APRIL 22, 2025
#129: Running an Airbnb Business After Loss. Sharon Pace’s Story of Resilience
Airbnb Host Tips for Navigating Life, Grief, and Business Alone
What do you do when life forces you to become the host, the operator, and the decision-maker overnight?
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sharon Pace, a resilient Airbnb host who was suddenly left to run her short-term rental business after the unexpected loss of her husband. With no warning, Sharon had to learn the ins and outs of property management while processing profound grief—a reality few are prepared for.
Sharon’s story is not just about survival. It’s about transformation. It’s about discovering strength in solitude, leaning on community, and embracing the unknown with courage.
Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned investor, her journey is packed with Airbnb host tips that go beyond checklists and cleaning fees. These are tips rooted in real-life challenges, resilience, and rebuilding.
Why This Episode Matters for Every Host
Even the most experienced short-term rental hosts can face personal challenges that rock their foundation. Sharon’s story shows that success isn’t just about booking rates or 5-star reviews—it’s about how you show up when everything else changes.
Key Airbnb Host Tips From Sharon’s Story:
- Plan for the Unexpected: Legal, financial, and property documents should be prepared well in advance, especially when co-hosting with a partner.
- Build Your Network Early: Surround yourself with a community that understands your niche. In times of crisis, your network becomes your safety net.
- Say Yes Before You’re Ready: You don’t need to feel 100% prepared to take the next step. Growth often starts with action.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[01:36] A short introduction about our guest Sharon Pace and how she got started with short-term rentals space
[03:39] Sharon shares the deeply personal story of her husband’s prolonged health battles and how it became the catalyst for her to start their investment journey
[12:01] Sharon shares how she took over their short-term rental business from her husband, navigating the challenges with support from friends and a supportive community
[17:03] Sharon reflects on the importance of planning ahead to ease the burden on the surviving spouse and emphasizes the value of legal, financial, and tech support to avoid extra stress
[20:39] How a pivotal mindset shift occurred when Sharon attended Live Big Retreat, which became a turning point in her healing process
[25:02] Sharon talks about how grief is unpredictable and emphasizes the power of supportive groups as essential pillars in her healing
[28:24] Sharon shares that after going through deep personal loss, she’s become intentional about only keeping supportive, positive people in her life and business
[31:14] How Sharon approached learning new things even when she didn’t feel ready
[33:42] Sharon’s advice for someone who may be starting out on their short term rental journey and maybe doing this solo or with their spouse
[37:21] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
- “I would say that to anyone out there, oh, have a will, have a trust, do all these things, put everything in order, make sure your properties are in the right LLC, or if they’re in a personal name, the beneficiary is listed out because it’s so much work on the surviving spouse to have to figure all this out.”
- “Your network really is your net worth, honestly, but not only in the real estate realm, but also friendship.”
- “Find a real estate agent who has their own short term rentals that knows the industry inside and out.”
When Life Changes, So Can Your Business
Sharon’s story is a powerful reminder that while short-term rentals are a business, they’re also deeply personal. Behind every booking is a journey—and sometimes, that journey includes starting over.
If you’re navigating a transition, doing this work alone, or feeling unsure of your next step, let Sharon’s experience inspire you to keep going. Resilience isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, day by day.
Tune in to this heartfelt episode and hear how one woman turned grief into growth.
Let’s Connect!
📸 Instagram: @sharonkaypace
📘 Facebook: Sharon Pace
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