STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Dustin Abney, CEO of Portoro, a vacation rental management company. Abney dives into his transition from the real estate SaaS world to vacation rental management, sharing the origins of Portoro.Dustin’s journey began with his early interest in real estate and technology, starting with his experience at Dotloop, which gave him valuable insights into the real estate market. This experience led him to purchase his first vacation rental property and eventually co-found D'Alexander, which adopted a prop co-op model to manage vacation homes nationwide. After navigating various roles and observing market trends, Dustin saw an opportunity to address the fragmented market and founded Portoro in 2022. With a focus on acquisitions and organic growth, Portoro has quickly expanded to manage over 270 units across ten markets, combining national branding with local operational expertise.Portoro's technological approach mixes off-the-shelf solutions for operational efficiency and the development of custom tools to fill industry gaps, like homeowner portals and enhanced guest amenities. Dustin stresses the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic market selection, considering traveler demand, regulatory environments, and inventory dynamics.Dustin discusses operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of investing in local teams and scaling operations alongside portfolio growth. He identifies retention as a crucial metric, citing Portoro's impressive retention rates as evidence of their successful operational model.Looking to the future, Dustin weighs the benefits of acquisitions against organic growth, highlighting the role of strategic partnerships and the influence of market dynamics. While the PropCo model remains appealing, he notes the challenges of high property prices and interest rates, underscoring the necessity for patient capital and strategic planning.Reflecting on his role as CEO, Dustin candidly discusses leadership challenges, particularly in managing personnel and integrating acquired companies. Despite these challenges, he is optimistic about Portoro's future and the evolving opportunities in the vacation rental industry.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://www.portoro.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 ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 81

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Catherine Ratcliffe, CEO of STR Benefits Consulting and Lost Together Stays. They discuss Catherine's role at the recent CanStays Alliance Conference held in Banff, Canada, where she curated content specifically for the Canadian short-term rental industry and facilitated discussions between national and local government officials and industry stakeholders.Catherine reflects on her upbringing in Canada, highlighting the cultural and political landscape that shaped her views. She shares personal stories that led her into the short-term rental industry, emphasizing the significance of creating memorable experiences for her family and guests. The conversation explores the complexities of organizing conferences and engaging with government officials, addressing challenges like regulatory changes and enhancing collaboration within the industry.The discussion also touches on the advocacy and community engagement roles of companies like Airbnb, with Catherine commending their initiatives in human trafficking prevention and disaster relief. Looking forward, they discuss anticipated developments in the industry, including new regulations and the potential return of the CanStays Conference in 2025.Catherine also highlights the need for employers to stay abreast of evolving regulations and provide robust support for their employees. Whether managing properties or hiring contractors, she stresses the importance of understanding state-specific regulations and offering suitable benefits to ensure compliance and retain valuable team members.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 80

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, hosts Jamie Lane and Scott Sage start with a discussion about Jamie's recent trip to the CanStays conference in Banff, Canada. They also hint at an upcoming interview with the event’s organizer, Catherine Radcliffe, promising to reveal exciting insights on the Canadian STR market.Moving on to the main topic, the hosts delve into Airbnb's summer release. They meticulously analyze Airbnb's marketing strategy, particularly focusing on the introduction of iconic properties, which they regard as a strategic move to generate buzz and enhance user engagement. They explore the long-term implications of this strategy, including its potential to integrate AI and expand Airbnb's offerings beyond traditional lodging.Shifting focus, they examine new features aimed at guests and hosts, such as group messaging and improved listing management tools. Jamie highlights the importance of the guest favorites feature and its influence on user experience and host performance. Additionally, they discuss the notable absence of a rewards program, with Jamie speculating on Airbnb's cautious approach to its implementation. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide in-depth insights into Airbnb's latest developments and their potential impact on the short-term rental industry.Don’t miss this episode for a comprehensive breakdown of Airbnb’s strategic updates!~~~~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 79

