STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Hospitality.FM
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STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, having the right market data is crucial to starting and scaling your short-term rental business. Join Travel Economist Jamie Lane as he provides trusted insights and delves deep into the numbers that drive this multi-billion dollar industry.

  1. 17H AGO

    Trends, Tariffs, and Market Projections

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Bram Gallagher, Director of Forecasting at AirDNA. The duo discusses several pressing topics within the short-term rental industry and broader economic indicators. They begin by reviewing March performance and early April trends, noting a mixed story influenced heavily by recent tariff announcements. Despite a challenging 2023, 2024 saw positive momentum, particularly in mountain resorts benefiting from good snowfall. However, March presented a slight decline in demand growth and occupancy rates, partly due to a calendar shift with spring break and Easter moving to April.  Urban markets saw significant new listings, leading to a notable increase in supply, especially in cities like Jersey City and Newark, following New York's short-term rental regulations. Interest rates, inflation, and consumer confidence are discussed in depth. Bram notes a hesitant stance from the Fed to lower interest rates due to inflationary pressures. Employment remains strong, but consumer confidence and business sentiment have declined.  The discussion also touches on the impact of exchange rates on international travel, with Americans potentially favoring domestic destinations due to a weaker dollar against the Euro. Further, summer travel pacing shows positive trends in traditional vacation rental markets but sluggish demand in urban and suburban areas. Lastly, the episode delves into price evolution, with March showing smaller increases in average daily rates (ADRs) compared to January and February, highlighting affordability concerns amid economic uncertainties. Bram concludes with a look ahead, emphasizing the importance of monitoring layoffs and wage inflation as critical indicators for the economic outlook. 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  Episode 130

    30 min

  2. APR 17

    Feeling the Market: Adaptive Revenue Management in Unpredictable Times

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane is joined by John An, founder of TechTape. The two share insights into navigating today’s volatile travel market. Jamie highlighted that 2024 is shaping up to be a more challenging year, with signs of softening demand in several U.S. markets. He pointed to Washington, D.C. as a key example, where government-related travel is slowing due to federal budget tightening. John emphasized that revenue management today is more about feel and adaptability than relying solely on hard data. He compared it to driving—requiring constant micro-adjustments rather than abrupt turns. Jamie supported this idea, adding that operators who watch their pacing, ADR, and occupancy weekly or even daily are the ones staying ahead. John mentioned that too many small operators still use a “set it and forget it” approach to pricing, which is risky in the current environment. He explained that intuition should be paired with data to make smart, timely decisions. Jamie echoed that sentiment, noting that even in tough markets, success is possible with active monitoring and responsiveness. John said the best operators act like football coaches—adjusting their strategy based on how the “game” (market) is playing out, not just on a pre-written playbook. Both speakers agreed that frequent check-ins—weekly or bi-weekly—on business performance are critical. John stressed that there’s no one-size-fits-all model, and pricing strategies need to be fluid. Jamie added that being proactive instead of reactive is a key differentiator right now. They concluded that the combination of consistent data review and strategic intuition is what separates good operators from great ones. Ultimately, staying close to the numbers while understanding the story behind them is the best path forward. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ www.https://www.gettechtape.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  Episode 129

    40 min

  3. APR 12

    Finding and Creating Super Properties with Bill Faeth

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, chats with Bill Faeth, founder of Build Short-Term Rental Wealth and a 30-year real estate investor. Bill shares his journey into short-term rentals, which began in 2015 after a convincing conversation with an electrician friend. He describes transition from traditional real estate to short-term rentals by purchasing his first property in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Bill provides insights into his investment strategy, influenced by the Pumpkin Plan book, and breaks down his unique approach to creating 'super properties.' He explains that successful investments rely on leveraging unique attributes like views, proximities, and amenities—elements that make properties stand out in specific markets. Bill emphasizes the importance of patience and the ability to hold out for ideal investments, rather than compromising on less optimal properties. The dialogue extends into financial advice, indicating that now, amidst market volatility, is a prime time for confident investors to make strategic buys, provided they understand both the cash flow potentials and potential depreciation of their purchases.  The conversation also delves into identifying markets that others may overlook, leveraging various data points to mitigate risks and maximize returns. Bill discusses the significance of outdoor enhancements and views, over just the property's internal features, to substantially boost earnings. He advises listeners on practical approaches like employing multiple data tools, grading properties strategically, and capitalizing on off-market opportunities to ensure investments align with long-term goals. The episode underscores the importance of thinking beyond conventional strategies by using comprehensive data and innovative planning for generating superior returns in short-term rental investments. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ https://go.buildstrwealth.com/superpropertygrader https://www.instagram.com/billfaeth73/ ~~~~ 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  Episode 128

