Are the design choices you love actually costing your short-term rental money?

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Petrovich, founder of Denori Designs, to unpack what separates a beautiful vacation rental from one that actually performs. Courtney started as an STR investor herself, designing an eight-bedroom South Carolina property remotely before turning her passion for design into a nationwide hospitality design firm.

Courtney explains why great STR design starts with market research, not wallpaper, furniture, or personal taste. We dig into competitor research, market-specific amenities, creating a sense of place, and why every design decision should ultimately support the property's financial goals.

We also get practical about money. Courtney shares her guideline of budgeting roughly $10,000 per bedroom for total furnishings and decor, where operators should save versus splurge, and how she evaluates furniture for durability. We also talk about renovations, outdoor amenities, New England design, and knowing when an existing property needs a refresh.

Things we discussed in this episode:

• Why profitable STR design should always begin with market research.
• Creating a cohesive design that reflects your property’s unique market.
• Choosing amenities based on guest demand instead of personal preferences.
• Using ROI and payback periods to guide major design investments.
• Budgeting roughly $10,000 per bedroom for furnishings and decor costs.
• Knowing where to save money and where durability matters most.
• Using reviews, specifications, and contract-grade standards when selecting furniture.
• Bringing designers, architects, and contractors together early during major renovations.
• Designing differently for beach, ski, historic, and adventure-driven rental markets.
• Watching revenue performance to know when your property needs refreshing.

Get in touch with COURTNEY:

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.denoridesigns.com/⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/denoridesigns/⁠

#SmartStayShow #ShortTermRentals #STRDesign #VacationRentalDesign #AirbnbDesign #RealEstateInvesting #VacationRentals #PropertyManagement #HospitalityDesign #AirbnbHost #STRInvesting #InteriorDesign #GuestExperience #DenoriDesigns #RealEstateInvestor

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SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Through changing platforms, new technology, AI agents, and automation, one thing about hospitality hasn’t changed: people still want to connect with people.

In this episode, Jason Muth and Rory Gill sit down with Annie Holcomb, founder of Annie & Co., co-host of the Alex & Annie Podcast, VRMA board member, and longtime vacation rental industry leader. Annie takes us through more than 30 years in hospitality—from working a hotel front desk to vacation rental management, Expedia, Marriott Homes & Villas, channel management technology, and eventually launching her own company.

We also dig into Jason’s experience expanding onto Booking.com, why the platform can open the door to international and business travelers, what operators should understand about distribution, and how OTAs can help build a recognizable brand. Then we look at VRMA, the changing relationship between traditional vacation rentals and STRs, podcasting, AI, and where automation should—and shouldn’t—replace human interaction.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Annie’s 30-year hospitality career spanning hotels, vacation rentals, technology, OTAs, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
2. Why great guest service and strong owner relationships remain essential despite massive changes in technology.
3. How Booking.com can connect smaller operators with international travelers, business guests, and new audiences.
4. Why Jason’s Booking.com launch quickly generated more than ten percent of his company’s total bookings.
5. What operators should understand about Booking.com payments, monthly invoices, taxes, fees, and account setup.
6. How OTA exposure can strengthen brand recognition and ultimately support a successful direct-booking strategy.
7. Why building a company brand requires different decisions than building everything around one individual personality.
8. How VRMA is bringing traditional vacation rental managers and newer short-term rental operators together.
9. Why podcasting creates powerful relationships by letting operators share authentic experiences, lessons, and personal stories.
10. How AI should eliminate repetitive work while creating more time for meaningful human hospitality and relationships.

Get in touch with ANNIE:

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandanniepodcast.com/

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anniecosolutions.com/

#SmartStayShow #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #Hospitality #PropertyManagement #Bookingcom #DirectBooking #VRMA #HospitalityTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #GuestExperience #PropertyManagers #VacationRentalManagement #STR #Automation

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

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What happens when someone who spent 15 years in corporate HR sees his own layoff coming—and decides to build his next career before it happens?

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Marcelissen to unpack his move from corporate America into full-time real estate investing, short-term rental management, and brokerage. Matt shares how he went from flips and long-term rentals to building StayWell BNB and helping investors find high-performing short-term rentals across Texas.

