AUGUST 12, 20234

#93: From 5-Star Hotels to Stellar Airbnb Stays: Dive into Mercedes Sanchez’s Winning Strategies

Step into the dynamic world of Airbnb and short-term rentals with Mercedes Sanchez, a former luxury hotel professional who has turned her hospitality expertise into a flourishing Airbnb management empire. In this exclusive interview, Mercedes shares how she skillfully leveraged her high-end hotel background to create a standout, full-service co-hosting company in the competitive short-term rental market.

Discover Mercedes’ winning strategies for managing a diverse portfolio of single-family homes. From elevating guest experiences to streamlining property maintenance, Mercedes reveals how she navigates the complex landscape of Airbnb regulations while maximizing rental income. Her practical advice is invaluable for Airbnb hosts at any level, whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your short-term rental business.

This conversation is a goldmine of insights for:

• Aspiring Airbnb hosts eager to launch their first short-term rental property
• Seasoned property managers aiming to scale their operations in the short-term rental market
• Hospitality professionals considering a pivot to the thriving world of Airbnb and short-term rentals
• Anyone fascinated by the evolving landscape of modern accommodation

Gain actionable tips, industry secrets, and inspiration from a true pioneer in the short-term rental space. Mercedes’ expertise will transform your approach to property management and hospitality. Listen now and take your Airbnb journey to new heights.

Highlights and Key Points:

[04:37]  A short introduction about our guest Mercedes Sanchez

[06:13] How Mercedes got into real estate and short term rentals

[07:25] Mercedes’ transition from managing at Four Seasons to single family homes

[08:39] Mercedes shares how she navigated the challenges in managing teams with older employees and dealing with older clients

[07:59] How Mercedes connects with clients to build trust and credibility

[15:09] Recruiting and maintaining a reliable, dedicated team to meet high service standards

[19:08] The challenges and benefits of utilizing her properties in LA for film production

[27:29] How Mercedes manages and balances her portfolio of short-term and mid-term rentals based on local regulations and permits

[29:28] Mercedes shares her strategies for navigating local regulations and managing rental properties to efficiently manage short-term and mid-term rentals

[34:30] Mercedes’ business model for co-hosting services is designed to comply with California’s regulations

[39:47] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets

• “You have to hold yourself to a high standard to just present yourself so professionally, right? Because you are dealing with someone’s investment property and might be their only investment property.”

• “For me and my property management journey, you know, having a cohesive team that feels like they’re a part of a family and not just a contractor is incredibly helpful and important.”

• “If you’re just starting out co-hosting or doing property management, it is critically important that you have a standardized agreement that is drafted and reviewed by an attorney.”

• “I wish I knew that there was a world out there that was doing what I was doing – So I really wish I would have done a lot more outreach and maybe found a mentor very sooner than when I did.”

• “Even if you like to do something, never do it for free.”

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Follow Mercedes Sanchez on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbxhomes/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOrBWTaLoUH5xeA6EGuAXw

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mbxhomes

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