How to Start an Airbnb

Brittany Wenninger
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Want to learn how to Find, Run, and Manage a Airbnb? This podcast has you covered! Welcome to The Airbnb Roadmap, your ultimate guide to building, scaling, and thriving in the world of short-term rentals (STRs). Hosted by Brittany Wenninger, a real estate expert and highly-rated Airbnb Superhost with over 350 glowing reviews and a 4.95-star rating, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things Airbnb, VRBO, and beyond. Each week, Brittany delivers actionable advice, industry secrets, and practical strategies to help you start and grow your short-term rental business. From setting up your first property and navigating local regulations to mastering marketing strategies and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we cover it all. Whether you’re just curious about hosting on Airbnb, managing multiple VRBO properties, or looking to scale your STR portfolio, this podcast answers questions like: ”How do I get started with Airbnb or VRBO?” ”What are the best ways to market my STR/ Airbnb?” ”Beginner Guide to STRs” ”Beginner Guide to Airbnb” ”Airbnb 101 or STR 101” ”What are the steps needs to start a Airbnb” With solo episodes packed with Brittany’s expertise and interviews with top hosts, real estate pros, and hospitality industry leaders, The Airbnb Roadmap is here to help you design a profitable and sustainable short-term rental business. If you’re ready to create financial freedom, master the art of hosting, and build a thriving STR portfolio, this is the podcast for you. It’s time to unlock the secrets to short-term rental success! Subscribe today and start building the Airbnb business—and life—you’ve been dreaming of.

  1. 39. From 3% to 15.5%: How Airbnb’s New Fee Impacts Your Profits

    3D AGO

    39. From 3% to 15.5%: How Airbnb’s New Fee Impacts Your Profits

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Episode Summary Big changes are coming to Airbnb’s fee structure—and hosts need to be ready. Starting October 27, 2025, Airbnb is scrapping the split-fee model and moving to a single host-only fee of 15.5%. In this episode, I break down exactly what this means for you as a host or future investor, how it impacts your nightly rates, and what adjustments you need to make to protect your bottom line. I also share my personal take on the pros and cons of this shift, how it stacks up against Vrbo and Booking.com, and practical steps you can take inside tools like Hospitable and PriceLabs to stay competitive. Key Takeaways Airbnb is moving from a split fee (3% host / 12–14% guest) to a 15.5% host-only fee. Example: A $100/night listing will net hosts only $84.50 after October 27, 2025 (down from $97). To protect profits, hosts should increase nightly rates by about 12.5%. Competitor platforms: Vrbo is now the cheapest at 8%, Booking.com is 15%, and Airbnb jumps to 15.5%. Expect market “chaos” for 6+ months as some hosts raise rates and others don’t. Guests may perceive Airbnb as “more expensive,” not realizing it’s a fee shift. Hosts using Hospitable/PriceLabs can automate price increases across platforms. Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re an Airbnb host—or planning to invest in your first short-term rental—this fee change directly impacts your ROI, pricing strategy, and competitiveness in the market. This episode gives you a clear action plan to avoid losing profits and stay ahead while other hosts may be caught off guard. Mentioned in the Episode Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today! Link: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=brittany-qvwa2r Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. Let’s Connect Thinking about how Airbnb’s new fees will impact your property? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your pricing strategy! I’d love to cheer you on and help you adjust. Work With Me Want step-by-step support in scaling your Airbnb business? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator—my course designed to help you confidently launch and manage your STR with the systems, tools, and strategies I use in my own business. Chapters 00:01 Life update: Back issues + missed episode 04:45 The big Airbnb fee change explained 07:32 Real-world math: $100/night before vs. after fees 09:33 Market chaos: Competing with hosts who don’t update pricing 11:04 Comparing Airbnb to Vrbo & Booking.com 13:25 Direct booking movement and why Airbnb is cracking down 15:40 Why Airbnb might advertise this as “no more guest fees” 18:00 Homework: How to adjust your rates in Hospitable & PriceLabs 20:00 Final thoughts and prep for October 27 Subscribe and Share Enjoyed this breakdown? Make sure to subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a fellow host who needs to hear it before the new fees hit.