We also dig into why Houston has become an interesting market for STR investors, including properties around $500,000 that can gross roughly $100,000 annually. Matt breaks down the demand, relatively low seasonality, regulations, and numbers that make Houston very different from traditional vacation markets.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Matt left corporate HR to pursue full-time real estate investing.
2. An approaching layoff pushed Matt to build new income streams.
3. Matt launched StayWell BNB to manage underperforming vacation rental properties.
4. Strategic improvements increased one property’s revenue from $90K to $165K.
5. Increasing guest capacity created significantly more revenue without major renovations.
6. Houston offers affordable properties, strong STR revenue, and limited seasonality.
7. Family visits, conferences, events, and staycations drive Houston rental demand.
8. Matt uses Slack, SOPs, Loom, and staff to streamline operations.
9. Mindset coaching changed how Matt approaches growth and business decisions.
10. Service animals, therapy dogs, and ESAs require different hosting approaches.

Get in touch with MATT:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/marcelissen

Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/marcelissen/?hl=en

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.staywellbnb.com/

#SmartStayShow #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #HoustonRealEstate #FinancialFreedomJourney #W2ToInvestor #STROptimization #CashflowProperties #MindsetForInvestors

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

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Ever wondered how to turn an Airbnb or Vrbo guest into a repeat guest you can actually market to?

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Kolker, founder of StayFi, to explore how short-term rental operators can build stronger guest relationships and grow their direct-booking business. We dig into how StayFi uses the Wi-Fi login experience to capture guest information naturally, without adding extra forms or friction to the stay.

Rory shares his firsthand experience using StayFi across multiple properties, including some of the real-world challenges around Wi-Fi networks, mesh systems, and smart lock connectivity. Arthur also explains why building a guest database is one of the most important steps operators can take if they want to generate repeat stays and rely less on booking platforms.

We also explore StayFi Express, automated email marketing, anniversary campaigns, gap-night promotions, and StayFinder — a tool designed to help travelers discover direct-booking options from independent vacation rental operators.

Things we discussed in this episode:

Building a guest database for repeat and direct bookings
Using Wi-Fi to capture guest information naturally
How captive portals and splash pages work in vacation rentals
Why traditional email platforms can fall short for STR operators
Setting up StayFi with existing Wi-Fi and mesh networks
Wi-Fi connectivity challenges with smart locks and other devices
Why consistent email marketing matters more than one-off campaigns
Automated emails, anniversary campaigns, and gap-night promotions
Using guest data to increase repeat stays and occupancy
StayFinder and helping travelers discover direct-booking options
Comparing direct pricing while searching on major booking platforms
Creating additional revenue through upsells, experiences, and add-ons
Building stronger relationships with guests after their first stay
Reducing long-term dependence on third-party booking platforms

Get in touch with ARTHUR:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/a.colker/⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/a_colker/?hl=en⁠

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stayfi.com/⁠

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #DirectBooking #BookDirect #EmailMarketing #GuestExperience #OwnYourGuest#StayFi #StayFinder #WiFiMarketing #HospitalityTech #PropTech

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

Short-term rental hosts are waking up to a hard truth: Airbnb and Vrbo bring the bookings, but they keep the guest relationship.

In this episode, we sit down with StayFi founder Arthur Colker to unpack how Wi-Fi-based guest data collection can help hosts and property managers build their own brands, drive more direct bookings, and reduce reliance on OTAs. Arthur shares the origin story of StayFi, why Wi-Fi captive portals are such a powerful marketing entry point, and how their built-in email tools turn past guests into repeat, direct bookers.

We also dig into real-world results from Pride Away Stays, the launch of StayFinder as a direct-booking meta search tool, and what the future looks like for hosts who truly want to own the guest experience from first click to check-out.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Hosts lose guest data and relationships when relying on Airbnb/VRBO.
2. StayFi was created to capture guest info for direct bookings.
3. Guests enter emails through a branded Wi‑Fi splash page.
4. StayFi runs on UniFi access points or StayFi Express.
5. Jason and Rory saw stronger Wi‑Fi and fixed a Schlage lock.
6. They clarified why “not secure” Wi‑Fi warnings appear for guests.
7. Automated emails help turn past guests into repeat direct bookers.
8. Availability-based campaigns promote only properties open for specific dates.
9. StayFinder shows OTA vs. direct prices and links to direct sites.
10. StayFi plans managed email services and cheaper mesh hardware.

Get in touch with ARTHUR:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/a.colker/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/a_colker/?hl=en

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stayfi.com/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #DirectBooking #BookDirect #EmailMarketing #GuestExperience #OwnYourGuest
#StayFi #StayFinder #WiFiMarketing #HospitalityTech #PropTech

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

💡 What if there’s a way to slash your tax bill while building real estate wealth—without buying a single new property?

In this episode, we turn the spotlight on one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, wealth-building tools for investors: tax strategy. Eric Oliver of Maven Cost Segregation to break down, in plain English, how cost segregation and 100% bonus depreciation can dramatically reduce your taxes—especially if you own or plan to own short-term rentals.

