This week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re joined by Darren Nix, founder and CEO of Steadily , one of the fastest-growing landlord insurance companies in the U.S. Darren’s story starts with a personal loss—his investment property burned down—and what followed was an eye-opening crash course in everything not to do when dealing with insurance. That experience inspired him to launch a company designed for landlords, by landlords. In this episode, Darren shares the biggest mistakes he sees hosts make ...
Jul 24, 2025•53 min•Ep. 483
This week on the Hosting Hotline, Lori from Fort Wayne, Indiana calls in with a big-picture question: how do you prepare your short-term rental (STR) for sale—and is it possible to sell it as a functioning business, not just a piece of real estate? In this episode, Sarah and Annette walk through everything you need to know before listing your STR, including how appraisers and lenders view short-term rentals, why finding the right realtor is essential, and how to identify—and package—your propert...
Jul 22, 2025•16 min•Ep. 482
This week on Thanks for Visiting , Sarah is flying solo to dig deep into one of the most powerful (yet overlooked) elements of your Airbnb listing: the title. With only 50 characters to work with, your title has to do more than just describe your space—it needs to stop the scroll, spark curiosity, and drive clicks. In this episode, Sarah breaks down which words to ditch, how to use guest reviews for inspiration, and ways to craft headlines that convert. In this episode, you'll learn: – Why Airbn...
Jul 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 481
This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re tackling one of the most common legal questions new hosts face: Do you really need an LLC to start hosting? Listener Jennifer is about to launch her first short-term rental and wants to make sure she’s protecting her personal assets and doing things the right way. We walk through how to approach this decision with confidence, who you should be talking to, and why the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we cover: – Why it’s worth consulting you...
Jul 15, 2025•11 min•Ep. 480
No matter how well you prepare your space, accidents happen—and that’s just part of the short-term rental business. But when damage occurs, do you know how to handle it professionally, recover costs effectively, and keep your emotions out of the process? In this episode, we walk you through how to navigate guest damage, from identifying what actually qualifies as a damage claim (versus normal wear and tear) to how to submit a successful claim with Airbnb’s AirCover. We also talk about communicat...
Jul 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 479
is week on the Hosting Hotline, Amy from Canada calls in with a common (but often overlooked) question: How should short-term rental hosts handle TVs and streaming services? We dive into: Where you should place TVs in your rental (and why it matters) Which streaming services to offer—and what to avoid Smart tips to protect guest privacy and your own subscriptions Operational systems for checking logins, batteries, and connectivity How your STR's brand and guest profile should influence your ente...
Jul 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 478
This week on Thanks for Visiting , we’re joined by hospitality entrepreneur Taylor Gates, whose journey from renting out rooms in Charleston to founding multiple thriving hospitality ventures is anything but ordinary. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into Stay Duvet, a premier property management company focused on elevating the guest experience through hotel-quality standards and operations. Taylor also founded Fluffy, a commercial laundry and housekeeping service that supports his mi...
Jul 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 477
This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're shaking things up by answering a listener question from the comments section of our YouTube channel. The question? Whether using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs is really worth it if you only have one seasonal property. Spoiler alert: our answer is a resounding yes —and we’re breaking down why. In this episode, we discuss: What PriceLabs is and how it compares to Airbnb's Smart Pricing Why dynamic pricing is essential for seasonal properties How a $2...
Jul 01, 2025•10 min•Ep. 476
A local photographer wants to use your Airbnb for a shoot. Should you say yes? In this episode, we’re walking through the exact questions we ask when we get these requests—and all the lessons we’ve learned the hard way. From influencer swaps to full-on commercial productions, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to help you protect your property, price it properly, and make smart decisions about the kind of content being created in your space. Whether you’re already hosting photoshoots or a guest j...
Jun 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 475
This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Julia calls in with a timely question: should you host influencers in exchange for a free or discounted stay—especially when your property is new and you’re trying to build buzz? Julia runs a fully immersive Star Wars-themed short-term rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and recently experimented with a creator collaboration through the platform Stayamo. While she didn’t see immediate bookings, the exposure raised awareness and boosted her Instagram following...
