The STR Sisterhood

Tired of the constant churn and unpredictability of Airbnb and short-term rentals? It might be time to explore mid-term rentals! In this must-listen episode, I sit down with the "Queen of Midterm Rentals," Vivian Yip, as she shares her journey from the corporate world to mid-term rental success. 

Vivian unveils the strategies behind her incredible growth, from managing booking calendars to dynamic pricing and guest screening techniques, all tailored for mid-term rental excellence.

Gain powerful insights into how mid-term rentals offer a stable, profitable alternative to short-term investments. Whether you’re an Airbnb host looking to diversify or an investor ready to expand into new rental opportunities, this episode provides essential knowledge to help you maximize your income potential and navigate this evolving industry with confidence. Tune in and take the first step toward transforming your rental strategy!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:44] A short introduction about our guest Vivian Yip

[03:42] Vivian’s talks about the challenges with OTAs and why she shifted to Midterm Rentals

[06:00] The creation of the Hestia brand to represent high-quality midterm rentals

[07:21] Vivian talks about Hestia and how hosts can join the network

[09:43] Vivian reflects on her transition to midterm rentals and the changes it brought to her property management approach

[11:34] How Vivian effectively manages midterm rentals and the differences with STR

[12:56] The guest screening process in the MTR space when dealing with last-minute bookings

[16:13] Vivian shares the strategies in managing calendars and pricing for midterm rentals

[20:07] Vivian discusses the demand for midterm rentals and the current state of the market

[22:52] The importance of strategic planning and key considerations when investing in single-family homes for midterm rentals

[28:15] What are the best practices for cleaning MTRs in comparison to STRs

[30:40] How Vivian see the future of the MTR space with the development of a new OTA

[31:49] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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In this episode, I sit down with short-term rental expert and interior designer Erica Dike, whose journey from NASA engineer to vacation rental designer is nothing short of inspiring. Erica dives into her data-driven approach to creating Airbnb properties that deliver stunning aesthetics and exceptional guest experiences. She shares invaluable insights on understanding your target market, maximizing your investment returns, and elevating guest satisfaction.

Discover Erica's top tips for transforming your Airbnb or vacation rental into a guest-centric oasis. From functional furniture placement to cost-effective upgrades, Erica reveals practical strategies to help you stand out in the competitive short-term rental market. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just stepping into the world of vacation rentals, her expertise will provide a roadmap to success, making this episode a must-listen for anyone aiming to optimize their short-term rental investment.

Tune in for actionable advice that will inspire you to elevate your Airbnb business and create unforgettable guest experiences!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:07] A short introduction about our guest Erica Dike

[02:43] How Erica started in interior designing and in the short-term rental industry

[06:41] Erica talks about her “data-driven design formula”

[11:13] Creating a vacation rental space that maximizes value for guests

[14:55] How Erica gathers data on guest preferences when designing a vacation rental

[18:48] Erica discusses the common mistakes in vacation rental designing

[21:46] Erica shares the strategies for designing vacation rentals on a tight budget

[27:38] The importance of optimizing spaces in vacation rentals for maximum guest comfort

[32:56] Erica shares cost-effective design upgrades that improve the guest experience and boost ROI

[38:49] Erica discusses the importance of identifying a target market for vacation rentals

[42:19] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: ericaooh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaoohdesigns

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In this episode, join me for an inspiring conversation with the incredible Brittany Hailey, a mom of two young boys who has built a multi-million dollar short-term rental business from the ground up. 

Brittany's story is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She'll take you on a journey from finding a creative solution to avoid low-income housing, to managing a newborn while launching her first client, all the way to scaling her business to 40+ properties. Her story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and surrounding yourself with the right support.

You'll learn Brittany's secrets to navigating the real estate market, how she built a rockstar team to handle the day-to-day, and the mindset shifts that allowed her to truly thrive. 

Whether you're a seasoned short-term rental pro or just getting started, Brittany's insights are pure gold. This episode is a masterclass in scaling a short-term rental business the right way!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:57] A short introduction about our guest Brittany Hailey

[02:55] Brittany shares how her short-term rental journey started

[06:48] How Brittany’s business opportunity expanded without the need of marketing

[08:03] Brittany shares how she identified a gap in the market and developed a successful unique selling proposition

[12:35] How Brittany familiarized herself with the short-term rental market and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability

[13:58] Brittany discusses how she managed her time while raising a newborn and building a business 

[17:47] The importance of having a vision for the future and how it has guided Brittany’s journey

[20:46] Brittany discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling her business

[26:47] What are the various systems and software Brittany uses to manage her property management business effectively

[32:10] Brittany talks about one of the biggest challenges she had and how she navigated it

[36:16] Valuable advice from Brittany for someone starting their journey in real estate or property management

[40:04] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: boutiquemountainhomes.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brittany_hailey/

In this episode, join me as I sit down with Jilayne Smith, a nurse practitioner who stumbled into the world of short-term rentals and found a new passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Jilayne shares her inspiring journey, from initially renting out a mountain home just once a month, to owning another property that she and her husband could renovate and rent out more frequently. You'll hear how her nursing background has shaped her approach to hosting, and the special ways she goes above and beyond to make each guest feel like family.

