Thanks For Visiting

Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
  • 4.9 (560)
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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. 2 DAYS AGO

    439. The #1 Metric to Master Your Airbnb Pricing Strategy

    Revenue management is one of the most overlooked skills in short-term rentals, yet it’s the key to maximizing your earnings. Too many hosts rely on guesswork or reactive pricing strategies, leaving money on the table. In this episode, we’re diving into the single most important metric you need to track to confidently adjust your rates and increase revenue: your booking window. Your booking window tells you when guests typically book your property before their stay. Understanding this number allows you to optimize your pricing strategy, adjust in real time, and eliminate last-minute panic. What We Cover in This Episode:Why revenue management is proactive, not reactiveThe difference between bookkeeping and revenue managementWhat your booking window is and why it’s the key to your pricing strategyHow to use the green, yellow, red system to know when to adjust ratesWhy being the first to book can mean you’re underpricingHow to maximize demand and avoid unnecessary discountsThe best ways to pull pricing levers before lowering rates Resources & Links from This Episode:Start optimizing your pricing today | Try PriceLabs FREE for 30 daysSubscribe on YouTube | Boost Airbnb Income with these 4 EASY Upsells! If you’ve been feeling stuck on pricing or unsure when to adjust your rates, this episode will give you the confidence and strategy to take control of your Airbnb’s revenue. Mentioned in this episode: Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free! Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind!

    22 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    438. Hosting Hotline: What Is The Best Pricing Strategy When You First List Your Airbnb

    Hosting Hotline: The Best Pricing Strategy When You First List Your AirbnbWhen you’re launching your short-term rental, pricing can feel like a guessing game. Should you start with low rates to get more bookings and reviews? Or is that a fast track to leaving money on the table? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we answer a listener’s question about how to price their new Airbnb and whether lowering rates is the right strategy. We also touch on midterm rentals—when they make sense, how they differ from short-term stays, and why they are not always the easy alternative some hosts expect. What We Cover in This Episode:Why pricing too low does not always mean more bookingsHow Airbnb already gives new listings a boost in the algorithmThe dangers of relying on lower rates as your default pricing strategyHow to analyze market demand before setting your ratesMidterm rentals vs. short-term rentals—what is the real differenceHow to transition from midterm back to short-term bookings without losing traction Resources & Links from This Episode:Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Boost Airbnb Income with these 4 EASY Upsells! Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Mentioned in this episode: 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!

    10 min

  3. FEB 13

    437. Why Your PMS is the Heartbeat of Your STR Business—A Conversation with Hostfully’s CEO

    Why Your PMS is the Heartbeat of Your STR Business—A Conversation with Hostfully’s CEOYour Property Management Software (PMS) is more than just a tool—it’s the heartbeat of your short-term rental business. But how do you know you’re using the right one? And are you truly optimizing it to save time, increase efficiency, and drive more revenue? In this episode, we sit down with Margot Schmorak, CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, our preferred PMS partner, to talk about the must-have features of a PMS, the biggest mistakes hosts make when choosing or switching systems, and how to use a PMS to scale smarter—whether you have one property or 100+. We also dive into: The number one mistake hosts make when selecting a PMSHow a strong tech stack can make your hosting life easierDirect bookings: Is a PMS worth it if you only have one or two properties?The power of repeat guests and how a PMS can help you get moreWhy booking direct is one of the biggest opportunities for hosts in 2025How Hostfully’s AI-powered inbox is saving hosts three or more hours per dayHow midterm rentals are evolving—and what Hostfully is doing about it Whether you’re shopping for a PMS, considering a switch, or just want to maximize the power of the one you have, this episode is packed with insights, strategy, and actionable tips to take your STR business to the next level. More About Our Guest: Margot SchmorakMargot is the CEO & Co-Founder of Hostfully, a leading PMS in the STR industry. Under her leadership, Hostfully has helped thousands of property managers streamline their operations, grow their portfolios, and embrace direct bookings as a key revenue driver. Beyond Hostfully, Margot is also a mom, wife, and creative entrepreneur based in San Francisco. She’s passionate about supporting women, moms, and underrepresented groups in tech and hospitality, and she loves travel, design, and music. Resources & Links from This EpisodeListen to Margot’s first TFV EpisodeExact Steps for Leaving a Negative Airbnb Guest Review | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelWant to get your property featured on #STRShareSunday? | Submit your listing here: strsharesunday.com Mentioned in this episode: Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription. Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free! Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind! Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    1h 7m

