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. 49. The Day I Wanted to Sell Every Airbnb I Own

    3D AGO

    49. The Day I Wanted to Sell Every Airbnb I Own

    Episode Summary Hey, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and today’s episode is a little different. I’m getting real and a bit vulnerable about what happens behind the scenes when you’re in the middle of renovating new Airbnbs, juggling family life, and trying to keep everything running smoothly. From the easier-than-expected updates on our latest properties to the furnace fiasco that had me up at 4:30 AM in full panic mode, I’m sharing what self-managing really looks like,  the good, the exhausting, and the “why am I doing this again?” moments. If you’ve ever felt torn between your hustle and your personal life (hi, fellow parents and hosts!), this episode will definitely hit home. Key Takeaways Why this renovation season has been smoother, and what’s making it different from past projects. The reality of balancing Airbnb projects with parenting and missing out on family moments. What happens when you don’t take your own advice about winter prep. The value of having backup heat sources (mini splits for the win). A reminder that even seasoned hosts have “sell-it-all” days, and that’s okay. Why Listen to This Episode? Because burnout and balance are both real parts of the Airbnb journey. This isn’t a highlight reel,  it’s an honest look at what happens when the furnace goes out, the baby’s waiting at home, and you start questioning if it’s all worth it. You’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not the only one trying to figure out how to do it all. 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 Cabins for Sale: Start your Airbnb Journey with a Bang! Purchase 3 successful Airbnbs right now and expand later! Reach out for more information. Link to Website: https://www.highpointretreats.net/ Let’s Connect Thinking about renovating your own Airbnb (or maybe not renovating for a while)? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re working on — I’d love to cheer you on and help you out! Work With Me Want to build, buy, or launch your own short-term rental in Wisconsin? 👉 Front Porch Realty 👉 Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Chapters 00:00 Intro – Keeping it real about renovations 01:30 Lessons from past Airbnb projects 04:30 Missing family moments for renovation weekends 06:50 The 4:30 AM “we have a problem” wake-up call 09:30 Panic mode and troubleshooting the furnace 13:50 Taking your own winterization advice (ouch) 14:30 The truth about self-management burnout 16:30 The La Crosse Airbnb resort opportunity Subscribe and Share If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Airbnb Roadmap, rate the show, and share it with a fellow Airbnb host or real estate friend who needs a little real-life perspective (and a laugh).

    18 min
  2. 48. How to Winterize Your Airbnb (Before It’s Too Late!)

    NOV 4

    48. How to Winterize Your Airbnb (Before It’s Too Late!)

    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 Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and today we’re talking all things winter prep for your Airbnb or short-term rental. Wisconsin winters are no joke (and neither is falling off a ski lift, which I may or may not have done 🤦‍♀️). Whether your property is fully booked or sitting vacant, you need to protect your investment before the first freeze hits. In this episode, I share my funniest snowboarding fail, a near-disaster client story about frozen pipes, and my ultimate checklist to get your property ready for the cold season. Key Takeaways Turn off and drain outdoor water spigots before the first freeze and cover them with insulated faucet covers. Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and slippery messes. Never turn off the breaker or furnace during winter—it can lead to frozen pipes, cracked toilets, and major damage. Replace furnace filters and consider scheduling a quick tune-up for peace of mind. Install Wi-Fi thermostats to monitor temps remotely and receive alerts if the home drops below 50°F. Line up your snow removal service early—and tell them it’s an Airbnb so guests don’t get plowed in. Communicate snow removal times with guests so they don’t think someone is breaking in at 4 a.m. with a shovel. Add cozy winter touches like blankets, cocoa, and cider for that warm welcome. Swap your listing photos to feature winter scenes for better booking performance. Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve ever dealt with frozen pipes, last-minute snow chaos, or guest complaints in the middle of a blizzard—this episode will save your sanity (and your 5-star rating). You’ll walk away with a clear plan to winterize your Airbnb and a few laughs about what not to do on a ski lift. 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about getting your Airbnb winter-ready? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your winter prep questions or your funniest snow story! I’d love to cheer you on and help you protect your property this season. Work With Me Ready to find or launch your next short-term rental in Wisconsin? I’d love to help you analyze deals, understand local STR rules, and set up your investment for success. Learn more at frontporchrealtywi.com. Chapters 00:01 – Brittany’s love-hate relationship with Wisconsin winters 02:14 – The ski lift disaster (aka the red snow pants story) 04:36 – Outdoor prep: shutting off spigots & clearing gutters 05:19 – Storytime: the frozen pipe nightmare 07:40 – Don’t turn off your breaker before winter! 08:41 – Indoor prep: furnace filters & tune-ups 09:17 – Smart thermostats that save your property 10:48 – The overlooked cost: snow removal plans 12:49 – Communicating with guests about snow crews 15:03 – Stocking cozy amenities for winter stays 17:00 – Updating your Airbnb photos for winter bookings 18:01 – Final thoughts: protect your investment & enjoy the season Subscribe and Share If you enjoyed this episode, tap “follow” and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! And if you know another host who’s panicking about the first snowfall, share this episode with them—they’ll thank you later!