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage discuss various short-term rental (STR) data trends, starting with the notable surge in demand during March, attributed largely to the Easter holiday. This uptick in demand led to increased occupancy rates and revenue per available room (RevPAR), signaling a positive trend for the industry. However, they caution against viewing this as a definitive sign of recovery, pointing out ongoing challenges such as rising interest rates and international travel restrictions. They delve into the complexities of supply growth, noting a moderate increase in available listings but refraining from labeling it as a reacceleration. The discussion extends to different location types, with leisure destinations experiencing more pronounced growth compared to urban areas. Looking ahead to Memorial Day, Lane and Sage anticipate strong demand, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions. They emphasize the importance of contextualizing data to individual markets, offering insights into optimizing bookings for STR operators. Throughout the conversation, they stress the significance of understanding macroeconomic factors and leveraging data insights for strategic decision-making in the STR industry. They highlight the need for operators to stay informed about market trends and adapt their strategies accordingly, provide practical tips for operators to navigate the evolving landscape, including analyzing booking patterns and adjusting pricing strategies, and underscore the role of data-driven decision-making in ensuring the success and sustainability of STR businesses. Ultimately, Jamie and Scott advocate for a proactive approach to managing STR properties, grounded in a deep understanding of market dynamics and trends. They encourage operators to stay agile and responsive to changing market conditions, while remaining focused on delivering value to guests.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Jamie’s Viral Tweet:https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane/status/1775281707358335296~~~~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 78

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, hosts Jamie Lane and Scott Sage breakdown some short-term rental data analysis focusing on the impact of amenities on property performance. The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the significance of the final four and the eclipse, setting the stage for a deep dive into actionable insights for property owners. Jamie shares insights from a recent viral analysis of eclipse data and introduces the concept of actionable analysis, which aims to help property owners enhance the profitability of their units. The hosts discuss the methodology behind their analysis, emphasizing the importance of comparing like-for-like properties to understand the true impact of amenities. They delve into the effects of various amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and kitchens on occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) across different location types. Scott and Jamie highlight the importance of considering seasonal variations and market dynamics when evaluating the ROI of amenities. They also touch upon emerging trends in alternative amenities, such as smart home devices and outdoor spaces, before concluding with a discussion on over-the-top amenities and the surprising ROI of string lights. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for property owners looking to maximize their rental income through strategic amenity investments.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Jamie’s Viral Tweet:https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane/status/1775281707358335296~~~~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 77

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist of AirDNA, interviews Erwan Le Roy, founder and CEO of Cash Flow Street. Erwan shares his journey from tech engineer to vacation rental investor, highlighting his strategy of building passive income through real estate. He emphasizes the importance of identifying markets with favorable regulations for short-term rentals, such as resort or commercial zones, to maximize profitability. Erwan’s portfolio spans six markets, including Maui, Napa Valley, Miami, and Paris. He advises listeners to focus on high-yield properties, utilizing tools like AirDNA's rentalizer for revenue projections. Erwan stresses the significance of operations and marketing, recommending a diversified tech stack and local market team for property management. He underscores the need for redundancy and accountability within the team to ensure smooth operations and maximize returns. Erwin also highlights the flexibility of short-term rental properties, which can easily transition to mid-term or long-term rentals during uncertain times like the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the significance of regulatory compliance and taxation integration into platforms like Airbnb for the sustainability and growth of the industry.Looking ahead, Erwin discusses the future opportunities in short-term rental investments, focusing on identifying profitable locations and properties with the help of data analysis tools like AirDNA. He plans to expand his mastermind group to assist investors in making informed decisions and maximizing profitability in the changing market landscape. He emphasizes the need for strategic investment decisions, aligning with opportunities in an evolving market while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and giving back to the community.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Connect with Erwan:https://www.instagram.com/cashflowstreet/~~~~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 76

