Bill Faeth Unfiltered

Latest Episodes:

Why I'm Selling All My Airbnbs in 2025 Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

✅ FREE masterclass → how to earn $250K+ NET per year from Airbnb: https://buildstrwealth.com/550250masterclass

🎟 STR Wealth Conference →https://www.strwealthconference.com

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

I've sold several short-term rentals in my portfolio over the years and I’m about to do it again. This isn’t clickbait. It’s the strategy that built my $22M portfolio starting with just $125K.

If you’re sitting on equity and stuck on cash, selling might be the smartest move you can make. I’ll show you how I level up into better properties, get huge cost seg wins, and scale without injecting new capital.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Why I’m Selling My Airbnbs

01:28 – The Real Reason Holding Long-Term Might Be Costing You

03:07 – I Sold My Dream Property—Here’s What Happened

05:21 – How I Turned $620K Into $3.4M in 7 Months

07:10 – What Most Investors Miss About Equity and Cash Flow

09:02 – My Exact 1031 Exchange Strategy to Avoid Recapture

11:04 – The New Montana Property I’m Buying and Why

13:18 – Why I Only Hold STRs for 2–3 Years

15:02 – Scaling with the 5-5-2-50 Plan (Even If You Start Small)

16:38 – From $125K to $22M: How I Built It Without More Cash

CONNECT WITH BILL

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73

🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508

🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/

🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months. Landing page: stayfi.com/bill

The One Pricing Trick That Shocks the Airbnb Algorithm w/ Emile Sakhel Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Think you’ve nailed your summer pricing strategy? Think again.

In this episode, I sit down with Emile Sakhel, an anesthesiologist turned STR revenue genius and founder of Pricing by Mira, live from our 2,200-acre mastermind ranch retreat. We talk about the #1 mistake most hosts make heading into peak season, the psychology behind “hedging,” and a game-changing pricing tactic you’ve probably never heard of: the ELF Method.

Emile manages over $1M in projected revenue for my top two Outer Banks properties, and his approach has consistently outperformed traditional pricing tools and methods. If you want to maximize your bookings and keep ADR high, don’t miss this one!

00:00 – Intro and mastermind setting

01:45 – Emile’s background and W2 exit

03:00 – Becoming a top revenue manager

04:35 – The biggest summer pricing mistake

06:00 – Changing length-of-stay rules

07:25 – Pricing psychology and shorter stays

09:35 – The ELF method for dynamic discounts

10:10 – Applying ELF manually inside Airbnb

12:10 – Why pricing tools aren’t enough

Emile Sakhel

Website: www.pricingbymira.com

Facebook Group: STR Revenue Management by Emile Sakhel

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Everything You Need to Crush Airbnb Hosting Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

If you’re treating your STR like a hobby, don’t expect elite-level income. In this episode, I break down the 6 core tools I use to stay in the top 0.25% of earners—from revenue management to marketing to easy-button systems that actually scale.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go all in, I’ll show you what works and where most hosts go wrong.

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Is Nashville Still a Good Place for Short Term Rentals? w/ Kirklyn Powell Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Nashville isn’t dead. But you can’t play the same game everyone else is playing. The regulations are tighter, the market is flooded with copycat four bedrooms, and most agents don’t know how to underwrite these deals. The good news is there are still real opportunities if you know where to look. In this episode, I break down exactly where the real plays are in Nashville for 2025. Whether you are buying inside Davidson County or going just outside the lines to build true super properties, this will show you where the smart money is moving.

00:00 – Why Most Investors Get Nashville Completely Wrong

01:03 – The Real Problem: It's Not Oversupply, It's What You're Buying

03:52 – The Big Mistake Everyone Makes with Nashville STR Design

05:40 – What I’d Tell My Own Family If They Wanted to Invest Here

07:24 – How to Attract Higher-End Guests Without Bachelorette Drama

08:35 – The Hidden Opportunity Outside Davidson County

10:41 – How to Play the Game with 5+ Bedroom Super Properties

12:47 – Why "Turnkey" Listings Are Usually a Trap

14:31 – The Power of Pairing Side-by-Side STR Units

16:04 – The Next Wave of STR-Friendly Developments in Nashville

How to Become a Local Celebrity in 100 Days or Less (and what it means for your STR business) May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I’ve become the most recognized name in multiple industries by using a local celebrity strategy—and how you can do the same thing in just 100 days.

