STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

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Data, AI, and the Future of STR Tech with CEO Rohit Bezewada

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Episode 157

2 days ago

29 minutes 39 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

For The STR Data Lab’s three-year anniversary, Jamie Lane sits down with AirDNA and Uplisting CEO Rohit Bezewada for an inside look at how the company—and the short-term rental industry—are evolving. From scaling Uber and leading M&A at JP Morgan to building AirDNA’s next chapter, Rohit shares lessons on data-driven growth, leadership, and innovation in the STR tech ecosystem.

This conversation dives deep into what it takes to build trust in data, how AirDNA is expanding beyond analytics into operations, and why Rohit himself is buying a short-term rental to experience the products firsthand. He also pulls back the curtain on what’s next for hosts—AI-powered tools, smarter revenue management, and a simpler, more connected tech stack for every investor and property manager.

You’ll walk away with a front-row view of the forces shaping the STR industry—from consolidation to AI—and a better understanding of where opportunity lies for hosts ready to level up. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the future of AirDNA and short-term rentals.

Key Takeaways

Data as a mindset: Rohit’s biggest lesson from Uber—never make decisions based on anecdotes; measure everything.
The future is integrated: AirDNA is moving beyond data insights to operational tools that help hosts manage and scale.
AI in action: Expect agent-style assistants that help hosts underwrite, price, and operate properties automatically.
Power to the “long tail”: Most STR hosts don’t use PMS tools—AirDNA aims to serve this group with simple, trustworthy software.
Consolidation is coming: The STR tech space will mature fast, and the winners will have data, distribution, and customer trust.

https://bit.ly/4osgoc9

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Why AI and Local Hosts Are Redefining the STR Industry

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Episode 156

1 week ago

45 minutes 4 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas this time. Jamie Lane and Scott Sage are back from the VRMA conference with powerful insights shaping the future of short-term rentals—from the rise of AI tools to why “national is dead and local is king.” They unpack the data behind what’s really driving property manager success today—and what’s holding others back.

In this episode, Jamie reveals new AirDNA research showing a major divide between top-performing property managers and the rest: those with review scores above 4.7 are keeping clients, while those below are losing nearly a quarter of their portfolio. They also explore why small, hyper-local co-hosts are thriving while national brands stall, and how a well-designed loyalty program can win repeat guests without relying on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Later, they dig into the latest STR data—muted summer demand, shifting guest behavior, and the surprising 40% surge in New Year’s bookings driven by holiday timing. Plus: a PSA every host using a PMS on Airbnb needs to hear before October 27th.

Key Takeaways

AI is already transforming hosting: Innovative tools are boosting communication scores and guest experiences, even before Airbnb or Vrbo roll out their own versions.
The 4.7 Rule: Property managers with review scores below 4.7 now face double the churn rate (24%) of top performers—quality is retention.
Local > National: Hyper-local operators managing 6–20 properties are growing fastest, proving proximity and personal touch beat big-brand scale.
DIY Loyalty Works: Local managers can build profitable loyalty programs that attract repeat guests—no need to wait for OTA initiatives.
Holiday & Market Insights: Expect strong end-of-year demand, a 40% New Year’s Eve surge, and higher bookings in World Cup host cities next summer.

https://bit.ly/45bfb1c

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Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better in STRs

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Episode 155

🔑 Key Takeaways

2 weeks ago

30 minutes 7 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

What if scaling your vacation rental business could actually hurt your bottom line? This week, Jamie Lane sits down with Ashley Ching, founder and CEO of Inhaven, to unpack her research on why national hospitality management companies—from Vacasa to Ambridge—have repeatedly failed to scale successfully. Together, they dive into the structural challenges of the short-term rental industry and uncover why “bigger” doesn’t always mean “better.”

Ashley shares insights from hundreds of executive interviews across hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals, revealing five key pillars that separate thriving, sustainable property managers from those that crumble under complexity. From the myth of economies of scale to the power of local operations and curated portfolios, this episode is a must-listen for any STR professional who wants to grow smarter—not just larger.

