Today’s expert guest is our new friend, Louis Andrews, President and Director of OVO Network, a company specializing in the short-term rental of high-end mountain chalets in authentic destinations, primarily in the French Alps. We met Louis on our castle STR retreat, and knew he’d provide great insight for our listeners.

Under his leadership, OVO Network manages 218 properties, focusing on blending technological solutions with dedicated support to maximize rental revenue and enhance guest experiences. We learn all about his innovative lead-generation strategies, his focus on ongoing owner education, and how he – get this – runs his company without cleaners and maintenance.

This one is another great example of creative problem solving in our industry, accomplished on a scale that all of us can aspire to and dream of. Hosting in the French Alps? Yes, please; and he does it on his own terms. Louis proves there's more than one way to manage your property, have it fit your lifestyle, and have it fit your way of getting things done.

(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse

(00:05:19) Introducing Louis Andrews, European STR Expert

(00:13:23) Running the Numbers on French Chalet Airbnb Listings

(00:24:17) Managing Vacation Rentals Without Cleaning & Maintenance?

(00:39:12) Louis Shares His Predictions for Near & Distant STR Futures

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Website: ovonetwork.com/en/home

• Instagram: @ovonetwork.chalets

• Linkedin: Louis Andrews

• #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse

• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Megan asks:

I live in the Dallas, Texas area and I am getting into the Airbnb business. I really wanted to start one in my local area, first, but Dallas recently banned short-term rentals in single-family areas. Right now, I'm limited to condos and apartments. I would love to start my first Airbnb in a condo, but I just wanted to get your input if you've experienced issues like this before. Do you think it's a good idea for me to continue here even after Dallas put this ban in place? Any input would be great for these first-time Airbnb hosts. Thanks.

(00:01:19) Megan Asks for Advice Regarding the Dallas, Texas Airbnb Ban

(00:02:28) How to Stay Informed of Local Short-Term Rental Regulations

(00:04:12) Host Hacking: Sarah & Annette Cover a Few Creative STR Options

(00:06:49) Get Involved in the STR Industry Before Purchasing a Property

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Dallas STR Ordinances: Short-Term Rentals

• Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org

• Video: How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s special episode comes to you live from the showroom floor of the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum in Austin. We sit down with a few expert attendees; recap our findings from presenters, sessions, and roundtables; and start to apply new lessons to our own businesses.

Denise Poteet, from Safari for the Soul Glamping in Marble Falls, gives us some juicy tips for creating an audience-specific energy at their couples focused glamping property. Michael Chang, from Trustbnb and STR Like The Best, reveals his strategy for arbitrage and the one hot market he’s going all-in on. And Jun, from Ohana Stay, gets methodical on staffing and problem solving.

What’s the one piece of this industry that we all still struggle with?

Which tech strategy rises above the rest?

And what do other experts see in the near future of this market?

All this and more in this informative and inspiring episode on the road. Let us know what you think of the new format via email at hi@thanksforvisiting.com.

(00:01:26) #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin

(00:04:37) Check out the custom art and designer furnishings

(00:06:21) Live From the 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum

(00:16:19) Romantic Hosting Tips from a Chief Glamping Officer

(00:25:04) What’s the Deal with Vacation Rental Lease Arbitrage?

(00:32:17) Problem Solving Masterclass with a Co-Hosting Expert in Hawaii

(00:41:29) Day One: Programming Takeaways & Education Recap

(00:48:19) Day Two: Programming Takeaways & Education Recap

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Event Summary: 3rd Annual IMN Short-Term Rental Forum

• #STRShareSunday: @theretreataustin

• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Elaine asks:

We have an outdoor tub, but we do not have a hot tub. We've been getting some feedback from guests wishing that we had a hot tub. I would love to know a great brand, tips for upkeep, and insurance. Do you have to change the water every day? Is it more hassle or do you think it would bring in a lot more bookings? I'm just not sure. I would love your feedback on pros and cons.

(00:01:18) Elaine From Rustic Pines Retreat Asks About STR Hot Tubs

(00:02:35) Follow the Data & Use STR Analytics Tools

(00:04:30) The Harsh Reality of Adding a Hot Tub to Your Vacation Rental

(00:06:43) Quick Safety Tips for STR Hot Tub Amenities

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Website: Rustic Pines Retreat

• Pricelabs: Check out PriceLabs

• STR Insights: app.STRinsights.com

• Video: Get More Bookings! 5 Tips From Airbnb Superhosts

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hosting Handbook | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

As owner and co-founder of a European rental management company overseeing 900+ properties, Richard Vaughton has significant experience in short-term rentals and property management. He’s also got some surprising takes on where our industry is headed in the near and long term future.

