The STR Sisterhood

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The STR Sisterhood

Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too! On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Airbnb Success Stories: 7 Must-Know Lessons from Our Most Popular Episodes

    Are you ready to celebrate? We're hitting a huge milestone with our 100th episode, and you’re invited to the party!  In this special episode, join me as we take a walk down memory lane to revisit 7 of the most popular episodes from our podcast! Amy Corbett’s Journey in STR: Hear how Amy transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, building a thriving short-term rental business alongside her husband. Problem Solving with Tanya Rooney: Tanya shares hilarious stories and powerful strategies for managing stress in the fast-paced world of Airbnb hosting. Financing Your Short-Term Rental with Brenna Carles: If you're wondering how to finance your Airbnb, Brenna breaks down key loan options to help you scale your STR business quickly and effectively. The Story of a Property with Paige Hayes: Paige reveals how discovering and sharing a property’s unique story can elevate your hosting game and create unforgettable guest experiences. Brand Building Essentials with Rebecca Lombardo: Learn why crafting a standout brand is crucial for making your Airbnb stand out and attracting more direct bookings in today’s competitive market. Content Marketing with Jodi Bourne: Jodi explains how smart content marketing can boost your Airbnb bookings and help you connect with your ideal guests. On-Site SEO with Sarah Orchard: Sarah shows how mastering on-site SEO can skyrocket your Airbnb’s visibility and drive more direct bookings to your short-term rental. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey! I couldn’t have made it to 100 episodes without your support, and I can’t wait to see where we go next. Tag me on social media with your favorite episode moments, and let’s keep building our STR Sisterhood together!  EPISODES AND TIMESTAMPS: [03:29 - 07:14] From Employee to Entrepreneur with Amy Corbett [07:40 - 13:54] Tanya Rooney's Real Estate Revolution: From Corporate Cubicle to STR Maven [14:29 - 18:02] How to Choose the BEST Mortgage Option with Brenna Carles [18:41 - 29:20] How to Elevate Your Airbnb Design with Paige Hayes [29:51 - 34:46] Branding Essentials for Short-Term Rentals: Expert Insights with Rebecca Lombardo [35:14 - 40:23] Content Marketing Secrets for Short-Term Rental Success with Jodi Bourne [40:50 - 46:13] Break Free from Airbnb: Marketing Strategies to Skyrocket Direct Bookings with Sarah Orchard Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

    48 min

  2. SEP 24

    7 Days to Guest-Ready: How to Set Up Your Airbnb Fast with Kim Fitzpatrick

    Ever wondered how to take an Airbnb or short-term rental property from empty to fully guest-ready in just seven days?  In this episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Kim Fitzpatrick, the mastermind behind Launched Host—a company that specializes in setting up short-term rental properties fast. From working side-by-side with designers to collaborating with homeowners, Kim and her team transform spaces into stunning, functional getaways for Airbnb guests. Kim is pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to get a short-term rental up and running in record time. She’s sharing her biggest challenges (spoiler alert: there are always a few surprises!), and her secret to overcoming them—humor, teamwork, and staying flexible every step of the way! From genius storage hacks to handling damaged or wrong items during staging, Kim’s pro tips will help you avoid the stress and keep your Airbnb setup on track. Whether you're gearing up to launch your own short-term rental or just curious about the process, Kim’s no-nonsense advice on time management and maintaining your sanity is priceless. You do NOT want to miss this episode! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:57] A short introduction about our guest Kim Fitzpatrick [03:36] Kim’s short-term rental portfolio and how she founded Launched Host [05:04] What is Launched Host and its role in managing the physical set-up of STR properties [08:02] How Launched Host works with designers and homeowners to prepare STR properties [10:03] How Launched Host manages to prepare a short-term rental property in just 7 days [16:23] Kim shares the biggest challenges that she faced while launching properties [19:37] The importance of Humor, Teamwork, and Redirection in managing stress [25:41] The challenges of storage when launching rental properties and how Launched Host manages them [31:06] The challenges of handling wrong or damaged items during the staging and launching process [33:08] Kim’s insights on the Ease and Challenges of returning items from various retailers [36:08] Essential tips from Kim on time management and relationship dynamics for DIY property launchers [42:17] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “We have identified some efficiencies, and we have a plan. And I give all of my teams the plan, and I say, here's the order of operations. Let's make sure we do it right. Otherwise, we get to stay up really late at night correcting our mistakes.” “Even if you're sitting at home at your desk and you're feeling overwhelmed, you know, get up, walk outside for a few minutes, just rekindle some different energy, I think is really important.” “Start. Just start. It doesn't have to be perfect. If you are sitting on the sidelines trying to make the perfect whatever, trying to do or be the perfect whatever, and never get in the game, you don't get the chance to, like, honestly, fall on your face and go, ‘Oh, that didn't work, but now I know what will or and you just get closer the you got to get in the game.’” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.fitzpatrick.359 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchedhost/