    18 min
  3. 47. The Airbnb Change Happened! Ways to Take Action

    OCT 28

    47. The Airbnb Change Happened! Ways to Take Action

    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 Airbnb just dropped one of its biggest updates ever,  and it impacts every single host. As of this week, Airbnb has officially shifted to a host-only service fee model, meaning guests no longer pay the platform fee at checkout… we do. In this episode, I break down what this new fee structure means, how it affects your payout, and what actions you need to take right now to protect your profits. Oh,  and yes, I share a quick life update involving paint, patience, and a soon-to-be movie-theater room that almost broke me. Key Takeaways 🏠 Airbnb has moved from a split-fee model (guest + host) to a host-only model 💸 Hosts will now pay 15.5% in service fees, up from 3% ⚖️ You must adjust your nightly rates to maintain the same payouts ✏️ Add clear language to your listings like “No guest service fee – what you see is what you pay” 🧠 Guests will see cleaner pricing, but hosts must stay strategic to avoid losing income ⚙️ Pricing tools like PriceLabs or Hospitable can help automatically adjust rates Why Listen to This Episode? This change affects your revenue immediately. If you don’t raise your nightly rate or update your listing language, you’ll lose profit — plain and simple. In this episode, I help you understand the “why” behind Airbnb’s move, the ripple effect it’ll have across the platform, and how to get ahead of it before your competitors even realize what’s happening. 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about how to adjust your pricing or update your listing strategy after this Airbnb change? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share how you’re handling it — I’d love to cheer you on and help you out! Work With Me Ready to turn your short-term rental goals into reality? ✅ Check out The Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — my self-paced course designed to help you find, launch, and manage your first (or next) Airbnb with confidence. It’s under $500 and packed with step-by-step guidance for building real income through hosting. Chapters 00:00 – Intro + life update (painting disasters & patience) 02:00 – The big Airbnb change: host-only fees 04:00 – What this means for your payouts 05:30 – How to adjust pricing strategically 08:00 – Updating your listing to say “No guest service fee” 13:00 – Why Airbnb made this move 16:00 – Competing with hosts who don’t update prices 20:00 – Example listing verbiage you can use 22:00 – Final thoughts + adapting quickly Subscribe and Share If this episode helped you understand Airbnb’s new pricing shift, follow the show and share it with another host who needs to hear this update. Let’s make sure every host stays profitable through these changes!