Uniquely plugged into the industry, and endlessly experienced with real-life work in our world (hello, cleaning toilets on a Saturday) – Richard delivers one of the most deeply impactful conversations we’ve ever had on the show. After circling the globe hosting rentals of all shapes and sizes, he’s raw and honest about what it takes to win – and why he’d never try it again.

He’s also a supremely accomplished businessman, boasting numerous successful exits in industries far and wide. He brings all of his know-how, all of his access, and all of his wisdom for this powerful conversation.

This is the reality of our industry! Spoken in plain terms by a trusted voice who’s seen and done it all. You do not want to miss it. Make sure to follow Richard on Linkedin (linked below) for his takes on the latest tech, trends, and industry news.

(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML

(00:03:42) Introducing Richard Vaughton: Global STR Expert

(00:19:38) Weighing Perfection vs. Productivity vs. Profitability

(00:30:15) Pro Tips for Direct Booking & STR Marketing

(00:43:30) Forecasting the Future of Vacation Rentals Around the World

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• LinkedIn: Richard Vaughton

• #STRShareSunday: @LakeSeclusionSML

• Video: 20+ Years of Business & Airbnb Hosting Lessons

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Betsy asks:

I wanted to talk about damage waivers using companies like Waivo. I'm using Waivo specifically and encountering some significant challenges.

I quickly learned that the generous linen coverage that I thought Waivo provided was not that, that things like standard bodily fluids that don't come out in the wash are not covered. We are encountering this problem at one particular property almost every turn, on multiple beds. It adds up quickly for the owners to have to be replacing all these linens.

I also want to make sure I’m not giving guests a false sense of hope that they can just relax and not see a bill at the end of the day within reason.

(00:01:16) Betsy Asks About Linen Coverage at Her Co-Hosted STRs

(00:03:04) Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Program Options

(00:04:48) Consider an In-House Damage Waiver Process

(00:06:47) What Do Vacation Rental Damage Waivers Cover?

(00:08:04) How To Design Your Own STR Damage Waiver Program

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Proper Insurance: proper.insure

• Relay: lets.bankwithrelay.com (get $50 when you fund a Relay account)

• Video: Mastering Linen Management: Essential Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

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!

We’re making progress on our Hocking Hills glamping project with cabin demo, prefab purchases, and creative financing. Check in for an honest, relatable recollection of the development process from two eager investors knee deep in a long term legacy build.

First, we take you behind the scenes on Day 1 of cabin demo, a delightfully quick process with some fun creative questions to answer (roll-away bed or no roll-away bed?). Along the way, we sing the praises of our investment team, highlighting the cost savings we’ve enjoyed thanks to their specific skills and areas of expertise.

Next, a big reveal!

We talk about the research we did on prefabricated structures and unveil which incredible design we’ve elected to bring to our property, when they will arrive, how we plan to furnish them, and – somewhat critically – how we will pay for them.

Next, what’s next? We’ll need to raise money, create or move some roads, put in landscaping, build decks, and purchase and install amenities; there’s still so much to do and be excited about. We’re proud to bring you along for the ride, and thank you for joining us in this challenging endeavor!

(00:01:37) #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat

(00:04:07) Update on Our Hocking Hills STR Glamping Project

(00:19:27) Getting Priorities Straight: Creativity vs. Cash Flow

(00:29:31) Next Steps in Building Our Dream Vacation Rental Property

Resources:

• The Cliffs at Hocking Hills: @thecliffs_hockinghills

• We Bought Land (Part 2): Use ChatGPT in Your STR Competitive Analysis #361

• We Bought Land (Part 1): Laying a Foundation for Long-Term Partnership #349

• #STRShareSunday: @richhollowretreat

• Video: Funding Your NEXT Airbnb or Real Estate Property

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/thanks-for-visiting/ and use TFV100 to get $100 off your subscription.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

Elaine asks:

We get a lot of couples that stay at our romantic gazebo cottage. I had a guest that reached out to me who wanted to know if we have any add-on packages to help celebrate an anniversary. Unfortunately, I did not, but I would like to offer something. I don't know what to include or how to find it. Any insight that y'all would have would be greatly appreciated.

(00:01:58) Elaine Asks About Special STR Celebration Packages

(00:03:29) How to Design Special Occasion Airbnb Upsells

(00:06:33) Benefits of Partnering with Local Boutique Businesses

(00:07:51) We Recommend Breezeway for System Building

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Resources:

• Click here for full show notes

• Website: rusticpinesretreat.com

• Check out Breezeway

• Check out Hostfully Guidebooks

• Coach Wendy: mostess.host

• Video: Top 3 Airbnb Hosting Tips for 5 Star Reviews

• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

Thanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!