Jun 24, 2025•13 min•Ep. 474
When a once-in-a-generation storm hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, Superhost Catherine Morris found herself not only without power—but with stranded guests, canceled reservations, and major cleanup ahead. In this episode, we talk with Catherine of Edenwood NC about her transition from corporate life to full-time hosting, the realities of managing two unique properties (yes, she still does the cleaning herself!), and the lessons she learned when Hurricane Helene shut everything down. ...
Jun 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 473
In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby from Humble Abode in Australia calls in with a question many hosts are asking: Can you still nudge guests toward booking direct after their stay—even with Airbnb’s updated policies? Colby has been sending post-stay messages encouraging repeat visits and direct bookings. But with Airbnb tightening its rules, is that strategy still allowed? We break down: Why post-stay messages via Airbnb’s platform are now a hard no What is still okay when it comes ...
Jun 17, 2025•10 min•Ep. 472
This week on Hosting Hotline , we’re joined by Phil Kennard , founder of FutureStay—a platform built specifically for rental-preneurs. Whether you're managing one short-term rental or a growing handful, Phil is here to help you take back control of your business and stop relying solely on platforms like Airbnb. We dig into: What it means to be a “rental-preneur” The truth about Airbnb's off-platform policy Why direct bookings aren’t as scary (or risky) as you think How to use the “billboard effe...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 471
This week on Hosting Hotline , we’re answering a question from Joanna—a host in Central Virginia—who’s working to increase bookings by upselling gap nights before or after a guest’s stay. Also known as adjacent nights or half-day stays, these nights are often overlooked revenue opportunities. But the truth is, guests are more willing than you think to arrive early or stay late—if you offer it the right way and at the right time. In this episode, we cover: – What “gap nights” really are (and why ...
Jun 10, 2025•20 min•Ep. 470
You’ve heard whispers of a short-term rental tax loophole that can save hosts big money—but is it real? And more importantly, does it apply to you? In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Han, CPA and tax strategist, who breaks down exactly how short-term rental owners can legally reduce their tax burden without qualifying as a real estate professional. Amanda walks us through the difference between material participation and real estate professional status, how to track your hours, and how to a...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 469
If you're a new host wondering whether a Ring camera is worth the investment—or how to manage your smart locks like a pro—you’re not alone. On this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer listener Winn’s questions about securing her very first short-term rental. They cover everything from guest privacy concerns to how often you should change your keypad code. You’ll learn: What your insurance provider needs to know about outdoor cameras How to decide whether security devices are right ...
Jun 03, 2025•9 min•Ep. 468
This week’s episode is a special one—we’re taking you behind the scenes of an exclusive short-term rental retreat held in the UK at the stunning, historic Knowsley Hall. Alongside 17 founders, CEOs, and global leaders in the STR space, we got to talk shop, exchange ideas, and ask bold questions about where our industry is headed. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Knowsley Hall (est. 1385!) is blending historic preservation with modern hospitality Lessons from tech leaders who got their start as ...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 467
In this week’s Hosting Hotline, we’re answering a question we hear all the time: Should I consider midterm rentals (30+ day stays)? If you’re wondering whether it’s the right move for your property, this episode will help you break it down. We cover the pros, cons, and what it really looks like to add midterm rentals into your hosting strategy—including Sarah’s firsthand experience with listing on Furnished Finder during the off-season. We break down: What counts as a midterm rental—and how it’s...
May 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 466
This week, we’re diving deep into the world of sheets, stains, thread counts, and what your guests actually care about when it comes to the sleep experience. We’re joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder of California Design Den , a luxury bedding brand trusted by thousands of short-term rental hosts—and the highest-rated cotton sheet brand on Amazon. In this episode, Deepak pulls back the curtain on everything you never knew you needed to know about bedding. From the science behind thread count to h...
May 22, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 465
Welcome to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re answering a question from Joanna, a new host who admits she’s got zero design sense—and she’s not alone. Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) without making expensive mistakes is one of the biggest hurdles for new hosts. So what’s the smartest way to get it done? In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down: Why design matters more than ever in today’s competitive STR market Whether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIY ...