Whether you manage 10 homes or 1,000, this conversation reframes how you think about profitability, service, and scale—and what true success in hospitality really looks like. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Key Takeaways

Bigger isn’t better: Hospitality is a labor-driven business, not a production line—growth often brings higher costs and lower margins.
Curate your portfolio: The most successful managers focus on quality over quantity, offboarding “bad” properties that drain time and profit.
Stay local: Empowering on-the-ground teams and decision-makers leads to stronger operations and better guest experiences.
Choose owners wisely: Aligning with the right owners is as crucial as choosing the right homes.
Pick your focus: You can prioritize service, scale, or profitability—but not all three at once.

https://bit.ly/411Sk5J

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Inside Vrbo’s Strategy: Quality Over Quantity, AI Innovation, and the Future of Vacation Rentals

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Episode 154

Key Takeaways

3 weeks ago

47 minutes 44 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

The vacation rental landscape is evolving fast — and Vrbo’s taking bold steps to redefine what “success” means in this new era. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, to explore how Vrbo is prioritizing quality over quantity, building stronger demand through Expedia’s massive network, and integrating cutting-edge AI tools to improve the booking journey for guests and hosts alike.

Tim shares an inside look at Vrbo’s journey from HomeAway’s early subscription days to today’s global platform, explaining how the industry’s supply boom has reshaped what travelers expect — and what property managers need to deliver. From AI-powered review summaries to the “One Key” loyalty program bridging hotels and vacation rentals, this conversation unpacks the biggest levers shaping the next phase of STR growth.

Whether you’re managing one property or a thousand, you’ll walk away with insights to future-proof your business in an increasingly competitive market.

Don’t miss this one — it’s packed with an insider's perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

Key Takeaways

🏠 Quality is the new growth metric: Vrbo is focusing less on adding listings and more on ensuring consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
🌍 Expedia integration is expanding demand: Vacation rentals are now surfacing across Expedia’s B2B and brand ecosystem, from Delta to AmEx Travel.
💳 Vrbo Payments opens new opportunities: Opting in allows hosts to tap into global distribution networks while simplifying transactions.
🤖 AI is transforming the traveler journey: From review summaries to search partnerships with Perplexity, AI is boosting discovery and conversion.
💡 Loyalty meets vacation rentals: The One Key program connects hotel and STR bookings, attracting new guests who can “burn” points on vacation homes.

https://bit.ly/45enjOz

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How Social Media Can Drive Direct Bookings for STR Hosts | Mountain Mama Cabins Story

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Episode 153

1 month ago

43 minutes 31 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Every host dreams of more direct bookings—but few have cracked the code like Brittany Magsig of Mountain Mama Cabins. In this episode, Jamie Lane dives into Brittany’s journey from buying her first Smoky Mountain cabin during COVID to becoming a social media powerhouse who now drives the majority of her reservations directly through her own channels.

Brittany shares how she turned TikTok and Instagram into engines of trust, loyalty, and bookings—while also balancing the challenges of being both an influencer and a host. She explains what types of content actually convert, how to build lasting guest relationships, and why consistency matters more than perfection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond pretty property photos and really make social work for your short-term rental, this conversation will spark new ideas you can put into practice right away. You don’t want to miss this episode!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Brittany built a loyal following that drives 60%+ direct bookings
The content strategies that actually attract guests (and what to avoid)
Why showing your face builds trust faster than polished photos
Tips for handling viral content, controversy, and guest perceptions
Actionable first steps to start posting consistently—even if you’re camera shy

https://bit.ly/3HtCv0X

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The Future of STR Demand: Fall 2025 Outlook

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1 month ago

35 minutes 17 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

The short-term rental world is shifting fast—and this week’s episode breaks down what hosts and property managers need to know to stay ahead. Fresh from the Expedia + VRBO product launch in Austin, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage share the latest innovations rolling out to help drive bookings, improve guest experience, and reward quality operators. From AI-powered guest review summaries to new distribution channels across Expedia’s B2B network, these changes could reshape how your listings perform.

But that’s just the start. Jamie and Scott also dig into the Fed’s latest interest rate moves, why mortgage rates aren’t falling as quickly as you might expect, and what that means for STR investors. They then zoom into the data: summer performance trends, where occupancy is softening, and why luxury and coastal markets are holding strong while budget and urban listings feel the squeeze.

