STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, chief economist at RDNA, interviews Madison Rifkin, CEO and founder of Mount. The discussion begins with an overview of Mount, a three-sided marketplace connecting hosts and property managers with their guests and local businesses. Madi emphasizes the importance of offering unique local experiences, rather than just focusing on the property itself. Jamie and Madi delve into her accidental entry into the short-term rental space and her pivot from scooter rentals to Mount's current model. Madi explains how Mount curates top 'hidden gems' for guests, incorporating local businesses into the guest experience seamlessly. They discuss the challenges and benefits of curating these gems in multiple cities and the rigorous vetting process involved. Next, Jamie and Madi discuss the power of social media and how short-term rental hosts can work with influencers and content creators to increase their bookings and reach new audiences. The episode explores Mount's innovative marketing strategies, including a viral TikTok campaign and a Taylor Swift ticket giveaway, highlighting the power of social media in building brand engagement. Madi offers insights into the essential tools and strategies for hosts to get started with social media content creation, emphasizing the importance of a content archive. The episode concludes with a look at Mount's future plans, including international creator retreats and a stronger focus on traveler engagement. 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 ~~~~Connect with MountTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rentmount?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentmount/Episode 111

Bram Gallagher, Director of Economics and Forecasting at AirDNA, shares insights on the short-term rental market's future. He discusses the bounce-back of the economy, crediting the Federal Reserve's timely actions to stabilize growth. Predictions for 2025 include a modest 4.7% supply growth, with occupancy rates recovering and increasing average daily rates boosting revenue. Gallagher also addresses geopolitical risks and inflation concerns while emphasizing market-specific opportunities in areas like Maui and urban centers.

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie sits down with Matt Kruger, co-founder of DSM Stays and a short-term rental investor based in Iowa. Matt shares the story of his transition from long-term rentals to short-term rentals, motivated by a desire for higher cash flow and more control over his investments. Initially hesitant to invest out of state, Matt chose to stay local in Iowa, where he has seen significant success. Influenced by content creators on social media, Matt was inspired to explore the potential of short-term rentals. Starting with long-term rentals and house-hacking, Matt and his wife built a solid base before moving into the short-term market. Using tools like AirDNA for market research, they identified opportunities to cater to larger groups in the Des Moines area, a non-traditional vacation spot. Their first short-term rental, equipped with amenities like game rooms and hot tubs, quickly became one of the top properties in the area. Despite market challenges, Matt's properties have seen consistent revenue growth year over year. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, including updating amenities and listing photos. Matt also highlights the risks associated with reliance on platforms like Airbnb and the need to build a direct booking channel. Automation tools like Hospitable have been crucial in managing operations and communication. Matt's approach to guest experience, including personalized communication and rapid problem resolution, has resulted in high ratings and positive reviews. He advises new investors to overcome analysis paralysis, take risks, and learn by doing. Reflecting on his journey, Matt regrets not starting sooner but encourages others to use their free time effectively to build the life they want. He also stresses the value of buying properties that can appreciate through sweat equity. ~~~~https://www.tiktok.com/@rental.cashflowhttps://www.instagram.com/rental.cashflow/~~~~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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 109

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, VP of Marketing Scott Sage discuss the October performance of the short-term rental market. The conversation starts with a brief discussion on the 2023 U.S. election results and its potential implications for the industry. They report strong occupancy growth for October with demand remaining stable, and highlight the overall positive trends in RevPar, available listings, and total demand nights. Despite some variations in occupancy increases due to supply changes, they note that demand has surged, particularly influenced by slower supply growth due to high mortgage rates. Regulations also impact supply trends, especially in urban and coastal markets. The hosts analyze unemployment rates, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts, and their impact on the real estate market. They also emphasize the significance of the Christmas and New Year holidays on booking rates, noting a two-week period of high demand thanks to the date placement this year. Additionally, they touch upon rate setting strategies for hosts and mention cautious observations on RevPar decline in small city and rural markets despite overall national growth. The episode wraps up with a high-level overview of the 2025 outlook report, discussing expected trends influenced by decelerating supply growth and constant demand. 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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 108

