from a Chief Glamping Officer(00:25:04) What’s the Deal with Vacation Rental Lease Arbitrage? (00:32:17) Problem Solving Masterclass with a Co-Hosting Expert in Hawaii(00:41:29) Day One: Programming Takeaways & Education Recap(00:48:19) Day Two: Programming Takeaways & Education RecapResources:• Click here for full show notes• Event Summary: 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum• #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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 have an outdoor tub, but we do not have a hot tub. We've been getting some feedback from guests wishing that we had a hot tub. I would love to know a great brand, tips for upkeep, and insurance. Do you have to change the water every day? Is it more hassle or do you think it would bring in a lot more bookings? I'm just not sure. I would love your feedback on pros and cons.(00:01:18) Elaine From Rustic Pines Retreat Asks About STR Hot Tubs(00:02:35) Follow the Data & Use STR Analytics Tools(00:04:30) The Harsh Reality of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Vacation Rental(00:06:43) Quick Safety Tips for STR Hot Tub Amenities 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: Rustic Pines Retreat• Pricelabs: Check out PriceLabs• STR Insights: app.STRinsights.com• Video: Get More Bookings! 5 Tips From Airbnb Superhosts• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

As owner and co-founder of a European rental management company overseeing 900+ properties, Richard Vaughton has significant experience in short-term rentals and property management. He’s also got some surprising takes on where our industry is headed in the near and long term future. Uniquely plugged into the industry, and endlessly experienced with real-life work in our world (hello, cleaning toilets on a Saturday) – Richard delivers one of the most deeply impactful conversations we’ve ever had on the show. After circling the globe hosting rentals of all shapes and sizes, he’s raw and honest about what it takes to win – and why he’d never try it again.He’s also a supremely accomplished businessman, boasting numerous successful exits in industries far and wide. He brings all of his know-how, all of his access, and all of his wisdom for this powerful conversation. This is the reality of our industry! Spoken in plain terms by a trusted voice who’s seen and done it all. You do not want to miss it. Make sure to follow Richard on Linkedin (linked below) for his takes on the latest tech, trends, and industry news.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML(00:03:42) Introducing Richard Vaughton: Global STR Expert(00:19:38) Weighing Perfection vs. Productivity vs. Profitability (00:30:15) Pro Tips for Direct Booking & STR Marketing (00:43:30) Forecasting the Future of Vacation Rentals Around the WorldResources:• Click here for full show notes• LinkedIn: Richard Vaughton• #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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 ProgramThanks 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.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

We’re making progress on our Hocking Hills glamping project with cabin demo, prefab purchases, and creative financing. Check in for an honest, relatable recollection of the development process from two eager investors knee deep in a long term legacy build.First, we take you behind the scenes on Day 1 of cabin demo, a delightfully quick process with some fun creative questions to answer (roll-away bed or no roll-away bed?). Along the way, we sing the praises of our investment team, highlighting the cost savings we’ve enjoyed thanks to their specific skills and areas of expertise.Next, a big reveal! We talk about the research we did on prefabricated structures and unveil which incredible design we’ve elected to bring to our property, when they will arrive, how we plan to furnish them, and – somewhat critically – how we will pay for them.Next, what’s next? We’ll need to raise money, create or move some roads, put in landscaping, build decks, and purchase and install amenities; there’s still so much to do and be excited about. We’re proud to bring you along for the ride, and thank you for joining us in this challenging endeavor!(00:01:37) #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat(00:04:07) Update on Our Hocking Hills STR Glamping Project(00:19:27) Getting Priorities Straight: Creativity vs. Cash Flow(00:29:31) Next Steps in Building Our Dream Vacation Rental PropertyResources:• The Cliffs at Hocking Hills: @thecliffs_hockinghills • We Bought Land (Part 2): Use ChatGPT in Your STR Competitive Analysis #361• We Bought Land (Part 1): Laying a Foundation for Long-Term Partnership #349• #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat• Video: Funding Your NEXT Airbnb or Real Estate Property• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

