Learn Cleaning, Staging, and Pricing Strategies For STR Hosts

We can’t wait for you to hear this conversation with Stephanie West, the COO of HostWise. After beginning her journey as a cleaner, Stephanie co-founded and grew HostWise into a business with over $4M in sales. HostWise manages more than 100 units in Pittsburgh and has an overall rating of 4.93. 

In this episode, Stephanie shares her wise secrets for building a cleaning business and finding a great cleaner for your properties. She shares why cleaners are the most important role in STRs, and why you should cater to your cleaners. We also talk about streamlining communication between hosts and cleaners, staging advice, non-negotiable boundaries with clients, and successful pricing strategies. Plus, she tells us her #1 regret when starting her business — and how you can avoid it. 

This is a must listen for hosts, whether you’re starting out, growing your business, or looking for a new niche. 

(00:01:01) #STRShareSunday: @thewooderhouse

(00:05:27) Stephanie’s Start In The Industry 

• How she got in to cleaning STRs
• How she transitioned from cleaning to starting HostWise and doing $1M in sales in a year

(00:14:38) Building A Cleaning Business 

• How she built and managed her team of cleaners
• The lessons she learned working with hosts and VAs

(00:19:23) Streamlining Virtual Assistant/Cleaner Communications 

• When hosts are clueless about their own properties 
• Guest feedback getting lost in translation 
• Unrealistic host expectations for cleaners 

(00:22:44) Her Secrets For Finding A Great Cleaner 

• Why cleaners are the most important role in STRs
• How to cater to and take care of your cleaners
• The differences between residential and STR cleaning 
• How she runs her laundry service differently 

(00:36:19) Non-Negotiables For Clients 

• Establishing a great reputation within your community 
• The 5 questions she wants potential clients to ask  
• Being clear about her hierarchy of priorities 
• Quality standards and safety protocols 

(00:42:35) Staging & Onboarding Advice 

• Why they do in-house staging
• Streamlining her staging 

(00:45:25) Successful Pricing Strategies

• Charging for subscriptions 
• How HostWise is making their clients more money than the competition 

(00:49:11) Her Secret Sauce To Starting Your Business Strong 

• Where she found her clients and what set her apart 
• How she got her ratings so high 
• Get your systems in place before you search for clients 
• The one thing she regrets from her early days

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• hostwisestays.com
• steelcitystra.org
• Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb – A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts 
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com
• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

#STRShareSunday

@thewooderhouse

The Wooder House in Nelson County, Virginia is an inviting haven nestled on 38 acres of beautiful woodland, perfect for those seeking a serene escape. With its fully stocked kitchen, cozy wood-burning stove, and versatile loft space, this home offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hosts have gone above and beyond to make sure every detail is covered, from thoughtful kid-friendly amenities to a welcoming setup for dogs. It’s clear that the Wooder House is designed with care, ensuring that guests of all ages (and their pets!) have a truly memorable experience in the heart of nature.

• Instagram: @thewooderhouse

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com!