vacationrentals

Join host James Varley for an in-depth chat with Property Tribes Co-Founder, Vanessa Warwick. James and Vanessa discuss the importance of education for property investors and share some top tips for holiday rental hosts and managers.

Show sponsor: Hosthub: www.hosthub.com

(4:01) Founding Property Tribes
(5:39) Property Tribes caters for everyone interested in property investment
(7:28) User generated content to help everyone
(8:42) Investing in short-term rentals
(11:02) Vanessa’s experience as a holiday rentals host
(12:48) The property market right now
(15:42) Dealing with anti-landlord rhetoric
(18:42) Providing a brilliant guest experience is key
(20:48) Top tips for holiday rental hosts
(25:02) The value of legitimate education
(31:06) The best bookings are repeat bookings
(33:34) Where to find Property Tribes

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation

Property Tribes

Vanessa is currently crowdfunding for legal fees after being sued by a property trainer. For further information, visit: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/vanessa-warwicks-case/

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for a chat with Dana Young, CEO of AIPEX Technologies, which helps short-term rental owners elevate engagement with guests by providing state-of-the-art voice and touchscreen technology.


Hear Dana outline the 'Alexa Device' for holiday rentals and how it can take your guest experience to the next level.
 

Show sponsor: Hosthub: www.hosthub.com

(3:24) The story of AIPEX Technologies

(4:46) How does the device work?

(6:25) An ‘Alexa Device’ for your short-term rental

(7:49) All your phrases are supported in the system (about 900 topics!)

(9:08) You can even use your own voice to respond to guests 

(9:54) Head to www.aipextech.com for more info (it costs about $10 per month)

(11:31) The upfront costs (about $70)

(12:56) It can only take an hour to get the device set up 

(15:07) Guest feedback (check-out is much smoother)

(17:55) Leveraging the next generation of conversational AI

(19:54) How AI might impact the short-term rentals industry 

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation

AIPEX Technologies

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for a chat with Roger Graham, Founder and CEO of Orana Stay, which creates innovative digital guidebooks for holiday rentals, hotels, and other types of accommodation. Roger talks about his time in the industry, outlines how a digital guidebook can supercharge your guest experience, and the potential impact of AI in the industry.

Sponsor: Hosthub

(3:25) Roger’s story in short-term rentals

(5:49) How Orana Stay can take your listings to the next level

(7:28) How a digital guidebook enhances the guest experience

(9:26) The Orana Stay onboarding process

(11:09) What makes Orana Stay stand out from the crowd

(12:40) The future for Orana Stay (including early adoption of AI)

(13:57) How AI might shape short-term rentals in future

(15:03) A transitionary period for short-term rentals

(17:53) Utilising tech and social media to promote your listing

(21:06) Advice to hosts starting out 

(22:29) Head to www.oranastay.com to find out more

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation

Sponsor: Hosthub

Orana Stay

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an in-depth interview with holiday let consultant Jane Mack. Before becoming a consultant, Jane helped scale The Arran Team – based on the Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland – before selling the business to Cottages.com.

During this episode, Jane runs through her top 10 tips for hosts and property managers who are starting out in the industry.

(2:28) Buying a property management business in Scotland 

(5:10) We never planned to sell until Cottages.com came along

(7:13) Consultancy work with companies who want to scale

(8:34) Tip No. 1: Do your research

(10:06) If money wasn’t an issue, where would you buy?

(12:03) Should I allow pets?

(14:43) Tip No. 2: Make it a home from home

(18:12) Tip No. 3: Put yourself in the guest’s shoes

(20:58) Tip No. 4: Be aware of local regulation

(22:50) Tip No. 5: Budget!

(25:02) Tip No. 6: Have a maintenance schedule

(26:27) Tip No. 7: Property management

(28:40) Tip No. 8: Automate as much as possible

(30:42) Tip No. 9: Less is more 

(32:45) Tip No. 10: Take the rough with the smooth

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

Jane Mack Consulting

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an interview with Alex Caravitis, CEO and Co-Founder of Hosthub – a top-rated property management software.

Alex spoke about his journey in the short-term rentals industry, the growth of HostHub, booking trends in 2023, the impact of AI, and professionalisation in the sector.

This is a must-listen for investors, hosts, property managers, and anyone with an interest in short-term rentals.