    20 min
  2. 38. How to Negotiate When Buying an Airbnb in Today’s Market

    AUG 19

    38. How to Negotiate When Buying an Airbnb in Today’s Market

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST ○ Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Hey, it’s Brittany! Big news—Clay and I are officially searching for another Airbnb, this time with our close friends in Texas as our first capital partners. They’re diving into their first short-term rental, and we’re learning the ropes of partnerships together. That update ties directly into today’s topic: the current real estate market and how to negotiate smart as an STR investor. From seller credits to creative escrow solutions, I’m sharing the exact strategies that help you keep cash in your pocket without scaring off sellers. If you’re thinking about making a move, this episode will help you play it smart in today’s buyer-friendly market. 🔑 Key Takeaways for STR Investors ● It’s a buyer’s market ○ Inventory is up, homes are sitting longer, and sellers are motivated. ○ Nationally, over half of homes are selling below asking price, with average discounts around $45K.  Seller credits are powerful ○ Instead of lowering price, ask for credits toward closing costs or prepaids. ○ Preserves your cash for renovations and setup.  Escrow extra credits ○ If credits exceed closing costs, escrow them for designers, painters, or contractors.  Negotiate cleaning ○ Add language requiring a professional deep clean before closing, saving you weekends of scrubbing.  Ask for sellers to cover property taxes ○ Even $5K saved in year one helps cash flow as your STR ramps up.  Anchor your offers ○ Start lower than your target. If you need $375K, offer $350K and let the seller “meet in the middle.” 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? Because smart negotiations can save you thousands. From seller credits to strategic pricing, I’ll walk you through tested plays that keep cash in your pocket, protect your time, and set your STR up for success from day one. 📌 Mentioned in the Episode Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. 🤝 Let’s Connect Thinking about buying an STR in today’s market? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or send me a property you’re eyeing. I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. 🛠 Work With Me Want to start or scale your short-term rental business? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator to learn how to find, launch, and manage STRs with confidence. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Life Update, New STR Partnership in Texas 04:30 – Market Snapshot, Inventory, Discounts, Interest Rates 09:45 – Seller Credits 101 13:15 – Escrow Strategies for Extra Credits 18:00 – Negotiating Professional Cleaning Into the Contract 20:30 – Have the Seller Cover Year-One Property Taxes 24:50 – Offer Anchoring to Hit Your Target Price 27:40 – My Emotional Offer Story (and What It Cost Us) 30:30 – Smarter Deals in Today’s Market 🔁 Subscribe and Share If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap on your favorite podcast platform and share it with a fellow investor who wants to nail their next deal!