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.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Ellyn Vollmer. She’s got a wild pain-to-purpose story that many hosts will find eerily familiar. She and her husband Devin live in Pittsburgh, PA and recently launched their first STR property in Oceanside, CA after a long and winding road filled with false starts and regulatory red tape.We talk all about how their six-month plan turned into a two-year (and more!) ordeal that involved almost every possible hurdle, spending the first year creating a rental experience they could be proud of and another year dealing with city politics in order to get their permit approved.This one will make you frustrated, it will make you sad, it will remind you that this business is based in emotion and fueled by thoughtfully presented data. We hope you find her story as inspiring as we do, and urge you to check out her new listing any time you’re in California.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @sea.sun.maui(00:03:26) Early STR Trials & Tribulations of Ellyn Vollmer(00:14:04) STR Shed Permits? STR Shed Permits!(00:22:22) Fighting for Her Right to Host a Vacation Rental(00:37:58) Making Her Case to Oceanside (with Money)(00:41:19) Finally Hosting Their First STR GuestsResources:• Click here for full show notes• Direct booking at stayblueskies.com• Instagram: @stayblueskies• #STRShareSunday: @sea.sun.maui• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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.Brandy asks:We host on a 10-acre property. We also live on this 10-acre property. But we continue to have guests that will break our terms and conditions, even though it is stated very plainly that we do not allow parties or gatherings of larger than six people. The last one, I walked in on their vows and was like… What's going on here?What do you recommend we do when this happens? Is it for me to physically go down there and stop the party or stop the gathering? Or should I just message it, take photographs, and then send it in? I do allow small gatherings, but it's at a different price rate because the way they use the property is different. What do you recommend here?(00:01:29) Brandy Asks About Disrupting Vacation Rental Parties (00:03:29) Wield the Power of a Well-Timed Phone Call (00:06:13) Using Neutral Phrasing & Framing with STR Guests (00:07:24) Thanks For Visiting Tech Recommendation: MinutThanks 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 Minut crowd control tech • Get the Hosting Handbook: thanksforvisiting.com/handbook• Video: New to Airbnb Don't Make These 3 Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands!• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Lisa Roads, a seasoned short-term rental professional, whose journey began as a property investor in her early twenties. As Lisa continued to grow her property portfolio, she recognised the potential for early adoption in an emerging market in Cyprus. This investment move created the opportunity to start her second business venture, providing a fully managed service for hands-off investors like herself. Focusing on high-quality coastal properties and leveraging her partnership and marketing experience, with her team in Cyprus, the business scaled to 175 properties in five years. We learn all about how she made it happen – remotely! – including emergency communications after a massive earthquake and a six-week power outage on the island.After transitioning her hosting business to a new owner in 2021, Lisa has now shifted her focus to providing industry education and strategy support to business owners who are looking to scale in a dynamic short-term rental market – a mission we wholeheartedly support!(00:01:16) #STRShareSunday: @littlecottageonthefarm(00:03:25) Meeting the Dynamic & Driven Lisa Roads(00:08:03) Growing the STR Market on a Mediterranean Island Nation(00:21:24) Lisa Shares Insights on Business Building & Balance (00:31:21) Managing Owner Expectations as a Remote STR Co-Host(00:42:19) What’s Next? Leaving Her Vacation Rental Listings in Cyprus (00:47:15) Amplifying Women’s Voices in the Short-Term Rental SpaceResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: theholidaypropertycoach.wordpress.com • #STRShareSunday: @littlecottageonthefarm • Video: Airbnb Co-Host: Best Practices - Handling Guest Inquiries and Bookings• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!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!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

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.Melissa asks:I am going to be a new host, and I have a question about bed frames and headboards. I have a couple headboards that are upholstered. What are your thoughts about using those and cleaning those instead of buying new headboards that are wood or washable? I would love to know because it could save me a lot of money if I can use the headboards that I have now.(00:01:26) Melissa Asks About Different Kinds of Vacation Rental Headboards (00:02:04) Top Tech Recommendation: Bissell Green Machine(00:03:06) How To Prep & Clean Headboards in Your Short-Term Rental(00:04:45) Introducing: The TFV Hosting Handbook!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• Bissell Green Machine: https://amzn.to/3KvFi7X• Get the Hosting Handbook: thanksforvisiting.com/handbook• Video: The Best Airbnb Bedding for Your Guest• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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!HBMM | Sign up today at hostmasterclass.com.

