STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Justin Ford, Director of Short-Term Rental Safety and Certifications Program at Breezeway. Justin shares insights into his role and the importance of safety in short-term rentals. Breezeway, a property care and operations platform, supports professionalism and safety in the industry. Ford explains the primary goal of using Breezeway for safety inspections, elevating standards, fostering community awareness, and aiding government efforts in inspections. He emphasizes the significance of safety standards and offers practical tips for property owners to ensure guest safety, including slip and fall prevention, furniture tip-over protection, and poison control. Ford recounts his background in the Coast Guard and as a firefighter, which shaped his expertise in safety. He discusses the need for safety regulations and the potential for federal or state-level laws to enhance safety standards in short-term rentals.  Ford also addresses the misconception that insurance alone is sufficient, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent negligence claims. He shares stories of hosts using safety as a marketing point to attract more cautious travelers. Overall, this episode underlines the necessity of prioritizing safety in short-term rentals for guest protection and long-term property investment. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇 https://app.airdna.co/data  ~~~~ Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane  ~~~~ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ~~~~ Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co  Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co  Episode 134

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, speaks with Julie Marks, founder and executive director of the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance (VTSTRA). They delve into the significance of short-term rental regulations and advocacy. Julie shares her journey into short-term rental management and advocacy, which began when her local government considered shutting down vacation rentals. With no prior political experience, Julie realized she needed to get involved to protect her business and the industry. They discuss how regulations can impact short-term rental performance and investments, emphasizing the necessity for hosts to actively participate in shaping these regulations. Julie recounts her efforts in organizing the VTSTRA, starting with an opinion piece and building a website to rally support. They discuss the diverse community within the vacation rental industry, including professional managers, individual hosts, house cleaners, and other service providers. Julie highlights the importance of collaboration and breaking down competition to strengthen the industry. Julie's advocacy extends to national efforts, including her involvement with VRMA's Government Affairs Council and the Right to Rent Collaborative. She underscores the need for sustainable associations at local, state, and national levels to ensure the long-term success of the industry. Julie encourages others to get involved in advocacy, whether through financial contributions or active participation, to collectively make a significant impact. They conclude by discussing the balance between advocacy, personal life, and the importance of community support. Julie's contact information and resources for getting involved are also provided. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ https://vtstra.org/ ~~~~ Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇 https://app.airdna.co/data  ~~~~ Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane  ~~~~ Connect with Julie:  Email: director@vtstra.org Phone: 802-829-4024 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtstra/ ~~~~ Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co  Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co  Episode 133

Join Ellie Mertz, CFO of Airbnb, as she dives into exciting announcements from the 2025 Summer Release. She unveils new services and enhanced experiences designed to boost Airbnb's revenue and engage users beyond travel. Ellie highlights how hosts can increase their income by offering unique experiences, while also discussing the app's redesign with features for itinerary integration and social connectivity. Get insights into Airbnb's new focus on home services, enhancing affordability and quality for year-round engagement.

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Kerri Gibson, the CEO and co-founder of Chalets Hygge. Carrie shares the story behind the unique name of her company, which is inspired by the Danish concept of 'hygge,' emphasizing joy and contentment in life's simple moments.  Kerri discusses the accidental start of her short-term rental business in 2017 and how it quickly grew from one to six properties. She explains how her CPA background helped her in the analytical and creative aspects of property management. Kerri  also highlights the importance of location and operational efficiencies in scaling her business. The conversation transitions into her recent venture into running a 17-room motel, noting the operational differences and new challenges.  Kerri  touches on the importance of providing unique guest experiences and the decision to maintain an investor mindset while ensuring high operational standards. The discussion includes insights on managing teams, scaling thoughtfully, and leveraging technology and direct booking strategies. Kerri  concludes by sharing her long-term vision and the potential for future expansions, emphasizing the blend of investment and hospitality principles that drive her success. Those interested in following her journey can connect through her Instagram accounts and LinkedIn. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-gibson-cpa/?originalSubdomain=ca ~~~~ Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇 https://app.airdna.co/data  ~~~~ Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane  ~~~~ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ~~~~ Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co  Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co  Episode 132

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Rebecca Lombardo, a fractional CMO and marketing strategist. Jamie and Rebecca discuss the meaning of a fractional CMO and its role in the vacation rental industry. Rebecca shares her journey into the vacation rental space, starting as a CMO at True Place, a company specializing in photography and virtual tours for vacation rentals.  The conversation covers the difference between listing and marketing a property, including the importance of understanding your audience through market research. Rebecca explains how to generate demand by tailoring marketing efforts to resonate with guests and homeowners, rather than relying solely on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. She emphasizes the value of data in determining where to focus marketing efforts, such as social media demographics and email engagement.  The episode also touches on measuring the success of marketing strategies through various funnel stages, from initial engagement to conversions. Rebecca advises hosts on the initial steps for developing a marketing strategy and highlights the significance of identifying and targeting a niche audience. The importance of building a brand that stands out in a crowded market is discussed, including the potential to attract both guests and homeowners. Jamie and Rebecca also explore strategies for owner acquisition, particularly within specific communities, and the advantages of organic growth through word-of-mouth. During times of economic uncertainty, Rebecca stresses the importance of maintaining marketing efforts to capitalize on future opportunities.  The discussion includes insights on organic and paid social marketing, as well as the benefits of investing in marketing during downturns. Finally, Rebecca provides her perspectives on engaging in effective marketing and adapting to changing market conditions. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabredholt/ ~~~~ Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇 https://app.airdna.co/data  ~~~~ Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane  ~~~~ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ~~~~ Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co  Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co  Episode 131

