Thanks For Visiting

Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
  • 5.0 (2)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY
Thanks For Visiting

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.

  1. 14 HR AGO

    465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)

    This week, we’re diving deep into the world of sheets, stains, thread counts, and what your guests actually care about when it comes to the sleep experience. We’re joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder of California Design Den, a luxury bedding brand trusted by thousands of short-term rental hosts—and the highest-rated cotton sheet brand on Amazon. In this episode, Deepak pulls back the curtain on everything you never knew you needed to know about bedding. From the science behind thread count to how microfiber might be hurting your guest experience (and your skin), this is the ultimate STR bedding masterclass. We cover: – Why 400 thread count cotton is the sweet spot for hosts – The difference between softness, smoothness, and weight (yes, there’s a difference) – Why microfiber is basically plastic—and what that means for your guests – The truth about poly/cotton blends and "hotel-grade" sheets – The easiest way to reduce wrinkles and stains (hint: it’s your dryer settings) – How often you really need to replace your sheets – Why Deepak built a VIP program just for hosts—and how to get in – What every host can learn from selling on marketplaces like Amazon If you’ve ever wondered what sheets to buy, how long they last, or how to talk about linens in your listing description, this episode is packed with answers, clarity, and a few hot takes. RESOURCES:Try California Design Den’s STR program Request samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150 Shop Standard Textile via HostGPO Join to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliate Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes

    1h 1m

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    464. Hosting Hotline: Design-Challenged? How to Furnish Your STR Without Wasting a Dime

    Welcome to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re answering a question from Joanna, a new host who admits she’s got zero design sense—and she’s not alone. Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) without making expensive mistakes is one of the biggest hurdles for new hosts. So what’s the smartest way to get it done? In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down: Why design matters more than ever in today’s competitive STR marketWhether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIYWhat to look for in a short-term rental design specialistHow to interview designers (and avoid staging traps)Where to splurge vs. where to saveWhat guests really care about—and how that impacts your ROIThe truth about property management options (and why self-hosting still rules)Pro tips on sourcing quality furnishings and maximizing your setup budget Whether you’re design-challenged or just need help avoiding analysis paralysis, this episode will set you up to furnish your rental with confidence—and without blowing your budget. Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top tools Mentioned in this episode: Somerled Designs | Short-term rental interior design Minoan | Save big on furniture and decor for your STRAre you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today! Mentioned in this episode: Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

    16 min

  3. 15 MAY

    463. Leaving Corporate, Facing HOA Battles, and Hosting Like a Pro

    This week we’re sharing an incredible story of resilience, risk, and hosting transformation inside our community. Meet one of our Hosting Business Mastery members who went from chemical engineer to thriving short-term rental owner—with nine beautifully designed units and a passion for guest care that can’t be taught. She didn’t just dip a toe in—she jumped in headfirst, took on rental arbitrage, faced an unexpected HOA shutdown, and fought to stay in business. Along the way, she found support, built a powerful partnership with her landlord, and even showed up to City Council to advocate for Houston hosts. In this episode, we cover: – How she transitioned from corporate life into hosting – The emotional and financial rollercoaster of rental arbitrage – What happened when her first property was shut down by an HOA – How she negotiated new landlord partnerships—and had them pitch in – Her advocacy work and public testimony that helped reverse STR policy changes – Pro tips she implemented to boost her bookings and revenue (hello, rule sets and late checkout fees!) – The power of community, coaching, and asking for help before calling it quits If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for this, or felt like giving up—this story is your reminder to keep going. Real hosts face real challenges, and there’s real support waiting for you when you show up. Resources: – Ola’s Website: www.snoozelane.com – Snooze Lane on Instagram: @thesnoozelane – Connect with Ola: @olagiwa – Local Interview with Ola: Voyage Houston – Join us inside Hosting Business Mastery: thanksforvisiting.com/yes – Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Airbnb House Rules That Actually Work (Copy These!) Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes

    53 min

  4. 13 MAY

    462. Hosting Hotline: What’s the Best Bedding for Airbnbs That Won’t Snag or Wrinkle?

    Welcome back to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today’s question comes from Sarah in Redwood, Mississippi, who’s been crushing it with over 30 stays in just six months. She’s asking something we hear all the time: What sheets actually hold up in short-term rentals? She's tried cotton, poly, bamboo—and still ends up with wrinkled, snagged bedding and lint rollers in hand. We’re breaking it all down: – Why the problem might start with your washer, dryer, or water quality, not the sheets themselves – The detergents and laundering tools that could be making things worse – Our go-to hospitality-grade sheet brands (including those used in Hilton and Marriott properties) – What standard hotels do differently to fight lint, hair, and wrinkles – Why the “easy button” doesn’t exist—and what realistic SOPs can make your beds shine – Why lint rolling will always be part of the job – The truth about cotton vs. poly blend sheets and how to reduce wrinkles – Why your sheets might be fine—but your expectations need to be aligned with professional standards If you’ve ever wondered what linens last longest, look best, and still feel good for your guests, this episode is for you. RESOURCES:Try California Design Den’s STR program Request samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150 Shop Standard Textile via HostGPO Join to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliate Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb Mentioned in this episode: Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop! Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop! Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

