How to Start an Airbnb

65. STR Cleaner Tells the Truth

* Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY] * Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/] EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, I sit down with Carlos Saavedra, a cleaning expert who operates a high standard Airbnb cleaning company, and we get into the REAL behind the scenes of what makes or breaks your short term rental. We talk about everything from why your cleaner is actually the backbone of your business, to the small details guests notice that can tank your reviews, to how to properly vet and hire a cleaner who actually understands hospitality, not just “cleaning.” We also go deep into systems, communication, linens, staging expectations, and the biggest mistakes I see investors make when setting up their Airbnb for success. If you have ever struggled with a cleaner, questioned your setup, or want to avoid costly mistakes from day 1, this episode is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Your cleaner is not just a cleaner, they are protecting your income • Hospitality cleaning is VERY different than residential or office cleaning • Small details like hair, linens, and supplies can make or break reviews • You should always interview multiple cleaners before hiring • Ask about pricing structure, experience, and consistency systems • White linens win every time for cleanliness perception and sanitation • 3 full linen sets per bed is the sweet spot for operations • Over staging your Airbnb can create unnecessary workload and inconsistency • Systems and communication between you and your cleaner are everything • Not all cleaners are built for short term rentals, and that is okay WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? If you are building or scaling an Airbnb, this episode will save you time, money, and headaches. I am not kidding when I say your cleaner can either elevate your business or completely destroy your guest experience. This conversation will help you hire smarter, set better expectations, and build systems that actually support long term success. Whether you are brand new or already hosting, this is one of those foundational episodes you do not want to skip.   LET’S CONNECT Thinking about hiring a cleaner or setting up your Airbnb the right way? 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 launch your Airbnb the RIGHT way without all the trial and error? Inside my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator, I walk you through everything from finding the right property to setting up systems like cleaning, pricing, and guest experience so you can actually make money and not feel overwhelmed. Use code 5STARPODCAST for a special discount CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro and guest welcome 02:00 How Carlos got into Airbnb cleaning 05:00 What most cleaners are doing wrong 08:00 Going above and beyond as a cleaning company 12:00 3 must ask questions when hiring a cleaner 18:00 Real life cleaner interview horror story 22:00 Staging vs reality in Airbnbs 26:00 Linen strategy and why white wins 33:00 King vs queen bedding debate 37:00 When to fire your cleaner 41:00 Final thoughts and business shoutouts SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE If this episode helped you think differently about your Airbnb setup, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram. Tag me so I can reshare and support you. And if you have not already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode of The Airbnb Roadmap 🎙️

64. FREE Subscription to Hospitable?! Sit down with Hospitables Founder Pierre-Camille (PC) Hamana

* Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY] * Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/] This episode is a big one 👀 I sat down with Pierre-Camille Hamana, the CEO of Hospitable, to talk about something that I honestly think is going to change the game for new Airbnb hosts… 👉 They just launched a FREE Essentials plan Yes… free. And if you are someone who has been holding back on getting started because of costs, systems, or just feeling overwhelmed with all the tools out there, this is exactly what you needed. We break down: * Why they made this move * What is actually included * How it helps first-time investors * And how you can use it to start building your Airbnb business the right way from day one We also dive into mindset, taking action, and why waiting for “perfect” is what keeps most people stuck. KEY TAKEAWAYS * What the Hospitable Essentials (FREE) plan actually includes * Why this is a huge opportunity for first-time Airbnb investors * How to start your Airbnb WITHOUT stacking expensive tools * Why automation should not stop you from getting started * The biggest mistake new hosts make when trying to “prepare everything first” * How Hospitable is helping hosts make money, not just manage properties * What features you can access for $0, including messaging and multi-platform syncing * How this creates long-term systems from the very beginning * Why loyalty and simplicity matter when choosing your tech stack * The connection between systems, scalability, and time freedom WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? If you have ever thought… “I want to start an Airbnb but there is just too much to set up” “I don’t want to spend a ton of money upfront on software” “I feel overwhelmed with all the moving pieces” This episode is going to simplify everything for you. The reality is, you do NOT need a massive tech stack to get started anymore. This free plan gives you the ability to: * Automate your messaging * Sync calendars across platforms * Stay organized from day one And most importantly… actually take action.   LET’S CONNECT Thinking about starting your first Airbnb or trying to simplify your 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 If you are ready to go from idea to income, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you step by step through finding, launching, and automating your Airbnb so you can build this the right way from the start. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why this episode matters for new hosts 02:30 Meet the CEO of Hospitable 05:00 The real reason people don’t start 10:00 Biggest fears for first-time Airbnb investors 15:30 The FREE Essentials plan explained 20:00 What you actually get for $0 25:00 Why this changes the game for beginners 30:00 Systems, automation, and scaling smarter 35:00 Features most hosts are not using 40:00 Final thoughts and how to get started SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE If this episode helped you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @theairbnbroadmap so I can repost and say thank you! And if you haven’t already, make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode 🎙️