    40 min

  4. APR 3

    Mastering Short-Term Rental Photography with Andrew Keller

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Andrew Keller, a short-term rental photographer and founder of ISOneedphotos. Andrew shares the importance of professional photography for short-term rentals, emphasizing how it can significantly improve booking rates. He outlines his journey into photography, starting from a young age and transitioning into short-term rental photography around December 2020.  Andrew highlights the common mistakes property owners make by using amateur photographs, noting that lack of professional photos can cost potential bookings. He discusses the evolution of his own photographic style, emphasizing the importance of providing a variety of photos, including drone shots, twilight shots, and interior shots from multiple angles. Andrew mentions how his extensive experience, which includes photographing properties in 22 different states and Costa Rica, has honed his skills. He believes in dedicating a full day to a shoot to capture the best light at different times of the day. He also offers advice on staging for short-term rental photography, stressing the importance of details like setting the dining table, filling the hot tub, and ensuring sufficient matching plates and utensils. Jamie corroborates the importance of professional photography, sharing personal anecdotes about how professional photos helped answer guest questions and lowered guest dissatisfaction.  Andrew provides tips for those considering DIY photography, such as holding the camera at light switch height and managing lighting. He advises on how to find a good local photographer by checking their recent work on Airbnb listings and stresses thorough preparation of the property before the photographer's visit, ensuring it is guest-ready. Andrew shares his future goals of investing in his own short-term rental property and talks briefly about his co-hosting experiences. He also offers contact details for those interested in his services and emphasizes his commitment to helping clients increase bookings through top-tier photography. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ Andrew Keller Contact Info: https://isoneedphotos.com/ 423-316-1967 ~~~~ 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  Episode 127

    37 min

  5. MAR 27

    Assessing Economic Uncertainty and Its Impact on the STR Industry

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Bram Gallagher, Director of Economic and Forecasting at AirDNA, to discuss current economic uncertainties and their potential impact on the lodging industry. They delve into the new presidential administration and recent fluctuations in the stock market, which have introduced significant uncertainty.  Despite strong fundamentals in unemployment rates and GDP growth, consumer sentiment and the economic policy uncertainty index show signs of concern, with the latter reaching its highest level since COVID-19. A notable topic is the influence of tariffs, including their imposition and the ensuing trade wars impacting international travel. Canadian travel to the U.S. has notably decreased, with several flight routes canceled, significantly affecting markets with high Canadian tourist reliance.  Additionally, stock market volatility influences consumer spending through the wealth effect, potentially curbing leisure travel plans. The discussion also covers sectors like business travel, where cuts and price sensitivity have emerged. The participants conclude that current data still supports strong economic performance, but the downside risks necessitate vigilance over future metrics and trends. Concerns such as tariff impacts, inflation, and travel behavior shifts underscore the importance for lodging operators to stay informed and adaptable in their strategies. 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  Episode 126