    26 min
  3. 37. Trash Talk for Your Airbnb: Waste Management Tips

    AUG 12

    37. Trash Talk for Your Airbnb: Waste Management Tips

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Hey, it’s Brittany! Today we’re tackling one of the least glamorous—but most critical—parts of running a short-term rental: trash management. I know, it’s not the hot tub or the Instagram-worthy décor, but it’s a behind-the-scenes system that can make or break your guest experience and your reviews. From knowing how local trash service works before you even buy a property, to setting up systems so guests never wonder where to toss a banana peel, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (the hard way) about handling garbage like a pro. You’ll hear real-world stories from my own properties and my clients’—including raccoon break-ins, maggot disasters, and the guest who tried to charge me $5 for taking out the trash. This episode will help you prevent avoidable complaints, keep your neighbors happy, and maintain a 5-star cleanliness rating. 🔑 Key Takeaways for STR Quality Control Do your homework before buying Is trash collection included in taxes or do you need a private vendor? How often is trash picked up? Weekly or biweekly recycling? Does the trash truck even service the property location? Match capacity to your guest load Large homes = more trash. Add extra bins for properties with 8+ guests to avoid overflow and review dings. Label your bins clearly Not all towns use color-coded lids. Guests appreciate clear recycling instructions. Assign bin duty Decide who will roll bins out and back—guests, cleaners, neighbors, or a trash service. Budget for extra pay if cleaners handle it. Set rules for what goes in the trash Ban items like fish carcasses or large objects that attract pests or cause smells. Consider signage on bins for clear guest guidelines. 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? Because trash isn’t glamorous—but it’s essential. Getting it wrong costs you time, money, and 5-star reviews. Getting it right keeps guests happy, neighbors quiet, and your property running smoothly without last-minute scrambles. 📌 Mentioned in the Episode Maximize your profits and get that money! Get your first month FREE and receive $10 off your first paid month when you click on the link below! Link: PriceLabs Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. 🤝 Let’s Connect Thinking about improving your Airbnb’s trash system? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your setup! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. 🛠 Work With Me Want to start or scale your own short-term rental business? Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator to learn how to find, launch, and manage your STRs with confidence. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Why Trash Management Matters 01:36 – The Three Pre-Purchase Trash Questions 06:50 – City vs. Rural Trash Realities 11:12 – When Trash Service Isn’t an Option 13:50 – Matching Bin Capacity to Guest Count 15:50 – Labeling & Recycling Rules 17:20 – Who Rolls the Bins Out? 21:25 – Rural Property Trash Solutions 26:20 – What Can & Can’t Go in the Bins 29:20 – Trash Done Right vs. Trash Done Wrong 30:18 – Building Trash Costs Into Your STR Budget 🔁 Subscribe and Share If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap on your favorite podcast platform and share it with a fellow host who needs a trash system upgrade!

    21 min
  4. 36. Airbnb Quality Control Checklist for 5-Star Reviews

    AUG 5

    36. Airbnb Quality Control Checklist for 5-Star Reviews

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Hey, it’s Brittany! Welcome back to The Airbnb Roadmap! Today I’m diving into something wildly underrated but absolutely essential to your short-term rental success: quality control. We’re talking about the behind-the-scenes details that make or break your reviews—like burnt-out lightbulbs, gross trash cans, and remotes with dead batteries (yep, I’ve missed them all). I’m walking you through the exact five-part system my husband and I use to make sure our properties stay in top shape—even when life is chaotic and we’re juggling renovations, new properties, and baby snuggles. If you’ve ever been blindsided by a guest complaint you thought you had covered, this episode is going to help you tighten things up and level up your guest experience. 🔑 Key Takeaways for STR Quality Control Cleanliness: Don’t just rely on “looks clean”—check under beds, inside drawers, tops of fans, and even the bottom of trash bins. Guests will notice. Functionality: Run the dishwasher, flush toilets, check faucets for leaks, and definitely test light switches (learn from my mistakes). Every detail matters. Inventory: Keep a running list of everything that’s supposed to be in the unit—towels, coffee pods, working remotes—and make sure what’s listed on Airbnb is actually there. Guest Touchpoints: Check your welcome book, scent diffusers, Wi-Fi instructions, and QR codes. The little things set the tone. Curb Appeal: First impressions start in the driveway. Is the grass cut? Are the cafe lights working? Is the porch swept? Don’t let a messy yard tank your reviews. 🎧 Why Listen to This Episode? Because quality control isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. If you want fewer guest complaints, stronger reviews, and smoother operations, this checklist will give you a rock-solid foundation (plus a few laughs along the way). 📌 Mentioned in the Episode Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today! Link: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=brittany-qvwa2r Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. 🤝 Let’s Connect Thinking about improving your STR quality control systems? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. 🛠 Work With Me Want help setting up or scaling your Airbnb? I offer coaching and services designed for new and growing hosts. Learn more here. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Life update: Baby Melanie & Property #4 02:26 – The underrated importance of quality control 06:23 – Cleanliness: Where cleaners miss & what guests notice 08:45 – Functionality: My light switch mistake & what to test 15:37 – Inventory: What you say you have must match the listing 19:09 – Guest experience: QR codes, smells, and welcome books 20:45 – Curb appeal: Grass, lighting, keypads & more 23:39 – Creating systems: Google Forms & the Turno app 25:55 – Frequency of quality checks & final thoughts 🔁 Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you catch a few blind spots in your Airbnb, share it with a fellow host and leave a review! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes that help you grow your short-term rental business with clarity and confidence.

