517. The 2025 Tax Rulebook for STR Hosts: What You Need to Know with CPA Amanda Han
This week, Sarah and Annette sit down with CPA and tax strategist Amanda Han to break down the major tax updates hosts need to know heading into 2025.From the newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” to evolving depreciation rules, Amanda explains what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how short-term rental owners can use these updates to maximize savings and make smarter financial decisions.She also shares why bookkeeping is the “bad B word” no host can ignore, the truth about the short-term rental loophole (and why it’s not actually shady), and how to identify a CPA who truly understands the STR world.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by tax talk, this conversation will help you feel empowered, informed, and ready to approach 2026 with confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the One Big Beautiful Bill means for STR investorsHow to qualify for the short-term rental “loophole” (and why that term can be misleading)Updates to bonus depreciation and cost segregationWhat “material participation” actually looks like in practiceHow to structure your bookkeeping and track expenses property-by-propertyTips for hiring your kids, using sub-accounts, and working with the right CPAThe growing role of AI in accounting and what not to trust it withResources mentioned:Amanda Han, Keystone CPARelay Financial: Business banking we use at Thanks for VisitingMentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
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516. Hosting Hotline: Airbnb Promotions: Visibility Tool or Discount Trap?
When should you actually use Airbnb promotions—and are they really just discounts in disguise?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette clear up the confusion around Airbnb’s promotion tools and explain how to use them strategically to boost visibility, not slash profits.They cover:How Airbnb really calculates your “discount” (hint: it’s not off your nightly rate)Why promotions should be treated as a visibility lever, not a crutchWhen to activate a promo to surface higher in searchThe key data you must track—booking window, market demand, and median ratesWhy a 5–10% promotion can sometimes outperform a massive markdownIf you’ve ever wondered whether Airbnb promotions actually work, this episode will teach you how to use them to your advantage without undercutting your value.Resources mentioned:Airbnb Help ArticleLodgify — Create your direct booking website and connect your Airbnb listings (use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plans)Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20
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515. How to Copy Our Guest Marketing Emails (and Actually Hit Send)
If you’ve been collecting guest emails for years but never actually sent one—this episode is for you.Sarah and Annette are walking you through five repeatable guest email ideas to help you stay connected with past guests, strengthen loyalty, and drive more direct bookings—all without sounding pushy or salesy.From newsletters to new-amenity announcements, you’ll learn how to keep your property top of mind and build a marketing system that runs year-round.You’ll Learn:Why your email list is one of your most valuable business assetsHow to reintroduce yourself and your property with every emailThe five guest email types you can send over and over againHow to use these ideas across social media and your website for extra mileageWhy consistent communication builds trust (and more repeat stays)Resources mentioned:Lodgify: Build a direct booking website with no tech stress — use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
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514. Hosting Hotline: What to Do When Airbnb Suspends Your Listing (and Won’t Tell You Why)
This Hosting Hotline question comes from Renee, a Superhost in Tucson, Arizona, who found herself in an incredibly frustrating situation: after purchasing a new property, Airbnb deactivated the listing—citing “violations” she couldn’t see and refusing to explain why.In this episode, Sarah and Annette unpack what to do if this ever happens to you. They’ll walk through practical next steps for appealing the decision, plus the smart moves every host should make before a problem like this arises.Here’s what they cover:How to navigate Airbnb’s opaque appeal process (and what might actually move the needle)Why violations often follow the property address—not the ownerHow AI and private feedback now influence listing reviews behind the scenesWhy diversifying beyond Airbnb is no longer optionalSteps to build your direct booking presence and safeguard your incomeIf you’ve ever wondered how much control Airbnb really has over your business, this episode is your wake-up call.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20
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513. Why Per-Guest Fees Are Killing Your Conversion Rate
Think charging extra per guest is helping you make more money? Think again.In this episode, Sarah and Annette reveal how per-guest pricing could actually be hurting your short-term rental business—and why it’s one of the most common (and costly) settings hosts overlook.They’ll break down:Why Airbnb’s new “all-in” pricing model makes per-guest fees confusing and expensive for guestsHow hidden fees tank your conversion rate without you realizing itA smarter alternative that keeps your pricing clear and competitiveHow to create “parent” and “child” listings that attract different guest groups—without frictionIf you’ve been wondering why your bookings have slowed down lately, this episode might reveal the small tweak that makes a big difference.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify: Use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Avalara | Book a demo to save $100
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.
Ireland