If you want to understand where demand is heading this fall and how to position your business for success in 2025, this is the episode to hear. You don’t want to miss it!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

VRBO’s quality push: More listings will be removed if they don’t meet guest expectations—high-quality operators win.
AI comes to STR platforms: Expect automated guest review summaries, Q&A boxes, and property highlights designed to boost conversions.
Fed rate cuts = mixed signals: Lower federal funds rates haven’t translated to cheaper mortgages yet; recession risk looms.
Summer recap: Demand grew modestly, RevPAR hit a post-COVID high, but 34 of the top 50 markets saw occupancy declines.
The bifurcation trend: Luxury and coastal/mountain markets are performing well, while budget and urban/suburban listings struggle.

https://bit.ly/41039p1

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From STRs to Boutique Hotels: How to Invest Smarter in Hospitality Real Estate

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Episode 151

1 month ago

31 minutes 7 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Is moving from short-term rentals into boutique hotels the natural next step for savvy investors? In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with James Savier, SVP at CBRE Hotels, to explore why more STR operators are eyeing boutique hotel ownership—and what it really takes to succeed.

Hotels may seem like an entirely different ballgame, but as James explains, the leap isn’t as far as you might think. From financing options and valuation differences to building brands that actually command loyalty, this conversation demystifies how STR experience can translate into hotel investment. You’ll also hear candid insights on common mistakes, hidden opportunities, and why timing matters more than ever in today’s market.

If you’ve ever wondered whether boutique hotels could be your next big play, this episode will open your eyes. You don’t want to miss it!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why many STR investors see boutique hotels as the next logical step.
How hotels are valued differently from rental portfolios—and why that matters for your exit strategy.
The financing tools available for hotel buyers (and how they compare to STR loans).
The role of branding, guest experience, and scale in boutique hotel success.
Common pitfalls first-time hotel investors make—and how to avoid them.

https://bit.ly/45rmuRg

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Why Reviews Are the New Revenue Engine for Short-Term Rentals

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Episode 150

1 month ago

59 minutes 24 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Former Vacasa founder and now Fairly CEO, Eric Breon, joins Jamie Lane to unpack what’s actually driving bookings today—and why reviews now beat everything but rock-bottom pricing. Eric explains how the playing field shifted: pro photos, yield tools, and channel distribution are table stakes; sustained growth comes from a flywheel of 5-star guest experiences that boost ranking, conversion, and RevPAR. He also makes a provocative case that vacation-rental operations suffer diseconomies of scale—and outlines a model that blends centralized automation with hyper-local caretakers who know each home inside and out.

You’ll hear how Fairly separates “guest care” from “back office” to keep teams small, responsive, and review-obsessed while still benefiting from sophisticated distribution, accounting, and pricing. Eric shares candid lessons from scaling Vacasa, why they’re building tech in-house (despite the cost), and where AI helps today (automation, comms assist) versus where human judgment still wins (on-the-ground knowledge and onboarding).

Here are the practical takeaways you can use now:

• Treat reviews as your core growth channel: a 4.9+ average materially lifts RevPAR and ranking, creating a compounding advantage.

• Centralize what software does best (pricing rules, taxes, distribution, smart locks, messaging templates) and localize what guests feel (cleanliness, quick fixes, clear answers).

• Price strategy should reflect owner goals: “hold high” for personal-use homes vs. “fill Tuesdays” for pure investments—your system should support both.

• Start strong on launch: design, amenities, and first-wave reviews set your long-term trajectory.

• Direct vs. OTA is a balance: repeat guests lock in future seasons, but channel conversion still matters for momentum.

Don't miss this episode!

https://bit.ly/46Ssd4X

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Exploring the French Short-Term Rental Market with Louis Andrews

Episode 149

1 month ago

46 minutes 25 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

France is the world’s most-visited country—and one of the hottest STR markets. In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Louis Andrews, Director and President of OVO Network, to unpack how the French market works today and where it’s headed next.

Louis explains OVO’s software-first model (their own PMS + direct booking platform) and why 75–80% of their bookings come direct. We dig into how they maintain a 4.8+ review score at scale without handling on-the-ground ops, what makes French demand unique (heavy domestic travel, car and rail trips, repeat family holidays), and how new regulations are reshaping urban vs. leisure destinations. Louis also shares the economics behind OVO’s approach (a distribution fee on direct bookings), the curation bar for five-star chalets, and the biggest competitive threat he sees on the horizon: increasingly automated PMS tools.