I’ll walk you through:

The “Kardashian Effect” (and what it has to do with STRs)
Why co-hosts and property owners should stop chasing and start attracting
A step-by-step plan to become the most known and trusted name in one high-value market
How to use short weekly videos and $3/day ads to build a following that brings leads in on autopilot
What to say, how to say it, and when to drop your first CTA for max conversion

Whether you’re a new co-host or a seasoned investor, this is the most overlooked (and most powerful) growth strategy in the game.

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Ski Condos that Cash Flow in Summer? Only in Montana w/ Lauren Taylor May 20, 2025

Show notes

Montana is hands down my favorite place on earth—and I’ve done over $9M in deals there in the last two years. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly where the real opportunities still exist (and where you're just paying for the name).

From fly fishing rivers to ski-in/ski-out condos, Lauren Taylor and I are covering the markets that actually cash flow—and the ones I’m still investing in today. If you’ve been sleeping on Montana or assuming it’s all hype, this will change your mind.

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

➤ Lauren Taylor – STR-focused real estate agent covering Whitefish, Bozeman, Paradise Valley, Red Lodge, and more

▸ Website: https://www.ltremontana.com

▸ Phone: 406-595-0286

✅ FREE tool and training to grade properties instantly & spot winners faster: https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader

✅ FREE Proforma - know exactly how much a property will make before you buy: https://buildstrwealth.com/proforma

✅ FREE DTI Calculator - determine your bankability before you apply for a loan: https://buildstrwealth.com/dticalculator

✅ FREE masterclass - how to earn $250K+ NET per year from Airbnb:

https://buildstrwealth.com/masterclass

00:00 – Why I Keep Coming Back to Montana

02:35 – Is Montana Just “Yellowstone” Hype?

05:20 – What You Can (and Can’t) Buy with $1M

08:45 – How I Made $200K on a $950K Riverfront Property

12:15 – Why Ski Condos Are Crushing in Summer Too

15:58 – These Montana Towns Are Flying Under the Radar

20:40 – The STR Strategy No One’s Talking About

25:30 – The $3.4M Sale That Appreciated 20% in 7 Months

Social & Website Links

🔸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73

🔸 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508

🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billfaeth/

🔸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

The STR Market Is Dead—Which Means It’s Time to Buy with Avery Carl May 13, 2025

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

In this episode, Bill sits down with the legendary Avery Carl, CEO of The Short Term Shop and one of the top-selling STR agents in the country, to talk all things vacation markets, lowball offers, and smart investing in a high-interest economy.

From scoring a $1.275M home on 30A for just $815K to breaking down why luxury STRs are struggling while one-bedrooms in the Smokies are thriving, Avery holds nothing back.

🔑 Topics Covered:

Why the Emerald Coast is flooded with inventory—and how to use that to your advantage
The exact strategy Avery used to buy deep in 30A
Why condos are dead and one-bedrooms are thriving in the Smoky Mountains
The “Target-tier” property strategy Avery uses to weather any economy
How to structure deals for cash flow + appreciation + tax benefits
Why now is the best time in a decade to be a buyer
What to avoid if you’re tempted to sell
The real reasons behind Avery’s recent investments (and what she’s buying next)

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is brought to you by StayFi — the easiest way to grow your direct bookings! ⁠ Visit stayfi.com/bill and use code "BILL" for an exclusive 50% off your first three months.

Is Gulf Shores Investable Right Now w/ John Lazzarino Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Futurestay: www.futurestay.com/bill

Jonathan Lazzarino
jonathan@theshorttermshop.com
(832) 914-5012

Thinking about investing on the Alabama Coast? I’ve been doing deals down here for a decade—and today I’m bringing on my go-to agent, Jonathan Lozano, to break it all down. We talk cash flow realities, pet-friendly gold mines, what $175K down gets you right now, and why the new Gulf Shores airport is a game changer. This isn’t just hype—it’s the local, boots-on-the-ground insight you need to make smart moves in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach.

