Revenue management is one of the most overlooked skills in short-term rentals, yet it’s the key to maximizing your earnings. Too many hosts rely on guesswork or reactive pricing strategies, leaving money on the table. In this episode, we’re diving into the single most important metric you need to track to confidently adjust your rates and increase revenue: your booking window.

Your booking window tells you when guests typically book your property before their stay. Understanding this number allows you to optimize your pricing strategy, adjust in real time, and eliminate last-minute panic.

• Why revenue management is proactive, not reactive
• The difference between bookkeeping and revenue management
• What your booking window is and why it’s the key to your pricing strategy
• How to use the green, yellow, red system to know when to adjust rates
• Why being the first to book can mean you’re underpricing
• How to maximize demand and avoid unnecessary discounts
• The best ways to pull pricing levers before lowering rates

• Start optimizing your pricing today | Try PriceLabs FREE for 30 days
• Subscribe on YouTube | Boost Airbnb Income with these 4 EASY Upsells!

If you’ve been feeling stuck on pricing or unsure when to adjust your rates, this episode will give you the confidence and strategy to take control of your Airbnb’s revenue.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!

Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

When you’re launching your short-term rental, pricing can feel like a guessing game. Should you start with low rates to get more bookings and reviews? Or is that a fast track to leaving money on the table? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we answer a listener’s question about how to price their new Airbnb and whether lowering rates is the right strategy.

We also touch on midterm rentals—when they make sense, how they differ from short-term stays, and why they are not always the easy alternative some hosts expect.

• Why pricing too low does not always mean more bookings
• How Airbnb already gives new listings a boost in the algorithm
• The dangers of relying on lower rates as your default pricing strategy
• How to analyze market demand before setting your rates
• Midterm rentals vs. short-term rentals—what is the real difference
• How to transition from midterm back to short-term bookings without losing traction

• Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Boost Airbnb Income with these 4 EASY Upsells!

Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!

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!

Your Property Management Software (PMS) is more than just a tool—it’s the heartbeat of your short-term rental business. But how do you know you’re using the right one? And are you truly optimizing it to save time, increase efficiency, and drive more revenue?

In this episode, we sit down with Margot Schmorak, CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, our preferred PMS partner, to talk about the must-have features of a PMS, the biggest mistakes hosts make when choosing or switching systems, and how to use a PMS to scale smarter—whether you have one property or 100+.

We also dive into:

• The number one mistake hosts make when selecting a PMS
• How a strong tech stack can make your hosting life easier
• Direct bookings: Is a PMS worth it if you only have one or two properties?
• The power of repeat guests and how a PMS can help you get more
• Why booking direct is one of the biggest opportunities for hosts in 2025
• How Hostfully’s AI-powered inbox is saving hosts three or more hours per day
• How midterm rentals are evolving—and what Hostfully is doing about it

Whether you’re shopping for a PMS, considering a switch, or just want to maximize the power of the one you have, this episode is packed with insights, strategy, and actionable tips to take your STR business to the next level.

Margot is the CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, a leading PMS in the STR industry. Under her leadership, Hostfully has helped thousands of property managers streamline their operations, grow their portfolios, and embrace direct bookings as a key revenue driver.

Beyond Hostfully, Margot is also a mom, wife, and creative entrepreneur based in San Francisco. She’s passionate about supporting women, moms, and underrepresented groups in tech and hospitality, and she loves travel, design, and music.

• Listen to Margot’s first TFV Episode
• Exact Steps for Leaving a Negative Airbnb Guest Review | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• Want to get your property featured on #STRShareSunday? | Submit your listing here: strsharesunday.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!

Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Investing in your short-term rental can be a big decision—so how do you know which upgrades will actually pay off? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help a listener evaluate whether adding privacy fencing is worth the investment. We dive into when (and why) outdoor enhancements can increase bookings, how to analyze market data before making a major purchase, and what hosts should consider before spending thousands on property improvements.

• How to determine if an upgrade will increase bookings and revenue
• The impact of outdoor spaces on guest experience and STR success
• When privacy fencing makes sense—and when it might not
• How to use market data to evaluate upgrades before making a decision
• What amenities can increase perceived value without a huge investment
• The importance of long-term financial planning for property improvements

• Check out this episode: Design Upgrades That Drive Higher STR Bookings with Somerled
• Schedule a Call with Somerled Designs: Learn More
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: No bookings for your Airbnb? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix ASAP!
• Grab your FREE STR Deal Analyzer: Analyze your next deal!

Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!

Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

In this episode, we take a deep dive into short-term rental insurance, breaking down why having the right coverage is essential for protecting your property, income, and business. We welcome Nick Massey, Chief Sales Officer at Proper Insurance, who shares critical insights on what hosts need to know, from common misconceptions about platform-provided coverage to real-life case studies of claims and payouts.