In this discussion, Nick Massey, Director of Sales at Proper Insurance, shares his expertise in short-term rental insurance. He explains the vital differences between traditional policies and those tailored for rentals. The conversation dives into climate risk insurance, emphasizing how it impacts coverage criteria. Nick also highlights common liability issues Airbnb hosts face, including slip and fall claims, and shares proactive strategies for enhancing safety. Listeners gain insights into the nuances of selecting the right insurance provider to protect their investment.

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, welcomes Sam Dundas from Besty AI. Sam explains how his background as a property manager led him to create Besty AI, which provides automation for PMS systems. They discuss the company’s rapid growth, reaching 17,000 paying properties within a year and nearing a million in revenue. Their success is attributed to AI applications that streamline guest communications, task management, and review analysis. He notes that Besty AI focuses on integrating practical AI applications directly into PMS, rather than offering separate tools, making adoption easy for users. He talks about starting from simple automation, like addressing common guest questions, and gradually enhancing functionality. Sam also highlights the importance of reliability over coverage in AI responses. They delve into the evolution of automated messages and the balance between efficiency and personalization. Future developments include deeper integrations and expanding revenue-generating features. Despite tech advancements, Dundas believes personal touch remains crucial. The discussion also touches on the varying scalability among PMS platforms and the potential industry impact of major players like Airbnb. Looking ahead, Sam envisions significant improvements in AI’s role in property management, driven by both technological advancements and customer needs. Integration with more PMSs and entering the hotel space are seen as future growth areas. The podcast concludes with an outlook on the evolving landscape of property management and AI’s role in it.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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 106

In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie and Scott provide a masterclass on how to run a successful Airbnb. Featuring Scott Sage, Vice President of Marketing & Customer Experience at AirDNA, the discussion centers around actionable insights for maximizing revenue, enhancing guest experiences, and leveraging data to stay ahead of the competition. With their combined experience, Jamie and Scott unpack everything from effective guest communication to the importance of conducting a thorough competitive pricing analysis.Jamie Lane, who has recently invested in a large short-term rental property, reflects on his experiences and key lessons learned. Scott shares his extensive background in property management and how understanding market dynamics can make or break an Airbnb listing. Whether you’re new to hosting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with data-driven strategies to improve your short-term rental’s performance.Running a profitable Airbnb requires more than just listing your property; it demands a strategic approach grounded in data and effective management practices. Jamie and Scott stress that one of the first things hosts should focus on is understanding and monitoring key performance metrics. These include occupancy rates, average daily rate (ADR), booking window, and lead time. Jamie describes how using data insights has helped him quickly adapt to the challenges of managing a large investment property.Jamie and Scott agree that effective guest communication is one of the most overlooked aspects of running a successful Airbnb. Jamie recounts an experience where proactive communication turned a potential disaster into a positive outcome. Scott emphasizes that communication should begin well before guests arrive. Setting clear expectations, providing a comprehensive guidebook, and automating key messages can save time and reduce stress.Jamie explains how he approached pricing for his new STR investment. Once he built up a strong review profile, he began gradually increasing his rates. Scott applauds this approach and adds that using dynamic pricing tools is essential for maximizing earnings. These tools automatically adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events, ensuring that properties are always competitively priced.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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna 

