Episodios

  • 477. How Taylor Gates Scaled from Golf Cart Tours to Redefining Vacation Rentals

    477. How Taylor Gates Scaled from Golf Cart Tours to Redefining Vacation Rentals

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 mission to raise the bar in short-term rentals.

    In this episode, Taylor walks us through:

    How he went from giving golf cart tours to managing 200+ propertiesThe surprising ROI of clean bedding and intentional linensWhat he looks for when hiring housekeeping teamsWhy every host should be staying in their own propertyThe systems and values that keep his team aligned and guests coming back

    Whether you’re managing one unit or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insight, transparency, and practical tips from someone who truly lives and breathes hospitality.

    Stay Duvet – Taylor’s luxury short-term rental management company

    Fluffy – Commercial laundry and housekeeping service built for STRs

    Minoan – A platform for hosts to source and showcase shoppable furnishings for their STRs

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

  • 476. Hosting Hotline: Is Dynamic Pricing Worth It for Just One Seasonal Property?

    476. Hosting Hotline: Is Dynamic Pricing Worth It for Just One Seasonal Property?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 PricingWhy dynamic pricing is essential for seasonal propertiesHow a $20/month investment can yield huge returnsHow to use data to compete more effectively in your local marketThe top reason every host should prioritize a pricing tool in their tech stack

    Even if your booking calendar only gets busy for part of the year, having smart, data-informed pricing can help you make every single night count—and ultimately, bring in more revenue with less guesswork.

    If you're curious about dynamic pricing, we’ve got a full video that walks you through how to use PriceLabs and why it works.

    📺 Watch our YouTube video on dynamic pricing

    Drop your questions in the comments and your topic might be featured in a future episode!

    Resources mentioned:

    PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing tool we personally use and recommend. Offers a free trial (no credit card required).

    Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel – Subscribe and leave your hosting questions in the comments.

    Hosting Handbook – Learn the basics of how to launch your listing

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  • 475. Content Shoots at Your Airbnb: What to Ask, What to Charge, What to Avoid

    475. Content Shoots at Your Airbnb: What to Ask, What to Charge, What to Avoid

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 just asked to “pop in for a quick brand shoot,” this episode will help you set better boundaries, ask the right questions, and explore new income opportunities in a smart and sustainable way.

    In this episode, we cover:The different types of content shoots you might be approached aboutWhy it’s critical to ask what kind of content is being createdHow to protect yourself legally with a COI (Certificate of Insurance)What to charge (and why it’s not just your nightly rate!)How to manage timing, cleaning, and neighborhood impactReal stories from our own experiences—both great and not-so-greatRed flags to watch out for before you say yes
    Resources

    📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb Business

    📸 Check out Peerspace – a platform for listing your space for hourly rentals, perfect for photoshoots and production: peerspace.com

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

  • 474. Hosting Hotline: Should You Trade Free Stays for Influencer Content?

    474. Hosting Hotline: Should You Trade Free Stays for Influencer Content?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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. But is that worth the cleaning fee—or more?

    In this episode, we dig into:

    – How to evaluate whether an influencer is truly a good fit

    – What red flags to watch for when receiving creator collaboration requests

    – How to define success from influencer content

    – Smart ways to protect your time, energy, and budget

    – Why a holistic influencer marketing plan beats saying yes ad hoc

    – And how to communicate “no” without burning bridges

    We also share our favorite tips for setting expectations, building contracts, and using influencer content intentionally—so you’re not left wondering if the trade was worth it.

    Resources:

    – YouTube: The Right Way to Use Influencers to Promote Your Airbnb

    – Stayamo (influencer collaboration platform)

  • 473. Hosting Through a Crisis with Catherine Morris of Edenwood NC

    473. Hosting Through a Crisis with Catherine Morris of Edenwood NC

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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.

    From insurance battles to wood-fired hot tubs, this episode covers the gritty details of what it really looks like to be a hands-on host through disaster and recovery.

    Whether you're new to short-term rentals or a seasoned pro, Catherine’s insights on preparedness, communication, and guest care will leave you inspired—and better equipped for anything that comes your way.

    RESOURCESCatherine’s Rentals: https://edenwoodnc.comFollow on Instagram: @edenwoodncAirbnb Business Loss Coverage Info: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/extenuating-circumstances-policy

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

  • 472. Hosting Hotline: Can You Ask Guests to Book Direct After Their Stay?

    472. Hosting Hotline: Can You Ask Guests to Book Direct After Their Stay?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 noWhat is still okay when it comes to asking for reviewsHow to compliantly shift communication off-platformWhy your in-home marketing game matters more than everSimple tools and strategies (like StayFi) that keep you compliant and effectiveThe real reason you shouldn’t try to outsmart Airbnb's AI

    Plus, we share smart alternatives to keep your marketing efforts alive—without breaking the rules.

    🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

    StayFi: A platform for collecting guest emails with consent, post-booking

    Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Get on the waitlist for our next deep-dive session

  • 471. Is Airbnb Just the Beginning? A Conversation with Phil Kennard of FutureStay

    471. Is Airbnb Just the Beginning? A Conversation with Phil Kennard of FutureStay

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 policyWhy direct bookings aren’t as scary (or risky) as you thinkHow to use the “billboard effect” to drive bookingsCommon listing mistakes that quietly hurt your rankingThe direct booking loop and how to build guest trustWhy even 10% direct bookings can change your bottom line

    Whether you’re brand new or deep in your hosting journey, this episode will inspire you to think like a business owner—and start setting yourself up for long-term success.

    RESOURCES:

    FutureStay | Direct booking platform for rental-preneurs (exclusive offer for TFE listeners)Google Vacation Rentals | Where 70%+ of travel searches beginAirbnb’s Off-Platform Policy | New rules effective May 2025Proper Insurance | STR insurance designed for hostsThe Hosting Handbook | Your beginner’s guide to starting strong

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

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

    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

  • 470. Hosting Hotline: Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Offering Gap Nights?

    470. Hosting Hotline: Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Offering Gap Nights?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 guests say yes)

    – The 3 best times to offer a gap night

    – Why “half-day stay” might sell better than “early check-in”

    – The importance of testing and tracking guest responses

    – How to automate these offers without sacrificing conversions

    – A reminder that your core upsell is your core product: the stay!

    Whether you’re managing a single unit or scaling a portfolio, don’t miss this conversation about one of the easiest ways to boost your revenue without increasing your workload.

    Want to get your questions answered on the show? Visiting HostingHotline.com.

    RESOURCES:

    – Hostfully | PMS with automated messaging tools

    – Breezeway | Smart guest messaging & turnover management

    – Get the Hosting Handbook | New host? Start here

  • 469. Unlocking the STR Tax Loophole with Amanda Han, CPA

    469. Unlocking the STR Tax Loophole with Amanda Han, CPA

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 avoid some of the most common mistakes hosts (and even CPAs!) make when trying to claim this benefit.

    We also talk about:

    How short-term rentals create tax losses even when they cash flowWhat actually counts toward your material participation hoursWhether midterm rentals qualify (spoiler: not usually)Common write-offs hosts overlook—and how to structure your finances to make the most of themWhen a cost segregation study makes sense (and when it doesn’t)How to find the right tax professional for your STR business

    This episode is a must-listen if you own, co-host, or are considering investing in a short-term rental and want to keep more of the money you’re making.

    Resources:

    Amanda’s Website: Keystone CPAAmanda on InstagramAmanda’s YouTube ChannelSTR Host Tax Advantage Cheat SheetShould You Fire Your Property Manager? (Or Are Your Expectations Misaligned?) | Subscribe to our YouTube channel

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

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

  • 468. Hosting Hotline: Should You Add a Security Camera to Your STR?

    468. Hosting Hotline: Should You Add a Security Camera to Your STR?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 camerasHow to decide whether security devices are right for your listingBest practices for guest communicationManual vs. automated keypad code systemsHow to use SimplySafe or similar services for an extra layer of protection

    Whether you’re managing one property or building a short-term rental portfolio, this episode will help you feel more confident about keeping your space—and your guests—safe.

    Want to get your question answered on the show? Visit HostingHotline.com

    RESOURCES:

    Hosting Handbook: Our on-demand course for new STR hostsSimplySafe: Affordable and easy-to-install home security systemsSchlage Keypad Electronic DeadboltYale Assure Wi-Fi Connected Smart Lock
  • 467: Hosting Across the Pond: Global Lessons from the UK Retreat

    467: Hosting Across the Pond: Global Lessons from the UK Retreat

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 hospitalityLessons from tech leaders who got their start as hosts—and the problems they built businesses to solveCandid insights on profitability, pricing, direct bookings, AI risk, and OTA algorithmsInterviews with Ella (Autohost), Bart (Autorank), Phil (Futurestay), and Marc (Boostly)—all with actionable takeaways for your business

    We asked them:

    What separates thriving hosts from those struggling right now?Is there hope for direct bookings—and how do we make it work?What tech is worth investing in (and what can you ditch)?What’s one trend in hosting that needs to die already?

    If you’ve ever wanted an inside look at the STR industry from a global perspective, this episode is packed with high-level insight, practical advice, and some spicy opinions on what needs to change.