    58 min

  3. SEP 17

    From Nurse to Real Estate Mogul: Amy Morehead’s Inspiring Journey

    In this episode, I’m absolutely delighted to have a chat with the phenomenal Amy Morehead—a powerhouse mom of three, dedicated wife, skilled nurse practitioner, and savvy real estate investor! Amy’s real estate journey kicked off with a deeply personal mission: to support her family while caring for her mother with dementia. What started as a humble rental property in the Smokies has blossomed into a booming business, reshaping her life in the most unexpected ways. Amy opens up about how she conquered imposter syndrome by embracing guidance from mentors and coaches, empowering her to overcome self-doubt and unlock her true potential. Whether you’re at the beginning of your Airbnb adventure or aiming to elevate your short-term rental game, Amy’s story is brimming with invaluable wisdom and motivation to propel you forward. But Amy’s impact doesn’t end there! She’s now channeling her experiences into a new role as a dementia caregiver coach, committed to guiding others through the challenging journey she once faced. This episode is a treasure trove of heart, perseverance, and actionable advice that will inspire you to tackle any hurdle—be it in real estate, caregiving, or life itself. Don’t miss this deeply inspiring conversation! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [02:04] A short introduction about our guest Amy Morehead [02:57] How Amy got started in the world of real estate investing out of necessity while caring for her mother [06:45] Bridging the learning gap from property management to self-managing short-term rentals [10:27] How learning about real estate investing became a therapeutic escape and fueled her personal growth [12:15] Amy’s transition into self-managing and how she used her newfound knowledge of creative financing to buy a lake house [15:14] Amy’s shares her journey in rehabbing the lake house while balancing family life [18:35] Amy shares her experience with designing and decorating the lake house property [20:26] The importance of personal development and education in overcoming self-doubt, gaining confidence, and effectively pursuing goals [26:43] Amy’s real estate portfolio and her expansion plan [29:38] Amy’s insights and how technology transforms property management for multiple properties [32:48] The significance of building a reliable team for property management when scaling up to multiple properties [36:20] Amy’s plan on a new venture into becoming a dementia caregiver coach and consultant [43:07] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You really have to go to great leaders and coaches and mentors to teach you this specific knowledge to be successful, you can't do this on your own. You need to learn from other people's mistakes, other people's successes.” “If you are investing in one thing, investing in yourself and trusting yourself, I think, is the most impactful investment that anyone can make, real estate or not real estate.” “Train your brain to become who you need to be.” “Everything is figure-outable.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website: mapleleafpromise.com dementiahero.com

    55 min

  4. SEP 10

    $1 Billion in Deals: Parker Borofsky Reveals Her Short-Term Rental Financing Secrets

    In this episode, join me as I dive deep into the world of Airbnb and short-term rental financing with none other than Parker Borofsky, a true powerhouse in the industry. With a wealth of experience as a mortgage lender, having closed over 2,000 short-term rental transactions and managing a staggering $1 billion in volume, Parker knows the ins and outs of this business like no other. Not to mention, she’s also a successful short-term rental investor with 12 thriving properties of her own! Tune in to uncover Parker’s expert insights on financing strategies that can elevate your Airbnb or short-term rental game. From leveraging HELOCs to cash-out refis, she’ll break down how to make the most of these options. Plus, she sheds light on why a solid reserve is non-negotiable and clears up common misconceptions around debt-to-income ratios, LLCs, and the intricacies of DSCR loans. If you’re thinking about diving into the lucrative world of short-term rentals, this episode is a must-listen. Parker’s experience and actionable advice will guide you in finding the right mortgage lender and crafting a winning strategy for your Airbnb success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [02:18] A short introduction about our guest Parker Borofsky [04:01] How Parker entered into the world if short term rentals and short term rental mortgages [06:29] Parker’s short term rental portfolio and their locations [08:08] Parker’s tips on property acquisition and maximizing opportunities is a shifting market [10:48] Exploring creative financing options and smart strategies for short-term rental mortgages [15:32] What are some of the ways how individuals with limited cash reserves are managing to fund their down payments for properties [17:59] Things that a borrower should be focusing on to prepare for mortgage application [19:55] The impact of credit inquiries on your credit score [22:08] Understanding the advantages and considerations of using HELOC versus a cash-out refinance for acquiring or funding properties [27:52] The benefits of working directly with a mortgage lender compared to using a mortgage broker [31:22] The current state of DSCR loans in the market and their benefits and drawbacks [33:53] What are the challenges and considerations associated with DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans and how they compare to traditional mortgage products [36:45] The reserve requirements for different types of mortgage loans, including DSCR loans, second homes, and investment properties [38:24] What are the misconceptions people have when seeking a mortgage for a short-term rental [41:06] Deeding a property to an LLC and how does this process work in today's lending environment [43:39] Identifying if a mortgage lender is the right fit for your needs [45:38] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Make sure you have a good loan originator, because so many times I've had clients come to me not being able to get qualified in other places. I don't know how they were calculating debt to income ratio, but then we've been able to qualify them just fine.” “What most people will say is it doesn't matter what other people think, and it is true, it not only doesn't matter, but it's also none of your business. So don't even give it a second thought. Don't let it enter your brain, right?” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Website: wealthbuildersmortgage.com