  4. FEB 11

    436. Hosting Hotline: Which STR Upgrades Actually Increase Bookings?

    Which STR Upgrades Actually Increase Bookings?Investing in your short-term rental can be a big decision—so how do you know which upgrades will actually pay off? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help a listener evaluate whether adding privacy fencing is worth the investment. We dive into when (and why) outdoor enhancements can increase bookings, how to analyze market data before making a major purchase, and what hosts should consider before spending thousands on property improvements. What We Cover in This Episode:How to determine if an upgrade will increase bookings and revenueThe impact of outdoor spaces on guest experience and STR successWhen privacy fencing makes sense—and when it might notHow to use market data to evaluate upgrades before making a decisionWhat amenities can increase perceived value without a huge investmentThe importance of long-term financial planning for property improvements Resources & Links from This Episode:Check out this episode: Design Upgrades That Drive Higher STR Bookings with SomerledSchedule a Call with Somerled Designs: Learn MoreSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: No bookings for your Airbnb? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix ASAP!Grab your FREE STR Deal Analyzer: Analyze your next deal! Would you like us to analyze a specific STR challenge on the podcast? Submit your question at HostingHotline.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode! Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    15 min

  5. FEB 6

    435. Short-Term Rental Insurance 101 with Proper Insurance

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into short-term rental insurance, breaking down why having the right coverage is essential for protecting your property, income, and business. We welcome Nick Massey, Chief Sales Officer at Proper Insurance, who shares critical insights on what hosts need to know, from common misconceptions about platform-provided coverage to real-life case studies of claims and payouts. What We Cover: Why short-term rental hosts need specialized insuranceCommon claims and risks in the short-term rental industryThe differences between standard homeowners insurance, landlord insurance, and commercial policiesHow loss of income coverage can save your business after a claimGuest-caused damage: what’s covered and what’s notHow to ensure your amenities—pools, hot tubs, kayaks, and more—are properly insuredThe biggest mistakes hosts make when it comes to insuranceWhat co-hosts and property managers need to know about liabilityWhy arbitrage hosts need a unique insurance solutionHow insurance providers evaluate your property and listing for risk managementThe importance of transparency when discussing insurance with property owners Resources & Links from This Episode: Breezeway Safety Program | Learn more AirCover for Hosts | Learn more11 Ways To Avoid Parties In Your Airbnbs | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today Extenteam | Receive 20% off the first 2 months with Tailwind! Fido | Visit getfido.com/tfv & get your first month free! Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV100 to get $200 off your subscription.

    1h 14m

  6. FEB 4

    434. Hosting Hotline: How to Choose the Best Short-Term Rental Conference for Your Business?

    Attending in-person conferences is one of the best ways to network, learn, and level up your short-term rental business—but with so many options, how do you pick the right one? In this Hosting Hotline episode, we help listener Sarah decide which industry event is the best fit for her goals in 2025. We break down the top vacation rental conferences, including their unique focuses, vendor access, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Whether you're looking for insights on social media marketing, midterm rentals, or revenue management, there’s an event for you. If attending a conference is on your business goals list, listen in for our expert tips on choosing the right one, maximizing your experience, and ensuring your investment pays off. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to choose the best short-term rental conference for your goalsThe top STR events in 2025 and what makes them uniqueThe importance of setting a clear objective for attending an eventWhy networking and vendor connections are just as valuable as educationTips for maximizing your experience (and making it a tax write-off) Events Discussed on the Show:Level Up Your Listing – March 9-11, Phoenix, AZ (More Info)VR Nation – April 27-28, Austin, TX (More Info)Midterm Rental Summit – April 27-29, San Diego, CA (More Info)VR Women's Summit – August 19-21, Charleston, SC (More Info)VRMA International – October 12-15, Las Vegas, NV (More Info)DARM (Data & Revenue Management Summit) – December 1-3, Sandestin, FL (More Info) Additional Resources:Meetup.com – Find local real estate and STR networking eventsRentResponsibly.org – Stay updated on local industry events and advocacyMinoan – Meet STR vendors in-person at conferences Listen now to find the best event for your short-term rental business in 2025! Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