From heartwarming stories of honoring guests who have experienced loss, to the challenges of balancing a full-time job with running her rental business, Jilayne's authenticity and passion shine through.

Whether you're a seasoned short-term rental pro or just getting started, this episode is sure to inspire you to infuse more joy, connection into your hosting journey. Listen now and get ready to be captivated by Jilayne's story!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:55] A short introduction about our guest Jilayne Smith, and how she started with STR

[04:08] How COVID fueled her passion for STR Designing and Jilayne’s transition from being a nurse practitioner

[05:54] How has Jilayne’s nursing career influenced her passion for hosting and creating lasting family memories

[06:45] The importance of building genuine connections with guests in the short-term rental industry

[13:03] Jilayne shares how she personalizes guest experiences in her short-term rentals

[17:00] Jilayne talks about the joy and fulfillment she derives from her work in short-term rentals

[19:59] How Jilayne’s nursing background influenced her approach to communication and guest interactions

[23:03] The importance of responding thoughtfully to guest reviews

[24:50] Jilayne reflects on how imposter syndrome shapes her view of her achievements and strengths in the short-term rental business

[27:46] Recognizing and valuing one’s unique journey and strengths and the value of having a network in the short-term rental space

[33:17] How Jilayne resonated with the book Unreasonable Hospitality

[39:13] What is the biggest challenge Jilayne has experienced and how she navigated it 

[43:04] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://www.thenest-collective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenest_collective/

Resources Mentioned:

• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

If you’re ready to supercharge your real estate game, this episode with Amelia McGee is a must-listen! Amelia started with just one flip in 2019, and in only 5 short years, she’s built an impressive 41-door portfolio. But what’s even more inspiring is how she did it: through powerful partnerships and a focus on the hidden gem of midterm rentals.

In this episode, Amelia takes us behind the scenes on how she found her groove in midterm rentals. She shares exactly what she looks for in a property (and spoiler alert – it’s not just about cash flow!). Plus, her insider tips on structuring partnerships and making mindset shifts will leave you feeling empowered to take your business to the next level.

Amelia has a unique belief: there’s more money out there than good deals – and she’s sharing how that mindset has been a game-changer for her. We also dive into her passion for building community, her co-authored book, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people to fuel your growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into real estate, this episode is packed with gems that will get you excited and ready to take action. Grab your notebook because you won’t want to miss Amelia’s game-changing strategies for scaling your portfolio and living the life you’ve always dreamed of!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:50] A short introduction about our guest Amelia McGee

[02:49] Amelia shares how she was introduced to the world of real estate

[05:05] How did Amelia gain the knowledge to successfully flip properties

[07:20] Amelia’s mindset shift from an investor to a business owner

[10:16] Amelia’s shares her journey of transitioning from flipping to building a 41-Door Portfolio

[13:17] What strategies can investors use to build strong and trustworthy partnerships in real estate

[16:54] How Amelia learned how to talk about what she’s offering as a business partner

[18:38] Amelia’s real estate portfolio and what factors influenced her choice of rental strategy 

[19:54] Why Amelia loves midterm rentals and how she decides which operational approach to apply

[22:29] Amelia shares her property acquisition strategy

[27:19] Amelia talks about her book and her co-author Grace Gudenkauf

[30:05] The importance of intentionality in shaping one's future as an entrepreneur

[31:43] How Amelia conquers challenges as a self-managing real estate investor through community support

[36:00] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

Let’s Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/ameliajorei/?hl=en

wiire.community https://www.instagram.com/wiire.community/?hl=en

Resources Mentioned: 

• Self-Managing Landlord

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Feeling anxious about the unpredictable world of short-term rental bookings and finances? Don’t fret! The incredible Amanda Neely is here to share her tried-and-true strategies for strengthening your finances and unlocking long-term financial freedom.

