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Sarah Karakaian: [00:00:05] You’re listening to the Thanks for Visiting Podcast. We believe hosting with heart is at the core of every short-term rental. With Annette’s background in business operations–

Annette Grant: [00:00:14] And Sarah’s extensive hospitality management and interior design experience, we have welcomed thousands of guests from over 30 countries, earning us over $1,000,000 and garnering us thousands of five-star reviews.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:00:28] We love sharing creative ways for your listing to stand out, serve your guests and be profitable. Each episode, we will have knowledgeable guests who bring value to the short-term rental industry–

Annette Grant: [00:00:39] Or we will share our stories of our own experiences so you can implement actual improvements to your rentals. Whether you’re experienced, new or nervous to start your own short-term rental, we promise you’ll feel right at home. Before we dive into the content, let’s hear a word from our sponsor.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:01:02] Hello. Welcome back for another great week. My name is Sarah Karakaian.

Annette Grant: [00:01:05] I am Annette Grant. And together we are–

Both Sarah & Annette: [00:01:07] Thanks for Visiting.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:01:09] It never gets old. All right. We are going to kick off this episode like we do every week, that’s sharing one of you, our loyal, loyal listeners. We appreciate you so much. We’re using our hashtag, #STRShareSunday. If you use the hashtag, we are looking for you on Instagram and we are going to share your account right here in the podcast, on our YouTube channel, to our entire email list. Annette, who is sharing this week?

Annette Grant: [00:01:29] This week we are sharing @thebrookhousevt, again, @thebrookhousevt. And I just want to commend these new hosts. It’s Danielle and Ben, and they just bought this property this year. And something that they’ve done that I just want to applaud them and thank them, and they have turned– you go through their feed, you’re going to see they have a lot of before and after pictures and every bedroom in this beautiful ski home had bunk beds and some twin or queen bed. So every room in the house had three beds minimum, not one room like for children, every single room. 

I’m sure it was like everybody just goes and skis and then sleeps. But hey, I love that they have now turned every room to only have one bed. And getting rid of all of those bunk beds and beds and just cramming as many people into this house as possible. They’ve done a beautiful, beautiful job of just renovating it, getting rid of all those beds. And I just want hosts to think about– Sarah and I are anti-heads and beds. So really think about what your goals are for your property.

And I don’t know, Sarah and I just left the house that we were staying in, and I had a pretty good laugh session watching Sarah make a bunk bed. And so if any of you have ever made a bunk bed, not only will your cleaning team thank you so much, but if you haven’t made a bunk bed before, try it because whoever was turning over this house before had three sets of them and they were probably a lot of words being said every single time they had to try to make a bunk bed. 

But I encourage you to go to that, look at their before and afters and how they’ve switched up those bedrooms and the house is gorgeous and hopefully, they are just going to be booked like crazy. Go give them some love and they have the cutest dog ever. So check that out. It’s really cool. They have a really cute thing too, it says BYOB, which is Bring Your Own Ball, pets are welcome. Rosie is their dog and she is darling. But Sarah–

Sarah Karakaian: [00:03:32] Okay. On to the episode–

Annette Grant: [00:03:35] And they are going to be chock-full of–

Both Sarah & Annette: [00:03:39] Hosting hot tips!

Annette Grant: [00:03:41] If you don’t follow us on Instagram, you should. It’s one of my favorite things to do on the gram, is to just give out some Hosting Hot Tips!

Annette Grant: [00:03:50] And that’s really good at Duke because we’ll be at a consultation or just staying in a property that we’re not working. We’re off the quote-unquote “off clock” and I’ll say something. She goes, “Ooh, that’s a hot tip.” So this has been Annette’s passion in the past, I would say a year and a half of giving these hot tips.

Annette Grant: [00:04:05] And I’m going to let everybody know, I am going to start doing hosting hot tips. I want to share all of your hot tips. So be on the lookout because we are working on something special there so we can start collaborating with you on your hosting hot tips also. So that’s coming in 2023. But Sarah, let’s get to these hot tips, and here’s a deal. Some of them you may already be doing, some you aren’t, but make the list, check it, and–

Sarah Karakaian: [00:04:30] It’s just nice.

Annette Grant: [00:04:31] Yeah. Knock it out one by one. Make sure you do these things because none of them are expensive. They’re all very, very inexpensive.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:04:37] So let’s do it. These are our top ten hosting hot tips of 2022. Here we go. Number one, this is a recent hot tip, but if you are using laundry pods that have blue detergent or it doesn’t even have to be a pod, detergent that has coloring to it, we recommend you not use that anymore and go over to the free and clear option. Why, Annette?