    25 min
  5. 35. Airbnb Weddings: The Untapped Income Stream

    JUL 29

    35. Airbnb Weddings: The Untapped Income Stream

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Episode Summary In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own wedding—yes, we got married at a short-term rental—and how that experience opened my eyes to a whole new income stream for Airbnb and Vrbo hosts. Whether you’re planning a wedding or looking to boost your property’s revenue, I’m sharing all the tips, lessons, and wild stories from our wedding weekend at a $9M mansion in Lake of the Ozarks. Key Takeaways How to creatively turn a short-term rental into a wedding venue My personal Airbnb wedding story (complete with pool jumps and party chaos!) What hosts should know before allowing weddings at their property Pricing strategies, rules, and insurance tips for hosting weddings How to list your property as a venue on Airbnb, Vrbo, and The Knot Why Listen to This Episode? Because weddings are big business—and your Airbnb might be the next best venue. From firsthand experience to pro insights (I was a wedding planner!), I’m sharing exactly how you can tap into this market and make weddings work for your STR. Mentioned in the Episode Start your Airbnb Profile: Receive $48 back when starting your Airbnb profile and I'll have your back every step of the way! Link: https://www.airbnb.com/r/brittanyb15480?s=6&t=061n0g Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. Let’s Connect Thinking about turning your property into a wedding venue? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Want help finding a short-term rental property that can double as a wedding venue? Or already have one and want to make it wedding-ready? Let’s talk. Head to theairbnbroadmap.com to work together or learn about my course. Chapters 00:00 - Wedding season chaos & 9 weddings in one summer 02:25 - My background as a wedding planner 04:00 - Why we chose a short-term rental for our wedding 06:30 - How we found the perfect mansion on Lake of the Ozarks 09:15 - How we hacked our costs (our friends paid to stay!) 11:30 - The behind-the-scenes wedding planning chaos 13:00 - Pool party, wedding dress dive, and epic stories 16:00 - Why your Airbnb could be a wedding goldmine 17:40 - Setting your wedding rental rules & coordinator requirements 18:45 - How to list your STR on The Knot 20:00 - Final tips and encouragement to turn your Airbnb into a wedding venue Subscribe and Share If this episode gave you a new perspective or idea, subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap and leave a review! Share it with a friend who’s wedding planning—or thinking about turning their rental into a venue.

