On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke is joined by Rubin Horowitz, founder of STR Super Cleaners, a rapidly growing short-term rental cleaning company operating in multiple U.S. markets. Rubin shares how he scaled from solving his own cleaning headaches in the Poconos to managing over 700 properties across markets like the Smokies, Emerald Coast, and Nashville. They dive deep into automation, team building, property maintenance support, and how his company partners with hosts and managers while steering clear of full property management. Reuben also offers tips for creating five-star guest impressions—like integrating welcome screens and maintaining scent standards.   Visit strsupercleaners.com to request a quote or consultation   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke is joined by Short Term Shop Plus coach Chuck Kramer to discuss whether it's appropriate for Airbnb cleaners to request tips. Both Luke and Chuck come out in favor of allowing tipping—drawing from their personal experiences in hospitality—but agree that leaving tip envelopes labeled “The Management” crosses a line into tacky. They emphasize that subtle, respectful options (like countertop signs or guidebook mentions) are a better alternative for encouraging gratuity without pressuring guests.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke reflects from New Orleans on the changing tides in real estate investing and pays tribute to personal heroes Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan. He shares updates on a new beach house rehab project and emphasizes that while real estate is currently “not cool,” that perception presents an opportunity for disciplined investors. Luke argues that public sentiment, not interest rates, is the real market barrier—and encourages listeners to stay persistent, find motivated sellers, and act before the market becomes “hot” again.     How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke is joined by guests Jeff and Jenny, first-time short-term rental investors who share their journey of overcoming a major challenge: their well running dry just months after purchasing a Smoky Mountain cabin. The couple recounts navigating the emotional and financial stress, installing a 1,000-gallon water storage system, and maintaining a positive mindset through it all. They also discuss what they’ve learned about resilience, systems, and generational wealth.    How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke Carl shares a personal milestone—he’s selling one of his vacation rental homes. He opens with a humorous tale about replacing a toilet valve himself, then dives into the reasoning behind the sale, including shifting family preferences, property management logistics, and market timing. Luke reflects on pricing strategy, buyer behavior, and current real estate trends, emphasizing that sellers need to be realistic in 2025's slower market.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke sits down with Miles from Hospitable for an in-depth discussion on the evolution and current state of property management software. They cover Hospitable’s recent dynamic pricing launch, AI-powered tools like the Knowledge Hub and Copilot, and how sentiment analysis is flagging guest issues in real time. The conversation also touches on the growing momentum behind direct bookings and the future of PMS as a “short-term rental super app.”    How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke takes listeners through a string of recent challenges he faced in the world of property ownership—from termites and fire damage to a $46,000 miscommunication with a vendor. He walks through seven issues in total, including an inherited tenant move-out requiring a full unit renovation, a fragrance-sensitive guest, and a collapsing porch post that turned out to be decorative. Through it all, Luke emphasizes the importance of communication and staying resilient as a property owner.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke breaks down the eight biggest mistakes he sees short-term rental owners make. From rushing into deals without patience, to poor guest communication, neglecting pricing and finances, and underestimating the true cost of real estate, Luke delivers a rapid-fire reality check.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

 On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke interviews Ryan Ferguson, an electrician-turned-hot tub repair expert serving East Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. They dive into common hot tub issues in vacation rentals—like economy mode, airlocks, and water damage from improper draining—while sharing maintenance tips, regulatory insights, and hilarious stories involving bears, raccoons, and overloaded tubs. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of simplicity, proper electrical installation, and regular inspection to keep STR hot tubs guest-ready and code-compliant.   How to connect with Ryan: Website Phone #: (865) 635-9383 Email: FergusonPM865@gmail.com   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke emphasizes that buying a short-term rental is not a get-rich-quick scheme. He compares unrealistic expectations in real estate to gambling, warning against the “slot machine mentality” of hoping to strike it rich with one or two properties. Instead, he advocates for long-term wealth building through hard work, patience, and realistic expectations—reminding listeners that real estate is slow, steady, and most rewarding when treated as part of a broader, disciplined financial strategy.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke talks with photographer Mike Sutton about what makes great short-term rental photos, especially in the competitive Smoky Mountains market. They discuss the evolution of the vacation rental photography space, how to vet and select a photographer, what types of shots matter most (like twilight, drone, and 3D floor plans), and why authenticity in staging is more important than over-styling. Mike also shares personal insights into raising eight kids, his journey from IT to photography, and how hosts can prepare for seasonal and update sessions the right way.   Check out Mike's portfolio: https://mikesuttonjr.com/   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke urges listeners to stop sweating the small stuff and start thinking bigger when it comes to real estate. He challenges the mindset that sees individual homes as overwhelming burdens, encouraging investors to reframe their approach, embrace growth, and chase larger opportunities like hotels or syndications instead of fixating on minor maintenance issues.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke emphasizes that poor bookings aren't due to superficial issues like couch color, but rather a lack of attention to pricing strategy and calendar management. He encourages hosts to stop blaming external factors like Airbnb updates and instead adopt “extreme ownership,” taking responsibility by learning proper pricing tools and consistently optimizing their listings.     How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon      