Eric explains how accelerated depreciation really works, what the so-called “short-term rental loophole” is (and isn’t), and why material participation and intent are key in the eyes of the IRS. Jason and Rory go even further, sharing real numbers from their own portfolio, including how they used a look-back study and a “poor man’s reverse 1031” strategy to offset a large tax bill after selling a property.

If you’ve ever thought taxes were just an unavoidable cost of investing, this episode will make you see them as a strategic wealth-building tool.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Cost segregation basics – accelerating depreciation by breaking a property into components with shorter lives.
2. Bonus depreciation – how 100% bonus magnifies cost seg savings in year one.
3. STRs vs. LTRs – why short‑term rentals can offset W2 income but long‑term rentals usually can’t.
4. “Short‑term rental loophole” – a legal, code-based strategy, not a shady trick.
5. Material participation – key IRS tests, especially 100 hours and more time than anyone else.
6. Timing a purchase – buying late in the year to more easily document material participation.
7. Jason & Rory’s $900k deal – large depreciation created, especially from exterior work and landscaping.
8. “Poor man’s reverse 1031” – using cost seg to help offset capital gains from a property sale.
9. Look‑back studies & Form 3115 – reclaiming missed depreciation from prior years.
10. Tax planning strategy – using cost seg selectively to manage tax brackets and avoid wasting deductions.

Get in touch with ERIK:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Maven-Cost-Segregation-Tax-Advisors/61570153671981/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mavencostseg/

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mavencostseg.com/erik/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #CostSegregation #BonusDepreciation #TaxStrategy#RealEstateTax #AirbnbHost #STRLoophole #WealthBuilding #MavenCostSegregation

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

💡 Tired of losing revenue to Airbnb and Vrbo? What if you could connect directly with guests and keep more of your profits?

Today, we sit down with Eric Goldreyer, CEO and founder of Savvy, to explore the future of direct bookings in vacation rentals. Eric shares how Savvy’s book-direct marketplace empowers property managers to connect travelers straight to professionally managed properties—often saving guests 15–20% compared to traditional OTAs.

We dive into why owning the guest relationship is crucial, how technology should enhance rather than replace hospitality, and what property managers need—like solid websites, PMS integrations, and trust-building tools—to grow their direct booking share.

If you’re serious about boosting profitability and reducing dependence on OTAs, this episode gives a practical, insider look at where the industry is headed and how to get ahead of the curve.

🎧 Tune in and discover actionable strategies to take control of your bookings and maximize your rental income!

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. What Savvy Is – Book-direct vacation rental marketplace.
2. Guest Savings – Guests save ~15–20% per stay.
3. Direct Connection – Guests contact managers directly.
4. Own the Relationship – Managers keep guest data and terms.
5. OTA Limitations – Hard to reward repeat guests on Airbnb.
6. How Savvy Makes Money – Free listings, paid boosted exposure.
7. Platform Scale – Thousands of managers, 150k+ properties.
8. Direct Booking Trend – More share shifting away from OTAs.
9. Direct-Ready Setup – Need good site, photos, PMS, booking engine.
10. Pros Only Inventory – Only professionally managed properties listed.

Get in touch with ERIC:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/savvystays

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savvy_stay

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.savvy.com/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #DirectBookings #VacationRentals #STRHosts #PropertyManagement #BookDirect #AirbnbHosts #Vrbo #HospitalityIndustry #SavvyTravel

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

What happens when a lifelong teacher realizes the classroom isn’t the only place she can make an impact?

Today we sit down with Colleen Coale, co-founder of Hurford Place Hospitality, to unpack her journey from elementary school teacher to running 90% of a fast-growing short-term rental management company in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Colleen shares the mindset shift that moved her from “I’m just a teacher” to confident business owner, how joining a mastermind changed everything, and why it took nine months of persistence to land her very first client.

We dig into how community and education fueled her growth from one property to ten, what it’s really like building a values-driven business alongside her husband, and the deeply personal motivation behind her mission to create inclusive, ADA-friendly vacation homes. This is a candid conversation about identity, grit, and redefining success—on your own terms.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Colleen’s shift from elementary school teacher to STR business owner.
2. Jason’s own “chapter two” from media to short‑term rentals.
3. What Hereford Place Hospitality does in the Poconos market.
4. Colleen’s early doubts about masterminds and STR education costs.
5. How the mastermind community provided support and first leads.
6. The long ramp-up: nine months to their first management client.
7. Their “ideal” owners: nervous, first‑time buyers who need guidance.
8. Cleaners and local teams as major referral sources.
9. The realities of building a business with a spouse.
10. Colleen’s mission to create ADA‑friendly, accessible vacation homes.