Annette Grant: [00:05:02] Well, there’s multiple reasons. Number one, you’ve invested a lot of money in your towels and in your linens and they will stain them. And it’s a bummer. You’ll pull that sheet out. You’ll pull that duvet out. Sometimes you won’t even know until you get it on the bed. And we all know how that is, you have to strip it down again. 

But number one, it can stain and you never know when that’s going to happen. It’s so random, they just don’t dissolve properly and the sheets and towels are done at that point in time. The second thing is there are so many people that have extreme allergies to any fragrances and then also– 

Sarah Karakaian: [00:05:38] Dyes.

Annette Grant: [00:05:39] The dyes. So your guests will love it. I know when we did this hosting hot tips on Instagram, there were people with allergies, they’re like, “Yes, please, free and clear. It really helps that we don’t have any reaction.” So we always love a hot tip too that can be dual-purpose. So just do the free and clear, no fragrances and then you’ll save your laundry also.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:05:56] All right. Number two is, we’re also going to eradicate some confusion with this hot tip, but an extra lock. So let me break this down for you. Most of us, not saying all, but most of us have navigated to smart locks here in 2022. So you’ve got a smart lock. However, you’re getting your guest that code. Wonderful. But then you also what we like to do and we are sharing this with you as our hot tip is in the door jam if you have a wood frame or you could put it on the wall, we have an extra backup key should that smart lock go rogue, because it’s happened to me, especially, here you go listeners, especially if you’re smart lock does not have a keyed option. 
That’s another hot tip there. If you get the smart lock, always have that option where you can use a key with it as well. So if you have a smart lock and there’s another option to use a key, whether it’s an extra deadbolt or the handle below, just a way to help a guest so you don’t have to drive there. And then whatever you need to get that door open, there’s an extra tool for that. Some smart locks have a nine-volt battery to give it a little extra juice to rejuvenate it. Put that in your lockbox on the side.

Annette Grant: [00:07:02] And this is a lot of the feedback you get back like, what if people take the keys? And here’s a deal. That secondary key, you don’t give that code out unless it’s needed. It’s quote-unquote, your “emergency backup key.” So you might have that key there all year and only have to give that code out one time. So we don’t have any fear of that, people are using that key or copying that key. That is truly just a backup key for any guest, for ourselves, and for any maintenance. It’s just extra peace of mind. And it’s great to have right there on property.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:07:35] The host did tell me that what they do is they have their inspector change the lockbox code to match the smart lock code for every single guest so that in their instructions they say, should you have issues with the smart lock, they empower them to use the key.

Annette Grant: [00:07:50] Oh, I like that. That’s good.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:07:51] But that would require your inspector, they have to do an inspection to reset your lock box code. But regardless, and then not only do a backup key, in your doorjam ready to go, we also want you to have one at home just in case.

Annette Grant: [00:08:05] Let’s do it.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:08:06] So that was number two. Number three. People love this tip, is a to-go cup option. So we are in a metro market and our guests leave in the morning in a rush and they’re going to a business meeting. And so we give them the option of getting it to go cup. And we had some feedback about sustainability. We hear you–

Annette Grant: [00:08:27] Very recyclable. And the thing about this is they might be checking out and have a long drive ahead of them, so you can get recycle-friendly cups. And I think the plastic cups are also recyclable.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:08:38] You could also offer a thermos. Now they can’t take them on their checkout as Annette mentioned, but if that is your jam, but again, the tip is revolving around thinking about tea and coffee and how you can really accommodate your guests during their stay. So that’s what the tip is all about. You do that is what you will. Number four. 

Annette Grant: [00:08:55] Yeah. Chip clips. This one I always buy a lot of chips.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:08:58] Annette likes her snacks.

Annette Grant: [00:08:59] I like my snacks. Shout out to Wendy, one of the coaches inside our membership. She doesn’t understand why you need chip clips because she’s like, “You should eat the whole bag.” But I love chip clips. They’re super inexpensive. There are great things. People buy a lot of snacks and don’t want them to go stale, so help them out. They’re just an inexpensive thing– 

Sarah Karakaian: [00:09:19] So many things.

Annette Grant: [00:09:20] Whatever.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:09:20] So many kitchen hacks.

Annette Grant: [00:09:21] Yeah. Sure.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:09:22] And those are easily forgotten, and no more. Forget no more. Number five, top ten hosting hot tips, extra wine keys. You know like in your home, how socks just walk away somehow?

Annette Grant: [00:09:36] Yes.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:09:37] Wine keys. And honestly, here’s a bonus tip. Scissors. So our inspectors always it’s on their list to do a lot of things. But check for the wine key and check for scissors. And all of our inspectors in their kit have an extra pair of both things.