    RESOURCES:

    Hostfully | Use Code TFV500 for $500 off!Stayfi | Provide an exceptional WiFi experience for your vacation rental guestsAutohost.ai – Smart Screening for HostsAutorank.io – Optimize Your Airbnb RankingFuturestay – Simplified Property ManagementBoostly – Build Your Direct Booking BrandShort Stay SummitKnowsley Hall on Instagram

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

  • 466. Hosting Hotline: Should You Try Midterm Rentals? Here’s What to Know Before You List

    466. Hosting Hotline: Should You Try Midterm Rentals? Here’s What to Know Before You List

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 different from STRs and LTRsThe pros: lower turnover, longer stays, consistent income, and guest qualityThe cons: more hands-on screening process, less automationWhy midterm guests are not just short-term guests staying longerHow to test the waters using platforms like Furnished FinderWhat amenities, furniture, and stocking levels midterm guests expectHow to check demand in your market before jumping inA $30-off listing code to get started risk-free on Furnished Finder

    We’re also joined by Tanya Shin, Chief Growth Officer at Furnished Finder, who shares trends they’re seeing (hint: it’s not just nurses anymore) and the best way to see if your city is midterm-ready.

  • 465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)

    465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 how microfiber might be hurting your guest experience (and your skin), this is the ultimate STR bedding masterclass.

    We cover:

    – Why 400 thread count cotton is the sweet spot for hosts

    – The difference between softness, smoothness, and weight (yes, there’s a difference)

    – Why microfiber is basically plastic—and what that means for your guests

    – The truth about poly/cotton blends and "hotel-grade" sheets

    – The easiest way to reduce wrinkles and stains (hint: it’s your dryer settings)

    – How often you really need to replace your sheets

    – Why Deepak built a VIP program just for hosts—and how to get in

    – What every host can learn from selling on marketplaces like Amazon

    If you’ve ever wondered what sheets to buy, how long they last, or how to talk about linens in your listing description, this episode is packed with answers, clarity, and a few hot takes.

    RESOURCES:

    Try California Design Den’s STR program

    Request samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150

    Shop Standard Textile via HostGPO

    Join to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliate

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb

    Mentioned in this episode:

    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!

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

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

  • 464. Hosting Hotline: Design-Challenged? How to Furnish Your STR Without Wasting a Dime

    464. Hosting Hotline: Design-Challenged? How to Furnish Your STR Without Wasting a Dime

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 marketWhether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIYWhat to look for in a short-term rental design specialistHow to interview designers (and avoid staging traps)Where to splurge vs. where to saveWhat guests really care about—and how that impacts your ROIThe truth about property management options (and why self-hosting still rules)Pro tips on sourcing quality furnishings and maximizing your setup budget

    Whether you’re design-challenged or just need help avoiding analysis paralysis, this episode will set you up to furnish your rental with confidence—and without blowing your budget.

    Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top tools

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Somerled Designs | Short-term rental interior design Minoan | Save big on furniture and decor for your STRAre you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!

    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!

    Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

  • 463. Leaving Corporate, Facing HOA Battles, and Hosting Like a Pro

    463. Leaving Corporate, Facing HOA Battles, and Hosting Like a Pro

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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, built a powerful partnership with her landlord, and even showed up to City Council to advocate for Houston hosts.

    In this episode, we cover:

    – How she transitioned from corporate life into hosting

    – The emotional and financial rollercoaster of rental arbitrage

    – What happened when her first property was shut down by an HOA

    – How she negotiated new landlord partnerships—and had them pitch in

    – Her advocacy work and public testimony that helped reverse STR policy changes

    – Pro tips she implemented to boost her bookings and revenue (hello, rule sets and late checkout fees!)

    – The power of community, coaching, and asking for help before calling it quits

    If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for this, or felt like giving up—this story is your reminder to keep going. Real hosts face real challenges, and there’s real support waiting for you when you show up.

    Resources:

    – Ola’s Website: www.snoozelane.com

    – Snooze Lane on Instagram: @thesnoozelane

    – Connect with Ola: @olagiwa

    – Local Interview with Ola: Voyage Houston

    – Join us inside Hosting Business Mastery: thanksforvisiting.com/yes

    – Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Airbnb House Rules That Actually Work (Copy These!)

    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!

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

  • 462. Hosting Hotline: What’s the Best Bedding for Airbnbs That Won’t Snag or Wrinkle?