What you’ll learn

How France books: A culture of domestic, family, drive-to travel—and why mountains keep winning.
Direct booking at scale: OVO’s tech stack, SEO/digital strategy, and the data advantages of owning the funnel.
Quality > quantity: Curating only five-star-worthy homes and training local concierges to protect guest experience.
Profit model: Why charging a distribution fee on direct reservations changes the unit economics.
Market outlook: Supply saturation post-COVID, tighter rules in cities, and why PMS automation may disrupt PMs.

This episode is for hosts, PMs, and investors eyeing Europe—especially anyone curious how to drive direct bookings, keep reviews high, and navigate France’s evolving regulatory landscape.

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STR Secrets From America’s Cleanest Property Manager

Episode 148

2 months ago

43 minutes 51 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, host Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, interviews Will Risbourg, owner of Two Casitas, a vacation rental company in Santa Fe. Two Casitas, founded in 1998, is a family business that started with two guesthouses and has grown to over 100 listings, maintaining a 4.93 rating with thousands of reviews.

Will discusses the company’s history, their focus on customer service, and their early adoption of online short-term rentals before platforms like Airbnb became popular. He attributes their success to proactive guest communication and a strong partnership with Estela's Cleaning Services, stressing the importance of quality cleaners in maintaining high standards. The company navigates challenges such as older property maintenance, local regulatory issues, and economic fluctuations. Despite these challenges, Two Casitas has achieved organic growth through their dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences, which in turn attracts new homeowners to their portfolio.

Will also explains the company’s cautious approach to expansion, considering the unique advantages Santa Fe offers, such as less economic sensitivity and compact geography, making it a favorable market for short-term rentals. Additionally, they utilize tools like Breezeway for guest communication and Beyond for dynamic pricing. Throughout the interview, Will emphasizes that true dedication to quality service is vital for sustainable growth in the vacation rental industry.

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The Economy, Housing Supply, and What It Means for STR Hosts

Episode 147

2 months ago

36 minutes 37 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage discuss a variety of topics related to the short-term rental market and broader economic indicators. Jamie shares insights from his recent summer experiences, including a trip to Maine and observations on his rental property’s operations. The hosts then delve into Airbnb’s recent Q2 earnings, highlighting revenue growth and challenges in sustaining high growth rates. They note that while revenue saw a 13% rise, forward guidance predicted a slower growth trajectory. They also discuss Airbnb’s strategic focus on expanding beyond core markets and enhancing supply in underpenetrated areas like Germany and Japan.

Additionally, Jamie explains Airbnb’s new 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' feature aimed at boosting bookings by allowing guests to pay closer to their stay dates. Both speakers also touch upon the recent economic data, including labor statistics, consumer spending, inflation, and potential impacts on interest rates. Jamie predicts that the supply of homes will continue to grow while demand may remain weak, potentially affecting home values and the short-term rental market. They conclude by analyzing data points for July, noting record high demand and a supply growth slowdown, and offer an optimistic outlook for fall demand pacing. The episode ends with an announcement about AirDNA’s launch of a new product for property managers.

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From TikTok to 58 Units: Hailie Anderson’s Airbnb Takeoff

Episode 146

2 months ago

39 minutes 14 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane interviews Hailie Anderson, founder of Airbnb Takeoff, about her journey in the short-term rental (STR) industry. Hailie, joining live from the Philippines, shares how she began her entrepreneurial journey at 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She graduated early from school and initially ran a content creation agency. Influenced by TikTok videos about rental arbitrage, she started her venture at 19, acquiring her first three units.

Fast forward to now at 22, she has expanded to 58 units. Hailie explains the rental arbitrage model, noting it as a legitimate business strategy that allows property management sans ownership. She discusses her approach, which includes cold calling and emailing landlords to gain leasing agreements. Hailie also elaborates on the challenges and misconceptions of rental arbitrage, emphasizing the importance of legal and ethical operations. She highlights the critical role of building reliable local teams and leveraging technology, including PMS, dynamic pricing, and guest verification software. Hailie’s tech stack includes various tools like Price Labs, Hostaway, and True V to streamline operations.

Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of understanding market differences and stresses on the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z, which she believes is characterized by boldness, a desire for fast ROI, and a passion for digital nomadism. Jamie and Hailie also debate the value of education from social media and the differences between Gen Z and older generations’ approaches to investment and risk.

