Hostess with the Mostess // Courtney Sandberg

Hey, Sister!

Superhost Courtney Sandberg joins the “Hey, Sisterhood” for a fun conversation all about Airbnbs, covering the topics of: differences between hotels and Airbnbs, lessons learned when first becoming an Airbnb host, the importance of communication between host and guest, tips and tricks for booking a stay, and leaving and receiving reviews. Courtney and Carley and guest host Courtney Sandberg swap stories about their experiences staying in various locations including the Czech Republic, New Mexico and Florida. Give a listen and find some inspiration to book your next stay at an Airbnb in this second episode in the 4-part vacation-ready series, airing April 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below.

Call to Action:

“I’ve got a tier of calls to action today, based on your experience with Airbnb. So, if you have never tried an Airbnb, my call to action to you is to download the app and just browse…If you have an Airbnb booked for sometime this summer…my call to action is to leave a review….The last one: if you are interested in becoming an Airbnb host, then just figure out what your next step is to make it happen!” - Courtney Sandberg

Referenced Links:

Check out Courtney Sandberg’s Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ

Check out Carley Ferguson’s Airbnb in Waco, TX

Connect with Hey, Sister!:

Hey, Sister! Instagram

Hey, Sister! Facebook

Referenced Episodes:

Episode 24: Wanderlust with Madeline Becker Hamilton

Episode 19: Purge!

Show Timeline:

0:00 introduction of monthly theme and guest expert

4:15 Courtney Sandberg: difference between hotels and Airbnbs

8:30 Carley: Airbnbs provide immersive experience in new location (Czech Republic experience)

9:30 Courtney Lewis: overcoming hesitation about trying new things

10:15 Courtney Sandberg: lessons learned becoming an Airbnb host, not every Airbnb is for everyone

11:30 Courtney Lewis: NM Airbnb experience

13:10 Reaction to Courtney’s story and discussion on communication (how much contact, ideas of questions to ask)

17:00 Communication builds trust: asking questions of hosts, reviews are critical

18:25 Overcoming decision fatigue in hosting or booking an Airbnb: opportunity costs (how saving $50 might lose you $150)

21:15 Airbnb tips and tricks for guests: checking date availability with host even if it shows unavailable for part of guest’s trip, asking questions before booking, looking for “diamonds in the rough”, requesting early check-in or late check-out, adding people to reservation, pets/no pets

28:30 Social credibility: guests get reviewed, adding a profile picture

30:45 Extra charges: refundable deposits, cleaning fees

32:00 Voicing complaints and concerns cordially and early-on

34:10 Outback Steakhouse story, don’t be “that lady” who tries to get money back at the end of the meal (or the end of an Airbnb stay)

35:30 Create your own outcome philosophy: Courtney Sandberg’s FL Airbnb experience

38:40 Call to action

40:30 Concluding thoughts, outtakes