    462. Hosting Hotline: What’s the Best Bedding for Airbnbs That Won’t Snag or Wrinkle?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 themselves

    – The detergents and laundering tools that could be making things worse

    – Our go-to hospitality-grade sheet brands (including those used in Hilton and Marriott properties)

    – What standard hotels do differently to fight lint, hair, and wrinkles

    – Why the “easy button” doesn’t exist—and what realistic SOPs can make your beds shine

    – Why lint rolling will always be part of the job

    – The truth about cotton vs. poly blend sheets and how to reduce wrinkles

    – Why your sheets might be fine—but your expectations need to be aligned with professional standards

    If you’ve ever wondered what linens last longest, look best, and still feel good for your guests, this episode is for you.

    RESOURCES:

    Try California Design Den’s STR program

    Request samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150

    Shop Standard Textile via HostGPO

    Join to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliate

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb

    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!

    Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

  • 461. From Design Firm to Direct Booking Success

    461. From Design Firm to Direct Booking Success

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 rentable spaces within her own home, and master the art of direct bookings. She walks us through the challenges of launching during COVID, navigating property renovations, and the mindset that has allowed her to double her revenue every year since opening.

    We also discuss how Janice uses dynamic pricing, multiple social media platforms, and creative SEO tactics to attract guests — including how she’s achieved a 28% direct booking rate with zero paid advertising. Plus, she shares her strategies for guest screening, why she chooses to stay involved in HBM years after launching, and why resilience is every host’s superpower.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly take control of your STR income and build a sustainable, guest-loved business — this is the episode for you.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • How Janice’s interior design and hospitality background set her apart as a host

    • Starting a STR business after a major life transition

    • The pros and cons of living onsite with your guests

    • Renovating and reconfiguring space to maximize bookings

    • Why dynamic pricing was a game-changer for Janice’s revenue

    • How she built a direct booking website that now accounts for nearly 30% of her income

    • Tips for using social media and SEO to attract direct bookings

    • Managing cleaners and maintaining high standards

    • Why Janice stays engaged in Hosting Business Mastery year after year

    • The #1 mindset shift every host needs to succeed

    Resources mentioned:

    • Join our FREE upcoming workshop: thanksforvisiting.com/workshop

    • Watch on YouTube: The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to know about!

    • Follow Janice and explore her properties: linktr.ee/curatedpropertiesllc

    Mentioned in this episode:

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

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

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

  • 460. Hosting Hotline: Should I Add a Safe to My Airbnb?

    460. Hosting Hotline: Should I Add a Safe to My Airbnb?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 oneTeam and guest communicationCleaning and turnover protocolsWhat to do if a guest forgets the code or leaves items behind

    Plus, we’re linking Valerie—and you! —to a safe we found on Amazon that’s highly rated and affordable.

    Resources from this episode:

    Amazon Basics Security Safe with Programmable Electronic KeypadSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | How to Set Up Your Airbnb Bathroom (Beginner’s Guide!)

    Got a question about hosting? We want to hear it! Submit your question at hostinghotline.com

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

    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!

  • 459. Mastering Revenue Management: Pricing Strategy, Profit Gaps & Calendar Wins

    459. Mastering Revenue Management: Pricing Strategy, Profit Gaps & Calendar Wins

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 strategy. Whether you’re hosting one property or scaling your co-hosting business, Wendy’s lessons will inspire you to finally take control of your pricing—with confidence.

    What we cover:

    Wendy’s transition from flipping homes to thriving as a design-forward co-hostWhy she ditched Airbnb smart pricing and what she uses insteadHow she uncovered thousands in lost revenue with one mindset shiftThe difference between pricing software and pricing strategyHow calendar rules, booking windows, and stay minimums are part of revenue managementWhy weekly check-ins on your numbers are essentialWendy’s go-to reports inside PriceLabs and how she uses them to hit owner goalsThe surprising benefits of weekday promos and one-night staysHow co-hosts can use pricing expertise to win and retain clients

    This episode is a masterclass in practical pricing—without the overwhelm.

    Resources You May Need:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to Know About!Learn more about Wendy’s hosting business: mostess.hostReady to finally price your property like a pro? | Join our May Bootcamp: Priced & Profitable

    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!

    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

  • 458. Hosting Hotline: Can I Still Use StayFi with Airbnb’s New Rules?

    458. Hosting Hotline: Can I Still Use StayFi with Airbnb’s New Rules?

    · Thanks For Visiting

    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 collectionWhat it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rulesWhy StayFi’s WiFi marketing and email tools are still compliant (and important!)How to use this moment as an opportunity for a full business compliance checkOur own experience continuing to use StayFi for both our urban STRs and new glamping property

    If you're focused on building your direct booking strategy while staying fully compliant, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.

    Resources:The Hidden Truth: Why Most Airbnb Hosts Fail (And How to Succeed) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more host strategies and support!Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency PolicyLearn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first 3 months

    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!

    Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

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

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