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 [email protected].

(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 Recap

Resources:

• 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.com

Thanks 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/handbook

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.

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.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hosting Handbook | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist

Quiz | 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 World

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• LinkedIn: Richard Vaughton

• #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML

• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons

• 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 $500 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 Program

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

• 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.com

Thanks 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 Property

Resources:

• 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.com

Thanks 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/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 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.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!

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 Guests

Resources:

• 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.com

Thanks 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/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 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: Minut

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 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.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!

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 Space

Resources:

• 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.com

Thanks 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/tfv and use TFV100 to get $500 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.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!

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.