All Forum Posts by: Anja Schaer

For just 1-2 properties, I'd stick with syncing Airbnb and VRBO directly—no need to pay for a PMS yet. But once you scale, options like Hospitable, Guesty, or Hostaway can really help streamline operations. I use OwnerRez myself and it’s a big time-saver when managing multiple listings! Have you decided how many properties you're aiming to grow to?

We’ve definitely seen ups and downs, but diversifying has helped—besides Airbnb, we use VRBO, Booking.com, and direct bookings. Dynamic pricing plus manual tweaks also keeps us competitive. I agree with others here: being on just one platform is risky these days, and if your property numbers work, the bookings will come.

Yes, VRBO can feel clunky compared to Airbnb, but it’s definitely worth it in many markets. They usually collect and remit taxes, but sometimes you have to enter your total rate yourself. We have an integrated account with VRBO so we get the taxes paid out and have to report & pay those to the respective local agencies. And yes, giving your cleaner calendar access is tricky—many hosts end up using a PMS (like Hospitable or OwnerRez) to sync calendars and give team access. Once you set it up, it gets much easier, especially if you plan to scale.

We’ve had the same issue, Christina! Guests just aren’t gentle with nonstick, no matter what utensils you provide. We switched to stainless steel for durability and bamboo cutting boards — they last way longer. I’d also skip glass boards since they’re rough on knives. If you really want nonstick, Henckels Granitium has held up well for us. Sometimes simpler (and sturdier) wins!

Good questions, Susann! Yes, verify financials with tax returns and Airbnb/VRBO reports. You'll likely lose Airbnb reviews/bookings but might transfer VRBO reviews with the seller's help. Check permits, STR regulations, and do a full inspection (HVAC, safety, etc.). Also, grab an AirDNA report to confirm demand.

Marc, sounds like a great opportunity for the right person—especially with you offering mentorship. I'd recommend posting in local San Diego STR Facebook groups and also checking out the Airbnb Co-Host marketplace (like others mentioned). You might also find success networking at local real estate meetups or hosting groups where aspiring co-hosts or managers are looking for that first break. Just be super clear on expectations and division of duties upfront—it’s key for a smooth partnership.

Blair, welcome to the STR world! I don't personally do arbitrage—we focus on ownership and co-hosting in North Atlanta—but I know some folks still make it work in very specific markets with flexible landlords and minimal regulatory risk. That said, most seasoned hosts here lean toward owning or managing for others because arbitrage can be high risk with little long-term wealth building. If you’re just starting out, definitely read up on both the pros and pitfalls before jumping in. Happy to answer any questions if you want a manager’s perspective! 👋

Are you looking at arbitrage in a particular city yet?

We haven't dabbled with Facebook ads since we get a very diverse range of guests in our urban market (Metro ATL). But I think it's very property-specific. Eye-catching video ads targeting the right guest avatar seem to perform best. That said, tracking real ROI can be tricky unless you have a good system in place (like a landing page with a Meta pixel). If you have a really unique or high-demand property, it might be worth testing — just be ready to tweak the ads quickly if they're not converting.

I’m all for it — transparency helps build trust, and long term that's a win for hosts who are already pricing fairly. We never tried to hide fees anyway, so this change really just levels the playing field. Plus, anything that reduces abandoned bookings at checkout is a good thing in my book!