In this new episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, and Scott Sage, VP of Marketing, dive into the hot topic of rental arbitrage in 2024. They reflect on the ups and downs faced by arbitrage businesses, from scaling challenges to the unexpected twists of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite hurdles like managing cash flow and dealing with variable supply growth, they highlight how some entrepreneurs are still finding success, carving out niches in both the single-family and multifamily markets.Jamie and Scott break down the specifics of rental arbitrage, explaining the concept, its potential pitfalls, and the critical need to stay attuned to market trends and seasonal shifts. They discuss how to value an arbitrage business, comparing it with traditional property management models and arbitrage-based revenue streams, and why focusing on full apartment buildings could be a game-changer for efficiency and growth.Moving forward, Jamie and Scott explore the best U.S. markets for rental arbitrage in 2024, taking into account factors from rental premiums to regulatory environments. Jamie emphasizes the importance of thorough research and a deep understanding of market nuances before diving in, while Scott shares insights from his own experiences on negotiating with landlords to secure favorable agreements.Finally, the duo outlines the formula for success in rental arbitrage: strategic marketing, operational excellence, and dynamic pricing strategies. They conclude by affirming that with diligent preparation and execution, rental arbitrage remains a lucrative opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs in the short-term rental market.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 75

In this episode of the STR Data Lab podcast, host Jamie Lane welcomes AirDNA’s Economist, Bram Gallagher, to explore February's short-term rental performance dynamics. After a January dip due to a northern cold snap, February showcased a robust 15.6% surge in demand from January's 1.2%, highlighting a strong desire to travel despite the off-season.The discussion highlights how weather conditions influenced rental performance, particularly the challenges faced in key skiing destinations like California and Colorado due to low snowpack in January. Nonetheless, February marked a turnaround, especially in ski markets such as Big Bear, California, which experienced a 16% year-over-year increase in demand.Jamie and Bram further examine broader economic indicators like unemployment rates and consumer price indices, presenting a cautiously optimistic economic outlook amidst some conflicting signals. They also anticipate the Federal Reserve's forthcoming announcement, expecting a hold on rates with potential future cuts.Wrapping up, the conversation shifts to the anticipated solar eclipse and its expected boost to travel demand, with notable booking surges in cities along the eclipse's path. This episode provides key insights into short-term rental performance, overarching economic trends, and upcoming events shaping the travel industry.~~~~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 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 74

In this episode of STR Data Lab, host Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with experts Mark Woodworth, Principal at R.M. Woodworth & Associates, and Jack Corgel, Sr. Advisor at CBRE Hotels, to explore the nuanced dynamics of market fluctuations in the lodging industry. They examine the ease of entry into the short-term rental business and compare it to traditional hotel investments, highlighting the significance of alternative use cases and the changing landscape of consumer preferences.Mark and Jack delve into the implications of supply fluctuations, underscoring the importance of understanding market cycles and tailoring investment strategies accordingly. They anticipate a resurgence of sustained growth in the traditional hotel industry, propelled by shifting demographics and consumer tastes. The conversation also covers the potential for branding in the short-term rental sector and the challenges associated with ensuring consistency across properties.Sharing valuable lessons from their extensive careers in hospitality, Mark and Jack stress the necessity of recruiting smart, young talent and staying flexible in the face of market changes. Looking forward, they express optimism for a market rebound and foresee opportunities for expansion and innovation within the lodging industry. Tune in to acquire strategic insights and considerations for maneuvering through market fluctuations and making well-informed investment decisions in the rapidly evolving lodging industry.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 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 73

In this episode of STR Data Lab, host Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Jeff Iloulian, CEO and founder of HostGPO. HostGPO is a members-only platform for vacation rental operators, offering access to discounted rates on essentials such as furniture, linens, mattresses, and various amenities. Jeff shares the inspiration behind HostGPO, spurred by his personal challenges in sourcing high-quality products for his vacation rental properties. The conversation explores HostGPO's target audience, encompassing both property management firms and individual homeowners and recognizes their distinct needs and aspirations.Jeff provides insights into the initial setup of a vacation rental, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, understanding the target guest demographic, and efficient budget allocation. He recommends opting for durable furniture selections and warns against the expense of custom-made items. The conversation also covers logistical considerations, such as delivery schedules and installation services, to efficiently facilitate property setup. Throughout the conversation, Jeff's expertise and passion for assisting vacation rental hosts shine through, providing actionable advice for those new to the industry. Lastly, Jeff encourages anyone interested in setting up vacation rentals to sign up for a free consultation with HostGPO to receive customized advice and leverage their strategic insights and partnerships.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Connect with Jeff:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-iloulian-bb0b6829/https://hostgpo.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 Tyler:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-coon-0003a3269/https://www.savvy.realty/meet-the-team~~~~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 72