63. Top 10 things I would not do/buy for a Airbnb

* Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY] * Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/] * Get your Amazon Shopping Cart [https://a.co/0iPijvgt]   In this episode, I’m sharing a real, honest breakdown of what I no longer buy for my Airbnb properties, and why. After getting hit with a massive 30-inch snowfall at our cabins and managing guest expectations in the middle of chaos, it reminded me just how important it is to have systems and smart decisions in place. I walk through the biggest purchasing mistakes I’ve made over the years, from cheap furniture that doesn’t last, to design choices that actually hurt guest perception. If you’re in the furnishing, upgrading, or scaling phase of your short term rental, this episode is your reality check. Not everything that looks good or feels like an upgrade will actually increase your bookings, your reviews, or your nightly rate. And if it doesn’t do at least one of those things, it’s probably not worth your money. KEY TAKEAWAYS Cheap furniture will cost you more long term, you are better off investing in quality upfront White bedding builds trust with guests and signals cleanliness, darker colors can raise doubts Strong scents, candles, and plugins can negatively impact guest experience Fragile items, including wine glasses and decor, will break quickly and create safety risks Overly complicated smart home systems lead to confusion and more guest messages Every upgrade should serve a purpose, bookings, ADR, or reviews Some amenities sound great but do not perform based on your market or location Pinterest design does not always translate into a functional or guest friendly space Avoid anything controversial, including religious or political decor Furniture layout matters more than you think, flow impacts guest experience Do not cheap out on towels, guests notice comfort details immediately WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? If you are currently setting up your first Airbnb or thinking about upgrading your space, this episode will save you money, time, and frustration. I am sharing real mistakes I have made across multiple properties so you do not have to learn the hard way. This is also a great episode if you feel like you are constantly spending money on your property but not seeing a return. I will help you shift your mindset into making strategic, ROI driven decisions instead of emotional or aesthetic ones. LET’S CONNECT Thinking about what to buy or skip for your 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 If you are ready to launch or scale your Airbnb the right way, my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator walks you through everything from property selection to full setup and systems. You will learn how to make smart investment decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a short term rental that actually performs. CHAPTERS 00:00 Life update and upcoming guest interviews 02:00 30-inch snowstorm and managing guest expectations 06:00 Why this episode matters, stop wasting money 07:30 Cheap furniture mistakes 09:00 Bedding choices and guest perception 13:00 Strong scents and guest sensitivity 15:30 Fragile decor and wine glasses 18:00 Smart home technology pitfalls 20:30 ROI driven upgrades and amenities 22:30 When amenities are not worth it 23:30 Design mistakes and Pinterest traps 24:30 Avoiding controversial decor 25:30 Furniture layout and flow 26:45 Towels and guest comfort 28:30 Final thoughts and resource mention SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE If this episode helped you rethink your Airbnb setup, share it with a friend who is in the process of furnishing their rental. Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss upcoming guest episodes, especially the one dropping this April that I am so excited about 👀