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 IndustryResources:• 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.comThanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 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!

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.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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!

Today’s expert guest is Colleen Chrien, a hyper-engaged member of our Hosting Business Mastery Method, mom of four young kids, and owner of Picket Fence Properties and Fully Furnished Charleston where she manages a portfolio of 38 long-term rentals and 21 furnished rentals – a mix between short, mid, and long term listings.We learn all about how she launched her business and landed in Charleston as a long term hub of operations, detail a few pain points on her initial projects, and unpack mindset shifts inspired by challenging life events – how she’s shifted her business goals to align with her vision of the future. Make no mistake, what we have here today is a true superhero of hosting. Colleen’s a one-woman show, and gets super honest with us about the bottlenecks that she’s identified, from how she’s gone about adding to her team, to the brutal truth about the tidal wave of emerging tech in our industry — there’s no magic button to press!Her candidness about the journey is a fresh counter to social media’s insistence on impossible “passive income” and “set-it-and-forget-it” narratives. In this industry, we work! And we’re proud of it. We know you’ll be as inspired by Colleen’s story as we are.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @dellcollective(00:03:46) Introducing HBMM VIP: Colleen Chrien(00:10:07) The Evolution of Fully Furnished Charleston(00:19:11) STR Hiring, Operations & Business Goals (00:27:36) Colleen’s Short-Term Rental Tech Stack TipsResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: fullyfurnishedcharleston.com• Instagram: @fullyfurnishedcharleston• Instagram: @colleen_chrien• Check out Hospitable, PriceLabs, and Breezeway• Learn about our Hosting Business Mastermind• #STRShareSunday: @dellcollective• Video: Co Hosting for Airbnb - How to Know You're Ready• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Hosting Business Mastery Method | Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to...

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.Becky asks:I have an ADT security system and my control panel has a little camera on it. It takes a picture of the person who is setting or disabling the alarm. Nobody ever sets the alarm in the Airbnb, but it is in the hallway. I was wondering… Does that count as a camera for Airbnb? If I put a sticker over it, would that work as not having a camera? (00:01:32) Question About Airbnb’s New No-Camera Policy(00:02:07) Out of Context: Is it an Interior Camera? (00:03:00) Call Your Insurance, Ask Airbnb & Ask Your Attorney 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 Summer 2024 Release for Hosts• Video: Airbnb Self Check In with Smart Locks - Hosts, You Need This!• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks 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.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

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 IndustryResources:• 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.comThanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

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.Taylor asks:Can you please break down the Airbnb summer release for us? What do we need to know? Thank you so much. Can't wait to hear your response.(00:01:13) What’s New with the Airbnb Summer Update?(00:01:32) NEW Airbnb Icons: Sadly, Mostly Marketing(00:04:35) Guest-Related Updates in Airbnb’s Summer Release(00:06:39) Host-Related Updates in Airbnb’s Summer ReleaseThanks 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• Airbnb: Summer Release 2024• Video: Airbnb Platform Updates: What They Mean for Hosts (2023)• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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!

Welcome back to this dedicated series on the acquisition, set-up, and launch of our brand new Hocking Hills vacation rental project. In this episode, we update listeners on the actions we’ve taken since signing the deal, hard decisions we’ve already made, and what’s coming up next.Golden nuggets include how Sarah has leveraged artificial intelligence to create temporary branding for the property, early thoughts on how we might utilize existing structures (or not), and which critically important tasks we’ve already elected to outsource – two jobs you’ll be very surprised to see we’ve offloaded.Even before breaking ground, ideas are flying and challenges have mounted. That’s why it’s great to be supported by a team of like-minded experts – as we are – and why we’ve decided to share each and every step along the way with you, our amazing audience.(00:01:41) #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat(00:03:32) Recapping Our New Hocking Hills Cabin Project(00:08:53) Now What? Getting Started with Reporting & Planning(00:15:54) Planning the Plot: Surveying Existing Buildings & Utilities (00:22:12) Important Steps We’ve Already Outsourced & WhyResources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat• Video: How to Design Your First Airbnb - Essentials• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks 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/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.

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.comThanks 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!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!