Annette Grant: [00:09:53] And honestly, just buy the Amazon ones and leave a slew of them. If they walk away, they walk away. But because also sometimes they bend, they break. But that is the worst, especially if you’re in a remote location, and not even if you’re remote. You’ve been traveling all day, you get to your destination, and you maybe need a bottle opener, a wine opener.

Again, so inexpensive. And by the way, every single one of these tips, we all learned the hard way. We’ve ruined the sheets. We’ve had to go help some with the locks. People have asked for to-go cups, chip clips. We just started putting them everywhere. And then also, yeah, the wine keys we’ve had to make a trip over to give this.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:10:27] I’ve also impressed friends. We’re at a party and in my car because the back of my car I also have a little kit and like, “Oh, I don’t want wine key in my car.” I have a little like Home Depot in the back of my car. Okay. Number six, hosting hot tip is checking into your own property at night and make sure it is, no pun intended, clear as day.

Annette Grant: [00:10:51] Lit up. Because we get so familiar with our own properties and it’s not just checking in. Look at the drive-in. Are there things that you can tell them? Look out for this. Look for that especially if you’re in remote. I know some remote destinations have like I don’t want to call them quiet hours, but it’s quiet hours for their lights. I forget what it’s called. You’re not allowed to have things lit up, but you can do it very tastefully. 

Light up the driveway, light up the walkway, light up maybe a light in the house. Be mindful of your neighbors. But also think about your guests and how clear it is for them to find your property.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:11:26] Obvious you want to get good check-in marks for your reviews, but it’s also safety. You don’t want people slip-tripping and falling on their way to your door because you better believe they’re going to find a way to make you responsible for that, especially if your sidewalk isn’t illuminated and all those sorts of good things.

Annette Grant: [00:11:41] And it’s good curb appeal.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:11:42] And you can also have a friend of yours say, hey if I send you check-in instructions, is this clear to you? Or ask someone who’s been to the property before, and see if they can find it. Do that with a trusted person before you send your paying guests down that rabbit hole. Tip number seven.

Annette Grant: [00:12:00] We are giving you permission. You do not have to be open 365 days a year. Okay? If you want to take some time off, if you need to take a day off, if you just want to have your schedule blocked not only for you but just for some downtime, do that.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:12:17] You have to know your numbers.

Annette Grant: [00:12:18] Yeah, you have to know your numbers. But also know that things, you also need to have some time in your schedule. Things are going to happen in your house. You’re going to need to do some repairs. So just be mindful of the calendar, be aware of it. And with that, not having to be open, I guess the hot tip there is, we always want to tell you, just really always be paying attention to your calendar and don’t have check-ins on Christmas Day, on New Year’s Day. 

Try to be mindful and just make sure that people are checking in and checking out where you can be enjoying your family and friends and not having to be worried about it. So you really can curate your calendar and think about you first and then how the guest can weave into your lifestyle.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:12:59] We love sharing a win of one of our members. She has her numbers dialed in in such a way where she was looking at her year holistically, which again, we get those DMs all the time like, “Oh my gosh, I was booked at 90%, now I’m not.” And it’s like, wow, is that really the doom and gloom that you think it is or is that natural normal behavior? 

But anyway, she was looking at her calendar holistically, her property holistically, and she was financially doing great. So she said, “I’m going to shut it down for the entire month of January” because she can. Financially, she could do that. And how wonderful to take could they manage their property, their selves, just like so many of you do. And that’s allowed. You can do what you want. It’s your business. But again, we’re not telling you to do something that that’s going to put you in financial trouble.

Annette Grant: [00:13:39] Just be mindful.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:13:40] Be mindful, but you can do it.

Annette Grant: [00:13:41] Again, all these lessons again, I’ve had complaints about the lighting of places not being able to and 365. I’ve had people checking in on New Year’s Eve at like 7:00 and I hate to say it, I wasn’t even doing it. I had to send my parents to do it because I was already out for the evening. Those are silly little things.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:13:58] Wait a minute.

Annette Grant: [00:13:59] Billy and Mary Jane. They had to go do a check-in because I was before I had remote locks and they had to go hand the key over on New Year’s Eve. They did it.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:14:06] There you go, folks.

Annette Grant: [00:14:07] My parents love them. Like my dad, he’s in his 80s. He’s over there like what is Airbnb? Why am I giving them a key? And they nailed it for me. So just unless you don’t have parents like Billy and Mary Jane that’ll go over and check-in people in on New Year’s Eve you want to make sure you block those. You block those calendars. Thanks, mom and dad.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:14:24] So good. Okay, number eight on our top 10 list for 2022 hosting hot tips is, if you don’t have a ton of bathrooms or your bed-to-bathroom ratio is off or you’re wondering what to do with that random corner in your home, is create vanity spaces throughout your home. So these vanity spaces have a mirror, a place to put makeup on to your hair, a chair, and outlets nearby so that you can rock this out. It can also double as a dedicated workspace, but this is a really good way to maximize. 

