Welcome back to Thanks for Visiting! As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the most loved episodes of the year and the incredible takeaways they’ve provided for our community of hosts. These episodes have sparked important conversations, inspired profitable strategies, and highlighted major wins from listeners just like you.

From mastering pricing strategies to embracing themed properties, advocating for hosting rights, and optimizing operations, these episodes reflect the topics that matter most to short-term rental hosts everywhere.

(00:01:00) #STRShareSunday: Mileaway Stowe

We’re featuring this stunning farmhouse in Stowe, Vermont, and its gorgeous direct booking site.

(00:02:00) Year in Review: Gratitude and 2024 Reflections

Looking back on an election year, how hosting evolved, and what we learned as an industry.

(00:05:00) Top 7 Episodes of 2024

A rundown of the most loved episodes and the profitable strategies they uncovered:

1. Dynamic Pricing vs. Cleaning Fees (Episode 321)
2. How To Make Facebook & Instagram Ads That Drive Bookings for Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 333)
3. Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings: Welcoming Dogs to Your Short-Term Rental (Episode 335)
4. We Fought Restrictive Local Hosting Laws (and Won) (Episode 339)
5. Optimize Your Supply Inventory as an Airbnb Co-Host in 2024 (Episode 347)
6. Revenue Management 101: How to Track Growth & Optimize Your Strategy (Episode 391)
7. Simple Strategy to Add Thousands to Airbnb Revenue (Episode 405)

(00:25:00) The Land Journey & Personal Growth

Sarah and Annette reflect on their long-term project of purchasing land and building unique properties.

(00:30:00) YouTube Adventures & Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

How Thanks for Visiting expanded to YouTube with video-specific content to serve the hosting community.

(00:33:00) Member Success Stories

Celebrating HBM member wins, including:

• Katie’s $30K revenue increase with two properties.
• Michelle’s launch of 19 properties as a Co-host.
• Heatherly’s pivot to long-term insurance bookings.

(00:36:00) 2025 Bootcamp Announcements

Introducing Bootcamp Intensives to help you focus on specific aspects of your hosting business.

(00:40:00) Final Thoughts & Community Reflections

Sharing our gratitude for the incredible hosting community and setting the stage for 2025.

• #STRShareSunday: @mileawaystowe
• Submit Your Property: strshare.com
• Dynamic Pricing Tools: PriceLabs
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
• Hosting Business Membership: Get on the waitlist!
• Bootcamp Intensives: Join us in January for a Listing Audit Boot Camp!
• Rent Responsibly: Learn More

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

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

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is your go-to space to ask questions about Airbnb, short-term rentals, real estate, and everything in between.

Shannon asks:

I’ve been listening to your podcast and am inspired to create a direct booking site for my short-term rentals. However, I didn’t realize Airbnb charges a 15% fee when using property management software (PMS). How do I adjust for this? Also, do you have any tips for encouraging guests to leave reviews without being too pushy?

(00:00:00) Introduction

Sarah and Annette explain how Hosting Hotline works and welcome today’s question from Shannon.

(00:02:00) Understanding Airbnb’s 15% Fee

Learn why Airbnb’s fee structure has changed, how it impacts your profitability, and strategies to adjust your rates using tools like PriceLabs or your PMS.

(00:06:00) Encouraging 5-Star Reviews

Sarah and Annette share proactive tips for inspiring guests to leave reviews during and after their stay, including creative messaging strategies and visual reminders in your property.

(00:10:00) Practical Examples and Resources

Hear real-world examples of hosts who have successfully increased reviews and maintained competitive pricing while navigating Airbnb’s 15% fee.

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, visit hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Click Here for Full Show Notes
• Watch: How to Create a Direct Booking Site for Your Airbnb Business
• Watch: How to Respond to Negative Airbnb Reviews
• Hosting Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
• Pricelabs
• Hostfully

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we’re diving into the world of themed short-term rentals and how niche design can transform properties into viral sensations. From Taylor Swift-inspired Airbnb listings to managing high-turnover calendars, we chat about turning creativity into profitability. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging unique designs to stand out in a competitive market.

Episode Highlights

• (00:01:00) STR Share Sunday: Lavender Haze Playce
• We feature this Taylor Swift-inspired property and its incredible Instagram-worthy design.
• (00:04:00) Collaboration Dynamics: Owner and Co-Host
• Discover how Kelly Straka and Wendy Doris built a successful partnership that balances creative vision with operational excellence.
• (00:10:00) Designing for Viral Success
• Learn how Kelly’s attention to detail transformed a basic rental into a social media phenomenon.
• (00:22:00) Leveraging Marketing and Themed Design
• Wendy shares how marketing and direct booking strategies took their properties to the next level.
• (00:33:00) Managing High-Turnover Properties
• Strategies for maintaining impeccable standards while hosting daily Swiftovers.
• (00:40:00) Expanding with Intention
• The duo discusses creating additional themed properties while maintaining uniqueness and profitability.

