STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

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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.

3 DAYS AGO

November Market Recap and 2025 Forecast

In this episode of the STR Data Lab Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, and Scott Sage recap November's key metrics in the short-term rental market and projections for the future. They discuss metrics such as Average Daily Rate (ADR), occupancy, RevPAR, listings, and demand growth, all of which exhibited positive year-over-year signals. Special attention is given to ADR, which saw a 7% growth in November, partly due to easy comparisons with last year's 3.9% decline. The hosts highlight the deceleration in supply growth from 15% last year to 4% this year and its positive impact on occupancy and pricing power. Additionally, they explore the influence of economic drivers like inflation, Fed decisions, and the potential implications of a Trump presidency on the short-term rental market. They anticipate a slight increase in inflation rates and higher interest rates into 2026, which could affect investment and supply dynamics. The discussion rounds off with insights into 2025, labeled as the 'Year of Efficiency,' focused on maintaining and growing operations effectively. Stay tuned for the upcoming 'Best Places to Invest Report' in January. 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 112

22 min
DEC 12

How to Use the Power of Social Media to Market Your Short-Term Rentals with Madison Rifkin

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, chief economist at RDNA, interviews Madison Rifkin, CEO and founder of Mount. The discussion begins with an overview of Mount, a three-sided marketplace connecting hosts and property managers with their guests and local businesses. Madi emphasizes the importance of offering unique local experiences, rather than just focusing on the property itself. Jamie and Madi delve into her accidental entry into the short-term rental space and her pivot from scooter rentals to Mount's current model. Madi explains how Mount curates top 'hidden gems' for guests, incorporating local businesses into the guest experience seamlessly. They discuss the challenges and benefits of curating these gems in multiple cities and the rigorous vetting process involved. Next, Jamie and Madi discuss the power of social media and how short-term rental hosts can work with influencers and content creators to increase their bookings and reach new audiences. The episode explores Mount's innovative marketing strategies, including a viral TikTok campaign and a Taylor Swift ticket giveaway, highlighting the power of social media in building brand engagement. Madi offers insights into the essential tools and strategies for hosts to get started with social media content creation, emphasizing the importance of a content archive. The episode concludes with a look at Mount's future plans, including international creator retreats and a stronger focus on traveler engagement. 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 ~~~~ Connect with Mount TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rentmount?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentmount/ Episode 111

40 min
DEC 5

Economic Outlook for Short-Term Rentals - A 2025 Forecast

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Bram Gallagher, the Director of Economics and Forecasting, to discuss the current state and future outlook of the short-term rental market. They start by reflecting on their successful prediction from last year that 2024 would see a balance between supply and demand. Discussing the economy's resurgence, Bram details how 2023 was marked by slow GDP growth, high inflation, and recession worries, but 2024 has seen significant improvements in GDP, income growth, and falling inflation. The duo gives credit to the Federal Reserve for its quick rate hikes, which played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy. They discuss the robust state of the economy, with employment growth, stock market highs, and a strong housing market, while also acknowledging potential risks. They then shift focus to how the current economic environment affects short-term rental investors, predicting higher interest rates for longer and stable, possibly increasing, home values. Supply growth for short-term rentals is expected to moderate, with significant declines in new listings since rate hikes began. For 2025, they foresee a 4.7% supply growth, further reducing in 2026. Performance metrics remain strong, with occupancy expected to recover and ADR increases contributing to revPAR growth. The hosts note market-specific variations, with areas like Maui, Gulf markets, and urban centers like New York seeing dynamic changes. They also discuss geopolitical instability, inflation risks, and the enduring issue of housing affordability as potential threats to the positive outlook. Concluding on a cautious yet optimistic note, they express confidence in the U.S. short-term rental market's firm footing. 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 110

35 min
NOV 28

From House-Hacking to High Returns: Journey into Short Term Rentals with Matt Kruger

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie sits down with Matt Kruger, co-founder of DSM Stays and a short-term rental investor based in Iowa. Matt shares the story of his transition from long-term rentals to short-term rentals, motivated by a desire for higher cash flow and more control over his investments. Initially hesitant to invest out of state, Matt chose to stay local in Iowa, where he has seen significant success. Influenced by content creators on social media, Matt was inspired to explore the potential of short-term rentals. Starting with long-term rentals and house-hacking, Matt and his wife built a solid base before moving into the short-term market. Using tools like AirDNA for market research, they identified opportunities to cater to larger groups in the Des Moines area, a non-traditional vacation spot. Their first short-term rental, equipped with amenities like game rooms and hot tubs, quickly became one of the top properties in the area. Despite market challenges, Matt's properties have seen consistent revenue growth year over year. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, including updating amenities and listing photos. Matt also highlights the risks associated with reliance on platforms like Airbnb and the need to build a direct booking channel. Automation tools like Hospitable have been crucial in managing operations and communication. Matt's approach to guest experience, including personalized communication and rapid problem resolution, has resulted in high ratings and positive reviews. He advises new investors to overcome analysis paralysis, take risks, and learn by doing. Reflecting on his journey, Matt regrets not starting sooner but encourages others to use their free time effectively to build the life they want. He also stresses the value of buying properties that can appreciate through sweat equity. ~~~~ https://www.tiktok.com/@rental.cashflow https://www.instagram.com/rental.cashflow/ ~~~~ 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 109

39 min
NOV 21

October STR Market Performance and Election Impact Analysis

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! ~~~~ 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 108

25 min
NOV 14

The Essential Guide to Insurance for Short-Term Rentals with Nick Massey

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: Why short-term rental insurance is essential and how it differs from traditional policies How climate risks are reshaping the insurance landscape Common liability risks for Airbnb hosts and ways to mitigate them The importance of loss-of-revenue coverage for STR operators Insights into choosing the right insurance provider 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 107

54 min
NOV 7

Revolutionizing Property Management Using AI with Besty AI Founder, Sam Dundas

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! ~~~~ 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 106

50 min
OCT 31

Enhancing Airbnb Success with Data Insights and Hosting Tips

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 ~~~~ Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna

36 min

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TRAILER

Welcome to the STR Data Lab

Welcome to the STR Data Lab by AirDNA! Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, you need the right market data to start and scale your short-term rental business. Enter travel economist and data gangster Jamie Lane and his sidekick Mariah Kamei. Tune in to get the real story and trusted insights behind the numbers driving this multi-billion dollar industry.

10/05/2022

•

1 min

4.9

out of 5

20 Ratings

Great show

Apr 13

nswincolorado

Full of actionable insights and interesting stories
Data isn’t accurate

May 4

easuccess2

I really enjoy the podcast most times however I just don’t trust air DNA data at all. I used it to make a buying decision on a rental house air DNA estimated the house would make $84,000 per year, luckily I didn’t go off that number, I went off $55,000 per year and the first year the property actually grossed $37,000. I think air DNA over inflates Their estimated rental income potential. What are your thoughts?
Love the podcast

Feb 29

Milwookie

Thanks for all the great info on STRs!
Great STR Insights🏡📈

01/18/2023

Abby Leadbetter

An awesome way to stay up-to-date on all of the short-term rental industry trends!