Episode Summary

In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our newest “two-for-one” Airbnb deal — a primary home plus an ADU over the detached garage — and walking you step-by-step through exactly what to do the moment you go under contract on an STR. If you’ve ever thought escrow was a waiting period, think again. I break down inspections, appraisal, insurance, financing, and the overlooked prep that saves weeks and brings in revenue faster: design, ordering essentials, project planning, and lining up contractors. I’m literally doing all of this right now with Clay (hello color-coded spreadsheet!) so you can copy the plan and hit the ground running on day one.

Key Takeaways

Escrow ≠ downtime. Treat it like your launch runway to save weeks and protect cash.
Inspection strategy: General + specialists (well/septic, fireplace/chimney) to avoid 5-figure surprises.
Appraisal + financing: Know your numbers, keep credit quiet, confirm down payment, closing costs, and reserves.
Insurance for STRs: Homeowners ≠ STR coverage—get quotes and bind the right policy before closing.
Design early: Share capacity goals and inspo with your designer; use Matterport/accurate measurements to avoid costly misorders.
Order essentials now: Linens (2–3 sets/bed), kitchen packs, smart locks, routers, TVs, blackout curtains—“select all, add to cart.”
Project plan: Room-by-room scope, sequence (paint → floors), timelines, and 2–3 contractor quotes with price-match asks.
Real timeline: Accepted offer to close is often 30–45 days—use every one of them.

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you want your STR live (and profitable) ASAP, this gives you a proven, copy-and-paste escrow checklist and launch plan. You’ll learn the exact moves I’m making on our new two-for-one ADU property so you can avoid delays, budget hits, and stressful “now what?” moments on closing day.

Let’s Connect

Thinking about launching during escrow? DM me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Work With Me

Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator (self-paced): My start-to-scale system with checklists, templates, and the full Escrow Checklist.
Buyer/Investor Representation (WI): Want help finding and underwriting STR-worthy properties? I’ve got you.
Launch & Design Support: Need a designer, cleaner, or vendor team? Ask me for intros.

Chapters

00:00 Intro + our new “two-for-one” ADU deal
02:10 Escrow isn’t downtime: mindset shift
03:30 Non-negotiables: inspections (general + well/septic + fireplace/chimney)
06:50 Appraisal + financing: reserves, do’s & don’ts
09:20 STR-specific insurance (bind before closing)
11:40 Design during escrow: capacity goals, inspo, Matterport, measurements
15:10 Ordering essentials now: linens, kitchen packs, tech, blackout curtains
18:00 The room-by-room project plan: sequencing + contractors
21:30 Timeline math: using the full 30–45 days
23:00 My current launch timeline (close Oct 10 → target Dec 1)
25:00 Wrap + Accelerator invite

42. Under Contract? Prep Your Airbnb Before Closing

Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course