    29 min

  6. MAR 20

    February STR Performance: Winners, Losers & What’s Next

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, and co-host Scott Sage, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience, discuss short-term rental performance for February 2025. They start by noting strong overall demand, with a 5% year-over-year increase, although the first weeks of March showed a decline. Supply growth, marked at 3.9%, shows stabilization despite some markets seeing negative growth. They delve into detailed metrics like RevPAR, which rose 5%, and an ADR increase of 6%.  The conversation covers the impact of recent events like March Madness, the Super Bowl in New Orleans, and Beyonce's concert tour. Jamie discusses economic indicators, forecasting potential impacts due to factors like tariffs, taxes, and slowed government bookings, which could lead to declines in certain markets. They touch on internally-focused metrics like ADR and the repeat rent index, noting positive trends. Forward-looking, Jamie expresses cautious optimism for the short-term rental market's first half of the year, despite broader economic uncertainties.  The hosts emphasize the need for rental operators to stay vigilant of market-specific data, especially in light of potential travel slowdowns and macroeconomic concerns. Finally, they discuss March events like St. Patrick's Day and highlight the importance of local market expertise and constant monitoring of pacing data to adjust strategies effectively. 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  Episode 125

    28 min

  7. MAR 13

    The Power of Automation in STRs: Turno’s Impact on Hosts & Managers

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, welcomes Assaf Karmon, CEO and co-founder of Turno. The discussion dives into Turno's platform, which helps short-term rental owners find reliable cleaners, automate scheduling, and essentially autopilot their business. Assaf describes his initial venture into short-term rentals, emphasizing the challenges he faced, leading to the creation of Turno—a marketplace for vacation rental cleaners in multiple countries. Jamie shares his personal experience using Turno and highlights its efficiency in sourcing cleaners. They discuss the variance in cleaning fees and how Turno's vetting process helps in choosing the right cleaners.  The conversation also touches on features such as tracking cleaner projects, guest cleanliness scores, and creating a redundant team of cleaners for reliability. Assaf explains the importance of managing exceptions and maintaining a team for backup. They delve into automating various aspects of property management beyond cleaning, including maintenance and inventory tracking. Assaf also brings up an interesting customer success story that underscores the seamless automation provided by Turno. Jamie raises concerns about potential risks in automation, and Assaf reassures him with Turno’s support in crisis situations.  They discuss the range of Turno’s clients, from small hosts to large property managers, and Assaf shares insights on the highest cleaning fees and challenges in sourcing cleaners in specific markets. Assaf emphasizes the importance of using automation to save time and mental capacity, encouraging hosts to focus on bigger ventures. He concludes by sharing how to reach out to Turno and himself for further queries. You don’t want to miss this episode! ~~~~ https://turno.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  Episode 124

    36 min

  8. MAR 6

    Direct Bookings Made Easy: How Savvy is Changing Vacation Rentals

    In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, and Eric Goldreyer, the CEO and Founder of Savvy. Eric shares his rich history in the vacation rental industry, dating back to 1995 when he and his wife founded bedandbreakfast.com. The website became the leading platform for bed and breakfast listings and property management software. Eric recalls his journey, from creating central reservation systems, to selling bedandbreakfast.com, taking time off, and eventually pioneering new ventures like Turnkey Vacation Rentals and Funair.  He highlights the pain points property managers face with high distribution costs and how the Savvy platform aims to address these issues. Savvy offers a fresh approach with a no-fee model, aiming to facilitate direct bookings for vacation rentals, thereby saving costs for property managers and guests. Eric delves into the company's strategy, including maintaining algorithms that ensure high-quality matches between guests and properties. He emphasizes the importance of providing great hospitality, managing distribution costs, and building repeat and word-of-mouth business.  The conversation takes a deeper dive into the competitive landscape, where Eric stresses that Savvy doesn't aim to replace OTAs but complement them by offering an alternative that reduces booking costs. Jamie and Eric also discuss the importance of effective direct booking sites for property managers and the evolving dynamics of website quality, revenue management, and the role of property managers. Eric concludes by envisioning a future where Savvy is successful, benefiting both travelers and property managers, and addresses the challenges and opportunities within the vacation rental industry. He provides insights into what new property managers should focus on, drawing from his extensive experience in the sector. 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  Episode 123

    45 min
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Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, having the right market data is crucial to starting and scaling your short-term rental business. Join Travel Economist Jamie Lane as he provides trusted insights and delves deep into the numbers that drive this multi-billion dollar industry.

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