The Hosting Journey

Black Friday is a great time to stock up on essentials for your Airbnb or short-term rental. Learn how to strategize and build a game plan for a successful Black Friday shopping spree!

Get the scoop on Airbnb's 2021 Release. I'll share the highlights on Airbnb's winter update, including Aircover—free top-to-bottom protection for every host—both new and existing. It includes things like $1M liability insurance, $1M in damage protection, pet damage protection, and more. Plus, I'll explain the Community Integrity Program that shares information between Airbnb & Vrbo to help identify & deal with “party house” offenders.

If you're furnishing a short-term rental or an Airbnb, do you know what NOT to buy? Every host has a list of products they love, but after furnishing 4 STRs, I've gained tons of experience on what NOT to buy. Join me for “The Products I WIll NEVER Buy for My STR.

Do you need to create a website for your short-term rental? Airbnb & VRBO are a good way to start, but when guests rave about your place, do you want them to mention you, or Airbnb? Learn the reasons why I decided to create my own website to showcase my listings and learn what to consider if you're making that decision for your property. I'm dropping some knowledge about website creation and where to go for help and resources. If you want to grow your vacation rental listing, don't miss this one!

Ever wonder if investing in short-term rentals can lead to financial freedom? There's no straight line into the world of Airbnb and short-term rentals. Every host has a different story, and Kirby Atwell's is full of twists and turns—from military service to rehabbing homes, and later from long-term to short-term rentals. Today Kirby's an Airbnb host who has found his sweet spot, along with financial freedom, more time for family, and a business that's built around the life he loves. Listen to “From Flipping Homes to Airbnb,” as I interview Airbnb host Kirby Atwell.  And start the journey to your own sweet spot with short-term rentals!

Tired of staring at the screen and wondering what to say in an email to the guest you just booked? Join me for a review of the five emails you need to include in your guest communications. From the initial booking confirmation to the follow-up email after your guest leaves, there are only a total of 5 emails that are necessary for you to send.  I'll explain each one and give you important tips about the wording, content, and timing. I'll also show you step-by-step how to set up guest emails in Airbnb Automated Messages. Plus, I'll show you how to link your account to the IGMS automated message platform. Communication is a beautiful thing, and automated emails are amazing. Join me to learn more.

You love hosting guests in your Airbnb, and you're good at what you do, but it takes more than just a good host to succeed in the vacation rental business. In this episode, “How to Build Your Airbnb Team,” I explain the process—and it involves a lot more than just finding a good house cleaner!  I discuss what team members you'll need, where to find them, and much more. If you're new to hosting, join me to learn how to have your team in place before you open the door to your new Airbnb. And if you've been hosting for a while, learn how to make the most of the team you have! 

In Surrender While Taking Action I talk about how Airbnb hosts have big goals and big dreams, but we also deal with many situations that are simply out of our control. Guest reviews...construction projects... impossible requests.  How do we manage the daily stresses & demands of hosting and remain positive & peaceful? By surrendering in action. In this podcast, I explain how important it is for us to view our current situation, take the actions we need to take, and surrender to the fact that we can't control every angle. Breathe deeply and take a minute to listen. You'll be glad you did.

In Adapting your Business with Heather Bayer we discuss all the new changes and how she has pivoted her property management business.

Should you sell your Airbnb/short-term rental?. There are lots of things to consider, including tax implications, selling costs & much more. Learn the questions you should ask before you sell.

Is hosting a tiny home in your future? Then join me at “From Tiny Homes to an Empire with Robuilt” as I talk with Rob Abasolo and learn how he created his Robuilt empire!  Rob started small by building a tiny home in his backyard but now has an impressive portfolio of 10 units, along with his popular Robuilt YouTube channel and Instagram page as well as a new course on how to host glamping. Rob talks about how his business has changed over the years and gives valuable advice to new hosts. Think tiny but dream big!

Hosting pets can increase your income, move you ahead of your competition and help you get 5-Star reviews. In today's episode, Hosting Pets at your Short-Term Rental or Airbnb, I talk about why I decided to allow pets in my short-term rentals. I'll give you all the details on how to be a successful pet host by Planning ahead, Equipping your space, Taking charge, and Supplying the tools. With this PET plan, you'll be ready to host FIDO and his humans in safety and comfort!

In 5 Key Questions, Everyone Should Answer, is the episode if you're starting out, thinking of selling, or are a Superhost.  In this episode, I talk with Michelle Himden from Cityami to find out.   Michelle's guidance was invaluable as I began the journey of selling Eveland 1.0 and investing the proceeds to expand my rental portfolio. Listen in as we discuss all the angles to consider.

