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.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

~~~~

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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

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Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna 

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co 

Episode 139

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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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 138

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Alex Alioto, Head of Growth at Whimstay. They discuss the inception and growth of Whimstay, an OTA specializing in last-minute bookings for short-term rentals. Alex shares insights on how they fill unsold gap nights and create a win-win situation for both hosts and spontaneous travelers.

 The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies around booking windows, particularly the trend of shortening lead times due to economic uncertainties. Both emphasize the importance of having a diverse distribution strategy and dynamic pricing to capture various traveler segments. Alex highlights Whimstay's unique value proposition and discusses the impact of Gen Z and millennial travelers on the market. They also explore the rise in last-minute group travel and the significance of capturing next-gen travelers for long-term industry growth. Alex emphasizes the need for property managers to focus on direct bookings and maintaining high hospitality standards. Jamie and Alex agree on the importance of spreading demand across shoulder seasons to optimize occupancy and revenue. 

They conclude by discussing the marketing efforts Whimstay has undertaken to build its demand, including social media and targeted advertising. Alex urges hosts to think strategically about their listing platforms and dynamic pricing to maximize bookings. The episode wraps up with a call to action for property managers to list their properties on Whimstay and leverage its last-minute booking capabilities.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

~~~~

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~~~~

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

~~~~

Learn more about Whimstay: https://www.whimstay.com/

~~~~

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 137

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Jodi Odlin, founder of Hospitable Hosts, a book series celebrating stories from the short-term rental industry. Jodi recently won the Rentalpreneur Award at the Shorty's and shares her journey from a hospitality background to becoming a successful short-term rental host. Hospitable Hosts is a trilogy featuring 40 authors in each book. These books aim to inspire and provide tips for new and experienced hosts by sharing their personal stories. 

During the conversation, Jodi emphasizes the importance of hospitality in the short-term rental business, contrasting it with property investment-driven approaches. She also discusses how she leverages AI to manage her 15 properties from Australia and maintain a personalized touch for her guests. Jodi offers practical tips like partnering with local businesses to enhance guest experiences and maintaining high levels of communication and cleanliness. Jamie and Jodi also touch on upcoming projects, such as the Hospitable Host Sisterhood and Couples Books, and a hospitality accreditation program. They agree on the need for industry standards to improve advocacy and professional recognition. 

Jodi concludes with a story illustrating that despite best efforts, not all guests can be pleased, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the business. The episode highlights the significance of community, hospitality, and adaptability in achieving success in the short-term rental industry.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

~~~~

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~~~~

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 136

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage discuss travel trends and the latest insights from the Airbnb summer release. Jamie shares his exciting Memorial Day plans, heading to North Carolina for his grandfather's 95th birthday and then to Litchfield Beach in South Carolina for a large family reunion. They discuss Memorial Day travel data, noting that occupancy rates are almost identical to last year but achieved through different trends. There's a weakness in budget and economic travel but strength in upscale travel, especially in coastal destinations. 

Jamie and Scott discuss the impact of economic volatility, including tariffs and stock market fluctuations, on travel bookings. They note a trend towards shorter booking windows and the challenges this poses for property managers. Jamie shares his experiences at the Airbnb summer release, highlighting Airbnb's new services aimed at competing with hotels. Both agree that while these services may not directly benefit hosts, they could grow the overall short-term rental market. April data showed a significant increase in demand, occupancy, and ADRs compared to March, attributed to the Easter shift. The discussion includes the impact of Canadian travelers and currency fluctuations on travel patterns. Domestic travel within the U.S. shows some pullback in overseas trips but remains robust. Jamie advises hosts to monitor year-over-year demand in their markets and adjust pricing strategies accordingly. 

The episode concludes with Jamie emphasizing the importance of understanding booking windows, length of stay, and property profiles to optimize performance. Scott and Jamie express optimism about summer bookings despite the challenges.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

~~~~

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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 135

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!

~~~~

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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/

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Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane 

~~~~

Connect with Julie: 

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 802-829-4024

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtstra/

~~~~

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co 

Episode 133

Join Jamie Lane, Chief Economist of AirDNA, and Ellie Mertz, CFO of Airbnb, as they discuss the latest announcements from the Airbnb 2025 Summer Release. This episode introduces new Airbnb services and experiences, a redesigned app, and future growth opportunities for hosts.

Learn how Airbnb aims to increase travel wallet share and enhance user engagement through improved affordability, quality, and social connectivity features.

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

~~~~

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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/

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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