    15 min
  4. 46. Life Update: New Airbnb + Appraisal Shenanigans

    OCT 21

    46. Life Update: New Airbnb + Appraisal Shenanigans

    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 week’s episode is less “how-to” and more “real life.” I’m giving you a peek behind the scenes into one of the wildest weeks I’ve had in a while — juggling an AWS outage that shut down half my systems, onboarding my first assistant, and closing on our newest Airbnb property (technically two Airbnbs in one!). From appraisal headaches to cat pee clean-up, this episode is pure behind-the-scenes chaos — but in the best, most relatable way possible. Key Takeaways Tech reliance is real: The AWS outage reminded me just how much my business depends on automations and online tools. First assistant milestone: I officially hired my first assistant to help with Front Porch Realty and all the moving parts (except my Airbnb babies — those are still all me). Two-for-one Airbnb deal: We closed on our newest investment property — a main home plus an ADU above the detached garage — meaning two Airbnb listings from one purchase. Financing curveballs: An AI lending review revoked our appraisal waiver last minute, creating chaos before closing — but persistence paid off. Post-closing bliss (and cat pee): The house was spotless (thank you, seller!) but I still found myself under the stairs battling lingering pet smells — and learning the power of KILZ and safety goggles. Future plans: The garages are being transformed into a game room, gym, and sauna combo. Goal: Launch Airbnb #4 and #5 by December 1st! Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of short-term rental investing — this is it. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons that make you laugh later. Sometimes success isn’t about strategy — it’s about staying calm (and maybe wearing a mask when using KILZ). 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about partnering on an Airbnb or wondering how to manage your own? 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 Ready to start or scale your own short-term rental? 👉 Check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — my self-paced course that walks you through everything from finding the right property to launching with confidence. Chapters 00:00 – Intro + Chaos of the AWS Outage 02:15 – Hiring My First Assistant 04:30 – Closing on the New Airbnb Property 06:40 – The Appraisal Waiver Drama 09:10 – Finding Comps and Finishing the Deal 11:30 – Post-Closing Wins and Clean-Up Realities 13:45 – The Cat Pee Chronicles 15:30 – Game Room + Sauna Design Plans 17:00 – Sneak Peek of Next Week’s Episode 19:00 – Wrapping Up and What’s Ahead Subscribe and Share If you enjoy hearing the real, unfiltered side of building an Airbnb business, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a good laugh (or a reminder that every investor has chaotic days).

    18 min
  5. 45. Home Insurance 101: Must-Have Coverage for Airbnb Hosts

    OCT 14

    45. Home Insurance 101: Must-Have Coverage for Airbnb Hosts

    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 Insurance can feel like alphabet soup, until something goes wrong. In this interview, I sit down with Nick Sommer of Country Financial (and one of my buyers!) to break down exactly what short-term rental owners need: how to structure coverage for STRs vs. primary/secondary homes, must-have endorsements, loss-of-income realities, and why an umbrella policy can be the difference between a scare and a disaster. Nick also shares the personal house-fire story that led him into insurance and the simple annual habit that can save you months of headache during a claim. Key Takeaways Match the policy to the use. Don’t insure an STR like an owner-occupied or long-term rental—claims can be denied if the use doesn’t match the application. Four core buckets: dwelling (rebuild cost ≠ market value), personal property (replacement cost, not garage-sale value), liability (aim higher than default limits), and loss of income (raise limits for STR-level revenue). Critical endorsements for hosts: Sump pump/sewer backup (not standard) Service line coverage Flood insurance is separate Loss of income is evidence-based. Keep AirDNA/comps, booking statements, and P&Ls to substantiate payouts. Umbrella = legal shield. Choose limits that reflect your net assets (homes, vehicles, retirement, cash, other properties). It covers defense costs and many personal-liability scenarios. Document everything. Once a year, do a whole-home video walkthrough and maintain a furnishings spreadsheet with links, prices, and statuses. Choose financially solid carriers. Check claim strength/ratings (e.g., AM Best) and prioritize service over “cheapest quote.” Get it in writing. Confirm coverage answers via email; recordings aren’t yours, emails are. Why Listen to This Episode? Because “I have insurance” isn’t a plan. If you’ve ever wondered whether your STR is actually covered for what you do, hot tubs, guest injuries, burst pipes, tornadoes, income loss—this episode turns jargon into plain English and gives you a checklist to bring to your agent. Mentioned in the Episode Country Financial – Nick Sommer (Licensed in IL, WI, KS) Email: nick.sommer@countryfinancial.com Office: 815-633-9404 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about insurance for your short-term rental? 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 Buy/Sell in Wisconsin with Front Porch Realty (powered by Real Broker LLC). STR Coaching: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator (self-paced) + Mentorship options. Agent Referrals: I’ll connect you with STR-savvy agents statewide. Chapters 00:00 Recording setup + why this topic matters 02:11 Nick’s background & the house-fire that changed everything 06:07 Home policy types (primary, secondary, rental/STR, condo) 08:14 STR must-haves: liability, rebuild cost, endorsements 11:25 Loss of income for STRs (how payouts are calculated) 14:03 Replacement cost for furniture & annual documentation 16:41 My furnishings spreadsheet system (order → received) 20:24 Get coverage answers in writing (E&O and why it matters) 21:20 “STR-specific” insurers vs. traditional carriers—what to compare 27:42 Umbrella policy explained (and how to size limits) 31:21 Real-life slip-and-fall & weather scare—why we upgraded 36:26 Annual reviews: as life changes, so should coverage 38:40 How to contact Nick + final tips