2020 is in the rearview for Airbnb hosts, but it's important to look back at where we've been. In “How Much Did La Casita Make in 2020?” I review my Puerto Rico vacation rental's expenses & revenues and evaluate the financial wins and losses from this roller-coaster year. Listen for a dose of harsh reality blended with hope for the future

Airbnb hosting takes place in real life, and sometimes life changes our plans. I share a raw and honest look at my own shift to “Plan C” after a recent medical diagnosis. Humor, transparency, and courage shine through in this remarkable episode.

Airbnb host Sue Brocker began following her dreams before she even knew she had them. From the early days of renting a room to owning multiple properties and renting to long-term guests, Sue's hosting journey is a fascinating mix of curiosity, bravery, and a love of adventure. Join me for Following Your Dreams with Sue.

If you're planning a transition to hosting long-term guests, join me as I talk with guest Michelle Himden of Cityami about How to Prepare Your Airbnb for Long-Term guests. From managing guest expectations to offering additional cleaning services to utility bills and pricing for monthly stays, we'll touch on all the important issues.

In The Hosting Products that Saved my 2020, I talk about everything from smart locks to video doorbells. I give you the scoop on the brands that work best. Make a plan for how to save on Black Friday sales and improve your Airbnb hosting game

If you're selling your Airbnb, it's possible to defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange. Bill Exeter,  explains the process and shares valuable information for short term rental hosts to consider when selling or reinvesting.

What are the 2 most important safety items to have in a new Airbnb? In Safety and Your Airbnb Justin Ford of Breezeway shares the important safety measures every host should implement. We talk extension cords, BBQ grills & how to protect your property & your guests.

Did any hosts actually receive financial assistance from Airbnb's Superhost Relief Fund? Do they even exist? In A Superhost Fund Recipient Journey I answer that question by interviewing Katy Hall, a host who did receive funds and shares her story. Katy knows Airbnb is not perfect, but she's grateful for the help they gave her.

An Airbnb host can learn a lot in 10 years. In this episode, I share valuable lessons I've learned on my 10-year hosting journey. From cleaning to guest reviews to the secret to a successful hosting mindset, join me as I review 10 adventure-packed years.

In How to Find and Work with a Property Manager for your Airbnb, Michael McKay and I discuss all the issues, from the questions to ask, to how to have a successful working relationship, and so much more. If you're running on fumes and tired of hosting, a property manager can be a great option. Listen for all the steps to take.

Airbnb policies have changed frequently in the wake of COVID 19. In this episode, I share the latest policy updates and explain how they affect hosts and guests.

A good host knows there's more to an Airbnb entrance than just a welcome mat. In “Five Tips for a Welcome Entrance” learn how you can wow your guests before they cross the threshold.

Is your Instagram account collecting dust? Don't worry...  In this episode, I share all the deets about The 2020 Host Collaborative Challenge, a fun new Instagram photo challenge for vacation rental hosts. Create engaging posts for your Airbnb Instagram and connect with other hosts for community, collaboration, inspiration & fun!

The COVID pandemic of 2020 has forever changed the Airbnb hosting world, and hosts and guests are looking for the way forward. In “The New Normal for 2020, How to Make the Best of It,” I discuss ways to realistically evaluate your hosting business and make decisions for your future. With an open mind and smart planning, you can weather the storm and survive as a host. Join me for this episode of The Hosting Journey and find hope for hosting in 2020.

Airbnb hosts are dreamers. In La Casita Cacao - A Brand New Airbnb Released During COVID, I talked with host Nathalie Caco to find out how she made her hosting dream come true, even in the middle of a pandemic. Join me for this inspiring episode of The Hosting Journey. It's packed full of encouragement, insights and practical strategies to help you keep welcoming guests and chasing your big dream.  

Have you heard about the recent settlement agreement between Airbnb and the City of New York? In this episode, New York attorney Brandon McKenzie joins me to discuss the details of the settlement and the updated law that will now require short-term rental platforms to regularly share information with the city. We'll discuss the details on what the reporting will include, as well as what it means for New York hosts. Even if you don't own an Airbnb in NYC, you can still learn a lot of important information from my talk with Brandon. Get the scoop on all things legal.

Got questions about what's happening in the world of Airbnb?  From policy updates to the host support fund to the new cleaning protocol, I'll tackle these questions and others from The Hosting Journey Facebook group in the episode Answers to Your Airbnb Questions June 2020 Update.

“I don't want my boyfriend to get shot when he is picking up the keys.” Those were the words from my guests when she arrived at my Airbnb. Yes, in today's episode, What Are You Doing Now? I'm talking about issues related to guest's safety, race and anti-racism.

Hopefully, you're getting some reservations, but before you even look at that inquiry, ask yourself when was the last time you updated your photos? Your listing? Your house rules? Your email sequence?  Today I discuss the Five Things You Need to Update in Your Airbnb in 2020... Listen and take action.