(2:17) Alex’s journey in the short-term rentals industry

(4:39) All about Hosthub and who it caters for

(6:38) How Hosthub helps you generate more bookings and revenue

(8:56) Losing an Airbnb listing happens more often than you think 

(9:39) Sign up for Hosthub: head to www.hosthub.com

(10:48) Where the industry stands now and where we’re headed

(12:23) 2023 looks 10-15% lower than 2022 (but that’s still good!)

(12:59) Advice for hosts who are new to the industry

(17:29) Hosthub data – focused on Airbnb and Booking.com reservations

(19:00) 2022 was explosive in terms of growth

(20:02) Distribution channels in terms of popularity 

(20:42) Very strong direct booking trends in 2020

(23:09) Direct booking will increase in the coming years 

(24:01) What is going to define the market, starting with regulation

(25:24) Professionalisation in the industry and the impact of AI

(27:24) Tips for people starting out in STR

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

Hosthub

Hosthub data

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an in-depth interview with short-term rentals industry expert, Thibault Masson, the Founder of Rental Scale-Up and Head of Product Marketing at PriceLabs. 

Thibault outlines his career in the industry, speculates what the future might hold for both Airbnb and Booking.com, outlines the benefits of using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs, and offers some brilliant tips for both new and experienced hosts. 

If you have any interest in the short-term rentals sector, you must listen to one of the most thoughtful and knowledgeable professionals in this space. 

(2:34) Thibault’s story in short-term rentals 

(5:15) Being a remote host 

(6:07) Setting up Rental Scale-Up 

(10:23) Helping Booking.com focus on short-term rentals

(11:24) Airbnb right now and in the future 

(17:37) Airbnb’s co-hosts, striving for exclusivity, and preparing for regulation 

(20:21) Airbnb’s plan for growth and mid-term rentals 

(22:55) Brian Chesky wants people to live on Airbnb

(24:41) Booking.com’s focus on short-term rentals 

(25:25) Booking.com is slow…but it’s a machine 

(28:00) Airbnb has been losing market share to Booking.com 

(29:11) Rental Scale-Up and PriceLabs 

(29:22) PriceLabs is a dynamic pricing and revenue management platform 

(37:59) Where the industry is heading – listen to great podcasts like this one to find out what is happening!

(41:50) Rates have been plateauing in 2023

(44:12) Professionalisation in the industry 

(46:25) Number one tip to people starting out

(47:34) Number one tip to more experienced hosts 

Links mentioned: 

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

Rental Scale-Up

PriceLabs

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an in-depth interview with short-term rentals industry guru Simon Lehmann. As well as being the Founder and CEO of AJL Atelier, Simon is a keynote speaker, board member, and serial angel investor. He has his finger on the pulse of the vacation rentals sector unlike just about anyone else on the planet. This episode is a must-listen for anybody with a vested interest in short-term rentals. 

(2:22) Simon’s journey in the short-term rentals industry

(3:32) AJL Atelier 

(5:58) Why it’s a challenging period

(12:14) What people can do to improve their listings

(15:58) The impact of tech and AI

(20:57) Data is key – and is still not used enough

(23:38) Regulation in the industry

(27:37) Hosts need to be environmentally friendly

(31:30) Tips to improve your listings 

(32:41) Advice to people starting out

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

AJL Atelier

Vacation Rental Secrets on Amazon

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an overview of the Holiday Cottage Handbook (HCH) platform and in-depth interview with Jessica Gillingham, Founder and CEO, Abode Worldwide.

James gives a rundown of the HCH community before Jessica discusses PR in the short-term rentals sector, 

(2:15) Abode Worldwide

(3:20) Specialising in short-term rentals

(5:07) The monumental development of the short-term rentals sector

(8:22) Innovation in the industry

(10:35) The economic impact of short-term rentals

(13:13) Preparing for legislation 

(14:38) Getting better at telling the positive stories 

(16:43) Trends to be looking out for 

(19:04) Growing your business in the short-term rentals sector

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

Abode Worldwide

Monkey Hill Media 

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

Join host James Varley for an in-depth interview with Bryan Leblang, Co-Founder of both RentalWise and LuxGive.

James gives a rundown of the HCH platforms before Bryan discusses his time in the industry, the importance of utilising a property management system, advice for short-term rental hosts, tips on taking your listings to the next level, and future trends.

(2:40) Bryan’s short-term rentals journey

(9:38) What is a property management system?

(17:13) Why should short-term rental owners be using a property management system?