    56 min

  5. SEP 3

    From Rental Arbitrage to Airbnb Empire: Nicole Rutherford’s Expert Tips Revealed

    Join me as I chat with the incredible Nicole Rutherford, a full-time nomad and real estate agent who’s taken the Airbnb world by storm. Nicole started with rental arbitrage and now manages multiple Airbnb properties remotely across the US. In this episode, Nicole reveals how she and her partner have built a reliable team of cleaners and maintenance pros, emphasizing the importance of communication and shared values. We’ll also dive into the tech tools and strategies she uses to manage her short-term rentals from afar, including co-hosting, client acquisition, and collaborating with real estate agents. Nicole shares her approach to building strong relationships with property owners and guests, as well as her plans to expand her portfolio and travel plans. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical tips from someone who’s truly living the dream, this episode is for you! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:48] A short introduction about our guest Nicole Rutherford [02:45] How Nicole started in the short-term rental industry and living in an RV [04:05] Nicole as a real estate agent and how she got started with her real estate license [05:42] How Nicole and her partner structured their business for managing business remotely [07:54] Nicole’s property portfolio and how she sources her teams across different locations [10:37] Nicole’s vetting process for hiring Airbnb cleaners to find the right fit [15:27] How Nicole manages the logistics of team communication across multiple locations  [17:01] The biggest challenges with remote management and how Nicole overcame them [20:15] What are the technologies that Nicole uses to manage her day to day [21:23] Nicole’s co-hosting model structure and how she found success growing it [28:23] How Nicole manages the guest side of her business and the guest communications [34:22] Nicole’s future plans in expanding her portfolio and her next RC adventures [37:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “Your cleaners are your eyes, your ears, your front line of defense, your greatest asset in this industry.” “You have to think about the fact that your cleaners you're going to be engaging with on a regular basis and making sure that you know they fit within your core values, how you operate as a person and how you want the culture of your business to be.” “I think just not being scared to get started into this and jumping before you are ready, though, you need to do your due diligence.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nicolerutherford_/

    46 min

  6. AUG 27

    From Bland to Grand: Janelle Lawrence’s Guide to Creating a Wow-Factor Property

    Ready to create a visual masterpiece in your Airbnb or short-term rental? Join me as I sit down with Janelle Lawrence, a creative powerhouse, who reveals her secrets to making properties truly unforgettable.  From eye-catching focal points to creating a space that tells a story, Janelle’s approach goes beyond aesthetics—it's about crafting experiences for her guests. Discover the power of focusing on what matters and learn how to turn your Airbnb’s unique personality into its biggest selling point.  Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering bringing in a pro, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to elevate your listing to the next level.  Don’t miss out on this fun-filled, tip-packed conversation! Listen now! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:29] A short introduction about our guest Janelle Lawrence [06:40] Janelle shares her journey as a DIYer and ​​to realizing the need to bring in professionals [11:41] Transitioning as a graphic designer and wedding photographer into short-term rental designing [16:39] Janelle’s approach in uncovering and highlighting a property's unique personality [20:52] Tips on crafting unique ideas without the Cheese Factor [26:01] How Janelle and her husband’s complementary skills and shared personality traits contribute to their successful collaboration in their short-term rental  [29:54] Helping others design unique, impactful spaces for short-term rental properties [36:58] When to call in the Pros to avoid costly DIY mistakes in design [39:33] The importance of strategic investment in short-term rental design, branding, and marketing [47:34] The importance of both design and guest experience in short-term rentals and the need for a cohesive approach [54:17] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “If you're out shopping for a car and you can't tell the difference between a Hyundai and a Rolls Royce, it's not in your best interest to buy the Rolls Royce, even if you could afford it, right? Because you don't appreciate it, it doesn't mean a lot to you, and there's something else you could use that money for.” “If you are honest with yourself, and you like, flip through Airbnb for the ones that are in your area, and you can't tell which ones are the superstars, or you can tell, but you aren't quite sure what elements get it there, then that's probably when you need to bring someone in to pay, to pay for it, because it's affecting your business, a business decision at that time.” “I think that there are so many hosts to at least, that I've come across Not, not in our Facebook community or the Accelerator, or anything like that, but just in in the industry that have this mentality that, well, I'm buying a property and it's turnkey, and it's already renting, so I don't need to do anything to it, right? And I look at that as a lost opportunity.” “There are ways to delegate the money to make the most impact.” “There's a community out there that will help, and it is so much easier to do things with other people and to bounce ideas off of each other.” “70% of your great ideas come to you when you're not actually sitting down to do work” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055882757757 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gather.and.host/