    41 min
  6. 44. Airbnb Photography Tips: Before Launch Day

    OCT 7

    44. Airbnb Photography Tips: Before Launch Day

    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’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—parts of launching your Airbnb: photo-shoot day. From choosing the right photographer to creating scroll-stopping first images, I’m sharing my wins, mistakes, and all the tips I wish I’d known sooner. You’ll hear how every property teaches me something new, why lifestyle photos are worth the effort, and what small “wow” details make your listing stand out online. Key Takeaways Not all photographers are created equal—hire one who understands short-term rental lifestyle photography, not just MLS shots. Your photos are your first impression and can make or break bookings. Add emotion and storytelling: stage cozy moments, use props, and capture connection. Eliminate distractions: smooth linens, no crumbs, cords tucked away, fans off, lights on. Elevate visuals: put an image or logo on TV screens, add real flames in fireplaces, and include small “wow” touches. Lifestyle shots with people (“models”) can dramatically boost connection and conversions. Do a full walkthrough before shooting, review photos as you go, and treat photo day like your property’s wedding day. Your first photo doesn’t have to be the exterior—choose the most scroll-stopping feature (game room, living room, kayaks, etc.). Why Listen to This Episode? Because you can have the most stunning Airbnb in the world—but if your photos don’t tell the story, you’re leaving money on the table. I’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes, guide your photographer like a pro, and give your listing the kind of images that turn browsers into bookings. 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about upgrading your Airbnb photos or planning your first photoshoot? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Ready to launch or relaunch your short-term rental the right way? Check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course at theairbnbroadmap.com for step-by-step guidance on finding, furnishing, and listing your property like a pro. Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Life Update 01:30 – Why Photo Day Matters 03:10 – Not All Photographers Are Equal 06:30 – Real Estate vs Short-Term Rental Photography 08:00 – Prepping Your Home for Shoot Day 09:50 – Wow Factors That Pop (Flames, TV Images, Logos) 14:00 – Lifestyle Shots & Models 17:00 – Simple Staging Ideas Without People 20:00 – Treat Photo Day Like Your Wedding Day 24:30 – Choosing Your Scroll-Stopping Cover Photo 27:00 – Final Tips & Where to Grab the Checklist Subscribe & Share If this episode gave you fresh ideas for your next Airbnb photoshoot, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another host who’s ready to elevate their listing. Your support helps the show reach more people who are building beautiful, booked-out Airbnbs.