(20:50) Having a direct booking option is essential!

(24:55) Hosting properties in different countries 

(28:10) Advice for people starting out in short-term rentals

(33:36) Advice for taking your listings to the next level

(37:35) Where the short-term rentals industry is heading

(43:21) Hosts who take a professional approach will thrive

Links mentioned:

Holiday Cottage Handbook website 

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 

Download our free e-book for investors, hosts, and property managers

Book a one-to-one consultation 

RentalWise

LuxGive

Monkey Hill Media 

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review! 

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com 

From crafting furniture to crafting real estate deals - join us in a riveting episode as we delve into Brandon Vega's exceptional journey. Learn how he successfully leveraged his furniture design company to buy his first house, expand his network, invest in real estate deals, and own more. Tune in for an inspiring story you won't want to miss!

Key takeaways to listen for


Advantages of growing your network and finding business partners 
Reasons why providing quality services should be the goal of your business 
Expert tips for hiring trusted people to handle your business
The importance of fostering strong relationships with your employees 
Why it matters how you work on your business from the bottom up 

Resources mentioned in this episode


Craigslist: https://www.craigslist.org/
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: https://amzn.to/3EaeKpm
The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris: https://amzn.to/45ywBCg 

About Brandon Vega


Brandon is a serial entrepreneur and has leveraged his unique expertise in the modern design world to create value through design in a breadth of top-performing real estate assets throughout Southern California. Upon arrival in San Diego in 2009, he opened a mid-century design shop in San Diego called Atomic Bazaar. He has since opened two successful retail storefronts under Sea Hive, totaling nearly $5 million in annual sales. Brandon has maintained vital relationships with the local community and influential investors. Since 2014, Brandon has operated CCV Holdings as CEO, where he serves as head of development, management, design, and construction of their high-end, single-family development projects in the North County Coastal San Diego submarket.

Connect with Brandon


Website: CAST Development: https://www.cast-dev.com/
Instagram: @seahive: https://www.instagram.com/seahive/
Email: ccvholdingsllc@gmail.com 

CONNECT WITH US


Want to learn more about passive investing in multifamily? Whether you’re looking for investment or coaching opportunities, visit our website at https://investwithrev.com/ to schedule a call, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.

Go to https://www.themillionairemind.us/ and ask Dallon all your burning questions about how you can start owning apartments today!

Raised in an entrepreneurial family, Robert Taylor was determined to save for that famous "10% deposit" needed to purchase his first piece of land. Being a full-time musician of 20+ years  it took a little time, but with sacrifice and persistence he was able to secure a mortgage and  acquire his piece of St. Lucia. With 'approved' plans, the intention was always to build a house in the tourism belt that could serve a dual purpose; house his family and earn rental income.

These plans would never materialize - well at least not on that lot. Find out how a Sunday walk with his daughter would lead him down a different property path and ultimately birth, the now famous luxury short-term rental "Villa Zatara!" As a creative he could always envision the finished product. Hear the hurdles he had to clear and get amazing insight into how you too can build a luxury vacation rental business with what banks may consider an "unstable" or "irregular" income.  

Finally with the onset of the pandemic; flight cancellations and global lockdowns, how did the vacation rental sector survive? As its first P.R.O., get a clear understanding of the objectives of the Vacation Rental Association of St. Lucia, how the industry is coping with the "new normal",  the legacy of these unprecedented challenges; the impact for years to come and what Property investors need to do to achieve continued success.

Seeking a change from teaching, mathematician and music teacher Christine Laurent, on the advice of a friend decided to  rent out part of her home to earn some extra money and help with her mortgage during the renovation and build process. The long-term rental arrangement proved troublesome until she stumbled across room sharing via the Air Bnb platform. Listen to how Christine moved from a 2 bedroom home, where she rented out one bedroom and ultimately expanded to 11 bedrooms and 5 additional rental units.

During this growth process, find out how she won the prestigious "Super host" designation awarded by Air Bnb for 16 consecutive seasons (quarters), while racking up more than 100 positive reviews. Learn how to get set up on the vacation rental platforms, how to attract and grow bookings and more importantly what you need to do to make your guests absolutely love you, love your accommodation, hospitality and ultimately how to get them to give you 5 Star reviews, recommendations and return visits.

This is perhaps our most inspirational story to date as Christine shares her challenges, her victories and why anyone starting with very little, regardless of your location, can MAKE IT BIG in property with the right attitude.