Hailie concludes by sharing her future plans, which include possibly expanding her portfolio further, staying in hospitality, and investing in properties for long-term stability. She encourages listeners to start pursuing their passions, emphasizing that success often comes from learning, failing, and trying repeatedly.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

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Inside the Minds of AirDNA’s 2025 Top Property Managers

Episode 145

2 months ago

34 minutes 4 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Joe and Max, founders and operators of Bach Brothers in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Buchmeyers discuss winning the AirDNA 2025 Top Property Manager Award. They share their journey into short-term rentals, starting from their first property purchase in Fredericksburg and growing to manage over a hundred listings with an impressive average rating of 4.957.

Initially working full-time jobs in different fields, their operation diversified from being property owners to full-fledged property managers by responding to the growing market demands. They chose Fredericksburg because of its rising popularity and central location near major Texas cities, enhanced by numerous wineries and amenities. The brothers emphasize their customer-centric approach, ensuring high guest satisfaction through proactive communication and problem-solving, which has contributed to their success.

They also discuss strategies for maintaining high ratings and scaling operations through quality checks and team empowerment. They highlight the importance of hiring the right people, acting on guest feedback, and keeping lines of communication open with property owners, ensuring transparency and trust. Discussing the challenges posed by increased competition and market fluctuations, they reveal their data-driven approach and adaptability in pricing and property enhancements. They advise new property managers to focus on reviews, hire a quality team, and concentrate on local, manageable growth. The discussion concludes with the Buchmeyers attributing their success to their dedicated team and expressing their commitment to maintaining high standards and potentially winning future accolades.

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Midyear STR Outlook: Demand, Supply & Economic Signals

Episode 144

3 months ago

44 minutes 52 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher discuss the midyear outlook for the economy and short-term rentals. They explore the updated forecast through 2026, addressing uncertainties surrounding recent economic events, inflation trends, and stock market fluctuations. Despite mixed signals, including recent inflation data and policy disagreements, the economy remains robust with low unemployment and solid job growth. The data shows a strong start for short-term rentals in 2024, with a 5.7% demand growth and 4.6% increase in listings, leading to slightly higher occupancy rates compared to last year. Supply growth, although slower since high interest rates and house prices have cooled the market, is experiencing a rebound.

The episode highlights the variance in performance across different markets, such as urban vs. resort areas, and discusses the impacts of international and domestic demand shifts. They also delve into the impact of changing booking lead times on pacing data and future demand predictions. Gallagher forecasts continued demand and occupancy growth into 2026, while closely monitoring economic indicators, particularly inflation, for any potential disruptions. The discussion culminates in an analysis of economic prospects and the potential impact of policy changes, tariffs, and consumer confidence on the short-term rental market.

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The Metrics That Matter: Why Proactive Revenue Management Wins

Episode 143

3 months ago

40 minutes 49 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane interviews Henry Corell, the founder of RevUp Rental, a revenue management consultancy company. Henry shares his journey from real estate interest in college to starting his own business focused on revenue management. He discusses his early experiences with short-term rental vacation businesses and the niche opportunities in revenue management within the industry.

Henry explains the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in revenue management, emphasizing forecasting and reading data to make calculated decisions. He highlights key metrics for analyzing market health, such as consumer sentiment, economic trends, airline trends, and occupancy rates. Henry underlines the importance of understanding client demographics and adapting strategies accordingly.

The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining high booking rates, managing cancellation policies, and optimizing property listings by updating photos and allowing pets. Henry also discusses the role of communication in revenue management, balancing broader market trends with specific property analyses. He concludes by sharing insights on managing properties with fluctuating review scores and the impact of economic factors like job growth on the short-term rental market. Henry advises listeners to stay updated on economic indicators and maintain flexibility in their revenue management strategies.

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Maximizing Tax Benefits From The Big Beautiful Bill

Episode 141

3 months ago

38 minutes 51 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane hosts a discussion with Ryan Bakke about recent changes in tax law from the Big Beautiful Bill and their implications for short-term rental investors. Ryan, who has extensive experience helping investors save on taxes, explains his journey into the short-term rental and real estate tax niche.

The conversation highlights recent tax law changes and their potential impact on investment strategies. Key changes discussed include bonus depreciation, its implementation, and how it can impact short-term rental investors. Ryan explains the concept of bonus depreciation, providing examples of potential tax savings and how these can be reinvested to grow initial investments. He also talks about the significance of qualifying for different depreciation schedules and cost segregation for leveraging tax benefits. Another major topic is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, its permanency, and who qualifies for it, especially in the context of short-term rental investments vs. long-term rentals. Ryan elaborates on the qualifying rules for offsetting W-2 income with short-term rental investments, including the 7-day use test and additional hour requirements.

