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Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian

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. 5 DAYS AGO

    456. Hosting Hotline: Should I Bake My Airbnb Cleaning Fee Into the Nightly Rate?

    This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're digging into a question from Penny, a host of two jaw-dropping luxury rentals in Hocking Hills, Ohio. With properties clocking in at over 10,000 and 13,000 square feet, a saltwater pool, and four separate apartments, Penny’s homes are stunning — but she's stuck on one big question: how should she charge her cleaning fee? Should she bake the fee into the nightly rate or break it out as a separate line item? What’s the “right” way to do this, especially when hosting large groups or events? In this episode, we walk through: Why understanding your actual cost to clean is step oneHow to assess guest perception of your fee and reduce sticker shockWays to use dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) to stay competitive and track market cleaning feesWhy breaking down booking feedback and sales data is criticalWhen it makes sense to blend cleaning fees into your nightly rate Plus, we revisit a real-world case study from Episode 321 with Monique from PriceLabs, where she adjusted her pricing to recover cleaning costs and stay competitive in her market. Whether you’re hosting luxury travelers or managing smaller STRs, this is a must-listen if you’ve ever wrestled with how to present your cleaning fee to guests. Resources: Follow these incredible Hocking Hills properties: The CliffsThe Box HopDunlap Hollow Cabins Follow our land journey in Hocking Hills: @richhollowretreat Check out Penny’s luxury homes: @woodland_retreats Listen to Episode 321 – PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing vs. Airbnb Cleaning Fees Start using PriceLabs (our preferred pricing tool): https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=RTj8a0 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | 5 Red Flags Your Airbnb Cleaner Isn't Doing Their Job Mentioned in this episode: Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp! Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp! Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

    21 min
  2. 17 APR

    455. The Spring Maintenance Checklist for Hosts

    Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to give your short-term rental a seasonal refresh. In today’s episode, we're walking you through a host-focused maintenance checklist to ensure your property is not only clean and cozy but also safe and guest-ready as the temperatures rise. If you want to prevent emergency repairs, avoid guest complaints, and extend the life of your property’s key features, this list is for you. It’s also an opportunity to show your guests that every detail matters—which goes a long way toward 5-star reviews. From deep cleaning windows and testing AC units to preparing your patio furniture and swapping out winter blankets, we're digging into all the must-do maintenance tasks for spring and summer success. In this episode, we cover: How to assess and refresh your windows and screensThe importance of routine HVAC maintenance (and why spring is the ideal time to schedule it)Why your "Forgot Something" basket needs a seasonal updateOutdoor furniture and patio safety tips (including an important reminder from our friend Justin Ford)What to review with your landscaping and lawn care vendorsHow to prepare for storm season and emergency accessWhy you should swap seasonal amenities (like heavy bedding and outdoor gear) Whether you manage your own cleanings or you’re working with a team, use this checklist to ensure your STR is set up for safe, successful hosting this season. Resources: Check out Justin Ford – International Short-Term Rental Safety ExpertWatch: How to Set Up Your “Forgot Something” Basket | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Mentioned in this episode: Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered! StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    22 min
  3. 10 APR

    453. The 5 Biggest Tax Mistakes STR Hosts Make

    It’s tax time, and if you're a short-term rental host, this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking down the five biggest tax mistakes we see STR hosts make—and how to avoid them so you can keep more of what you earn. From understanding the seven-day rule to knowing how your cleaning schedule could trigger self-employment tax, we’re unpacking how STR income is classified and what actually qualifies for those juicy tax deductions. We’re also sharing actionable tips on how to track your time, understand depreciation, and avoid missteps with personal use and local tax rules. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a tax pro we trust if you need expert guidance. Quick disclaimer: We are not CPAs or tax professionals—just experienced hosts sharing what we’ve learned and linking you to the right resources. Always talk to your own tax pro! Resources : Connect with Amanda Han — Tax advisor specializing in STR and real estate investorsDownload our STR Host Tax Cheat SheetSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb Business Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! 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/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

    24 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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.

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