So if someone’s in the bathroom, you don’t have someone else being peed off and getting ready for whatever they’re getting ready for. So create vanity spaces throughout your property. It’s a really inexpensive way to really be thoughtful. You could even put extra blow dryers at each space. They’re not expensive, and this way they don’t have to get into the bathroom to do that. Just be thoughtful.

Annette Grant: [00:15:19] And we’ve highlighted many properties on STRShares this year where they cater to bachelorette parties and they will have vanity bars set up in the basement and in certain areas of the house where they’ll have mirrors, where multiple people can get together at the same exact time. So know your guests, and know who you’re catering to.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:15:37] Absolutely. Okay.

Annette Grant: [00:15:40] With the vanities, let’s just say full-length mirrors. We’ll throw that in there because I always got to say that. All right, what’s next?

Sarah Karakaian: [00:15:45] All right. Next up is if you’ve got, again, this is for smaller spaces, or maybe it’s just the way that your home is laid out. Consider using TV media stands also as a place for dressers. So maybe your bedroom cannot fit a media standard. You’ve got two full beds or two queen beds or whatever. You’ve used the room in your bedroom and you’re like,  and some guests like to unpack, especially if your average daily stay is a few days. More and more media stands is a really nice way. Get the drawers up, and pull out so that guests can unpack and have some storage space. That was a well-liked tip from this year. Do you want to do our– what’s our last? Our final top tip. This actually went viral.

Annette Grant: [00:16:24] Yes, it did. My personal, yeah hosting hot tip and pet peeve, hey leave more than one trash bag, leave more than one roll of toilet paper, paper towels, and coffee pods. Listen, Sarah and I have been very fortunate that we have never had any theft issues with any of the stuff people do to us all the time.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:16:47] Like fortunate or quite normal.

Annette Grant: [00:16:50] Just normal. Yeah. I’m just saying, it doesn’t happen. People are like, I can’t leave out that much coffee or toilet– people take it, and we’re like, “Hey if somebody needs to take that, they obviously need it more than us, so let them take it.” But just supply your guests with what they need and you won’t be taken advantage of hopefully. Help them help you out. 

Like if you leave somebody one trash bag and they’re only there for a couple of days, they’re not going to be able to throw it all away. So just be super mindful. This is where we bulk shop at Costco and places like that. So buying 150 trash bags and leaving them all very tidy underneath the sink is the easy way to go. Same with paper towels, and toilet paper. Just make sure that your guest is as ready to go all of them.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:17:27] I know we’re going to get some feedback. It’s like I leave all that, what have you. I want you to think about this, especially the number that you were commanding per night and how long the guest is staying. So we’ve been there with all these vacation rentals and you leave you one trash bag and get that that used to be culture. But I’m telling you, everyone is different today and you are going to get negative marks if you are that– I don’t want to use a derogatory word.

Annette Grant: [00:17:52] Do unto others. Like, hey, if you were checking in when you really want to buy a trash bag, do the math on what the trash bags cost. The toilet paper and the paper towels have it all down to science. But listen, hosting hot tips, we are going, like I said, we will be launching a way for you to contribute to our hosting hot tips in 2023. So just keep listening, please. 

And a hot tip for you listeners, if you could leave us a review, that helps these hosting hot tips get out more to host all over the world, which in turn helps us up-level the whole entire hosting community, and then that hopefully gets us more guests and repeat guests and good PR for just short-term rentals in general. So if you want to leave us a–

Sarah Karakaian: [00:18:37] Right now, if you have your phone in your hand, obviously you’re not driving if your phone is in your hand and you’re listening on Apple or Spotify, right then and there, you can leave us a review. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just a quick feedback. Honest. [inaudible] many stars you’ve got, do that right now if you haven’t done that for us this year. We would so appreciate that. There are resources that go into bringing this content to you every week. And we just have those reviews to help. With that, I am Sarah Karakaian.

Annette Grant: [00:19:02] I am Annette Grant, and together we are–

Both Sarah & Annette: [00:19:04] Thanks for Visiting.

Sarah Karakaian: [00:19:05] We’ll talk to you next time. Thanks for listening to the Thanks for Visiting Podcast. Head on over to the show notes for additional information about today’s episode. And please hit that subscribe button and leave us a review. Awesome reviews help us bring you awesome content. Thanks for tuning in and we look forward to hanging out with you next week.