What We Cover:

• Why short-term rental hosts need specialized insurance
• Common claims and risks in the short-term rental industry
• The differences between standard homeowners insurance, landlord insurance, and commercial policies
• How loss of income coverage can save your business after a claim
• Guest-caused damage: what’s covered and what’s not
• How to ensure your amenities—pools, hot tubs, kayaks, and more—are properly insured
• The biggest mistakes hosts make when it comes to insurance
• What co-hosts and property managers need to know about liability
• Why arbitrage hosts need a unique insurance solution
• How insurance providers evaluate your property and listing for risk management
• The importance of transparency when discussing insurance with property owners

Resources & Links from This Episode:

• Breezeway Safety Program | Learn more
• AirCover for Hosts | Learn more
• 11 Ways To Avoid Parties In Your Airbnbs | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Mentioned in this episode:

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

Attending in-person conferences is one of the best ways to network, learn, and level up your short-term rental business—but with so many options, how do you pick the right one? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help listener Sarah decide which industry event is the best fit for her goals in 2025.

We break down the top vacation rental conferences, including their unique focuses, vendor access, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Whether you're looking for insights on social media marketing, midterm rentals, or revenue management, there’s an event for you.

If attending a conference is on your business goals list, listen in for our expert tips on choosing the right one, maximizing your experience, and ensuring your investment pays off.

• How to choose the best short-term rental conference for your goals
• The top STR events in 2025 and what makes them unique
• The importance of setting a clear objective for attending an event
• Why networking and vendor connections are just as valuable as education
• Tips for maximizing your experience (and making it a tax write-off)

• Level Up Your Listing – March 9-11, Phoenix, AZ (More Info)
• VR Nation – April 27-28, Austin, TX (More Info)
• Midterm Rental Summit – April 27-29, San Diego, CA (More Info)
• VR Women's Summit – August 19-21, Charleston, SC (More Info)
• VRMA International – October 12-15, Las Vegas, NV (More Info)
• DARM (Data & Revenue Management Summit) – December 1-3, Sandestin, FL (More Info)

• Meetup.com – Find local real estate and STR networking events
• RentResponsibly.org – Stay updated on local industry events and advocacy
• Minoan – Meet STR vendors in-person at conferences

Listen now to find the best event for your short-term rental business in 2025!

Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential for every short-term rental. In this episode, international safety expert Justin Ford returns to discuss the biggest safety risks hosts often overlook and how to protect your guests and business.

From smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to hot tub safety and bunk beds, this episode is packed with actionable insights for hosts at every level. Justin has spent over a decade advocating for vacation rental safety, and today, he’s sharing the most critical lessons from real-life incidents, upcoming regulatory changes, and how to stay ahead of safety requirements.

We’re also joined by Wendy Doris, a successful co-host, who shares how implementing Justin’s safety strategies has improved her business and given her peace of mind.

• The most overlooked safety risks in short-term rentals
• Why fire safety should be your top priority (and common mistakes hosts make)
• How to keep guests safe in hot tubs and pools
• The real cost of ignoring safety (beyond legal liability)
• Why the Breezeway safety course should be mandatory for your team
• The future of short-term rental safety regulations and how to stay compliant

Listen now to ensure your rental meets the highest safety standards.

• Breezeway Safety Course (free training for hosts) – Sign up here
• Breezeway STR Software (your first property is free) – Claim it here
• Smoke Alarm with Strobe (for hearing-impaired guests) – First Alert Store
• Heat Detector (for garages & attics) – First Alert Store
• Best Fire Extinguisher for STRs – First Alert PRO5

Hosts should include a Safety section in their Airbnb or direct booking listing:

Safety: We do full safety audits of this property annually, and smoke alarms, CO alarms, pool alarms, and the quality of hot tubs and pools are checked before each guest arrives. Our annual safety audits include fire safety, fall prevention, emergency preparedness, electrical and appliance safety, furniture and amenity safety, and pool and hot tub safety.

Other Episodes Featuring Justin:

• What Every Host Needs to Know About STR Safety
• 8 Danger Zones in a Short Term Rental and How to Avoid Them
• Dryer Safety in Your Short Term Rental
• Cleaning is Now Safety
• How to Make Your Short-Term Rental Safe: Top 5 Preventable STR Accidents from 2020
• 7 Tips to Ensure Pool & Spa Safety
• Back to Basics: Fire Alarm 101
• Fire Safety Comes First in Your STR
• Holiday Safety Tips for Your STR
• The Ultimate Airbnb Spring Safety Guide
• Holiday Safety Tips for Your STR
• STR Safety in 2024: Regulations, Technology & Trends

HUGE Aircover Mistake Most Airbnb Hosts Make – Watch Now

Take Action: If you do one thing today, check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Implementing even a few of Justin’s tips can make your rental significantly safer for guests.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and leave a review to help more hosts improve safety in their rentals.

Happy Hosting!

Mentioned in this episode:

Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!

Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

In this episode of the Hosting Hotline, we answer Donny's questions about launching a new construction Airbnb listing with renderings and strategies for securing month-long bookings. Whether you're in the process of building a short-term rental or exploring midterm stay opportunities, we’ve got tips to help you navigate these challenges confidently.

