🚨 Airbnb just made its boldest move yet: a host-only fee of 15.5% (16% in Brazil) and zero visible guest fees. It looks like housekeeping—it's actually a psychological flip that erases “book direct to avoid Airbnb fees” and puts price blame on you while Airbnb takes a bigger cut.

In this episode, I break down:

• How the fee shift blurs lines with hotels and neutralizes your direct-booking pitch
• Why guests will now assume you raised prices (and what to do about it)
• The broader pattern—masked contacts, off-platform penalties, brand-neutral listings next?
• The playbook smart hosts are running now: raise rates 13–15%, switch to “best price guaranteed,” diversify channels, and build true direct solutions

💡 Want help executing the counter-strategy? My team at Vacation Home Help co-hosts properties across Florida, Atlanta, and beyond—operations, compliance, guest experience, pricing, and systems—so you keep more profit with less stress. 📩 Email me: [email protected]

👉 Follow me on Facebook for daily no-BS STR growth tactics: facebook.com/thejohnandrew

If 15.5% was the kill shot, what’s your backup plan when it hits 20%+? Tune in and get the blueprint.

A No-BS Framework to Build a Profitable STR Portfolio (Part 1: The Airbnb Buy Box)

Most hosts fail before they even start — not because they don’t work hard, but because they don’t define their Buy Box. In this episode, I’m breaking down Step 1 of my no-BS framework to build a profitable short-term rental portfolio: how to set your investor thesis, choose your markets, and build a buy box that keeps you disciplined and profitable deal after deal.

You’ll learn:

• Why the Buy Box is the compass for your entire STR journey
• The guardrails you need (CoC, DSCR, breakeven occupancy) so you don’t buy a money pit
• How to filter markets, property types, and returns into a one-page decision tool

If you’re serious about scaling, you need to nail this step first.

👉 Follow me on Facebook @thejohnandrew for more daily STR tips, strategies, and no-fluff breakdowns. Facebook.com/thejohnandrew

And if you’re a property owner who loves the income but hates the stress of guest messages, cleaners, and pricing — my flat-fee co-hosting service can help. You keep control of your listing and payouts, and I handle the rest. Learn more at thejohnandrew.com or grab a spot on my calendar at calendly.com/johncandelario/cohosting-discovery-call.

In this episode of Vacation Rentals with John, we’re diving deep into one of the most frustrating realities of hosting — when guests lie just to get a refund.

I’ll break down the most common scam tactics — from false cleanliness complaints to fake pest sightings — and share real-life examples from my own hosting experience. You’ll learn exactly how to document, respond, and escalate issues so you win refund disputes and protect your hard-earned income.

Whether you’ve been burned before or just want to scam-proof your short-term rental business, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to handle any guest who tries to take advantage.

💬 Let’s connect! Follow my new Facebook page for daily tips, behind-the-scenes content, and real Airbnb case studies: facebook.com/thejohnandrew

📧 Got a story about a guest refund scam? Email me at [email protected] — I might feature it on the show!

If you enjoy the show, please rate & review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it helps other hosts find this podcast so we can all protect our rentals and profits.

In this episode of Vacation Rentals with John, we dive deep into one of the most frustrating parts of running a short-term rental business: getting paid for guest damages.

We’re talking about AirCover, Booking.com, and VRBO — the platforms that promise protection but often leave you covering the bill. I break down:

• Why your payout is often only 20–50% of the actual damage
• Why cleaning fees, unauthorized pet charges, and late checkout penalties rarely get covered
• What documentation you must collect (and when)
• The real story of a guest swapping out TVs and STILL not getting reimbursed
• Step-by-step action plan to protect your profit when the platforms fail you

If your wear and tear costs are higher than your profits, you're not in business — you're bleeding cash. Learn how to fight back smart, protect your margins, and run a tighter operation.

Quick asks to help grow the show and community:

✅ Like my Facebook page → facebook.com/thejohnandrew — I drop free tips and content there every week. 📩 Want listing feedback? Email me your Airbnb link → [email protected] — I’ll personally check it out and offer advice.

Thanks for listening. If this episode helped you, please rate and review the show — it helps more hosts discover it. Keep pushing forward.

Ask ChatGPT

In this episode, I share why I went all in on short-term rentals and how this business changed my life — from leaving corporate finance at Hilton to building a lifestyle of freedom, growth, and purpose.

I open up about how STRs helped me grow as a businessman, strengthen my relationship with my fiancée, support my parents, and ultimately design a life on my terms. I also talk real — the ups, the downs, and why this business isn’t for everyone.

If you're in this game and wondering whether to keep going — or thinking about getting started — this episode is for you.

🔥 Want feedback on your listing? Email it to me at 📩 [email protected] I’ll personally review it and send you my thoughts.

📲 Stay connected: 👉 Like my page on Facebook to get daily tips & updates: facebook.com/thejohnandrew

Weekends booked but weekdays empty? You’re leaving money on the table. In this quick episode, John shares the exact pricing tweaks he made to fill weekday gaps on his Airbnb listings. From adjusting base rates to smart use of dynamic pricing tools and embracing short stays—these small shifts can make a big impact. Tune in and learn how to turn those slow weekdays into steady cash flow.

(PS Apologies for the sound quality- recording on the go! )

👉 Need help with your pricing? Email John at [email protected] for a custom review of your listing. Stay connected and like the facebook page: facebook.com/thejohnandrew

I’m back. Here’s where I’ve been, what’s changed in STRs, and how this podcast will help you win in 2025 — one smart move at a time.

Follow the new facebook page here

Thank you so much for your support.

A couple promotions that work for my vacation rentals to attract more bookings - easy to implement changes.

Join the facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/vacationrentalswithjohn

Connect with me here [email protected]

My airbnb profile https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/46582948

My cleaning company vacationhomehelp.com