The short-term rental market is evolving rapidly, and in this episode, we dive deep into the world of vacation rental management with Marcus Rader, CEO of HostAway.

With over $365 million in recent funding and a $924 overall valuation, HostAway is leading the charge in property management automation and software integration.

Marcus shares his journey in defining what makes a great PMS and how technology is reshaping guest experiences.

• The Evolution of PMS Software – How HostAway became a top vacation rental software.

• The Role of Technology in Rentals – From smart locks to AI-driven guest interactions.

• Why Direct Bookings Matter – The push towards independence from major OTAs.

• Midterm Rentals: The Next Big Thing? – How the market is shifting to accommodate longer stays.

• Scaling a Rental Business Successfully – Key insights for property managers and investors.

Marcus also discusses how the short-term rental market is maturing and why now is an exciting time to get started. With competition growing, it’s crucial to adopt the right tools, optimize guest experiences, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Plus, Marcus shares a game-changing tip that could instantly improve your guest reviews.

If you’re looking for a property management solution, want to optimize your rental strategy, or just stay ahead of industry trends, be sure to follow along with Short-Term Rental Riches for more expert insights. Don’t forget to grab our free property management guide at strriches.com to help maximize your rental income!

• Watch our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShortTermRentalRiches

• Looking to earn more with your property (without the headaches)? Chat with our expert management team: https://strriches.com/management-services/

Housekeeping is one of the biggest contributors to short-term rental success. Yet, large property managers are consistently failing in this area, leading to bad reviews and lost revenue.

In this episode, we look at national review averages from over 5,000 vacation rentals in the most popular areas and why they have averages from 4.02 to 4.62!

Tim Hubbard discusses why property owners should consider hiring their own housekeepers to maintain higher standards and create better guest experiences.

• Housekeeping & Review Scores – Why cleanliness impacts guest ratings and revenue.

• Large Property Managers’ Shortcomings – How inconsistent housekeeping teams hurt your rental business.

• The Benefits of Hiring Your Own Housekeeper – Improved consistency, attention to detail, and guest experience.

• How to Find Your Own Housekeepers – Tips for recruiting and setting cleaning standards.

• The Financial Impact of Cleanliness – How better reviews lead to higher nightly rates and more bookings.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand why hiring your own housekeeper is one of the best investments you can make for your rental business.

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your rental strategy, be sure to follow Short-Term Rental Riches for more expert insights. Don’t forget to grab our free property management guide at strriches.com to help maximize your rental income!

Looking to earn more money with less headaches? Chat with the team that manages Tim's portfolio of 46 properties: https://strriches.com/management-services/

One of the biggest mistakes short-term rental (STR) owners make is assuming their STR manager is handling repairs in the most cost-effective way. The truth? Many property managers either mark up repair costs, delay small fixes until they become major problems, or use their own preferred vendors who charge higher rates. If you’re not reviewing your Airbnb repair expenses, you could be losing thousands of dollars every year without realizing it.

The key to running a profitable short-term rental isn’t just about getting bookings—it’s also about managing expenses. STR maintenance costs can add up quickly, but with the right approach, you can avoid unnecessary fees and keep your property in great shape. In this video, I’ll share the top risks of letting your STR manager handle repairs unchecked and give you practical strategies to protect your rental income while keeping your guests happy. Let’s get into it.

• Overpriced Repairs – Many STR managers mark up maintenance costs or hire expensive contractors instead of getting competitive quotes.

• Unnecessary Fixes – You might be paying for repairs that aren’t urgent or even needed at all. Always ask for before-and-after photos.

• Delayed Maintenance – Small issues, like a leaky faucet, can turn into costly repairs if ignored. Some managers don’t prioritize timely fixes.

• Lack of Transparency – If you’re not reviewing repair invoices, you could be paying hidden fees without realizing it.

• Limited Vendor Options – Many STR property managers use their own preferred vendors who charge higher-than-average rates, cutting into your profits.

Letting your STR manager handle repairs might seem like the easiest option, but it can come at a cost—literally. If you’re not actively monitoring repair expenses, you could be overpaying for Airbnb maintenance without even knowing it. The good news? A little oversight goes a long way. Always ask for itemized repair invoices, get multiple quotes for major fixes, and consider having a backup handyman you trust.

Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, leave a rating and a review, and share it! This helps us reach others that may find the info helpful as well.

You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!