Join me as I chat with Amanda, one of the most genuine and relatable financial experts you’ll ever meet. Together, we dive deep into mastering the money side of short-term rental business. Get ready to gain valuable insights on essential topics like identifying if you're over-leveraged, building a robust contingency fund, and harnessing the power of percentage-based budgeting to navigate those fluctuating rental incomes.

Discover Amanda's unique approach to separating personal and business finances to protect your assets, her retirement planning tips designed for young entrepreneurs, and the importance of assembling a “money team” of trusted financial advisors.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the short-term rental arena or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you take charge of your finances and build lasting wealth. Tune in and get ready to transform the financial foundation of your rental business!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:56] A short introduction about our guest Amanda Neely

[03:34] The percentage of women financial planners from Amanda’s vantage point

[04:53] What are some strategies that Amanda recommends for achieving financial security

[07:16] Amanda’s insights on how would someone know if they're “over leveraged”

[09:13] How can you determine how long to cover expenses without new bookings

[11:31] Tips on strategically planning and managing Contingency Capital across multiple LLCs

[17:04] How does Amanda use Percentage-Based Budgeting to build stability in a variable income STR business

[21:10] The critical importance of separating personal and business finances

[26:34] Distinguishing Emergency Funds and Contingency Capital 

[29:01] Amanda elaborates on the concept of "Mad Money"

[30:16] The importance of integrating retirement planning into the hustle of building a business

[37:30] Common financial mistakes that entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them

[42:34] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Join me as I sit down with Stephanie Figueros, who’s made the transition from employee to entrepreneur! Stephanie opens up about her incredible journey from the medical field to becoming an Airbnb powerhouse with a multi-market short-term rental portfolio.

Stephanie doesn’t hold back as she shares the highs and lows of managing properties remotely, why creating strong systems and processes is key, and how she leads with intention and vision. 

Whether you're just getting started in the short-term rental world or you're a seasoned investor, Stephanie’s advice on mindset and embracing your inner entrepreneur is golden. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone in real estate or entrepreneurship, so get ready to be inspired and take notes!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:10] A short introduction about our guest Stephanie Figueros

[02:54] Stephanie’s transition from being a registered nurse to real estate journey in STR

[05:01] Stephanie shares about her first short-term rental and how she found its market

[06:23] An overview of Stephanie’s current portfolio

[07:29] How Stephanie conducts her annual property visits and the importance of maintaining relationships with her cleaning team

[11:20] Stephanie shares her journey of expanding her short-term rental portfolio

[13:12] Stephanie highlights the most challenging aspect of managing properties remotely across different market

[15:05] Stephanie's strategies for building connections in different markets to find a reliable team

[17:17] How Stephanie developed her systems and the tools she uses in her daily operations

[21:11] Stephanie’s journey in building a virtual assistant agency

[24:02] Key leadership gaps and the importance of ongoing training and treating team members as individuals

[26:16] The importance of empowering of Virtual Assistants (VAs) in a business setting

[31:04] How Nursing shaped Stephanie’s leadership skills

[33:19] Stephanie shares how she effectively balances multiple ventures

[38:16] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Are you ready to celebrate? We're hitting a huge milestone with our 100th episode, and you’re invited to the party! 

In this special episode, join me as we take a walk down memory lane to revisit 7 of the most popular episodes from our podcast!

Amy Corbett’s Journey in STR: Hear how Amy transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, building a thriving short-term rental business alongside her husband.

Problem Solving with Tanya Rooney: Tanya shares hilarious stories and powerful strategies for managing stress in the fast-paced world of Airbnb hosting.

Financing Your Short-Term Rental with Brenna Carles: If you're wondering how to finance your Airbnb, Brenna breaks down key loan options to help you scale your STR business quickly and effectively.

The Story of a Property with Paige Hayes: Paige reveals how discovering and sharing a property’s unique story can elevate your hosting game and create unforgettable guest experiences.

Brand Building Essentials with Rebecca Lombardo: Learn why crafting a standout brand is crucial for making your Airbnb stand out and attracting more direct bookings in today’s competitive market.

Content Marketing with Jodi Bourne: Jodi explains how smart content marketing can boost your Airbnb bookings and help you connect with your ideal guests.

On-Site SEO with Sarah Orchard: Sarah shows how mastering on-site SEO can skyrocket your Airbnb’s visibility and drive more direct bookings to your short-term rental.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey! I couldn’t have made it to 100 episodes without your support, and I can’t wait to see where we go next. Tag me on social media with your favorite episode moments, and let’s keep building our STR Sisterhood together! 

