364 episodes

Get actionable advice and the essential fundamentals of running a profitable 5-star Airbnb side-hustle or full on business. Annette’s extensive background in business operations and Sarah’s experience in high-end hospitality management and interior design make them a powerhouse duo that will deliver high impact content. With almost a decade of combined hosting experience they will not only share their own stories welcoming thousands of guests from around the world but also those of other Superhosts to deliver you a wide array of stories, insights, and profitable and creative ideas to make your listing rise to the top. Whether you’re experienced, new, or nervous to start your own Airbnb this podcast promises to be informative, fun, and from the heart.

Thanks For Visiting Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 534 Ratings

Get actionable advice and the essential fundamentals of running a profitable 5-star Airbnb side-hustle or full on business. Annette’s extensive background in business operations and Sarah’s experience in high-end hospitality management and interior design make them a powerhouse duo that will deliver high impact content. With almost a decade of combined hosting experience they will not only share their own stories welcoming thousands of guests from around the world but also those of other Superhosts to deliver you a wide array of stories, insights, and profitable and creative ideas to make your listing rise to the top. Whether you’re experienced, new, or nervous to start your own Airbnb this podcast promises to be informative, fun, and from the heart.

    STR Safety in 2024: The Latest on Regulations, Technology & Trends with Justin Ford

    STR Safety in 2024: The Latest on Regulations, Technology & Trends with Justin Ford

    Today’s expert guest is Justin Ford, an international safety superstar when it comes to short-term rentals. Returning for his record thirteenth appearance on the show, the wisdom just never stops with Justin, as he’s become a close friend of the show – and hopefully, a trusted advisor to all of our listeners.
    Justin updates us on his latest travels, taking us from a safety survey in a $40k/night Colorado mansion listing to affecting permanent and positive change in Cancun’s STR regulations. We go from the details – touching on carbon monoxide detectors and loose rugs – to looking at safety from a wider perspective – insurance liability, communication, and industry trends.
    We can’t thank Justin enough for being such a huge part of our own educational programming, and for fighting the good fight for honest, safety-minded hosts all over the world. His advice continues to be invaluable to us, and to this community. We encourage you to show him some love on social media when you get the chance!
    (00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @staynplay_branson
    (00:04:30) The State of Short-Term Rental Safety
    (00:09:16) The Global Travels of an STR Safety Expert
    (00:13:27) Importance of Gas Detectors in Your Listing
    (00:15:14) What Makes a Safe Bedroom in a Vacation Rental?
    (00:17:44) How to Effectively Sell Your Commitment to Safety
    (00:21:55) Safety Steps to Remember as an STR Co-Host
    (00:26:25) Defending Your Certifiably Safe Short-Term Rental
    (00:34:18) Quick & Easy Steps to a Safer Airbnb Listing
    (00:44:05) What’s Next for Justin Ford?
    Resources:
    • Website: justinford.expert
    • LinkedIn: Justin Ford
    • Blog: Breezeway Blog
    • Facebook: Short Term Rental Safety
    • Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips!
    • Shop: Thanks for Visiting safety products
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    • #STRShareSunday: @StayNPlayBranson
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
    Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!
    Sign up at hostmasterclass.com.
    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!
    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

    • 55 min
    Hosting Hotline: Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Pet Smells in Your Short-Term Rental

    Hosting Hotline: Tips & Tricks for Avoiding Pet Smells in Your Short-Term Rental

    Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.
    Samantha asks:
    We recently started our short-term rental business and we currently have two rentals down at the beach. We are allowing pets at both of them because we're dog lovers ourselves. Our first guest had two dogs, and when we went in afterward, we noticed the scent of a dog. Do you recommend using any products, or staying away from scented products?
    (00:01:31) Should I Worry if My Vacation Rental Smells Like a Dog?
    (00:03:15) Pet-Friendly STR Hosting Tips
    (00:04:56) Training Your Turnover Team for Pet Issues
    Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.
    Resources:
    • ETI Solutions: etisolutions.co (email: info@etisolutions.co)
    • Breezeway Pet-Friendly Checklist: breezeway.io/pet-checklist
    • Video: Pet Friendly Airbnbs - How to Charge
    • Pet Product Recommendations: amazon.com/shop/thanksforvisiting
    • Pet-Friendly STR? Don’t Miss These Tips for Cleaning, Communication & Couch Covers #335
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.
    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    • 10 min
    What’s a Public Adjuster? Why Knowing One Might Save Your Vacation Rental

    What’s a Public Adjuster? Why Knowing One Might Save Your Vacation Rental

    Today’s expert guest is Gwynne Beatty, a specialist in property damage claims, water restoration, mold remediation, maximizing your claim, and managing the repair process for residential and commercial properties. She's here to pull back the curtain on the claims process and give you the knowledge and tools you need if (and when) you find yourself with property damage.
    She’s a public adjuster (don’t worry, we learn all about what that means) and has tons of secrets to share today as she answers critically misunderstood questions like… Should your insurance agent make your claim? What words should you use, and avoid, when inquiring about damage? Who gets paid – when, why, and how much?
    Insurance may seem like a dry topic, but you will be blown away by what you learn from this conversation. Gwynne is truly the kind of collaborator, professionally and personally, you want to have in your corner when the time comes to lace up your gloves vs. an insurance giant.
    (00:01:24) #STRShareSunday: @StayOldTownRoad
    (00:03:02) Gwynne Drops Truth Bombs About STR Damage Claims
    (00:07:29) Learn the Basics of Vacation Rental Insurance Claims
    (00:17:39) Understanding Insurance & Your STR Business
    (00:27:15) Example STR Damage Claim Scenario
    (00:40:36) Can You Reopen an Old (Unfair) Insurance Settlement?
    Resources:
    • Text Gwynne: (954) 648-9258
    • Email Gwynne: GwynneB@wedryUS.com
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    • #STRShareSunday: @StayOldTownRoad
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!
    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.
    Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!
    Sign up at hostmasterclass.com.