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes
• Save your seat for the Listing Audit Bootcamp | Booked & Profitable
• #STRShareSunday: @lavenderhazeplayce
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com
• Video: Design your Airbnb the RIGHT way! DO NOT Follow Popular Interior Design Advice!
• Mostess Host
• Lux-Living
• Kelly Straka
• See all the incredible Swiftie-inspired properties here

Mentioned in this episode:

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

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.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline, where we answer your most pressing short-term rental questions. Today’s question comes from Jenny, who asked via our YouTube channel:

"Do you still recommend dynamic pricing even if you're in a rural area without lots of activities?"

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of dynamic pricing for rural short-term rentals. Whether you're in a small town with limited attractions or hosting in an area without high guest turnover, we unpack how tools like PriceLabs can help you price competitively, maximize revenue, and even uncover hidden demand in your market.

• Why dynamic pricing can benefit rural properties just as much as urban rentals.
• The importance of competitor analysis, even if you only have one or two local competitors.
• How to identify events or peak seasons you may not know about—and price accordingly.
• Practical tips to make the most of dynamic pricing tools during your free trial period.
• Why we recommend dynamic pricing as the #1 software tool for STR hosts starting out.

• PriceLabs Free Trial
• The Ultimate Airbnb Tool Kit: What We Use to Keep Things Running Seamlessly

Got questions you want answered? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com!

Mentioned in this episode:

Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

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

In this episode, we’re excited to share a special reshare of our guest appearance on the Cashflow Positive Podcast with host Kenny Bedwell, founder of STR Insights. Known for his data-driven approach to short-term rental success, Kenny invited us to discuss how we combine the art and science of hosting to elevate guest experiences, optimize revenue, and grow a thriving STR business. From personal branding tips to actionable revenue management strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help hosts of all levels.

Episode Highlights

(00:00:00) Introduction and #STRSHARESUNDAY

We highlight this week’s #STRShareSunday property: Montague on Magnolia. Discover how their bold, colorful interiors and shoppable design elevate their guest experience.

(00:05:00) Guest Introduction: Kenny Bedwell

Kenny introduces us and dives into our hosting journeys, from house hacking to co-hosting, showcasing the diversity in hosting approaches.

(00:15:00) Beating Market Trends in Revenue

We share how our properties consistently outperform local market trends, detailing strategies like proactive revenue management and leveraging historical data.

(00:20:00) The Role of Inspectors

Learn how our property inspector role has become a game-changer, ensuring every detail is guest-ready and preventing negative feedback.

(00:29:00) Elevating Guest Experiences

Discover creative ways to surprise and delight guests with personalized touches like handwritten cards and “forgot something” baskets.

(00:37:00) Branding Your STR for Success

We discuss how thoughtful branding—like unique theming and naming—sets properties apart and attracts ideal guests.

(00:46:00) Final Takeaways and Tips

• Sarah’s Tip: Track historical data to identify trends and continually improve your performance.
• Annette’s Tip: Set aside dedicated time monthly to review and forecast your STR performance.

Mentioned in this episode:

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.

Chrissy asks:

Hi Annette and Sarah. This is Chrissy, the host of the Costelli Corner, a Scandinavian themed Airbnb in East Nashville. First, I want to thank you both for the thanks for visiting podcast. You both were huge help in our first year as hosts, helping us hit milestones. Like superhero status and ranking in the top 1 in our area. So, our question stems from a remodel we are doing in our Airbnb finishing this space to include a second room, which we're outfitting with a twin bed, a trundle, and an office setup. This allows us to market the property as a two-bedroom, one bath space, ideal for small families or workers or musicians. We're thinking of offering the space as a flexible parent child model where the full two-bedroom parent listing and a one-bedroom child listing for smaller groups. This way we could prioritize booking the two-bedroom but still open up availability for the one-bedroom option if we see fewer bookings coming in the full space. So, our question is about the best way to approach this change on the Airbnb platform. Should we update our current listing to the two-bedroom layout so we can retain our reviews and momentum and create a brand-new listing for the one-bedroom option? Is there a best practice for transitioning a listing like this while maximizing flexibility and maintaining a momentum to yield the best results? We'd love your advice. Thanks.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:27) Listener's Question

(02:42) Understanding Parent-Child Listings

(04:16) Advice on Listing Strategies

(07:54) Maximizing Revenue with Bed Configurations

(09:13) Conclusion

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

• PriceLabs

• Video: How to Get Your Airbnb Listing Seen by More Guests (And Earn More!)