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Bram Gallagher, Director of Forecasting at AirDNA. The duo discusses several pressing topics within the short-term rental industry and broader economic indicators. They begin by reviewing March performance and early April trends, noting a mixed story influenced heavily by recent tariff announcements. Despite a challenging 2023, 2024 saw positive momentum, particularly in mountain resorts benefiting from good snowfall. However, March presented a slight decline in demand growth and occupancy rates, partly due to a calendar shift with spring break and Easter moving to April. Urban markets saw significant new listings, leading to a notable increase in supply, especially in cities like Jersey City and Newark, following New York's short-term rental regulations. Interest rates, inflation, and consumer confidence are discussed in depth. Bram notes a hesitant stance from the Fed to lower interest rates due to inflationary pressures. Employment remains strong, but consumer confidence and business sentiment have declined. The discussion also touches on the impact of exchange rates on international travel, with Americans potentially favoring domestic destinations due to a weaker dollar against the Euro. Further, summer travel pacing shows positive trends in traditional vacation rental markets but sluggish demand in urban and suburban areas. Lastly, the episode delves into price evolution, with March showing smaller increases in average daily rates (ADRs) compared to January and February, highlighting affordability concerns amid economic uncertainties. Bram concludes with a look ahead, emphasizing the importance of monitoring layoffs and wage inflation as critical indicators for the economic outlook.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 130

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane is joined by John An, founder of TechTape. The two share insights into navigating today’s volatile travel market. Jamie highlighted that 2024 is shaping up to be a more challenging year, with signs of softening demand in several U.S. markets. He pointed to Washington, D.C. as a key example, where government-related travel is slowing due to federal budget tightening. John emphasized that revenue management today is more about feel and adaptability than relying solely on hard data. He compared it to driving—requiring constant micro-adjustments rather than abrupt turns.Jamie supported this idea, adding that operators who watch their pacing, ADR, and occupancy weekly or even daily are the ones staying ahead. John mentioned that too many small operators still use a “set it and forget it” approach to pricing, which is risky in the current environment. He explained that intuition should be paired with data to make smart, timely decisions. Jamie echoed that sentiment, noting that even in tough markets, success is possible with active monitoring and responsiveness. John said the best operators act like football coaches—adjusting their strategy based on how the “game” (market) is playing out, not just on a pre-written playbook.Both speakers agreed that frequent check-ins—weekly or bi-weekly—on business performance are critical. John stressed that there’s no one-size-fits-all model, and pricing strategies need to be fluid. Jamie added that being proactive instead of reactive is a key differentiator right now. They concluded that the combination of consistent data review and strategic intuition is what separates good operators from great ones. Ultimately, staying close to the numbers while understanding the story behind them is the best path forward.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~www.https://www.gettechtape.com/~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 129

Bill Faeth, founder of Build Short-Term Rental Wealth and a 30-year real estate veteran, shares his remarkable journey from traditional real estate to short-term rentals. He discusses the critical components of creating 'super properties' by capitalizing on unique features like views and amenities. Bill emphasizes patience in investment decisions and offers advice on timing buys amidst market volatility. He highlights the importance of outdoor enhancements and spotlights overlooked markets to maximize returns, all backed by strategic data analysis.

In this discussion, Andrew Keller, a renowned short-term rental photographer and founder of ISOneedphotos, emphasizes the vital role of professional photography in boosting booking rates. He shares his journey from childhood photography to capturing properties in over 22 states and Costa Rica. Andrew highlights common pitfalls of using amateur images and offers practical tips for staging, lighting, and angles to attract guests. His expertise shows that the right visuals can dramatically enhance a rental’s appeal and lower guest dissatisfaction.

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Bram Gallagher, Director of Economic and Forecasting at AirDNA, to discuss current economic uncertainties and their potential impact on the lodging industry. They delve into the new presidential administration and recent fluctuations in the stock market, which have introduced significant uncertainty. Despite strong fundamentals in unemployment rates and GDP growth, consumer sentiment and the economic policy uncertainty index show signs of concern, with the latter reaching its highest level since COVID-19. A notable topic is the influence of tariffs, including their imposition and the ensuing trade wars impacting international travel. Canadian travel to the U.S. has notably decreased, with several flight routes canceled, significantly affecting markets with high Canadian tourist reliance. Additionally, stock market volatility influences consumer spending through the wealth effect, potentially curbing leisure travel plans. The discussion also covers sectors like business travel, where cuts and price sensitivity have emerged. The participants conclude that current data still supports strong economic performance, but the downside risks necessitate vigilance over future metrics and trends. Concerns such as tariff impacts, inflation, and travel behavior shifts underscore the importance for lodging operators to stay informed and adaptable in their strategies.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 126