The Boostly Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: The Platform Helping Mid-Term Hosts Fill Vacancies — Meet Furnished Finder
Host: Mark Simpson
Guest: Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder
Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction to Mid-Term Rentals (MTRs)

In this episode, Mark Simpson hosts Jeff Hurst, the CEO of Furnished Finder, to discuss the burgeoning field of mid-term rentals (MTRs). The conversation delves into how platforms like Furnished Finder are revolutionizing the hospitality industry by catering specifically to hosts seeking stability beyond traditional short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb.

Jeff Hurst’s Journey and Role at Furnished Finder

Jeff Hurst shares his professional background, highlighting his extensive experience in the short-term rental (STR) sector, including pivotal roles at HomeAway and Expedia Group. Transitioning to Furnished Finder a year and a half ago, Jeff emphasizes his enthusiasm for modernizing the traditional classified marketplace to better serve both landlords and tenants in the MTR space.

Jeff Hurst [01:41]: "It's just a very traditional classified marketplace and it's, I think, doing a lot of people a lot of good and a space that deserves a little more sunlight."

Understanding Furnished Finder’s Market Position

Furnished Finder originally gained prominence as a platform for travel nurses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a significant demand for mid-term housing solutions. Jeff clarifies that while travel nursing remains a substantial segment, the platform has diversified to include corporate travelers, relocating families, and academics.

Jeff Hurst [05:17]: "The biggest misconception is that it's a travel nurse platform... relocating families is the fastest growing."

As of the episode, Furnished Finder boasts approximately 235,000 paying landlords and 300,000 listings, with a majority being whole homes and a significant portion dedicated to room rentals. Tenant inquiries have surged by about 40% year-on-year, indicating robust demand.

Addressing Common Pain Points for Hosts

Mark prompts Jeff to discuss the primary challenges faced by hosts transitioning from STRs to MTRs. Jeff identifies three main pain points:

1. Regulatory Constraints: Many hosts face licensing caps or minimum stay requirements in major cities, turning to MTRs as a compliant alternative.

2. Hybrid Strategy Needs: Hosts in regions with seasonal demand seek to fill off-peak periods with mid-term rentals.

3. Desire for Inventory Diversification: STR hosts frustrated with the limitations of platforms like Airbnb are looking for alternative avenues to maximize occupancy and income.

Jeff Hurst [08:30]: "There's so much room for improvement to modernize the experience but still maintain that killer value proposition."

Overcoming Misconceptions and Encouraging Platform Adoption

Jeff addresses common misconceptions, particularly the belief that Furnished Finder is exclusively for travel nurses. He assures listeners that the platform has diversified, now accommodating various tenant types, each with distinct needs and budgets.

Jeff Hurst [13:08]: "80% of people who sign up get a direct inquiry in the first 30 days."

Mark and Jeff discuss the affordability and effectiveness of Furnished Finder's subscription model, contrasting it with commission-based platforms. Jeff emphasizes the financial benefits for both tenants and landlords, highlighting significant savings by avoiding hefty fees typical of OTAs.

Navigating Changes in Airbnb and Their Impact on Hosts

The discussion shifts to recent policy changes by Airbnb, with Jeff offering insights based on his experience at major OTAs. He advises hosts to diversify their booking platforms to mitigate risks associated with platform dependency.

Jeff Hurst [14:59]: "You're in a very unequal relationship. You have 1.6 million of them and you have one of them. So being sure you're diversified is crucial."

Jeff critiques Airbnb’s new category launches and policy adjustments, suggesting that while Airbnb is tightening its controls to enhance monetization, hosts should not rely solely on a single platform for their rental business.

Tactical Advice for Hosts Transitioning to MTRs

Responding to listener questions, Jeff provides actionable strategies for hosts looking to integrate MTRs into their existing STR businesses:

1. Seasonal Blocking: Hosts in seasonal markets should block out off-peak periods exclusively for MTRs, ensuring calendar clarity and maximizing occupancy.

2. Adjusting Booking Windows: By setting shorter booking windows for STRs and longer minimum stays for MTRs, hosts can effectively manage their calendars without conflicts.

3. Enhancing Home Setup: For MTRs, outfitting homes with necessary amenities suitable for longer stays—without the need for high-end features demanded by STRs—can optimize costs and appeal to tenants seeking functionality over luxury.

Jeff Hurst [25:15]: "Take a look at your past booking history and what your book to stay window is."

Future Developments and Roadmap

Jeff outlines Furnished Finder’s plans for 2025, focusing on technological enhancements to improve user experience:

• Platform Modernization: Rebuilding the technology stack to offer a more intuitive and efficient booking interface akin to Airbnb, sans commission fees.

• Enhanced Messaging System: Introducing a comprehensive messaging tool with features like auto-replies and AI integration to streamline communication between hosts and tenants.

• Integration with Property Management Systems: Facilitating seamless synchronization with platforms like Guesty and Hostaway to simplify calendar management and operations for landlords.

Jeff Hurst [22:46]: "We want the shopping experience to feel just like Airbnb, except you don't book on our site because we're not charging the commissions."

Expanding Beyond the U.S.

Currently focused on the U.S. market, Furnished Finder plans to expand internationally, starting with Canada by late 2026. Jeff acknowledges the complexities of scaling globally but underscores the platform’s commitment to serving a wider audience.

Jeff Hurst [35:16]: "As we rebuild it, we are adding language and currency. I would expect probably late next year we'll be moving into Canada."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Mark and Jeff conclude the episode by encouraging hosts to diversify their rental strategies and leverage platforms like Furnished Finder to achieve greater stability and income. Jeff reiterates the value of relationships and proactive marketing in successfully managing MTRs.

Mark Simpson [35:03]: "If you have aspiration to one day exit and sell it, any sensible investor who would look at you and you say I'm 100% Airbnb, they'll just walk away because it's too much of a risk for them to do that."

Listeners are invited to explore Furnished Finder’s resources, including their YouTube channel, Facebook community, and the "Landlord Diaries" podcast series for further insights and support.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Hurst [01:41]: "It's just a very traditional classified marketplace and it's, I think, doing a lot of people a lot of good and a space that deserves a little more sunlight."

• Jeff Hurst [05:17]: "The biggest misconception is that it's a travel nurse platform... relocating families is the fastest growing."

• Jeff Hurst [08:30]: "There's so much room for improvement to modernize the experience but still maintain that killer value proposition."

• Jeff Hurst [14:59]: "You're in a very unequal relationship. You have 1.6 million of them and you have one of them. So being sure you're diversified is crucial."

• Jeff Hurst [25:15]: "Take a look at your past booking history and what your book to stay window is."

• Jeff Hurst [22:46]: "We want the shopping experience to feel just like Airbnb, except you don't book on our site because we're not charging the commissions."

• Mark Simpson [35:03]: "If you have aspiration to one day exit and sell it, any sensible investor who would look at you and you say I'm 100% Airbnb, they'll just walk away because it's too much of a risk for them to do that."

Resources Mentioned:

• Furnished Finder Stats Page: furnishedfinder.com/stats
• Landlord Diaries Podcast: Available on Furnished Finder’s website and major podcast platforms.
• Furnished Finder YouTube Channel: boostly.co.uk/youtube

Join the Conversation:

For those interested in diving deeper into mid-term rentals and optimizing their rental strategies, tune into future episodes of The Boostly Podcast, subscribe to Furnished Finder’s YouTube channel, and engage with their vibrant Facebook community.