EPISODES AND TIMESTAMPS:

[03:29 - 07:14] From Employee to Entrepreneur with Amy Corbett

[07:40 - 13:54] Tanya Rooney's Real Estate Revolution: From Corporate Cubicle to STR Maven

[14:29 - 18:02] How to Choose the BEST Mortgage Option with Brenna Carles

[18:41 - 29:20] How to Elevate Your Airbnb Design with Paige Hayes

[29:51 - 34:46] Branding Essentials for Short-Term Rentals: Expert Insights with Rebecca Lombardo

[35:14 - 40:23] Content Marketing Secrets for Short-Term Rental Success with Jodi Bourne

[40:50 - 46:13] Break Free from Airbnb: Marketing Strategies to Skyrocket Direct Bookings with Sarah Orchard

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Ever wondered how to take an Airbnb or short-term rental property from empty to fully guest-ready in just seven days? 

In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Kim Fitzpatrick, the mastermind behind Launched Host—a company that specializes in setting up short-term rental properties fast. From working side-by-side with designers to collaborating with homeowners, Kim and her team transform spaces into stunning, functional getaways for Airbnb guests.

Kim is pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to get a short-term rental up and running in record time. She’s sharing her biggest challenges (spoiler alert: there are always a few surprises!), and her secret to overcoming them—humor, teamwork, and staying flexible every step of the way!

From genius storage hacks to handling damaged or wrong items during staging, Kim’s pro tips will help you avoid the stress and keep your Airbnb setup on track. Whether you're gearing up to launch your own short-term rental or just curious about the process, Kim’s no-nonsense advice on time management and maintaining your sanity is priceless. You do NOT want to miss this episode!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:57] A short introduction about our guest Kim Fitzpatrick

[03:36] Kim’s short-term rental portfolio and how she founded Launched Host

[05:04] What is Launched Host and its role in managing the physical set-up of STR properties

[08:02] How Launched Host works with designers and homeowners to prepare STR properties

[10:03] How Launched Host manages to prepare a short-term rental property in just 7 days

[16:23] Kim shares the biggest challenges that she faced while launching properties

[19:37] The importance of Humor, Teamwork, and Redirection in managing stress

[25:41] The challenges of storage when launching rental properties and how Launched Host manages them

[31:06] The challenges of handling wrong or damaged items during the staging and launching process

[33:08] Kim’s insights on the Ease and Challenges of returning items from various retailers

[36:08] Essential tips from Kim on time management and relationship dynamics for DIY property launchers

[42:17] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Let’s Connect!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchedhost/

In this episode, I’m absolutely delighted to have a chat with the phenomenal Amy Morehead—a powerhouse mom of three, dedicated wife, skilled nurse practitioner, and savvy real estate investor! Amy’s real estate journey kicked off with a deeply personal mission: to support her family while caring for her mother with dementia. What started as a humble rental property in the Smokies has blossomed into a booming business, reshaping her life in the most unexpected ways.

Amy opens up about how she conquered imposter syndrome by embracing guidance from mentors and coaches, empowering her to overcome self-doubt and unlock her true potential. Whether you’re at the beginning of your Airbnb adventure or aiming to elevate your short-term rental game, Amy’s story is brimming with invaluable wisdom and motivation to propel you forward.

But Amy’s impact doesn’t end there! She’s now channeling her experiences into a new role as a dementia caregiver coach, committed to guiding others through the challenging journey she once faced. This episode is a treasure trove of heart, perseverance, and actionable advice that will inspire you to tackle any hurdle—be it in real estate, caregiving, or life itself. Don’t miss this deeply inspiring conversation!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[02:04] A short introduction about our guest Amy Morehead

[02:57] How Amy got started in the world of real estate investing out of necessity while caring for her mother

[06:45] Bridging the learning gap from property management to self-managing short-term rentals

[10:27] How learning about real estate investing became a therapeutic escape and fueled her personal growth

[12:15] Amy’s transition into self-managing and how she used her newfound knowledge of creative financing to buy a lake house

[15:14] Amy’s shares her journey in rehabbing the lake house while balancing family life

[18:35] Amy shares her experience with designing and decorating the lake house property

[20:26] The importance of personal development and education in overcoming self-doubt, gaining confidence, and effectively pursuing goals

[26:43] Amy’s real estate portfolio and her expansion plan

[29:38] Amy’s insights and how technology transforms property management for multiple properties

[32:48] The significance of building a reliable team for property management when scaling up to multiple properties

[36:20] Amy’s plan on a new venture into becoming a dementia caregiver coach and consultant

[43:07] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

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Let’s Connect!

dementiahero.com