In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie sits down with Daniel Cruz, founder of Washbnb, to explore the ins and outs of efficient laundry and housekeeping for short-term rentals. Whether you’re managing a single property or a large portfolio, laundry is often one of the most time-consuming and overlooked tasks. Daniel shares practical strategies to streamline these processes, helping hosts save time, money, and keep operations running smoothly.Daniel emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, commercial-grade laundry equipment, especially for the drying process, which can be a major bottleneck. He recommends maintaining at least three sets of sheets per bed, using a three-part system to ensure smooth operations. For properties using off-site laundry services, four or five sets per bed are ideal to avoid any disruptions. During peak times, Daniel highlights the need for a well-stocked inventory and housekeeper accountability to prevent shortages. And for the ultimate guest experience, he stresses that 100% cotton sheets are a must for their breathability and luxurious feel.He also explains why separating laundry and cleaning tasks is key to improving efficiency, with off-site laundry management being a great way to optimize operations. Daniel advises washing towels and sheets separately, using zip-top mattress protectors, and providing extra outdoor towels to prevent stains. A useful tip is to offer guests cleaning supplies to help preserve white towels. Clear signage on washing machines can further help reduce errors and minimize damage.From choosing the right linens to managing inventory and equipment, Daniel covers everything you need to ensure a seamless guest experience while upholding high standards of cleanliness. You’ll learn why quality matters, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to keep your laundry operations running smoothly and efficiently.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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 104

In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie and Scott broadcast live from the VRMA conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where they break down the key issues shaping the short-term rental industry today. They emphasize why events like VRMA are more important than ever, offering a crucial space for the industry to come together and tackle pressing challenges head-on.The conversation kicks off with the aftermath of hurricanes Helena and Milton, which caused a wave of cancellations across Florida and North Carolina. Asheville alone saw over 85,000 nights canceled, while Atlanta experienced a 50% spike in bookings as people sought temporary accommodations. These disruptions are expected to lead to a dip in home prices and rising insurance premiums across Florida, adding new challenges for property owners.Jamie and Scott then shift focus to the U.S. market’s September performance, which fell short of expectations with a modest 2.9% increase in nights booked. The growth in supply is slowing, particularly in urban areas, where a 3.1% decline reflects ongoing struggles with regulatory issues, weak demand, and heightened competition from hotels—leading to closures like Frontdesk. On the bright side, ADRs were up 2.7% in September, and October is off to a strong start, with demand fueled by events like Halloween and solid holiday bookings on the horizon.Jamie wraps up the episode by celebrating his first short-term rental booking and sharing a sneak peek of his new YouTube series, which you can catch on the AirDNA YouTube channel.Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with valuable insights!~~~~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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 103

In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Marc Hostovsky, CEO and founder of Minoan, to talk about how their platform is simplifying the short-term rental game for hosts. Jamie shares his personal experience using Minoan to furnish his own listing, emphasizing how straightforward the process was and the competitive pricing he found.Marc explains that Minoan is a purchasing and supplier management platform designed specifically for hosts, providing access to well-known brands at discounted prices. One of the key features is the centralized ordering system, which streamlines the purchasing process for hosts, making it easier to manage. Another feature is the digital showroom, which allows hosts to showcase products in their rental properties and even earn commissions when guests purchase those items.Throughout the conversation, they explore the role of design in short-term rentals, highlighting how thoughtful design can elevate the guest experience and lead to better property performance. Marc points out that as the STR market becomes more competitive, hosts need to combine both real estate knowledge and hospitality skills to succeed. He introduces the idea of a universal cart, which integrates purchases from various partner brands into a single, seamless shopping experience.Marc draws a parallel between the current STR landscape and the early days of Amazon, where strategic design and a focus on the guest experience are becoming more important than ever. He also shares practical tips on how hosts can leverage Minoan to enhance their properties while improving their profitability.The discussion touches on some of the challenges the industry faces, such as the fragmented nature of STR hosts and the difficulties of getting more hosts to adopt new platforms. Marc explains that Minoan is addressing these issues by focusing on referrals, professionalization of the STR industry, and integrating more closely with local economies.As they wrap up the episode, Marc hints at Minoan's goals in improving hosts' economics through smarter investments and potential future collaborations with platforms like AirDNA to integrate data insights for hosts. 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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 102