Ready to Get Serious About Hosting? Here’s How to Choose the Right PMS

If short-term rental hosting is becoming more than a hobby for you, it’s time to start thinking like a business—and that starts with choosing the right property management system (PMS).

A PMS is more than just a tech tool. It’s the operational hub of your hosting business. It automates guest messaging, prevents double bookings, helps you manage multiple channels (like Airbnb, VRBO, and your direct booking site), and even lets your team members log in and help you manage the day-to-day.

In this episode, Sarah and Annette walk you through the exact questions to ask before choosing a PMS. They also cover:

• Why you should plan for the business you want, not just the one you have
• How PMS pricing works (and where sneaky onboarding fees may show up)
• How to test for good user experience—because if you hate logging in, you won’t use it
• Which core features to prioritize, from calendar syncing to payout reporting
• Advanced features like team permissions, accounting integrations, upsell tools, and AI

If you’re still stuck in “analysis paralysis,” the biggest tip? Choose something and commit. No system is perfect, and you’ll always find workarounds or improvements down the line.

Bonus tip: Once you’ve chosen a PMS, don’t rush the setup. Give yourself double the time they recommend and use that period to learn, test, and ask questions.

Choosing a PMS is a big step in professionalizing your business. Make it count.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Shire Home Co. Direct Booking Inspiration: shirehomeco.com
• PMS Features Checklist (Coming Soon): Get our PMS comparison tool at thanksforvisiting.me
• #STRShareSunday: @shirehomeco
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

#STRShareSunday

@shirehomeco

After hosting hundreds of guests over six years,@shirehomeco took their business to the next level—launching their own direct booking site and building a real-life community in the process. Their beautifully designed site introduces you to their story, homes, and mission. But what we love most? McKayla and her team don’t just host—they connect. By creating a local club that brought 70 people together in person, they’re building relationships both online and off.

Looking for inspiration to launch your own direct site—or connect more deeply with your local community? Take a page from Shire Home Co. and don’t forget to check out their direct booking site at: shirehomeco.com.

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