April 1, 2025
#126: From Local Listings to Global Moves: How Nikki Stoddart is Taking Her Short-Term Rental Business to France
What does it take to go from hosting a few properties in your hometown to building a thriving short-term rental portfolio across the globe? In this inspiring episode, I chat with Nikki Stoddart, a powerhouse Airbnb host and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience, as she shares her journey from managing U.S.-based properties to making bold moves in France.
From the early days of renting out her own home to navigating the complexities of overseas markets, Nikki opens up about the strategic mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and behind-the-scenes logistics that allowed her to take her business to international heights. You’ll hear how she chooses markets, forms strong business partnerships, delegates effectively with VAs, and approaches overseas investments with confidence.
Whether you’re dreaming of expanding internationally or just want to streamline your current rental biz, Nikki’s story is a masterclass in thinking big, trusting your instincts, and building a sustainable real estate empire.
Why Short-Term Rental Hosts Need a Strategy
With Airbnb markets becoming saturated in many U.S. cities and post-pandemic prices driving up investment costs, Nikki shows us why looking beyond borders isn’t just a dream—it’s a smart business strategy.
Here’s why international expansion could be your next big move:
- Market Saturation Relief: Explore new territories where competition is lower and opportunities are abundant.
- Diversify Your Income: Mitigate risks by spreading your portfolio across regions and currencies.
- Lifestyle + Business: Combine your love of travel with a business that funds it—yes, it is possible.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[00:04] Nikki’s story: From hosting her own home to owning a multi-property empire
[02:19] How she scaled her STR business and recognized its long-term potential
[05:44] Her guest-screening process and maintaining boundaries while renting her own space
[06:53] Adapting to regulatory shifts and finding opportunity in new markets
[11:31] The dos and don’ts of choosing the right business partner
[13:45] Building trust and shared vision in partnerships
[16:08] Looking for partners who bring more than just capital
[17:11] Why France? Nikki’s reasoning for expanding overseas post-pandemic
[19:49] Her process for assessing potential in the French property market
[22:16] Financing challenges and legal differences between the U.S. and France
[25:21] Operational headaches and how she streamlined with systems
[26:45] Why hiring a Virtual Assistant team changed everything
[30:13] Learning to delegate and let go—without losing control
[33:07] Nikki’s biggest lesson: “I was thinking too small.”
[35:50] Real talk on worry, mindset, and protecting your peace
[37:35] Advice for the next generation: Real estate + passive income = freedom
[39:17] Lightning round wisdom bombs
Golden Nuggets:
“It’s really important to vet your partners, almost like you’re going to marry them.”
“Have all the paperwork drawn up, make it official. Don’t do anything verbally.”
“The unspoken thing about having a team of people supporting the operation is peace of mind.”
“To start a business, any business, just go for it.”
“Listen to your gut and believe people the first time they show you who they really are.”
From Dreaming to Doing: Expand with Intention
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing properties, Christina’s journey offers inspiration and practical strategies to help you succeed. From leveraging unique amenities to fostering a supportive STR community, her insights can help you build a thriving rental business.