    21 min
  6. 34. The ‘Holy Grail’ App for Finding Airbnb Deals – Meet STRIQ

    JUL 22

    34. The ‘Holy Grail’ App for Finding Airbnb Deals – Meet STRIQ

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Episode Summary In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap, I’m joined by Matt Sanderson, founder of STRIQ (aka “Strike”), to dive deep into how his platform is revolutionizing short-term rental investing. We talk about how STRIQ can help you analyze properties in minutes (not months), why AI and big data are your new best friends, and how even beginner investors can use this tool to find cash-flowing Airbnbs faster. Matt also shares his journey from farm boy to tech founder and reveals game-changing updates coming soon to STRIQ! Key Takeaways What STRIQ (or “Strike”) actually is and why it’s a game-changer How STRIQ combines MLS, revenue data, and analysis in one app Why design and amenities are critical to Airbnb success How to use seller credits to fund upgrades and save upfront costs AI-driven features that help optimize listings and boost revenue Where to invest in Wisconsin for under-the-radar opportunities The power of owning just one property to change your financial future Why Listen to This Episode? If you're tired of wasting time analyzing deals manually, this episode shows how STRIQ can streamline your process and help you find the most profitable short-term rentals faster. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, Matt’s insights will open your eyes to the opportunities waiting in markets like Wisconsin, and beyond. Mentioned in the Episode STRIQ (Strike) platform: https://www.striq.com Free Tier Access (Exclusive!): DM me or Matt for private access   Matt Sanderson   Email: matt.sanderson@striq.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/striq.app/ Start your Airbnb Profile: Receive $48 back when starting your Airbnb profile and I'll have your back every step of the way! Link: https://www.airbnb.com/r/brittanyb15480?s=6&t=061n0g Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course   Let’s Connect Thinking about using STRIQ to analyze your next Airbnb deal? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Looking to buy, sell, or optimize a short-term rental in Wisconsin or beyond? Check out www.frontporchrealtywi.com to see how I can help with your next STR investment! Chapters 00:00 - Meet Matt Sanderson & the STRIQ Story 03:00 - What STRIQ Actually Does 07:00 - Why Properties Next Door Perform Differently 10:30 - Case Study: A Real Deal Found on STRIQ 13:00 - Why Design Matters More Than Ever 18:00 - Wisconsin’s Best STR Markets 26:00 - Why NOW Is Still a Good Time to Buy 32:00 - Seller Credits & Saving Cash Upfront 39:00 - Using STRIQ’s AI for Listing Optimization 46:00 - The Future of STRIQ: Free Tier, AI Tools & Selling Properties 55:00 - How to Connect with Matt Subscribe and Share Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to follow The Airbnb Roadmap wherever you get your podcasts and share it with your investor friends! Every share helps more people find the show. 🎧

    59 min
  7. 33. My Biggest Airbnb Fear Came True! Let’s Talk About It.

    JUL 15

    33. My Biggest Airbnb Fear Came True! Let’s Talk About It.

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Episode Summary This one stings a little. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact scenario I’ve dreaded since becoming an Airbnb host: a guest checked into a dirty cabin. Not once, but twice. 😬 Despite all the systems, automations, and bulletproof planning, it still happened—and it sucked. But I’m sharing it all with you so you can learn from my mistakes and avoid a total guest meltdown. I also break down how we use the cleaning app Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB), how we handle inventory, and how to bounce back with grace when crap hits the fan. Key Takeaways What Turno is and how it automates your STR cleaning schedule The #1 reason our cleaner missed not one—but two cleans Why relying only on automation can backfire Real guest reactions (the good, the bad, and the absolutely screaming) How I use unread messages and Amazon orders to stay on top of inventory Why I send supplies to my cleaner’s house, not the property What to do when a guest wants a refund—and how to avoid a bad review Lessons learned and what I’m doing now to prevent this from happening again Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re relying on automation tools like Turno to run your Airbnb cleaning schedule (or you’re considering it), you need to hear this. I thought I had every duck in a row—and still had a total system failure. This episode is your behind-the-scenes look at what happens when things go wrong and how to stay calm, fix the issue, and keep your business running. Mentioned in the Episode: Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today! Link: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=brittany-qvwa2r   Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. Let’s Connect Had a cleaning disaster of your own—or nervous it’ll happen to you? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your story or your questions. I’ll cheer you on (and share my sympathy!). Work With Me Want to avoid the Airbnb disasters I talk about on the pod? Enroll in the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — the step-by-step, self-paced course for launching, managing, and scaling your short-term rental. 🎉 Podcast listeners get $50 off! Click here to join Chapters 00:00 – My biggest STR fear came true 01:00 – How Turno works and what it automates 03:00 – Pros and cons of using Turno 06:00 – Managing inventory and ordering supplies 08:45 – Why I ship everything to my cleaner’s home 11:00 – What went wrong (guest checks in to a dirty cabin) 13:30 – Dealing with Verbo guest rage & refund process 18:30 – It happened AGAIN?! 21:00 – How we handled a second missed clean 23:00 – Communicating with your business partner under stress 25:00 – Final thoughts + how I’m preventing this in the future 25:23 – Airbnb Accelerator Course promo + discount Subscribe and Share Love this episode? Even when it’s a little messy? 😉 Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this one with a fellow Airbnb host who’s navigating the ups and downs too. We’ve all been there—let’s grow from it together.

