Virtual assistants don’t replace you—they help you follow through. Many hosts say they’re overwhelmed because they have too much to do. But more often than not, the real problem isn’t workload — it’s follow-through. In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we walk through how short-term rental hosts can use virtual assistants (VAs) to stay […]

Stop guessing what’s wrong with your listing. Here’s what Airbnb is already telling you. If you’ve ever said, “I feel like my listing is buried,” you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: feelings don’t get bookings — data does. Airbnb gives hosts access to powerful performance metrics inside its Professional Hosting Tools, yet most hosts […]

How strategic hosts are unlocking new revenue streams by rethinking how their properties are used. Most hosts think of revenue in one way: overnight stays. But what if your property could generate income without anyone sleeping there? For strategic hosts, overnight bookings are just one piece of a bigger revenue picture — especially during shoulder […]

A strategic breakdown of the 2026 holiday calendar and how hosts can avoid blocked calendars, forced turnovers, and missed revenue. Holiday pricing is not about the holiday itself — it’s about how guests plan their entire trip around it. And in 2026, the calendar is working against hosts who aren’t paying attention. With major holidays […]

A behind-the-scenes look at why Thanks for Visiting is shifting focus and how hosts can apply “less but better” to their own businesses. For years, the Hosting Hotline was one of the most personal ways Sarah and Annette connected with hosts. Hearing your voices. Listening to real-time challenges. Helping you work through questions as they […]

How Do Guests Find Short Term Rentals Using AI? Guests are increasingly using AI tools to search for travel recommendations instead of traditional search engines. Rather than scrolling through pages of search results, travelers ask AI models direct questions about location, amenities, pet policies, and experiences. AI then pulls answers from websites and listings it […]

How intentional photo naming supports search alignment, accessibility, and long-term listing performance. When hosts think about SEO, they usually focus on titles, descriptions, and amenities—but images play a role too. In this Hosting Hotline episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette answer a listener question about whether renaming Airbnb photos with keywords actually improves […]

A practical, experience-backed guide to investing in the things guests actually care about—and skipping the rest. Furnishing a short-term rental isn’t the same as furnishing your own home—and treating it like one is one of the most expensive mistakes hosts make. We see hosts overspend on features guests barely notice while cutting corners on the […]

How to handle Airbnb’s new host fees without distorting your base rate or pricing strategy Airbnb’s updated host fee structure has created confusion across the short-term rental industry, especially for hosts using dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs. In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette respond to a question from Jenna Louise, who asked whether […]

What hosts kept coming back to—and what it reveals about smarter, more profitable hosting As 2025 came to a close, one thing became clear: hosts are no longer interested in guessing. The most-downloaded Thanks for Visiting episodes this year focused on the parts of hosting that actually move the needle—pricing, revenue management, insurance, taxes, upgrades, […]

How clarifying your “why” helps you make confident, aligned decisions in your hosting business. Vanessa’s off-grid river cabin sparked a conversation that goes far beyond amenities. Her question wasn’t really about water—it was about identity. Do you build a short-term rental to maximize revenue? To support a specific lifestyle? Or to create a highly intentional, […]

Where AI can support your hosting business—and where human expertise is still essential. AI tools like ChatGPT have made it easier than ever for hosts to write listings, automate guest messaging, and streamline operations. But as Sarah and Annette explain in this episode, not all uses of AI are created equal. Joined by attorney Scott […]

How to use the waiting period before closing to build a strong foundation for your hosting business. When Randa wrote in, she was doing what many new hosts do—thinking about furniture, design, and aesthetics while waiting to take possession of her first short-term rental. Sarah and Annette explain why this phase is actually the most […]

Your slow season isn’t a setback—it’s a tool for building a stronger, more profitable business. Most hosts try to “beat” their slow season. Sarah and Annette explain why that approach doesn’t work—and what to do instead. A slow season simply means this: market demand is lower overall. It’s not a reflection of your listing. When […]

A practical, hospitality-first approach to evaluating bookings and setting expectations. When Alexandra asked how to “screen” guests, Sarah and Annette immediately reframed the question. In the short-term rental space, words carry weight—and screening can unintentionally lead hosts toward a mindset of judgment or assumption. Instead, the goal is simple: make sure your property is the […]

Turn Your Competitors’ Reviews Into Your Most Valuable Business Asset Most hosts know they should understand their competition, but very few know how to analyze their market in a meaningful way. Instead, they rely on intuition, casual browsing, or guesswork. The result? Missed opportunities and unclear positioning. In this episode, Sarah and Annette reveal a […]

Should You Really Provide Shampoo in Every Bathroom? The Answer Might Surprise You. Every host wants to elevate their guest experience—but when it comes to stocking shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, many hosts still hesitate. Is it worth the cost? Does it matter? Are you just copying hotels? In today’s Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and […]

What hosts need to prepare for as the market continues to mature. As the short-term rental industry matures, hosts are entering a new era—one defined by higher standards, tighter regulations, and a market that rewards strategy over luck. After a year of normalization in 2025, Sarah and Annette are looking ahead to what 2026 will […]

How to decide which guest type will maximize your bookings—and your revenue. Choosing the right guest avatar is one of the most strategic decisions you’ll make as a short-term rental host. And while many hosts want to appeal to everyone, the truth is simple: when you confuse, you lose. Guests need to immediately know who […]

How to stay profitable, prepared, and level-headed as Airbnb shifts to guest-first cancellation policies. Airbnb has officially rolled out its new 24-hour free cancellation policy for all stays under 28 days. And while this move brings Airbnb in line with hotels and airlines, it also introduces a new layer of uncertainty for hosts—especially those who […]

Stop stressing over every speck of dust—start building systems that ensure five-star cleans, every time. If you’re still scrubbing toilets between turnovers, this episode of the Hosting Hotline is your permission slip to let go. But not without a plan. Sarah and Annette break down exactly when to hand off cleaning duties, what to document […]