    24 min
  7. 43. Rules and Regulations to Run a Airbnb

    SEP 30

    43. Rules and Regulations to Run a Airbnb

    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 break down Wisconsin’s short-term rental rules from the top down—statewide requirements (DATCP Tourist Rooming House license and inspections), the county layer (zoning, room tax, and when conditional use permits come into play), and the township layer (minimum night stays, resident agent requirements, occupancy limits, and other quirky rules). I also share our real-life CUP hearing story in Columbia County, why HOAs are risky, what “annexation” or jurisdiction changes can mean for you, and the #1 mistake that can get you shut down before you ever launch. Key Takeaways You must have a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license through DATCP before listing—period. County rules vary: some are light-touch, others require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with hearings and neighbor notices. Township rules can be the strictest: night-minimums, local resident-agent radius, spacing from other STRs, owner-occupancy, and bizarre self-management limitations. Always confirm legal guest capacity (septic size, bedrooms, or square footage can control it). HOAs can change the rules overnight—avoid if you plan to operate an STR. If a small town is being annexed (e.g., to a nearby city), get “grandfathering” status in writing. Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re eyeing a Wisconsin Airbnb, this is the playbook for staying compliant, avoiding fines, and protecting your investment before you hit “Publish.” 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 Let’s Connect Thinking about Wisconsin STR rules & permits? 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 step-by-step guidance? My self-paced Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator is under $500 and covers everything from setup to scaling. If you close on your first STR with an agent I connect you to, you’ll get a 100% refund at closing. Chapters 00:00 Life update + property under contract 05:46 State level: DATCP Tourist Rooming House license (what it is, inspections) 12:39 County level: zoning, room tax, and when CUPs are required 15:35 CUP story time: neighbor letters, hearings, and outcomes (Columbia County) 24:46 Township level: night minimums, resident agents, spacing/ownership quirks 31:51 HOAs: why they’re risky for STRs 33:05 Annexation & grandfathering: small town becoming part of a city 35:28 Legal occupancy: how towns/counties calculate guest limits 36:50 Don’t list before permits; protecting your launch 38:10 Course + free-at-closing offer Subscribe and Share If this helped, share it with a friend who’s eyeing a Wisconsin Airbnb and hit follow so you don’t miss the next episode!

    33 min
  8. 42. Under Contract? Prep Your Airbnb Before Closing

    SEP 23

    42. Under Contract? Prep Your Airbnb Before Closing

    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 today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our newest “two-for-one” Airbnb deal — a primary home plus an ADU over the detached garage — and walking you step-by-step through exactly what to do the moment you go under contract on an STR. If you’ve ever thought escrow was a waiting period, think again. I break down inspections, appraisal, insurance, financing, and the overlooked prep that saves weeks and brings in revenue faster: design, ordering essentials, project planning, and lining up contractors. I’m literally doing all of this right now with Clay (hello color-coded spreadsheet!) so you can copy the plan and hit the ground running on day one. Key Takeaways Escrow ≠ downtime. Treat it like your launch runway to save weeks and protect cash. Inspection strategy: General + specialists (well/septic, fireplace/chimney) to avoid 5-figure surprises. Appraisal + financing: Know your numbers, keep credit quiet, confirm down payment, closing costs, and reserves. Insurance for STRs: Homeowners ≠ STR coverage—get quotes and bind the right policy before closing. Design early: Share capacity goals and inspo with your designer; use Matterport/accurate measurements to avoid costly misorders. Order essentials now: Linens (2–3 sets/bed), kitchen packs, smart locks, routers, TVs, blackout curtains—“select all, add to cart.” Project plan: Room-by-room scope, sequence (paint → floors), timelines, and 2–3 contractor quotes with price-match asks. Real timeline: Accepted offer to close is often 30–45 days—use every one of them. Why Listen to This Episode? If you want your STR live (and profitable) ASAP, this gives you a proven, copy-and-paste escrow checklist and launch plan. You’ll learn the exact moves I’m making on our new two-for-one ADU property so you can avoid delays, budget hits, and stressful “now what?” moments on closing day. Let’s Connect Thinking about launching during escrow? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator (self-paced): My start-to-scale system with checklists, templates, and the full Escrow Checklist. Buyer/Investor Representation (WI): Want help finding and underwriting STR-worthy properties? I’ve got you. Launch & Design Support: Need a designer, cleaner, or vendor team? Ask me for intros. Chapters 00:00 Intro + our new “two-for-one” ADU deal 02:10 Escrow isn’t downtime: mindset shift 03:30 Non-negotiables: inspections (general + well/septic + fireplace/chimney) 06:50 Appraisal + financing: reserves, do’s & don’ts 09:20 STR-specific insurance (bind before closing) 11:40 Design during escrow: capacity goals, inspo, Matterport, measurements 15:10 Ordering essentials now: linens, kitchen packs, tech, blackout curtains 18:00 The room-by-room project plan: sequencing + contractors 21:30 Timeline math: using the full 30–45 days 23:00 My current launch timeline (close Oct 10 → target Dec 1) 25:00 Wrap + Accelerator invite

    25 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
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    How to Start an Airbnb

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