62. First Airbnb, Should you Invest Local or Long Distance?

* Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY] * Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/] EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest questions new short term rental investors ask me all the time. Should you buy your first Airbnb close to home or invest long distance in a stronger market? After a week of Airbnb chaos and dishwasher drama, I also share why I took a short break from the podcast and what that experience reminded me about time, systems, and running your rental like a business. I walk through the real pros and cons of both strategies, including why long distance investing can actually force you to build better systems, how a strong team becomes the backbone of your Airbnb business, and why investing close to home can sometimes create more work than you expect. If you’re trying to decide where to buy your first Airbnb property, this episode will help you think through the decision from a practical, real world perspective.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Close by properties feel convenient, but they can pull you into doing everything yourself. Long distance properties force you to build systems and rely on your small but mighty team. Your cleaner, handyman, lawn care provider, and even neighbors can become critical partners in running your Airbnb. Property management software can automate guest communication and reduce your daily workload. Your time has value, driving hours to fix small issues may cost more than paying someone locally. For first time investors, owning a property nearby can help you learn the operations before scaling further away. Successful Airbnb businesses rely on systems, processes, and trusted people.   WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? If you are thinking about buying your first short term rental, location is one of the most important decisions you will make. In this episode I share real experiences from managing properties within a few hours of home, including the good, the frustrating, and the lessons learned along the way. You will learn how distance affects your systems, your time, and your mindset as an Airbnb host. Whether you plan to invest locally or across the country, understanding these differences can help you build a more sustainable Airbnb business.   LET’S CONNECT Thinking about where to buy your first 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 If you want step by step guidance on finding, launching, and managing your own short term rental, check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator course. Inside the course I walk you through: Finding the right Airbnb property Running the numbers and evaluating ROI Designing and furnishing your rental Building your team and automating systems Launching and optimizing your listing Learn more here: https://theairbnbroadmap.com   CHAPTERS 0:00 Life update and why I skipped last week 3:00 The dishwasher chaos continues 6:20 The big question, local vs long distance Airbnb investing 7:30 Why long distance investing can actually work better 11:00 Running your Airbnb like a business 12:00 The convenience trap of nearby rentals 14:30 Time vs money for Airbnb owners 16:00 Who should be your local contact person 18:30 Cleaners, handymen, and neighbors as your team 21:30 Would I buy long distance for my first Airbnb 23:30 Why local investing can still be valuable 26:00 Final thoughts on choosing the right strategy   SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE If you enjoyed this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you know someone who is thinking about starting their first Airbnb, send this episode their way. It might help them make one of the biggest decisions in their investing journey.

61. Airbnb Guests Threatened Bad Reviews, This Is What I Did

* Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/JY7SZ39f?coupon_code=LAUNCHPARTY] * Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website [https://theairbnbroadmappodcast.mykajabi.com/] EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, I am sharing a very real behind the scenes look at what the past week has looked like in our short term rental business. Between a dishwasher claim, rude guest messages, and review threats, it has felt like when it rains it pours. Instead of letting it spiral, I used these situations as a reminder of why being proactive instead of reactive is everything in this business. I walk you through two real guest scenarios, exactly what was said, how I handled it, and what I did behind the scenes to protect our listings, reviews, and sanity. If you have ever felt stressed by a guest, worried about a bad review, or unsure how to handle a tricky cancellation situation, this episode will help you think 3 steps ahead instead of constantly putting out fires. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Why proactive communication protects your reviews • How to handle guests who threaten bad reviews • When to call Airbnb and document everything • Why small refunds can protect long term revenue • How automation tools like Hospitable help create consistency • Why keeping communication inside Airbnb matters • How reviews shape your visibility and bookings • Why sometimes you have to spend $50 to protect thousands WHY LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? Because hosting is not about avoiding problems. It is about having a plan before problems happen. I break down a situation where a guest refused to cancel and openly admitted he wanted to leave a bad review. Instead of panicking, I called Airbnb immediately, documented everything, and had a note placed on the reservation. If he leaves a retaliatory review, it gets removed. That is proactive hosting. I also share how I handled a dishwasher breaking mid bookings, what I did to soften the inconvenience, and how one guest still pushed back. These are the moments that test you as a host. We also talk about the power of reviews and where the whole review culture actually started, shoutout to Michelin for creating the original rating system that evolved into the Michelin Star system. Wild, right? This episode is equal parts strategy and real life hosting therapy session. MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Airbnb Vrbo Booking.com Hospitable Michelin LET’S CONNECT Thinking about how to protect your Airbnb reviews or handle difficult guests? 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 If you want systems, scripts, automation, and proactive hosting strategies built out step by step, check out the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator. I teach you how to protect your time, your revenue, and your sanity while building a 5 star short term rental business. CHAPTERS 00:00 Life update and guest chaos 05:00 Guest threatens bad review over cancellation 10:00 Calling Airbnb and documenting everything 15:00 Dishwasher drama and handling inconvenience 20:00 Why refunds can protect long term income 24:00 The origin of reviews and why they matter 27:00 Protecting your property with proof and photos 30:00 Final thoughts on proactive hosting SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE If this episode helped you feel more confident as a host, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another short term rental owner who needs to hear this. The more proactive you are, the less reactive you have to be.