Thanks For Visiting

Airbnb’s AirCover might sound reassuring—but is it enough to truly protect your short-term rental? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we break down a YouTube comment that sparked an important conversation about insurance: what Airbnb does (and doesn’t) cover, why it’s not technically a policy, and the major risks hosts take when relying solely on platforms like Airbnb for protection. We’ll walk thro...

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...

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-te...

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 f...

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, an...

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...

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 l...

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 operat...

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...

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...

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...

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 d...

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 do...

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-platfo...

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...

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 betwe...

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 insu...

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 blen...

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...

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 e...

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 eve...

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, f...

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 dow...

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...

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 insta...