    1h 10m

  7. AUG 20

    From Chaos to Control: Preventing Unauthorized Parties in Your Airbnb with Michelle Gilbert

    In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Gilbert, who takes us through her experiences with unauthorized parties in her Airbnb properties. Michelle opens up about her experiences with two separate party incidents, sharing how the first was a tough learning experience and how those lessons empowered her to tackle the second incident with confidence and finesse. Michelle dives deep into the risks these situations pose and highlights the importance of staying ahead of the game as short-term rental hosts. And she offers essential strategies for keeping your rentals safe and secure.  Join us for this episode filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories from Michelle that can help you manage and minimize party risks in your own short-term rental adventures. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:49] A short introduction about our guest Michelle Gilbert [06:24] Michelle’s journey how she got inspired and secured her first vacation rental property within 30 days [10:32] Michelle shares her experience about an unauthorized, destructive party [18:02] Recognizing warning signs and implementing more strict security measures [24:45] Why having a direct line of communication with HOA and local security teams is important [28:44]  Michelle’s significant steps to protect her properties after experiencing a severe party-related incident [35:53] How Michelle applied her newfound knowledge to handle a second party incident with greater efficiency [41:48] Proactive strategies and advice from Michelle for managing party risks in short-term rentals [43:22] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “As the leader of a team, it's really important that your folks know that you have their back, and you are proactive in helping mitigate challenges and remove roadblocks for them.” “I cannot let that stop me on my mission to success to keep you know, getting more properties. I feel like I've grown as a person.” “Every week, look at your books, look at your look at what's going on, and track those expenses. And just be on top of where your money's coming in, where your money is coming out, and know that intimately.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

    52 min

  8. AUG 13

    From 5-Star Hotels to Stellar Airbnb Stays: Dive into Mercedes Sanchez's Winning Strategies

    Join me as I sit down with Mercedes Sanchez, a former luxury hotel professional, who has successfully transitioned her expertise into building a thriving short-term rental property management business. Discover how she leveraged her hotel background to create a full-service co-hosting company that stands out in the competitive Airbnb market. Mercedes shares her secrets to efficiently managing a diverse portfolio of single-family homes, from guest relations to property maintenance. And tune in for practical advice on complying with Airbnb regulations and maximizing rental income in a complex legal landscape. Whether you're an aspiring Airbnb host, a seasoned property manager, or simply interested in the hospitality industry, this conversation offers invaluable knowledge and inspiration. Listen now and gain insights from a true industry leader! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:37]  A short introduction about our guest Mercedes Sanchez  [06:13] How Mercedes got into real estate and short term rentals [07:25] Mercedes’ transition from managing at Four Seasons to single family homes [08:39] Mercedes shares how she navigated the challenges in managing teams with older employees and dealing with older clients [07:59] How Mercedes connects with clients to build trust and credibility [15:09] Recruiting and maintaining a reliable, dedicated team to meet high service standards [19:08] The challenges and benefits of utilizing her properties in LA for film production [27:29] How Mercedes manages and balances her portfolio of short-term and mid-term rentals based on local regulations and permits [29:28] Mercedes shares her strategies for navigating local regulations and managing rental properties to efficiently manage short-term and mid-term rentals [34:30] Mercedes' business model for co-hosting services is designed to comply with California's regulations [39:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “You have to hold yourself to a high standard to just present yourself so professionally, right? Because you are dealing with someone's investment property and might be their only investment property.” “For me and my property management journey, you know, having a cohesive team that feels like they're a part of a family and not just a contractor is incredibly helpful and important.” “If you're just starting out co-hosting or doing property management, it is critically important that you have a standardized agreement that is drafted and reviewed by an attorney.” “I wish I knew that there was a world out there that was doing what I was doing – So I really wish I would have done a lot more outreach and maybe found a mentor very sooner than when I did.” “Even if you like to do something, never do it for free.” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let’s Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbxhomes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOrBWTaLoUH5xeA6EGuAXw TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@mbxhomes

    48 min
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5
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23 Ratings

About

Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too! On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!

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