What are your thoughts? How many are about the past? About what it was? What it wasn't? Or even worse, how many of those unlovely, worrisome thoughts are about the future?  Today I'm going to ask the question “What Are You Thinking and Is It Helping You?”

ITUNES DESCRIPTION Ever considered the travel nurse market? Did you know there was even a market for this?  There is, dear hosts, and this could save many of us monetarily and save lives as well. Tune in to The Travel Nurse Market in 2020 where Donna Boutin returns to share strategies from over 10 years of hosting travel nurses.

In Airbnb's New $250 Million COVID-19 and Superhost Relief Fund, I talk about Brian Chesky's latest live streams and all their new initiatives. Including the new dates for the cancellation policy, the qualifications for the relief fund and what you need to do to be prepared. Be informed and take action.

Am I closing La Casita? What about Eveland? Do I have any reservations?  I know you want to know. In What is MY Truth about Airbnb and Covid-19, I'm sharing how I am hanging on with the curfew in Puerto Rico, what I've decided to do with my Airbnbs and share with you some lessons I learned from the recession in 2009. Sometimes we need to look at the past to see what we can do in the present.

On March 14th 2020 Airbnb updated their Covid-19 extenuating cancellation policy. In this episode, find out the latest changes, why those changes are being applied, and what I'm doing about them. Tune in, as I want all of you to be as fully informed and prepared as you can.

We reached the 100th episode already!? Wow! This calls for a recap! In  “Your favorite top 10 Hosting Journey episodes” I reveal your top 10 favorite episodes and share my thoughts about them. It is a great time to remember our journey together and refresh those episodes that are helpful for the weird circumstances we are all living in now (yes, the COVID-19).Tune in! And as a thank you for all your support , I shall share with you a special announcement in the episode. Let's relive our journey together, and of course, celebrate our 100th episode! 

In Coronavirus Covid-19 and Your Airbnb, I discuss what is this new virus, how it is transmitted, Airbnb new extenuating circumstances because of it and how to clean your Airbnb.

In A Lease Agreement for Your Airbnb, I talk with Kathy Holdway all about lease agreements and why she was forced to create it to protect her business. Do you have one for your business?

If you could chat with a vacation rental expert, what questions would you ask? I ask Heather Bayer of Vacation Rental Formula and Jasper Ribbers of Get Paid for Your Pad these burning questions: “What are your top 3 tips for the slow season?” and “If you were to start over again, what would you do differently?.” 

Due to the recent earthquake, my hosting game in Puerto Rico just got shaken up a little. In How to Airbnb During a Natural Disaster, I share some valuable lessons I learned. I have lived through a few events as a host and a guest and I tell you all about it.

In my 2019 End of Year Review, I share the many changes I made in my hosting life. I talk travel and making the move to remote hosting, as well as hiring & building a reliable team for cleaning & repairs. I cover profits, communication, automation & tech.

In Lessons Learned From Building The New Airbnb La Casita, I celebrate the opening of my new Puerto Rico Airbnb. From market research to design, I review the big & small decisions that had to be made before listing. Lessons were learned, and I share them with you

In  Analyzing 2019 to Move into 2020 I discuss the importance of taking an honest look back and analyzing your hosting year. It's a big first step in planning for the year ahead, and I'll share some tips on how to do it, beginning with a look at finances. 

Airbnbing can be hectic, so we need all the shortcuts we can get--AND all the discounts. Cyber Monday's gonna be BIG over at TheHostingJourney.com/cybermonday. Let 2020 be an Epic hosting year.

Say no to empty nights. Say no to overwhelm. Say yes, yes, yes to a 2020 Superhost year! Are you prepared for 2020? What's your hosting vision? Who kind of a host do you want to be in this New Decade? In this episode, I talk about Getting it Done in 2020, a new live workshop coming up on December 12th. 

It's that time of the year again: time to be thankful and time for great sales here in the USA. Pre-Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2019 I'm sharing tips and tricks so we're strategic in our Airbnb shopping. Just starting out? Don't worry. I got you covered

Nine out of 10 people check reviews before deciding to book, so I can understand why you'd want to ask for a 5-star review. But instead of making your guests feel apprehensive and yucky, why not gently guide them toward those 5-stars? Listen and learn my tips on how to get those amazing reviews.

In Tuning-In to the Airbnb Legal Drama, attorney Brandon Mckenzie joins us. Brandon provides some great insights into things we can do to protect ourselves in the unfortunate event that we need to process a claim with Airbnb.

The FREE Host 2019 conference is taking place on Oct 31 and Nov 1st. Oliver Hannaford and I discuss why they created it, who it is for, and why you should come to London to attend. Will I see you at my talk? You still have time to get a ticket.