    17 min

  7. JAN 30

    433. How Safe is Your Short-Term Rental? Expert Safety Tips with Justin Ford

    Safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential for every short-term rental. In this episode, international safety expert Justin Ford returns to discuss the biggest safety risks hosts often overlook and how to protect your guests and business. From smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to hot tub safety and bunk beds, this episode is packed with actionable insights for hosts at every level. Justin has spent over a decade advocating for vacation rental safety, and today, he’s sharing the most critical lessons from real-life incidents, upcoming regulatory changes, and how to stay ahead of safety requirements. We’re also joined by Wendy Doris, a successful co-host, who shares how implementing Justin’s safety strategies has improved her business and given her peace of mind. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe most overlooked safety risks in short-term rentalsWhy fire safety should be your top priority (and common mistakes hosts make)How to keep guests safe in hot tubs and poolsThe real cost of ignoring safety (beyond legal liability)Why the Breezeway safety course should be mandatory for your teamThe future of short-term rental safety regulations and how to stay compliant Listen now to ensure your rental meets the highest safety standards. Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBreezeway Safety Course (free training for hosts) – Sign up hereBreezeway STR Software (your first property is free) – Claim it hereSmoke Alarm with Strobe (for hearing-impaired guests) – First Alert StoreHeat Detector (for garages & attics) – First Alert StoreBest Fire Extinguisher for STRs – First Alert PRO5 Add This to Your ListingHosts should include a Safety section in their Airbnb or direct booking listing: Safety: We do full safety audits of this property annually, and smoke alarms, CO alarms, pool alarms, and the quality of hot tubs and pools are checked before each guest arrives. Our annual safety audits include fire safety, fall prevention, emergency preparedness, electrical and appliance safety, furniture and amenity safety, and pool and hot tub safety. More from Justin FordOther Episodes Featuring Justin: What Every Host Needs to Know About STR Safety8 Danger Zones in a Short Term Rental and How to Avoid ThemDryer Safety in Your Short Term RentalCleaning is Now

    1h 11m

  8. JAN 28

    432. Hosting Hotline: Can You List a New Construction Airbnb with Renderings?

    Hosting Hotline: Can You List a New Construction Airbnb with Renderings?In this episode of the Hosting Hotline, we answer Donny's questions about launching a new construction Airbnb listing with renderings and strategies for securing month-long bookings. Whether you're in the process of building a short-term rental or exploring midterm stay opportunities, we’ve got tips to help you navigate these challenges confidently. Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] Using Renderings for ListingsCan you list an under-construction property using renderings? Learn how to set expectations with guests, manage your calendar conservatively, and avoid unnecessary stress.[00:04:00] Transparency is KeyTips for clearly communicating with guests when using renderings, including strategies for being honest about timelines and delivering on promises.[00:06:00] Build Buzz Before OpeningWhy it’s never too early to start building an email list and generating interest through local partnerships and online communities.[00:07:00] Marketing Month-Long StaysExplore strategies for attracting midterm guests, including creating separate listings and targeting digital nomads and seasonal travelers.[00:09:00] Price and Expense ConsiderationsWhy understanding your market, potential guest profiles, and operational costs are critical to making month-long stays profitable.[00:10:00] Practical Next StepsActionable advice for launching your new property, managing bookings, and preparing for success. Key Takeaways:Renderings Can Work: Using renderings is a great way to pre-launch your listing, but clear communication about timelines and expectations is essential.Conservative Calendars: Avoid unnecessary stress by opening your calendar cautiously to account for potential delays.Start Building Interest Early: Leverage social media, email lists, and partnerships to generate buzz for your property.Separate Listings for Midterm Stays: Optimize bookings by creating distinct listings for month-long stays while keeping shorter-stay options available.Understand the Costs: Thoroughly calculate pricing and potential expenses for longer stays to ensure profitability. Resources: How to Get Your Airbnb Listing Seen by More Guests (And Earn More!) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Mentioned in this episode: Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style! StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

    13 min
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4.9
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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
    458
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Airbnb Superhosts Annette Grant & Sarah Karakaian
  • Show Website
    Thanks For Visiting

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