Libsyn Directory

303. Airbnb Scammers Are Getting Smarter (Stay Protected)

Release Date: 09/02/2025

305. How to Get Airbnb's Guest Favorite Badge (& Rank Higher)

Short Term Rental Riches

Airbnb recently shook up its search rankings—and if you're still focused on Superhost status, you might be missing out. In this episode, we unpack the Guest Favorite Badge, Airbnb’s new trust signal that can directly impact your bookings, revenue, and visibility. Find out what it takes to earn it and why it’s more important than ever. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why Airbnb replaced the Superhost filter with the Guest Favorite Badge—and what that means for you • The 4 exact requirements to qualify (including the one most hosts overlook) • How this badge can skyrocket...

304. 8 Smart Lock Requirements Airbnb Hosts Must Know

Short Term Rental Riches

Guest check-ins should be smooth—not stressful. With hundreds of smart lock options out there, how do you choose the right one for your short-term rental? This week, we break down the 8 essential features every host needs in a smart lock—plus, the top 3 models we’ve tested and trusted over tens of thousands of guests. 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE • The 8 non-negotiable features your smart lock must have for STR success (yes, wifi memory is one of them!) • Why direct Airbnb integration isn’t enough—and how to cover VRBO & Booking.com too • The top 2 smart lock brands...

303. Airbnb Scammers Are Getting Smarter (Stay Protected)

Short Term Rental Riches

Scams in the short-term rental world are more common and damaging than ever. From copycat listings to payment loopholes, both hosts and guests are getting hit. In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the 7 most frequent STR scams and share the steps you can take right now to protect your business and your peace of mind. The copycat Craigslist scam (happened to us personally) Booking.com payment loopholes that cost you money Chargeback fraud from guests who actually stayed Stolen credit card bookings The dirty linens scam Cleanliness fraud (they use your place, then demand refunds) ...

302. STR Investors: Your Tax Bill Just Got Slashed

Short Term Rental Riches

A powerful new bill has changed the game for short-term rental investors. If you’re looking to reduce your tax bill and increase your ROI, now is the time to act. In this episode, we reveal how 100% bonus depreciation can work in your favor—and how to qualify for it even without being a full-time host. • The little-known IRS rule that could unlock massive tax deductions in year one. • Two surprising ways to “materially participate” (without being a hands-on landlord). • A strategy that turns your property setup time into a long-term tax advantage. • Why traditional STR...

301. 4 Times You Should NEVER Drop Your Airbnb Rate

Short Term Rental Riches

If your short-term rental isn’t booking, slashing your prices might seem like the easy fix—but that move could be draining your profits. In this episode, we uncover five common pricing mistakes hosts make that actually hurt their revenue. Learn when not to drop your rates, and what strategies to use instead to maximize bookings., and so much more: Why matching market prices often misses the real problem (visibility & reviews) When low occupancy means hold steady, not slash prices How your market's booking window prevents panic pricing Why high occupancy + discounting = lost...

300. 50 000 Guests Later: My 10-Year STR Journey & What's Next

Short Term Rental Riches

It’s our 300th episode, and we’re pulling back the curtain on 10 years of short-term rental success! From 50,000+ guests to managing properties in 3 countries, Tim reflects on the real journey—wins, losses, and the seven books that changed everything. If you're serious about STRs, this milestone episode is one you don't want to miss. ● The early days: managing STRs from across the hall to managing globally from afar ● Why falling in love with the problem is the real secret to scaling your business ● The 7 life-changing books that built the foundation of long-term STR success ●...

299. 5 Ways AI Beats Human Reception

Short Term Rental Riches

While most hosts are still handling guest communication the old way, the biggest hotel chains and STR management companies are already using AI to handle guest reception. This week, we’re exploring how AI guest reception can revolutionize your operations, enhance consistency, and cut costs without losing the human touch. In this episode, we break down: Exactly how AI guest reception works and when to use it 5 ways AI outperforms human communication When AI will fail you (and you need real people) Real examples from companies already using this successfully How our team of 20+...

298. Is The STR Crash Real? 5 Years Of Actual Data

Short Term Rental Riches

How much money do short-term rentals really make after five years? In this episode, Tim pulls back the curtain on one of his personal properties, revealing actual numbers - gross, net, and everything in between. As the STR landscape shifts nationwide, find out how rising supply and falling rates are impacting returns and what to do about it. • Discover supply surges in major STR markets • Hear the full breakdown of Tim's Memphis STR: gross income, cash flow, and true ROI • Learn why 2022 was an outlier year for many STRs and what’s changed since • Get 5 proven ways real estate pays...

297. Brutal Airbnb Reviews: What NOT to Do as a Host

Short Term Rental Riches

First impressions make or break your bookings. In this fun and revealing episode, we react to real Airbnb listings that totally missed the mark, and break down exactly why. Whether it’s poor photo choices, bad review responses, or incomplete details, we uncover the do’s and don’ts of creating a listing that converts. Get ready to laugh and learn. 5 Key Takeaways • 73% of guests decide to book or bounce within the first 30 seconds of viewing your listing. • Your title should sell unique amenities, not repeat obvious info. • Bad lighting, poor staging, and non-professional photos...

296. The #1 Calendar Strategy Every Mid-Term Rental Host Needs to Know

Short Term Rental Riches

Do calendar gaps have you silently bleeding profits from your midterm rentals? In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest overlooked money drains for 30-night minimum properties and how to stop it. Whether you're managing due to regulations or love fewer turnovers, this strategy could save your ROI. • Discover the #1 profit-killer in midterm rentals, and it’s not pricing. • Learn how Airbnb calendar settings unintentionally create unfillable gaps. • Get a step-by-step breakdown of the “Adjacent Night Availability” strategy. • See how dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs can...

More Episodes

The copycat Craigslist scam (happened to us personally)
Booking.com payment loopholes that cost you money
Chargeback fraud from guests who actually stayed
Stolen credit card bookings
The dirty linens scam
Cleanliness fraud (they use your place, then demand refunds)
Third-party squatters who sublet your property

Whether you're new to hosting or have hundreds of bookings under your belt, scam-proofing your short-term rental is no longer optional. Use these insights and practical tips to stay a step ahead. If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to share, subscribe, and explore our bonus resources below.

TOPICS