    25 min
  8. 32. It Looked Like a Dream on Airbnb—Until I Dug Deeper

    JUL 8

    32. It Looked Like a Dream on Airbnb—Until I Dug Deeper

    Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Episode Summary: A full calendar and pretty photos don't tell the full story. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to analyze an existing Airbnb before you make an offer—so you don’t get stuck with a dud that looked like a dream. From earning reports to guest reviews, occupancy rates, and team transitions, I’m sharing all the numbers and red flags to watch for. Plus, we talk about what makes a property a smart buy versus a sneaky liability (even if it looks like a turnkey investment). Key Takeaways: Why you should never trust the seller’s word alone—ask for proof The specific financial docs to request (and how to read between the lines) How guest reviews reveal hidden issues you can or can’t fix Why occupancy rates matter more than revenue alone What tools like AirDNA get wrong—and when to trust your gut How to evaluate the location and legality of your short-term rental Why inheriting a bad cleaner or noisy street can kill your guest experience Why Listen to This Episode? If you're even thinking about buying an existing Airbnb, this episode will help you run the numbers, dodge the red flags, and decide if you’re walking into a win or a warning sign. It's everything I teach my buyers and students before they make an offer. Mentioned in the Episode: Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates. Let’s Connect: Thinking about buying an existing Airbnb? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me: 🎓 Want to confidently analyze, purchase, and manage your own Airbnb—even if it’s not “turnkey”? Take my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course for less than $500 and learn everything you need (without the fluff) Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome + car buying analogy 1:45 – Don’t trust sellers—ask for these documents 3:30 – Gross vs. net income + the power of a P&L 4:30 – How to read reviews for red flags 6:00 – What you can and can’t fix in a listing 6:40 – AirDNA + other tools (with caution!) 8:30 – Understanding seasonality and month-to-month dips 9:50 – Cleaning crews, contacts, and team handoffs 12:15 – Location rules, regulations & grandfathered status 13:30 – Final gut check: is it worth it? 14:45 – Reminder: fall = STR listing season Subscribe and Share: Loved this episode? Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review! Share this with someone who’s shopping for their first short-term rental—they’ll thank you later.

    14 min
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About

Want to learn how to Find, Run, and Manage a Airbnb? This podcast has you covered! Welcome to The Airbnb Roadmap, your ultimate guide to building, scaling, and thriving in the world of short-term rentals (STRs). Hosted by Brittany Wenninger, a real estate expert and highly-rated Airbnb Superhost with over 350 glowing reviews and a 4.95-star rating, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things Airbnb, VRBO, and beyond. Each week, Brittany delivers actionable advice, industry secrets, and practical strategies to help you start and grow your short-term rental business. From setting up your first property and navigating local regulations to mastering marketing strategies and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we cover it all. Whether you’re just curious about hosting on Airbnb, managing multiple VRBO properties, or looking to scale your STR portfolio, this podcast answers questions like: ”How do I get started with Airbnb or VRBO?” ”What are the best ways to market my STR/ Airbnb?” ”Beginner Guide to STRs” ”Beginner Guide to Airbnb” ”Airbnb 101 or STR 101” ”What are the steps needs to start a Airbnb” With solo episodes packed with Brittany’s expertise and interviews with top hosts, real estate pros, and hospitality industry leaders, The Airbnb Roadmap is here to help you design a profitable and sustainable short-term rental business. If you’re ready to create financial freedom, master the art of hosting, and build a thriving STR portfolio, this is the podcast for you. It’s time to unlock the secrets to short-term rental success! Subscribe today and start building the Airbnb business—and life—you’ve been dreaming of.

Information

  • Creator
    Brittany Wenninger
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    How to Start an Airbnb

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