Get in touch with COLLEEN:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553603442076

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hurfordplacehospitality.com/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #STRBusiness #FemaleFounders #CareerPivot #HospitalityBusiness #MastermindGroup #AccessibleTravel #ADAFriendly

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

What if the smartest move in real estate isn’t buying more… but selling at the right time?

In this episode, we do something most investors avoid — we talk honestly about letting go. They share the real reasons behind their decision to sell one of their short-term rental properties and unpack the uncomfortable questions every investor eventually faces but rarely discusses.

Joined by their friend and trusted real estate advisor, Sean Bakhtiari, the conversation dives into when selling actually makes strategic sense — from struggling cash flow and high-interest DSCR loans to changing life priorities, market shifts, and the power of unlocking trapped equity. Sean explains how solid bookkeeping, clear goals, and objective advice can transform an emotional decision into a smart long-term move.

They also explore lifestyle-driven markets like Provincetown, Hampton Beach, and Salisbury Beach, the realities of self-managing vs. co-hosting, and how successful investors think not just about growing a portfolio — but pruning it when necessary.

If you’ve ever wondered “Should I hold, or is it time to sell?” — this episode is for you.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. Why and when to sell a short-term rental rather than hold forever.
2. Jason & Rory’s decision to sell their Gillford, NH property, including emotional and financial factors.
3. Impact of high-interest DSCR loans and debt service on cash flow.
4. The importance of good bookkeeping, clean P&Ls, and separate bank accounts for each property.
5. Common reasons owners sell: poor cash flow, operational issues, market shifts, or lifestyle changes.
6. Selling when a property has significant equity and considering redeploying that capital elsewhere.
7. The role of lifestyle markets (e.g., Provincetown, Plum Island) vs pure investment markets.
8. Sean’s thesis on emerging value in Hampton Beach and Salisbury Beach as future winners.
9. When co-hosting / professional management makes sense vs when owners should self-manage.
10. Sean’s community-focused approach with The Bakhtiari Group and his partnership with Seacoast to Summit Vacation Rentals.

Get in touch with SEAN:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Seacoast2SummitVacationRentalsLLC

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hurfordplacehospitality.com/

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/seacoast2summit/

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #STRInsights #VacationRentals #DataDriven #ROI
#UniqueStays #PropertyManagement #InvestSmart
#RentalIncome

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Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

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SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever wondered what makes a short-term rental truly unforgettable?
Some hosts swear by bold color schemes, while others lean into quirky themes, but what really drives bookings and keeps guests coming back?

Today, we sit down with renowned designers Bri West and Jordan McDonough here on SmartStay Show to explore the art and strategy of standout short-term rental design. Discover how bold color, imaginative themes, and strategic branding can transform any property into not just a beautiful space, but an unforgettable guest experience, and a profitable investment.

From emerging market trends to must-have amenities, this episode is packed with actionable insights for both new and seasoned hosts. Whether you’re ready to go all-in on a themed rental or simply considering a design refresh, learn how thoughtful choices can elevate your bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and maximize ROI.

Things we discussed in this episode:

1. The importance of bold color patterns and themes for short-term rental success.
2. Defining and researching the target audience before designing.
3. Branding properties to create memorable, differentiated guest experiences.
4. Strategic, ROI-driven design based on market research and data.
5. Using different design strategies for various markets (urban vs. cabin, vibrant vs. cozy).
6. Incorporating themes—even bold or unique ones—to boost appeal and bookings.
7. Leveraging branding (signs, doormats, Wi-Fi) for guest recall and repeat business.
8. Treating design as an investment to drive revenue, not just an expense.
9. The growing importance of amenities and functional design in guest experience.
10. Trends in the short-term rental industry and future growth plans for Summer Led Designs.

Get in touch with BRI & JORDAN:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/somerled.designs/?hl=en

Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.somerleddesigns.com/

Linkedin Bri- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-west-2a7a93288/

Linkedin Jordan- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-patchell-mcdonough-758a9ba4/?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

#SmartStayShow #realestate #realestateinvestor #realestateagent #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #AirbnbDesign #RentalROI #InteriorDesign #PropertyBranding #VacationRental #GuestExperience #HospitalityTrends

Follow Us!

Join Jason Muth of Prideaway Stays and Straightforward Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Attorney / Broker Rory Gill for the first episode of SmartStay Show!

Following and subscribing to SmartStay Show not only ensures that you'll get instant updates whenever we release a new episode, but it also helps us reach more people who could benefit from the valuable content that we provide.

SmartStay Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Prideaway Stays ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Straightforward Short-Term Rentals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Attorney Rory Gill ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jason Muth on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