Podcast
Thanks For Visiting
Hosted by Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian · EN
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.
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
535. How to Plan Your 2026 Holiday Pricing Without Leaving Money on the Table
Jan 2200:15:14Tap to summarizeIf you haven’t looked at the 2026 calendar yet, this episode is your wake-up call.In 2026, major holidays fall on Fridays and Saturdays — and that one detail changes how guests book, arrive, and leave. If you price holidays the same way you always have, you risk blocked calendars, forced turnovers, or sitting empty on some of the biggest revenue weekends of the year.In this episode, Sarah and Annette walk through the 2026 holiday calendar and explain exactly how different holiday placements affect demand, guest behavior, minimum stays, and turnover flow. This is not about guessing — it’s about planning ahead so your calendar works for you.You’ll learn:Why Saturday and Friday holidays require completely different strategiesHow Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and ski weekends can create hidden riskWhat makes the 4th of July especially tricky in 2026Why Halloween doesn’t always increase demandHow Friday holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day create multiple booking opportunitiesThe biggest pricing mistakes hosts make when they focus on the holiday date instead of the full booking windowIf you want to protect your time, your team, and your revenue in 2026, this episode is required listening.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!
Transcribe →534. Hosting Hotline: Why We’re Sunsetting the Hotline and What Comes Next
Jan 2000:21:32Tap to summarizeThis Hosting Hotline episode looks a little different.Instead of answering a listener question, Sarah and Annette are pulling back the curtain on a big decision: sunsetting the Hosting Hotline format and refocusing their time, energy, and creativity on deeper ways to support hosts.In this episode, they share the real reasons behind the shift, what they’ve learned from years of Hotline questions, and why “less but better” has become a guiding principle for both Thanks for Visiting and their own hosting businesses.You’ll hear:Why quick answers were no longer serving hosts at the level they deserveWhat the Hosting Hotline taught Sarah and Annette about real hosting challengesHow context, data, and deeper strategy lead to better resultsWhy sunsetting something good can be the right move for long-term growthWhat comes next for hosts who want to go deeper with Thanks for VisitingThis isn’t the end of support. It’s a commitment to better support.Resources mentioned:Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel: In-depth visual breakdowns, strategy sessions, and hosting educationThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.
Transcribe →533. How AI Is Changing the Way Guests Find and Book Your Short Term Rental
Jan 1501:02:19Tap to summarizeAI is no longer a future concept for hosts. It is already shaping how guests search, discover, and choose where to stay.In this episode, Sarah and Annette sit down with AI strategist Rick Mulready to break down what hosts actually need to understand about AI right now and how it impacts visibility, bookings, and direct booking websites. From generative engine optimization to answering guest search questions inside AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, this conversation goes beyond buzzwords and into real, practical applications.You will learn how AI is changing search behavior, why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough, and how hosts can start positioning their listings and websites to show up where guests are already looking. Rick also shares how AI can save hosts time, simplify decision making, and help you run your short term rental like a real business without losing the human touch that great hospitality requires.If you want to stay competitive, increase visibility, and future proof your hosting business, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Resources mentioned: Rick Mulready’s AI Playbook communityRick Mulready’s YouTube channel on AI for businessMentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.
Transcribe →532. Hosting Hotline: Does Renaming Airbnb Photos Actually Improve SEO?
Jan 1300:13:59Tap to summarizeShould you rename your Airbnb listing photos with SEO keywords before uploading them? In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette break down when photo naming actually matters and when it doesn’t.They explain how Airbnb and other OTAs interpret image data, why guest search behavior matters more than marketing adjectives, and how intentional photo naming can support long-term visibility and accessibility across platforms. This isn’t a shortcut or hack—but it is a smart, low-effort optimization that compounds over time.If you’re serious about aligning your listing with how guests search, and helping platforms better understand what you truly offer, this episode is for you.Resources mentioned: Subscribe to the Thanks for Visiting Youtube Channel!Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlist!Mentioned in this episode:Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.Working hard but not making the money you should? Join us for our live Priced & Profitable Bootcamp.
Transcribe →494. Hosting Hotline: Should You Team Up with Another Host?
Sep 200:22:54Tap to summarizeIn this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Jan calls in with a creative question: what if she and her neighbor teamed up to offer both of their homes as a combined rental experience? One property has a pool and putting green, the other has a hot tub—together, they could make the ultimate Tucson getaway.We walk through the upsides of partnering with another host, from expanding guest offerings to building community instead of competition. But we also cover the less glamorous side: liability, financial considerations, calendar coordination, and making sure you and your partner are aligned on guest experience.You’ll learn:How to think about “parent-child” listings and when they make sense.Key financial, legal, and insurance questions to sort out before teaming up.Why guest feedback should guide whether a joint listing adds value.Creative ways to collaborate with other hosts without merging your listings.Marketing strategies that make a joint offering easier to communicate.Partnerships in hosting can be powerful, but they take careful planning. Tune in to hear our tips for turning a fun idea into a smart business move.Resources: Jan’s Website — Madrona Stays – Beautiful properties in Tucson and the Pacific Northwest.Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp — Learn how to up-level your STR listings with actionable strategies and a supportive host community. Join hereParent-Child Listing Resources — Watch our YouTube videos explaining how to structure joint or linked listings. Watch hereMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!