May 20, 2025•15 min•Ep. 464
This week we’re sharing an incredible story of resilience, risk, and hosting transformation inside our community. Meet one of our Hosting Business Mastery members who went from chemical engineer to thriving short-term rental owner—with nine beautifully designed units and a passion for guest care that can’t be taught. She didn’t just dip a toe in—she jumped in headfirst, took on rental arbitrage, faced an unexpected HOA shutdown, and fought to stay in business. Along the way, she found support, b...
May 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 463
Welcome back to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today’s question comes from Sarah in Redwood, Mississippi, who’s been crushing it with over 30 stays in just six months. She’s asking something we hear all the time: What sheets actually hold up in short-term rentals? She's tried cotton, poly, bamboo—and still ends up with wrinkled, snagged bedding and lint rollers in hand. We’re breaking it all down: – Why the problem might start with your washer, dryer, or water quality , not the sheets themselv...
May 13, 2025•16 min•Ep. 462
Today’s guest is a powerhouse of resilience and resourcefulness: Janice Thayer of Curated Properties in Abingdon, Virginia. As a longtime member of Hosting Business Mastery (HBM), Janice shares her remarkable journey from navigating personal upheaval to launching a thriving short-term rental business — all while living on-site. In this inspiring conversation, Janice explains how she leveraged her design expertise and entrepreneurial background to build a luxury hosting brand, create multiple ren...
May 08, 2025•58 min•Ep. 461
This week’s question comes from Valerie, who’s looking to add a hotel-style safe to her short-term rental so guests can program their own code and feel secure during their stay. It sounds simple—but there’s more to consider than you might think! We’re diving into: The pros of offering a programmable safe (especially in shared spaces or high-trust luxury listings) What you need to know before installing one Team and guest communication Cleaning and turnover protocols What to do if a guest forgets...
May 06, 2025•13 min•Ep. 460
It’s Money-Making May—and today’s guest proves that revenue management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re joined by Wendy Doris, founder of Mostess and a powerhouse co-host based in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. Wendy manages a portfolio of 17 highly curated homes and has become a sought-after voice in the STR world for her detailed, data-driven approach to pricing and guest experience. In this episode, Wendy walks us through her journey from “weekend pricing guesswork” to full-on revenue str...
May 01, 2025•51 min•Ep. 459
Airbnb’s new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy has left a lot of hosts wondering: Can you still use tools like StayFi to collect guest emails? Today on the Hosting Hotline, Natasha calls in with a smart and timely question—and we bring in the best person to answer it: Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi. In this episode, we cover: How Airbnb’s updated policy affects communication and guest data collection What it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rules Why StayFi’s WiFi marketing and e...
Apr 29, 2025•13 min•Ep. 458
We’re hearing it from hosts everywhere: “I want more bookings.” But when we look behind the scenes, a big reason you’re missing out is your minimum stay requirements. You’re unintentionally telling guests “no” and pushing them to book with your competitors. This episode is a deep dive into how your calendar settings might be working against you—without you even knowing it. In this episode, we cover: Why Airbnb (and other OTAs) reward availability How your minimum stay rules create unbookable cal...
Apr 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 457
Big changes are coming to Airbnb's terms of service—and hosts need to take action. In this bonus episode, we break down Airbnb’s updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy , which officially goes into effect May 10, 2025 . From mandatory fees and upsells to off-platform communication, security deposits, and software compliance , we walk through the biggest updates, what they mean for your short-term rental business, and how to stay compliant without panic. You’ll learn: What must be listed...
Apr 23, 2025•29 min
This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're digging into a question from Penny, a host of two jaw-dropping luxury rentals in Hocking Hills, Ohio. With properties clocking in at over 10,000 and 13,000 square feet, a saltwater pool, and four separate apartments, Penny’s homes are stunning — but she's stuck on one big question: how should she charge her cleaning fee? Should she bake the fee into the nightly rate or break it out as a separate line item? What’s the “right” way to do this, especially when...
Apr 22, 2025•21 min•Ep. 456
Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to give your short-term rental a seasonal refresh. In today’s episode, we're walking you through a host-focused maintenance checklist to ensure your property is not only clean and cozy but also safe and guest-ready as the temperatures rise. If you want to prevent emergency repairs, avoid guest complaints, and extend the life of your property’s key features, this list is for you. It’s also an opportunity to show your guests that every detail matters—whi...
Apr 17, 2025•22 min•Ep. 455
