By Jamie Lane
4.9
2020 ratings
The podcast currently has 108 episodes available.
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!
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Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇
https://app.airdna.co/data
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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
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co
Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co
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Find AirDNA at these upcoming events!
https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna
Episode 108
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, explores the critical role of Short-Term Rental Insurance with Nick Massey, Director of Sales at Proper Insurance. Together, they unravel the complexities of securing insurance tailored to short-term rental properties and discuss practical steps for mitigating risks. Whether you’re an Airbnb host or a seasoned property operator, this episode dives into Climate Risk Insurance, Insurance for Airbnb Hosts, and why customized coverage is essential for protecting your investment.
Nick brings his wealth of experience to the table, explaining why generic policies often fall short and how Proper Insurance takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by short-term rental operators. From securing coverage in high-risk areas to managing common liability claims, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
Here’s What You Can Expect from This Episode:You don’t want to miss this episode!
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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
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Find AirDNA at these upcoming events!
https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna
Episode 107
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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie and Scott dig into the highs and lows of the summer season and give their predictions for what’s coming this fall.
They kick things off by talking about a 4% increase in RevPAR over the summer, even though nearly half of submarkets saw declines. Jamie and Scott remind us that local market trends are key to understanding the bigger picture. August was a standout month, with a 12% boost in demand, thanks in part to the timing of Labor Day. Jamie also highlights the strong growth in hotel demand and how it aligns with the ongoing rise of short-term rentals.
The conversation then moves to the impact of recent Fed rate cuts on the STR industry, especially when it comes to 30-year fixed mortgage rates. They also dig into the different challenges and opportunities for STR operators in urban versus rural markets. Looking ahead, they predict stable to slightly positive growth in occupancy for the rest of 2024. Plus, they touch on concerns around Airbnb’s stock performance and how it may not fully reflect the overall health of the industry.
The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming events like VRMA and the Vacation Rental World Summit, along with an update from Jamie on his own short-term rental investment journey “Jamie’s Lane Change”, which you can also follow on AirDNA's YouTube channel.
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 101
As we hit this 100th episode milestone, we want to take a moment to thank all of our listeners for your support. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or joined us along the way, we appreciate you being part of this journey!
In this 100th episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie celebrates the milestone by sitting down with AirDNA co-founders Scott Shatford and Tom Caton to reflect on the company’s journey and what lies ahead. They recount the early days, starting with Scott’s 2014 project—a book and website analyzing short-term rentals in Santa Monica. Despite regulatory hurdles, this effort quickly evolved into a key resource for understanding Airbnb listings, laying the groundwork for AirDNA.
Tom joined Scott in 2015, forming a business partnership during a sailing trip. From there, they pushed forward to build AirDNA into a powerful data platform, with the development of MarketMinder being a critical turning point. They also discuss the transition from delivering insights via simple PDF reports to creating a comprehensive SaaS platform that continues to shape the short-term rental industry. Throughout the episode, they highlight their decision to bootstrap the company, staying independent of external funding.
The episode explores the technical and business challenges they faced, including the complexities of data scraping, adapting to changes in Airbnb’s algorithm, and the massive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the business, Scott and Tom share how they managed stress, balanced luck with hard work, and navigated key decisions that led to AirDNA’s success and eventual sale.
Post-sale, Tom has turned his attention to new projects, including developing a murder mystery board game and investigating business fraud. Scott, meanwhile, enjoys traveling and personal hobbies like golf and ping pong, though both hint at possible new ventures in the future.
This episode offers a detailed look at how AirDNA grew from a niche idea into an industry-leading platform. You don’t want to miss it!
~~~~
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 100
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie sits down with Matthew Orley, CEO of Red Cottage, to explore the company’s unique approach to short-term rentals. Matthew shares the story behind Red Cottage, which he acquired two years ago, and explains its focus on design-centric homes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions. Red Cottage primarily caters to weekend travelers from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, with an emphasis on aesthetically appealing properties across various price points.
Matthew highlights how Red Cottage provides unique value to homeowners by attracting a distinct clientele and curating listings that stand out in the competitive short-term rental market. He also touches on their impressive direct booking rate and the recent launch of a membership program offering exclusive perks like discounted rates, waived fees, concierge services, and early access to new properties.
He explains how the steady demand for weekend getaways in their market helps them manage lower seasonality compared to other vacation destinations. Matthew also reflects on the impact of COVID-19, noting the initial surge in demand followed by market normalization. To stay competitive, he emphasizes the importance of adopting new software, leveraging technology, and building strong partnerships.
Matthew also dives into the operational challenges of property management, stressing the need for scalable systems and efficient information management. He wraps up by discussing the future of the property management industry, predicting continued consolidation and professionalization as a response to rising operational costs and the increasing need for advanced tech solutions.
You don’t want to miss this episode!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattheworley
~~~~
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 98
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