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke responds candidly to some negative Facebook comments, defends his commitment to helping others succeed, and champions positivity over online drama. He shares personal stories, rental management lessons, and reflections on property investing trade-offs—emphasizing patience, consistency, and mindset when pursuing real estate deals, especially in the vacation rental space.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke emphasizes the importance of proactive involvement in both real estate and personal finances. He urges listeners to avoid waiting for crisis moments—like missed mortgage payments or dwindling bank accounts—before taking action, drawing parallels between property management, money habits, and even relationships. Using a blend of personal anecdotes, quotes, and motivational energy, Luke encourages consistent attention and effort to "build a dam" before problems arise.      How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week’s episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke Carl brings together four professional short-term rental cleaners from diverse markets—Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, and Panama City Beach—to dive deep into the challenges and systems behind running successful cleaning operations. The conversation explores boundaries between cleaning and property management roles, scaling pains, communication systems, expectations from hosts, and the importance of deep cleans and trust.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke hosts a dynamic panel of experienced short-term rental owners to explore the crucial role of cleaners in vacation rental operations. The discussion covers how panelists find and retain reliable cleaners, the pros and cons of small operators versus large cleaning companies, deep clean schedules, linen systems, and how to keep cleaners happy—often with performance bonuses and thoughtful gestures. The episode also features a round of wild cleaner horror stories, leading into next week’s follow-up: interviews with actual cleaners.   How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke chats with tech professional turned real estate investor Gideon Spencer. Gideon shares his journey from renovating a San Antonio fourplex with his wife to acquiring a 24-key boutique hotel in Solvang, California. He dives into why he favors short-term rentals over long-term tenants, why he hired a VA with a smaller portfolio, and details the structure of his recent $6 million hotel syndication deal. They also discuss raising capital through a 506(b), the operational turnarounds he’s implementing, and his dream of acquiring a nature-immersed landscape hotel next.   How to connect with Gideon: @gideonspencer_    How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke dives into the current real estate market conditions in spring 2025, highlighting a significant slowdown in home sales, particularly in the vacation rental space. He shares personal insights from his recent property shopping experiences, noting that many 2021-era "COVID hosts" are looking to sell, often at a loss, while new buyers are hesitant due to economic uncertainty and interest rate fluctuations. Luke emphasizes that while the market is slow, this presents a prime opportunity for savvy investors to acquire properties at a discount. He also reassures hosts that competition is decreasing as more short-term rental owners exit the market, making management easier for those who remain.    How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group! Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties  - https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA

On this week's episode of Short Term Rental Management, Luke discusses the power of brand genericization, focusing on how Airbnb has become synonymous with short-term rentals, much like Kleenex for tissues. He explores why people say they "rented an Airbnb" even if they booked through Vrbo and contrasts this with Zillow, which has not achieved the same linguistic impact despite its dominance in long-term rentals. Luke also makes a compelling case for Zillow to introduce a vacation rental listing option, arguing that hosts would benefit from the platform's visibility.    How to connect with Luke: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group! Check out the Short Term Shop on Youtube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery Carl's Book, Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties  - https://amzn.to/3Adg6PA