    17 min

  5. 8 MAY

    461. From Design Firm to Direct Booking Success

    Today’s guest is a powerhouse of resilience and resourcefulness: Janice Thayer of Curated Properties in Abingdon, Virginia. As a longtime member of Hosting Business Mastery (HBM), Janice shares her remarkable journey from navigating personal upheaval to launching a thriving short-term rental business — all while living on-site. In this inspiring conversation, Janice explains how she leveraged her design expertise and entrepreneurial background to build a luxury hosting brand, create multiple rentable spaces within her own home, and master the art of direct bookings. She walks us through the challenges of launching during COVID, navigating property renovations, and the mindset that has allowed her to double her revenue every year since opening. We also discuss how Janice uses dynamic pricing, multiple social media platforms, and creative SEO tactics to attract guests — including how she’s achieved a 28% direct booking rate with zero paid advertising. Plus, she shares her strategies for guest screening, why she chooses to stay involved in HBM years after launching, and why resilience is every host’s superpower. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly take control of your STR income and build a sustainable, guest-loved business — this is the episode for you. In this episode, we cover: • How Janice’s interior design and hospitality background set her apart as a host • Starting a STR business after a major life transition • The pros and cons of living onsite with your guests • Renovating and reconfiguring space to maximize bookings • Why dynamic pricing was a game-changer for Janice’s revenue • How she built a direct booking website that now accounts for nearly 30% of her income • Tips for using social media and SEO to attract direct bookings • Managing cleaners and maintaining high standards • Why Janice stays engaged in Hosting Business Mastery year after year • The #1 mindset shift every host needs to succeed Resources mentioned: • Join our FREE upcoming workshop: thanksforvisiting.com/workshop • Watch on YouTube: The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to know about! • Follow Janice and explore her properties: linktr.ee/curatedpropertiesllc Mentioned in this episode: Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop! Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!

    59 min

  6. 6 MAY

    460. Hosting Hotline: Should I Add a Safe to My Airbnb?

    This week’s question comes from Valerie, who’s looking to add a hotel-style safe to her short-term rental so guests can program their own code and feel secure during their stay. It sounds simple—but there’s more to consider than you might think! We’re diving into: The pros of offering a programmable safe (especially in shared spaces or high-trust luxury listings)What you need to know before installing oneTeam and guest communicationCleaning and turnover protocolsWhat to do if a guest forgets the code or leaves items behind Plus, we’re linking Valerie—and you! —to a safe we found on Amazon that’s highly rated and affordable. Resources from this episode: Amazon Basics Security Safe with Programmable Electronic KeypadSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | How to Set Up Your Airbnb Bathroom (Beginner’s Guide!) Got a question about hosting? We want to hear it! Submit your question at hostinghotline.com Mentioned in this episode: Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp! Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

    14 min

  7. 1 MAY

    459. Mastering Revenue Management: Pricing Strategy, Profit Gaps & Calendar Wins

    It’s Money-Making May—and today’s guest proves that revenue management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re joined by Wendy Doris, founder of Mostess and a powerhouse co-host based in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. Wendy manages a portfolio of 17 highly curated homes and has become a sought-after voice in the STR world for her detailed, data-driven approach to pricing and guest experience. In this episode, Wendy walks us through her journey from “weekend pricing guesswork” to full-on revenue strategy. Whether you’re hosting one property or scaling your co-hosting business, Wendy’s lessons will inspire you to finally take control of your pricing—with confidence. What we cover: Wendy’s transition from flipping homes to thriving as a design-forward co-hostWhy she ditched Airbnb smart pricing and what she uses insteadHow she uncovered thousands in lost revenue with one mindset shiftThe difference between pricing software and pricing strategyHow calendar rules, booking windows, and stay minimums are part of revenue managementWhy weekly check-ins on your numbers are essentialWendy’s go-to reports inside PriceLabs and how she uses them to hit owner goalsThe surprising benefits of weekday promos and one-night staysHow co-hosts can use pricing expertise to win and retain clients This episode is a masterclass in practical pricing—without the overwhelm. Resources You May Need:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to Know About!Learn more about Wendy’s hosting business: mostess.hostReady to finally price your property like a pro? | Join our May Bootcamp: Priced & Profitable Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp! Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

    52 min

  8. 29 APR

    458. Hosting Hotline: Can I Still Use StayFi with Airbnb’s New Rules?

    Airbnb’s new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy has left a lot of hosts wondering: Can you still use tools like StayFi to collect guest emails? Today on the Hosting Hotline, Natasha calls in with a smart and timely question—and we bring in the best person to answer it: Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi. In this episode, we cover: How Airbnb’s updated policy affects communication and guest data collectionWhat it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rulesWhy StayFi’s WiFi marketing and email tools are still compliant (and important!)How to use this moment as an opportunity for a full business compliance checkOur own experience continuing to use StayFi for both our urban STRs and new glamping property If you're focused on building your direct booking strategy while staying fully compliant, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss. Resources:The Hidden Truth: Why Most Airbnb Hosts Fail (And How to Succeed) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more host strategies and support!Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency PolicyLearn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first 3 months Mentioned in this episode: Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp! Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

    14 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    485
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
  • Show Website
    Thanks For Visiting

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