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

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!

We’re coming to you live from the Vacation Rental Managers Association Conference! We partnered with Hostfully to host a party at the conference, and we took the opportunity to chat with leaders in the STR space and get their tips for you.

In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from VRMA. Plus, we interview 8 major players in the STR industry — from CEOs to co-hosts to leading property managers. They offer insights and advice on leveraging AI in your business, working with influencers, and optimizing your maintenance strategies. We also talk about the biggest pain points hosts face, and how to solve for them.

These conversations will give you a look into today’s STR landscape and inspire ideas for the future.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick

(00:02:26) Key Takeaways From Where We Stayed

(00:07:30) Major Learnings From VRMA

(00:20:25) Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality

(00:26:21) Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount

(00:33:48) Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette

(00:39:24) Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host

(00:43:48) Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully

(00:52:20) Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi

(01:01:15) Steve Davis, CEO at Operto

(01:05:32) Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Meghan Ketterman with Oconee Hospitality

• Madison Rifkin, CEO and Founder of Mount

• Casey Hohman, CEO of Scottsdale Bachelorette

• Wendy Doris, CEO at Mostess Host

• Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder at Hostfully

• Arthur Colker, CEO at StayFi

• Steve Davis, CEO at Operto

• Chris Hawkins with Tidy.com

• Loctite Threadlocker

• #STRShareSunday: @hipandhistoricfrederick

• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

• Video: The Best Highlights From TFV Live

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

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.

Samantha asks:

We have two beach properties only listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. We're getting ready to get a PMS with the website builder so we can start doing direct bookings. As we were syncing everything up, I realized our host fee on Airbnb would change from our current 3% rate to the dreaded 15%. We can adjust our pricing to offset it, but is it really worth it? We get about 95% of our bookings from Airbnb, and I'm nervous about how our listings will compare to others in our area. Another idea is to still get a PMS and sync it with Vrbo, but not sync it with Airbnb to avoid that fee, or make a direct booking site through Squarespace and not use a PMS. That also makes my head spin, so I would love to hear your thoughts.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:34) Choosing Data Over Drama

(00:05:48) The Fee To Connect To A PMS

(00:07:02) The Dangers Of Listing Only With Airbnb

(00:08:34) Direct Booking With Return Guests

(00:11:40) How We Would Approach This Decision

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

• PriceLabs

• Key Data

• Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Breezeway | Get Breezeway’s full guidebook, messaging, and operations tools for just $19.99 per unit per month!

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

We’re tackling a topic that’s near and dear to our hearts — how to avoid host burnout and take back your time. We’re joined by Rich Sippos, the Head of Sales at Extenteam, the industry’s first staffing-as-a-service company, offering a unique labor subscription model that extends local teams with professional global talent. Extenteam has an exciting new product, Tailwind, which features 24/7 guest communication for hosts.

Tailwind is a game-changer because it helps you provide an excellent customer experience — without needing to be constantly glued to your phone. Rich explains how Tailwind operates, how it supports hosts, and its affordable pricing structure. We also talk about tips for hiring a reliable team, solving pain points for hosts, and the secrets to preventing host burnout so you can optimize both your business and personal life.

(00:00:00) Introductions

(00:01:28) #STRShareSunday: @hotelstellas

(00:07:20) Rich’s Hospitality Journey

(00:13:00) What Extenteam Does For Hosts

(00:16:59) Building A Team You Can Rely On

(00:21:28) Solving Pain Points In Hiring

(00:32:34) Preventing Host Burnout

(00:35:30) Are There Language Barriers With Tailwind?

(00:42:05) Hiring A Dedicated Team Member With Extenteam

(00:47:17) The Secret To Hiring Great Cleaners

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Try Tailwind: extenteam.com/thanksforvisiting_tailwindpromotion

• Connect with Rich: [email protected]

• #STRShareSunday: @hotelstellas

• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

• Video: 5 Tips To Overcoming Hosting Burnout

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks 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!

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

Vanessa asks:

We run a short-term rental on Whidbey Island in Washington State called Bells Beach Lookout. Thanks to you, it's been going really well. We are in the process of purchasing our second short-term rental. The seller of this house is also an Airbnb host and has done very well. She has great reviews — like 4.93 — but I learned from Airbnb that those reviews can't be transferred. What tips do you have for me to make this transition effective and make it easy for past guests to want to come back? How can I connect with this seller, and what questions or requests should I be making of her?

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:44) Airbnb’s Terms & Conditions About Transferring

(00:05:14) What To Request From The Current Owner

(00:09:41) Updating & Optimizing The Listing

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

• Bells Beach Lookout: bellsbeachlookout.com

• Video: How To Create A Direct Booking Site For Your Airbnb Business

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

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