Transcribe →493. Mastering Short-Term Rental Finances with REI Hub’s Adam Hamilton
Aug 2801:07:35Tap to summarizeREI Hub — Bookkeeping software built for real estate investors and STR hosts.Bookkeeping doesn’t always top the list of exciting short-term rental responsibilities—but it’s one of the most important. Without clean and accurate financials, it’s nearly impossible to know how your STR is really performing, plan for future growth, or take advantage of opportunities like refinancing or selling.In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, we sit down with Adam Hamilton of REI Hub, a bookkeeping platform designed specifically for real estate investors and short-term rental hosts. Unlike traditional accounting tools, REI Hub understands the unique needs of property owners and makes it simple to track your income, expenses, and property performance.You’ll learn:Why generic accounting software often falls short for STR hosts.The most common financial mistakes hosts make—and how to fix them.How to use bookkeeping as a decision-making tool, not just a tax-time scramble.Practical ways to save time and reduce stress with systems that work in the background.How clean financials can help you secure better loans, attract investors, or prepare for an eventual exit.Whether you’re managing one listing or a growing portfolio, this episode will give you clarity on how to manage your money like a pro and set your business up for long-term success.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!MinoanMinoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!
Transcribe →492. Hosting Hotline: What Happens to Bookings When You Buy a Short-Term Rental?
Aug 2600:15:51Tap to summarizeThis week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re answering Renee’s question about buying a property that’s already operating as a short-term rental—and what to do about the future bookings that come with it.If you’ve ever considered purchasing an “active STR,” you’ll quickly find out there’s a lot more to it than inheriting a calendar full of reservations. Sarah and Annette explain why listings follow the host (not the property), what that means for your ability to transfer bookings, and the negotiations you’ll need to have with the seller before closing.You’ll learn:Why STR listings and reviews don’t automatically transfer with a property sale.How to negotiate booking transfers, co-hosting arrangements, or guest rebookings.The tax, payout, and guest experience factors you need to consider.How to involve OTAs (Airbnb, VRBO) in a booking transition.Why getting everything in writing is non-negotiable.If you’re thinking about buying a short-term rental, this episode will help you navigate the booking handoff process and avoid the pitfalls that can derail a smooth transition.Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!Make More Money This Year! Join us for a Boot Camp!
Transcribe →491. Why Your Airbnb Listing Might Be in Trouble (and You Don’t Even Know It)
Aug 2100:26:07Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re diving into a behind-the-scenes feature on Airbnb that too many hosts don’t know exists: listing issues. These hidden alerts could be silently hurting your visibility and even putting your listing at risk of suspension.Sarah and Annette break down what listing issues are, how to find them, and—most importantly—how to resolve them. They also share two real-life examples from their own properties, including one that was flagged for a surprise reason (hint: it involved kittens).Tune in to learn:How to activate Airbnb’s professional host toolsWhy private guest feedback still impacts your listingWhat red/yellow/green status lights mean for your listing healthHow to avoid getting flagged by Airbnb’s AIAnd don’t forget: now’s the time to diversify your booking strategy beyond Airbnb.Prefer to watch? We walk you through where to find the listing issues tab in your Airbnb dashboard and what to do if you’re flagged: Watch the full episode on YouTubeResources Mentioned:Airbnb Professional Hosting Tools Setup: Airbnb Help ArticleTFV YouTube Tutorial on Listing Issues: Watch hereCustom Pencils by Lucky Pencil Co.: Shop on EtsyMentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistStayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.
Transcribe →490. Hosting Hotline: Are You Doing Enough to Market Your Midterm Rental?
Aug 1900:20:07Tap to summarizeThis week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re answering Kelsey’s question about how to market a midterm rental beyond just listing on Airbnb or Furnished Finder. If you want to stay competitive in the midterm rental space, you can’t just “set it and forget it.”We break down why marketing your MTR should be part of your daily business routine, how to track what’s working, and why “fortune is in the follow-up.” You’ll learn:How to set up a referral system that keeps past guests thinking about your property.The right way to build relationships with insurance companies, relocation agencies, hospitals, and universities.Why local Facebook groups, real estate meetups, and professional associations are gold mines for leads.Creative ways to get press and leverage SEO to drive direct bookings.How to stay top-of-mind by following up—over and over again.Whether you’re brand new to MTRs or ready to scale, this episode will help you shift your mindset from passive listing manager to proactive business owner—and start filling your calendar with profitable bookings.Resources mentioned: ALE Solutions – A leading provider of temporary housing for displaced homeowners. Mentioned in this episode:Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist
Transcribe →489. Chargebacks 101: Spotting Red Flags and Safeguarding Your Bookings
Aug 14, 202500:38:06Tap to summarizeThis week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re diving deep into a topic no host wants to deal with—but every host needs to understand: chargebacks.Whether you’ve faced one before or you’re hearing the term for the first time, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect your business from costly disputes. We’re breaking down what a chargeback is, why it happens, and the difference between when an OTA is the merchant of record and when you are.We’ll share:Real-world scenarios where chargebacks occur (including Sarah’s firsthand story)9 practical prevention strategies to deter fraud and false disputesHow to set up guest agreements, SOPs, and red-flag awarenessThe reality of winning a chargeback—and why you should always tryWhy this shouldn’t stop you from diversifying your booking platformsFrom spotting last-minute fraud attempts to resolving guest conflicts before they escalate, this episode is your playbook for keeping more of your hard-earned revenue where it belongs—in your pocket.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Stripe – Payment processor used for direct bookings and OTAs like Vrbo and Furnished Finder.Furnished Finder – A popular platform for finding mid-term tenants.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist
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