STR Investing, The Podcast

Valerie Gangas, CEO of Juniper Holiday + Home and hospitality expert, shares her journey from Chicago's restaurants to STR management. She emphasizes the importance of creating unforgettable guest experiences with personal touches like fresh flowers and cookies. Valerie discusses effective team building, trusting instincts in hiring, and setting boundaries for personal health. She advocates for meditation as a way to foster calm leadership and underlines the need for community knowledge-sharing in the evolving hospitality landscape.

Monday Market DataGalveston, TXAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $21,52475th Percentile: $33,87590th Percentile: $51,117Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $25375th Percentile: $31790th Percentile: $392Occupancy50th Percentile: 29%75th Percentile: 42%90th Percentile: 55%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $34,99375th Percentile: $55,34190th Percentile: $82,615Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $37175th Percentile: $49990th Percentile: $669Occupancy50th Percentile: 32%75th Percentile: 43%90th Percentile: 55%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $56,39375th Percentile: $81,49390th Percentile: $109,429Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $53975th Percentile: $69990th Percentile: $864Occupancy50th Percentile: 33%75th Percentile: 42%90th Percentile: 55%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $77,78975th Percentile: $119,80090th Percentile: $182,643Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $72075th Percentile: $93190th Percentile: $1,178Occupancy50th Percentile: 35%75th Percentile: 49%90th Percentile: 63%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

Zach Busekrus, a growth marketer and co-founder of Journey, shares his journey from higher education marketing to creating a loyalty platform for short-term rentals and boutique hotels. He reveals how his unique vision helps operators increase repeat bookings without heavy OTA fees. The conversation covers the importance of loyalty programs, how Journey enables guests to earn and redeem points, and strategic insights on brand credibility and monetization. Zach also dives into the challenges of developing a two-sided marketplace in the hospitality industry.

Monday Market DataHot Springs, ARAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $27,06275th Percentile: $37,71590th Percentile: $51,713Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $17975th Percentile: $24690th Percentile: $330Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile: 49%90th Percentile: 59%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $35,18475th Percentile: $47,92590th Percentile: $72,837Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $29275th Percentile: $38190th Percentile: $467Occupancy50th Percentile: 34%75th Percentile: 45%90th Percentile: 52%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $58,09375th Percentile: $86,18990th Percentile: $109,254Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $44275th Percentile: $60290th Percentile: $754Occupancy50th Percentile: 37%75th Percentile: 44%90th Percentile: 48%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $101,87875th Percentile: $131,15890th Percentile: $151,194Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $76175th Percentile: $95390th Percentile: $1,275Occupancy50th Percentile: 38%75th Percentile: 41%90th Percentile: 46%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

What if you could turn everyday travelers into a social media content army - one that boosts your visibility, drives direct bookings, and promotes the local experiences your guests already ask about?In this episode, Mark sits down with Maddie Rifkin, founder & CEO of Mount, to unpack how she’s helping short-term rental operators, property managers, and even mom-and-pop vendors monetize recommendations and go viral without relying on big-budget influencers or OTAs.They dive into:How Mount connects hosts with local vendors & turns recs into revenueWhy normal travelers often outperform big influencers in content creationWhat it takes to launch your own “content army” and build massive brand awarenessThe truth about follower count vs. post performanceHow one host added $200K in direct bookings with a single viral strategyThe best platforms to focus on for real ROI in the STR spaceHow to prepare for a viral spike so it doesn’t fizzle outPlus: Maddie reveals what makes a great content creator, how her team trains and deploys stewards across the country, and why now is the best time to build your brand on social media before it’s too late.If you’re tired of the OTA hamster wheel and want to future-proof your business with better guest experiences, content marketing, and direct booking strategies, this episode is your jump start.Connect with Maddie: LinkedIn Learn more about Mount: www.mountlocks.com___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 255 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

Monday Market DataBoulder, COAirbnb Performance Data___________________________________3 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $61,79275th Percentile: $87,58090th Percentile: $122,967Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $34775th Percentile: $44590th Percentile: $550Occupancy50th Percentile: 53%75th Percentile: 66%90th Percentile: 78%________________________________4 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $93,94375th Percentile: $104,80690th Percentile: $148,924Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $56375th Percentile: $62390th Percentile: $706Occupancy50th Percentile: 51%75th Percentile: 59%90th Percentile: 76%___________________________________5 BedroomAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $92,91475th Percentile: $152,93890th Percentile: $195,129Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $66475th Percentile: $79690th Percentile: $1,197Occupancy50th Percentile: 44%75th Percentile: 53%90th Percentile: 60%_________________________________6+ BedroomsAnnual Revenue50th Percentile: $279,87175th Percentile: $300,06490th Percentile: $422,097Average Daily Rate50th Percentile: $1,40275th Percentile: $1,43590th Percentile: $1,850Occupancy50th Percentile: 56%75th Percentile: 60%90th Percentile: 65%_________________________________-Data provided by SummerOS-Which market do you want to see next?

In this special co-hosted episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Mark Lumpkin and Taylor Jones sit down together for only the second time to deliver a real-time “State of the Union” for short-term rentals in mid-2025.From front-end data and acquisitions to back-end renovations and management, they share what’s working, what’s not, and where the smart money is moving right now.You’ll hear:Why investors are winning at the ends of the bedroom count spectrum and why 3-4 beds are becoming “no man’s land” in many marketsHow small, niche 1-2 bedroom getaways are rivaling the returns of mega propertiesThe rising costs, permitting headaches, and contractor pitfalls impacting renovationsWhy picking the right property manager can make or break your investmentHow the “Big Beautiful Bill” is driving high-income earners into STRs for tax strategy and wealth buildingThe design and amenity decisions that actually move the revenue needleHow to think strategically about interest rates, seasonality, and timing your next purchaseIf you want to understand the shifts shaping today’s STR market and how to adapt before you get left behind, this episode is packed with timely insights you can put into action.

Jeremy Werden, founder of BNB Calc and a savvy property manager, shares his journey through the evolving landscape of short-term rentals. He discusses how traditional strategies have faltered and the importance of adapting to unique, amenitized 'super properties.' Jeremy reveals his quest for extraordinary assets like a sprawling Kentucky estate, boasting creative features that attract guests. He emphasizes the role of viral marketing in driving bookings and offers insights on leveraging data tools for smarter property management. Prepare to rethink your investment approach!

Sam Smith, an in-demand short-term rental photographer, shares his journey from real estate novice to sought-after expert. He reveals the crucial differences between capturing spaces and experiences, emphasizing the emotional impact of lifestyle shots. Sam discusses the importance of staging and preparation for top-notch photos, while also recounting his adventurous road trip with multiple pets. He touches on the unique challenges of photographing diverse properties, from cozy mountain cabins to bustling beach rentals, all aimed at boosting guest engagement.

Connor Paton, CEO and co-founder of Noshable, shares insights on revolutionizing guest hospitality in short-term rentals. He discusses how stocking fridges enhances guest experiences and increases 5-star reviews. Surprisingly, beer and bagels top the guest order list! Connor also dives into how property managers can leverage Noshable for upsells and delight moments. He emphasizes the importance of creating magical experiences that drive loyalty, and sheds light on the fascinating grocery spending habits of vacation rental guests.