All Forum Posts by: Anja Schaer

Hey Raymond, great observation! I'm 100% sure it's a monthly rental for Insurance claims/displaced families. Local folks that had a fire, water or tree damage and have to stay at a furnished place in the area for a couple weeks or months. The Homeowners Insurance will pay a premium for those furnished homes. Very lucrative space! Plus those 30-day minimums help to get around any STR regulations. We actually host & co-host in metro Atlanta and run our properties with a Hybrid method (STR & MTR). Those monthly stays reduce the workload and often bring in more revenue than the STR bookings. We are currently planning to specialize on those Mid term/monthly stays to maximize not just our revenue but those of our Co-Hosting clients as well. Happy to chat if you want more local insight!

Hey David—welcome and congrats on taking the leap! I'm also in the STR space and happy to connect. DFW can be tricky with regulations, so make sure you're dialed in on city rules. Check out local STR groups/ Facebook groups to ask market specific questions. You might also get referrals to build a local team with STR experience ( cleaner, handyman, etc.) and look into DSCR loans if you're financing. All the best!

Congrats, Keith! I use a Google Voice number—keeps things separate and easy to manage. I also turn on Instant Book with a few settings (like ID verification and positive reviews) and haven’t had issues. You can still cancel bookings if you don’t feel safe with that guest. Ask questions, even after they booked to get a feel of why they are staying. You will get the hang of it. As for setup, Airbnb walks you through it step by step, but happy to share tips if you get stuck!

You're not doing it wrong—maybe you are not looking in the right markets. Cash flow is tough there with today's rates. Try less competitive areas or mid-term rentals, and don't underestimate the tax perks—they help a lot if you're W2. And check out services like STR Insights to find cash flowing markets based on your investment criteria and budget. Don't give up, the right deal's out there!

Congrats on the duplex, Awa! South Minneapolis has pockets that can work well for STR or MTR—it really depends on your exact location, furnishing quality, and local demand. We spent around $10k for a 2 bed/2 bath townhome. That budget might vary based on your square footage and level of furnishings. Definitely research comps, city regs, and consider tools like AirDNA or Pricelabs to guide pricing. You've got options!

Airbnb just rolled out a new feature letting guests book third-party services like chefs, massage therapists, and more—without any host approval.

Honestly, I’ve been thinking about this for a few days. The update came out of nowhere, and as hosts, we were never consulted. No survey, no warning—just a new liability quietly added to our plate.

Here’s why we’re opting out:

• Zero say in who gets sent to our properties
• No notice or consent
• But we’re still liable if anything goes wrong

At PeachHaus, we host mostly business travelers, families visiting Atlanta, or locals staying with us during renovations. Our guests aren’t expecting luxury add-ons—and this update just doesn’t fit our model.So for us, it’s a no.

But what about you? Are you opting in? Are you seeing potential benefits in your market? I’d love to hear how others are approaching this.

Most Interior Designers or Stagers do have websites and a Social Media presence nowadays, so you can do a search online for your market. You can also check out Paige Hayes with https://hayes-and-co.com/. She does virtual Design for STRs and she's one of the best. She might even have a resource or Stager contact in your market. Good luck Kwanza! 

Hey Andrew! Before buying your first STR, make sure you're clear on local regulations, demand, and zoning. Budget for more than just the purchase—think furnishing, setup, and ongoing maintenance. A standout design and strong amenities (like a hot tub or game room if your market demands those amenities) can make a huge difference. Focus on a great location, pro photos, and a clear financial model. And don't underestimate the time commitment—this is a business, not a passive investment. Start by reading through STR forums, and don't be afraid to reach out to experienced hosts for insight. Good luck!

Hey Kwanza! If you're setting up an STR/MTR, invest in cohesive design—guests book with their eyes. Buy new, pre-assembled furniture when possible (Wayfair, local furniture stores), stick to mid-range kitchen gear, and avoid bargain items that feel cheap. If you're remote, hire help locally for setup or even a designer—it'll save time and boost your nightly rate. There are Virtual STR Designers who can recommend a theme and put a selection of furniture and decor together. You only have to order those. Then hire a stager locally who will assemble and install all furniture and help with getting the home guest-ready. Most importantly, treat the furnishing process like marketing—because it is. All the best!

Wow, Jing — you handled that like a pro. It’s incredibly frustrating when guests exploit the review and refund system, especially after enjoying the property and amenities. I’m glad Airbnb sided with you in the end, but it’s exhausting how often hosts have to fight for fairness. The key, as you said, is clear communication, documentation, and staying firm but respectful. Thanks for sharing — these stories help all of us be better prepared.