• [00:01:00] Using Renderings for Listings
• Can you list an under-construction property using renderings? Learn how to set expectations with guests, manage your calendar conservatively, and avoid unnecessary stress.
• [00:04:00] Transparency is Key
• Tips for clearly communicating with guests when using renderings, including strategies for being honest about timelines and delivering on promises.
• [00:06:00] Build Buzz Before Opening
• Why it’s never too early to start building an email list and generating interest through local partnerships and online communities.
• [00:07:00] Marketing Month-Long Stays
• Explore strategies for attracting midterm guests, including creating separate listings and targeting digital nomads and seasonal travelers.
• [00:09:00] Price and Expense Considerations
• Why understanding your market, potential guest profiles, and operational costs are critical to making month-long stays profitable.
• [00:10:00] Practical Next Steps
• Actionable advice for launching your new property, managing bookings, and preparing for success.

• Renderings Can Work: Using renderings is a great way to pre-launch your listing, but clear communication about timelines and expectations is essential.
• Conservative Calendars: Avoid unnecessary stress by opening your calendar cautiously to account for potential delays.
• Start Building Interest Early: Leverage social media, email lists, and partnerships to generate buzz for your property.
• Separate Listings for Midterm Stays: Optimize bookings by creating distinct listings for month-long stays while keeping shorter-stay options available.
• Understand the Costs: Thoroughly calculate pricing and potential expenses for longer stays to ensure profitability.

Resources:

How to Get Your Airbnb Listing Seen by More Guests (And Earn More!) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Mentioned in this episode:

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

In this episode, we dive into one simple yet game-changing strategy to boost your Airbnb bookings in 2025: turning on Instant Book. Whether you’re hesitant about giving up control or ready to take your listing to the next level, this episode will show you how Instant Book can help you attract more guests, maximize revenue, and streamline operations—all while staying in control of your property.

• [00:01:00] #STRShareSunday: Shoutout to @ShilohGlamping for their fantastic Instagram presence and direct booking site. Check out their inspiring FAQ section and video tour for ideas to level up your listing.
• [00:03:30] What is Instant Book? Learn how this feature simplifies the booking process for guests and helps you fill your calendar.
• [00:05:00] Why Guests Use Instant Book: Understand why many travelers filter for Instant Book listings and how that affects your visibility.
• [00:08:00] Overcoming Instant Book Fears: Addressing concerns like problem guests, last-minute bookings, and maintaining control over your property.
• [00:10:00] Proven Results: How turning on Instant Book can increase your bookings by up to 50% and improve your search ranking on Airbnb.
• [00:14:30] Customization Options: Tips for setting up guest requirements, pre-booking messages, and cutoff times to fit your hosting style.
• [00:18:00] Automation That Feels Personal: Combining automation with warm, personal touches to create an exceptional guest experience.

• Boost Visibility: Airbnb prioritizes Instant Book listings, giving you an edge in search rankings.
• Simplify Guest Communication: Automation reduces back-and-forth messaging while still keeping the personal touch.
• Control Last-Minute Bookings: Customize settings like advance notice and cutoff times to ensure your property is always ready.
• Maximize Revenue Potential: With 60% of bookings made through Instant Book, you’ll attract more guests and fill your calendar faster.
• Experiment with Confidence: Turning on Instant Book isn’t permanent—you can adjust or turn it off anytime to find what works best for you.

• #STRSHARESUNDAY: @ShilohGlamping
• Turn on Instant Book: Airbnb How To
• No bookings for your Airbnb? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix ASAP! | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Mentioned in this episode:

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free!

Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

Hosting Hotline: How Can I Organize My Hosting Business?

Welcome to the Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re tackling a fantastic question from Jilayne about staying organized as a busy host and business owner. Whether you’re jotting down ideas on the go, managing multiple properties, or trying to streamline tasks, staying organized is essential for business success.

In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their go-to tool for organization, Asana, and offer actionable tips for using it effectively. From setting due dates to managing recurring tasks and integrating your calendar, this episode is packed with advice to help hosts take control of their to-do lists and reduce overwhelm.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00] Listener Shoutout: Celebrating Jilayne’s success and determination as a host and entrepreneur.
• [00:02:00] The Power of Organization: Why staying organized is key for hosts running a business, even when life gets busy.
• [00:04:00] Why We Love Asana: A breakdown of why Asana is our favorite organization tool and how it works for hosting businesses.
• [00:06:00] Pro Tip 1: Always start tasks with a verb or action to keep your to-do list clear and actionable.
• [00:08:00] Pro Tip 2: Set due dates for every task to prioritize effectively and avoid overdue tasks.
• [00:13:00] Pro Tip 3: Use Asana’s recurring tasks feature to streamline maintenance and operations.
• [00:17:00] Pro Tip 4: Integrate Asana with your calendar to ensure your schedule matches your task list.
• [00:20:00] Staying Accountable: Why habits matter and how to build them for organizational success.

Resources Mentioned:

• Asana: The ultimate organizational tool for hosts.
• Paul Minors on YouTube: Expert tutorials on getting started with Asana.
• Relay Bank: Our favorite business banking tool for short-term rental hosts.
• Airbnb Supply Closet Management... Pro Tips + Newbie Mistakes | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Stay Connected:

• Got a question for the Hosting Hotline? Visit HostingHotline.com and leave us a message!
• Follow us on Instagram for more hosting tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.