News

This article discusses vacation rental franchise opportunities for investment in 2026, including SkyRun. Hosts interested in scaling their business or diversifying their investments may find this information relevant to future growth plans.

This article explores top Vrbo alternatives like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and Houfy, emphasizing the benefits of diversifying listing platforms. Hosts should consider these alternatives to reach broader audiences, optimize their strategies, and protect against account issues on any single platform.

This article analyzes how Airbnb and Booking.com compare in 2025, highlighting features Airbnb is adopting and rejecting. This analysis from PriceLabs offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of short-term rental platforms. The article's focus is on market trends and provides actionable steps for hosts.

OwnerRez has integrated with HiChee, a price comparison platform, to help hosts attract direct bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs. This integration offers accurate pricing and calendar syncing, and verified OwnerRez hosts get a free HiChee Traveler Plan.

This article discusses the financial progression for real estate investors, specifically addressing how hosts with a few properties can transition from merely owning rentals to achieving financial freedom. It emphasizes the importance of setting goals and having a plan to generate active income, such as flipping houses, to fund long-term investment strategies.

This article details a host's journey from struggling to buy a primary home in a competitive market like Los Angeles to building a successful rental portfolio through house hacking and rental arbitrage. Hosts can learn how to find opportunities by thinking creatively, networking, and leveraging unconventional strategies like transforming underutilized spaces and using rental arbitrage to add more doors.

This article discusses an investor who transitioned from a high-risk job to real estate investing, leveraging out-of-state turnkey properties and the BRRRR method. Hosts can learn from the strategy of diversifying investments away from expensive markets and the appeal of turnkey properties, especially for those with limited time or seeking hands-off management. Consider evaluating turnkey investment opportunities and researching reputable providers.

This SmarterTravel article for 2025 compares the top vacation rental sites, including Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. It will likely highlight features, fees, and market reach, providing valuable insights for hosts choosing the best platforms for their listings. Understanding platform dynamics is key to maximizing visibility and revenue.

This article from BiggerPockets outlines 20 ways real estate investors can find deals, leveraging technology and focusing on motivated sellers. Hosts can use these strategies, such as targeting properties in pre-foreclosure or with tax delinquencies, to find potential investment opportunities and expand their portfolios. The article suggests using tools like PropStream for lead generation.

Walmart's expansion plans, including new stores and fulfillment centers, can benefit local landlords by increasing property values and attracting other businesses. Hosts should consider the potential impact of these expansions on their markets and adapt their strategies accordingly, especially concerning housing demand.

This article shares the story of an investor who scaled from 3 to 50 rental units by forming partnerships. The key is finding partners who complement your skills and financial needs. Consider exploring partnerships to accelerate your growth if you're hitting a capital limit.

PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news brief features updates on VRBO, IBS Software, and TourRadar. While specific details for STR hosts are limited, the mention of VRBO suggests potential platform adjustments and market trends that could affect host strategies in the coming weeks and months.

Wyndham Rewards is ending its vacation rental program in Hawaii. This means fewer booking options for guests and potential changes to how existing Wyndham properties are managed. Hosts should be aware of this shift and its impact on the local market.

This article discusses how effective marketing slogans are rooted in emotional triggers, not clever wording. Hosts should focus on creating an emotional connection with potential guests through every aspect of their listing, from the description to the on-site experience, for a more memorable stay.

Airbnb has launched 65 new features, including a social network for travelers, offering hosts new tools to engage with guests. This update aims to enhance the guest experience and potentially boost bookings by fostering a sense of community within the platform. Hosts should explore the new features to maximize their listing's visibility and appeal.

This article emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand identity beyond just aesthetics in the competitive STR market. Hosts need to define their emotional promise to guests and align their entire guest experience to build loyalty and stand out from the competition.

Virtual staging is becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI, allowing investors to market properties more effectively. Hosts should consider using virtual staging for vacant or poorly furnished properties, but be sure to be transparent and show "as-is" images. Over-reliance on virtual staging could lead to guest disappointment.

Rabbu, previously a property management company, is shifting its focus to a nationwide marketplace for profitable Airbnb investments. This strategic pivot aims to connect investors with promising STR opportunities across the country, potentially streamlining the investment process and offering access to a wider range of properties. This shift could impact how investors approach short-term rental acquisitions.