    • 53 min
    Hosting Hotline: Creative Ideas for Concierge Services to Differentiate Your STR

    Hosting Hotline: Creative Ideas for Concierge Services to Differentiate Your STR

    Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.
    Francesca asks:
    I am looking for ways to enhance the guest experience through concierge services. As an example, I saw someone post that they'll put away Instacart groceries for guests before they arrive. I'm looking for unique and creative concierge services to offer guests and differentiate from competitors. If you have any suggestions, that would be awesome. We are in a beach market.
    (00:01:20) Question About Concierge Services at Vacation Rental
    (00:02:19) Getting Your Strategy Straight: Revenue Driver vs. Free Gift
    (00:03:14) Recommended Creative Concierge Services for Your STR Listing
    (00:07:17) Market Research & Generative Brainstorming for Hosts
    Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.
    Resources:
    • Crack the Guest Code: Use Quizzes to Figure Out the Perfect Vacation Rental Stay (with Special Guest Linda Sidhu) #287
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.
    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    • 13 min
    Problem Solving Hacks for Beginner Short-Term Rental Hosts & Co-Hosts

    Problem Solving Hacks for Beginner Short-Term Rental Hosts & Co-Hosts

    Today’s expert guest is Lynn Smith, a short-term rental host and co-host for properties in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. Informed by a mixed background in public health, event planning, and sales, Lynn started her hosting journey in 2020.
    She’s a star member of our Hosting Business Mastery Method and has actually taught us so much over the years, that it came time to feature her unique perspective and approach on the podcast.
    Specifically, she’s a master at turning hardships into opportunities. We talk about the technology she’s used to manage her business, hard lessons she’s learned to effectively manage a team, and how she maintains healthy boundaries to keep it all running smoothly.
    (00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @ThatLittleLodge
    (00:03:02) Lynn’s Initial Short-Term Rental Experience
    (00:10:58) Stop Losing Sleep Over Guest Satisfaction
    (00:21:53) Overcoming Roadblocks with STR Tech
    (00:28:22) Tips for Dealing with Unique Vacation Rental Guests
    (00:37:05) Operations Team Structure for a Hosting Business
    (00:46:34) Finding Clients as a Professional STR Co-Host
    Resources:
    • Lynn’s co-hosting business: stayprofamilia.com
    • Instagram: @profamilia_homes
    • Check out Breezeway Assist
    • Check out PriceLabs
    • #STRShareSunday: @ThatLittleLodge
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.
    Join us for our live, free, host masterclass and learn how to OWN your digital real estate!
    Sign up at hostmasterclass.com.
    Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!
    Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

    • 57 min
    Hosting Hotline: How Much is Too Much Communication With STR Guests?

    Hosting Hotline: How Much is Too Much Communication With STR Guests?

    Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.
    Sandrine asks:
    I have a few questions regarding guest communication. How much is too much and how exactly do you handle communicating the rental agreement? Do you send the rental agreement right through the booking platform, like Airbnb, or ask for a personal email? What do you do if they don't respond or sign it by the time that they book? I know each guest is different in how much interaction they want with their hosts, so I'm just wondering what the consensus seems to be on this topic.
    (00:01:24) Appropriate Frequency of Communication with STR Guests
    (00:03:01) Tips for Communicating Your Rental Agreement
    (00:06:46) Suggested Cadence for Vacation Rental Guest Communications
    (00:09:35) Benefits to Asking for a Review Upon Checkout
    Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.
    Resources:
    • Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
    • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
    Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.
    Mentioned in this episode:
    StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.
    Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
534 Ratings

534 Ratings

FFerenczi ,

The best energy!

Sarah and Annette bring such good energy to this topic and are clearly extremely expert and experienced. TFV is a must listen for anyone who has or is thinking about having a Short-Term Rental property.

SandrineL37 ,

Godsend of a resource

This review is long overdue. I am so incredibly thankful for these ladies and the guests they’ve hosted on their show. This has allowed me to learn and take vigorous notes over the last 3 years that my partners and I are now implementing with our first STR. While we are still newbies, the confidence level of being able to implement learnings from experienced hosts is priceless. Thank you for caring equally about the guests and hosts by sharing your wealth of knowledge for the rest of us that are eager and learning! - Sandrine

BabyChanFred ,

They gave me courage

From advice on marketing to property management and guest experience, Sarah and Annette share a wealth of valuable knowledge and inspiration. They gave me the courage and resources I needed to create Monarch Park B

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