He also discusses potential economic benefits, such as saving on personal car interest and employer-paid student loans. The introduction of new financial accounts for children's savings and the broader economic effects of these tax changes are touched upon. Throughout, Ryan shares practical advice for investors on how to navigate these changes and maximize their tax savings. The session concludes with Ryan's recommendations for additional resources and ways to stay informed about tax strategies for real estate.

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The Business Behind Hosting: Mergers, Margins & Management

Episode 142

4 months ago

42 minutes 47 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane interviews Patryk Swietek, owner of The Cohost Company. Patryk shares his journey into the short-term rental industry, starting as a tech employee at Aon Stay, where he observed operations scaling from 200 to over 1000 units. Post-COVID layoffs led him to start his own business, initially as a host and eventually acquiring three property management companies. His company now manages 100 listings in Joshua Tree, California.

Patryk emphasizes the benefits of real estate for wealth creation but notes the thin margins and significant time commitment. He transitioned to managing properties for others to scale more effectively. Patryk details the advantages and challenges of acquiring property management contracts, highlighting the stability and long-term value these contracts provide. He also discusses the importance of integrating new acquisitions into a single Property Management System (PMS) and improving operational efficiency.

The conversation touches on the competitive landscape of Joshua Tree, the importance of proactive hospitality, and leveraging tech solutions for better management. Patryk also discusses his public presence and its impact on his business. He concludes by stressing the importance of high-quality service, owner retention, and responsible scaling.

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May STR Trends: ADR Climbs, Bookings Shrink, Reviews Evolve

Episode 140

4 months ago

39 minutes

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and co-host Scott Sage discuss short-term rental trends and market performance for the month of May. Jamie shares insights from his personal experiences managing his short-term rental property in the North Georgia Mountains.

The discussion highlights a 6% year-over-year increase in STR listings, a 1% dip in occupancy, a 6% rise in ADR, and a 4.8% growth in RevPAR. They note that while nights booked are slightly down by 0.3%, shorter lead times for bookings are contributing to this trend. The conversation covers the implications of global events on travel and the STR market, including potential impacts on bookings from increased oil prices due to Middle Eastern conflicts. Jamie addresses how the economic landscape, job growth, and consumer confidence are influencing the industry. A key takeaway is that although demand and occupancy are fluctuating, shorter booking windows are becoming the norm.

Scott and Jamie also analyze review scores based on operator size, revealing that smaller operators tend to have higher review scores but larger operators are improving the most year-over-year. They attribute this to both Airbnb's efforts to remove underperforming listings and operators becoming more attentive to review management. The episode concludes with advice for hosts and managers to adapt their pricing and booking strategies based on these trends, encouraging vigilance and real-time market analysis to remain competitive.

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Enhancing Guest Experience and Revenue with Happy Guest

Episode 139

4 months ago

27 minutes 18 seconds

STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Michael O’Connell, founder of Happy Guest. Michael shares insights into the purpose and functionality of Happy Guest, a guest management system designed to streamline the check-in process for short-term rental properties while enhancing the overall guest experience.

Happy Guest provides an all-in-one, web-based check-in solution that integrates with property management systems, allowing hosts to manage post-booking interactions seamlessly. The platform facilitates rental agreements, HOA forms, and upsells like early check-in and late checkout to generate ancillary revenue. Michael discusses the importance of user-friendly technology that doesn't require guests to download apps, making the check-in process smoother and more enjoyable. He explains how his team, consisting of experienced industry professionals, tested and refined the platform to ensure it provides maximum value and ease of use. Michael emphasizes the significance of personalization and flexible cancellations to improve guest loyalty and satisfaction. He also highlights the need for hosts to adopt new technologies that are more aligned with modern hosting demands, and offers insights into how automation can free up time for hosts to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality.

The episode also touches on the development and features of Happy Guest, as well as the importance of great customer service in the short-term rental industry. Finally, Michael announces an upcoming virtual conference, Revenue Rehab, focused on revenue management strategies for hosts, which features notable industry CEOs and experts.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

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