02:20 Meet Jonathan Lazano: Gulf Shores Real Estate Expert

03:00 Current Market Trends in Gulf Shores

04:41 Investment Strategies for Gulf Shores

07:09 Impact of the New Airport on Gulf Shores

10:42 Future Developments and Opportunities

16:02 The Value of Amenities in Real Estate

19:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

➡️ Connect with us:

• Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508

• Check Out Our website: https://buildstrwealth.com/

• Bill’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73

• Brea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breafaeth/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

On Bill Faeth Unfiltered, Bill Faeth breaks down the ins and outs of short-term rental hosting, giving listeners actionable advice that they can use to take their businesses to the next level.

Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode!

#BFUnfiltered #BillFaeth #STR

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Airbnb Update: Stop Freaking Out Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Futurestay: www.futurestay.com/bill

There's a lot of noise out there about the Airbnb update—but here's the truth: don't freak out. If you're using a PMS like OwnerRez, Hospitable, or Guesty, just disclose what you’re doing in your listing. Background checks? Contracts? Email collection? Say it upfront.

This isn’t a panic moment—it's a wake-up call to own your customer and build your email list the right way. I’m sharing how I’ve pushed to 43% direct bookings using simple tools like MarketMySTR and Futurestay, plus the two extra steps that make the biggest difference in profit.

00:00 Airbnb Update: What's Really Changed?

02:30 Owning Your Customer: Strategies and Tips

05:46 The Importance of Taking Extra Steps

07:33 Investing in the Right Properties

08:51 Maximizing Direct Bookings

16:15 Final Thoughts and Caution

➡️ Connect with us:

• Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508

• Check Out Our website: https://buildstrwealth.com/

• Bill’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73

• Brea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breafaeth/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

On Bill Faeth Unfiltered, Bill Faeth breaks down the ins and outs of short-term rental hosting, giving listeners actionable advice that they can use to take their businesses to the next level.

Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode!

#BFUnfiltered #BillFaeth #STR

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Master Direct Bookings with Phil Kenard & FutureStay Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

http://www.futurestay.com/bill

In this episode of Bill Faeth Unfiltered, Bill welcomes special guest Phil Kennard, a seasoned professional from the vacation rental industry. Phil is the founder of Futurestay, a platform that simplifies direct bookings for short-term rental owners. Bill introduces Phil's impressive background, which includes creating video games for Take Two Interactive, and developing a PropTech company for property managers. Phil shares how Futurestay evolved from his own need to manage bookings for his New York apartment. He highlights a surprising industry insight - that most vacation rentals are owned by small-scale operators, not large companies. FutureStay aims to level the playing field for these smaller operators by providing an easy-to-use platform for managing direct bookings, complete with features like dynamic pricing and Google Vacation Rentals integration. Bill emphasizes Futurestay's ability to transform any Airbnb listing into a highly converting direct booking site within minutes. Phil discusses the importance of optimizing Airbnb listings and the benefits of a direct booking loop. The episode offers listeners valuable tips on managing their short-term rental listings effectively, including leveraging OTAs and ensuring their listings are optimized. Bill and Phil also touch on the importance of customer retention and the various ways property owners can increase direct bookings. As a special offer, listeners can get a discount on Futurestay's services by visiting futurestay.com/bill.

00:00 Introduction

01:23 The Hair-Off Challenge

03:19 Phil Kennard's Journey into Entrepreneurship

05:36 From Video Games to Real Estate Tech

11:49 Entering the Short-Term Rental Market

15:17 The Birth of Futurestay

16:14 Future Stay's Unique Value Proposition

19:42 The Journey to Building the Easy Button

20:44 Challenges with Traditional Website Solutions

22:14 The Direct Booking Advantage

23:42 Understanding the Direct Booking Loop

25:02 Incremental Steps to Increase Direct Bookings

28:25 Future Stay's Unique Offerings

30:48 Optimizing Your Airbnb Listing

35:41 Leveraging OTAs for Direct Bookings

38:58 Final Thoughts and Exclusive Offer

➡️ Connect with us:

• Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284886002732508

• Check Out Our website: https://buildstrwealth.com/

• Bill’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73

• Brea’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breafaeth/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfaeth

On Bill Faeth Unfiltered, Bill Faeth breaks down the ins and outs of short-term rental hosting, giving listeners actionable advice that they can use to take their businesses to the next level.

Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode!

#BFUnfiltered #BillFaeth #STR

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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