News

This article discusses rising cyber risks and data challenges in the financial services industry, including fraud prevention using AI. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of data quality, which directly impacts the effective use of AI for risk management and decision-making for STRs.

This article highlights the Florida Realtors' long-term commitment to providing technology solutions for real estate professionals. The organization's tools, such as Form Simplicity and Sabal Sign, are designed to support members' success and offer cost savings. Hosts can take note of the benefits of these member-driven tools and evaluate whether they're suitable for their own business operations.

Airbnb is deploying anti-party technology across several countries for New Year's Eve to reduce disruptive parties. Hosts should be aware of this technology and the potential consequences of allowing parties, which can lead to account removal and financial responsibility. Consider reporting any concerns about bookings or social media activity to Airbnb's customer support.

A new wildfire defense system using infrasound technology is being introduced in California, offering an alternative to water-based systems. This system can detect and extinguish embers before they ignite, potentially saving homes from fire damage. Hosts in fire-prone areas may want to explore this technology to protect their properties.

Cybercriminals are using AI to create deepfakes and target real estate transactions, including wire fraud. Hosts should be aware of this evolving threat, particularly concerning payment instructions, and implement consistent verification procedures to protect themselves.

This article discusses the shift in homeowner search behavior towards AI, which necessitates adaptation from vacation rental managers. Hosts need to stay informed on AI-driven tools to effectively manage their listings and stay competitive.

This article from BiggerPockets discusses the importance of ensuring your short-term rental property insurance coverage is based on rebuild value, not market value. It explains how underinsuring your property can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs in case of a total loss. Hosts should review their insurance policies annually and report any property upgrades to ensure accurate coverage.

This article from BiggerPockets discusses how to organize your rental business for 2026 and beyond. It emphasizes the importance of automation, streamlining processes, and creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce stress and improve scalability. Hosts should implement these strategies to run their rentals more efficiently and prepare for growth.

OwnerRez has updated its PayPal integration to include Venmo and Pay Later options, offering a new checkout experience for guests. Hosts using the current PayPal connection must upgrade by December 31st to continue processing payments and avoid payment errors.

This article discusses how streamlining rent collection with software like TurboTenant can improve efficiency and organization for self-managing hosts. It emphasizes the importance of automated payment systems and detailed bookkeeping to avoid common issues and save time. Hosts should consider using property management software for automated rent collection and bookkeeping.

This article details a homeowner's experience turning their primary residence into a rental property. It highlights the financial benefits of keeping a home as a rental, especially with a low interest rate, and provides a step-by-step approach to preparing a home for tenants, including essential repairs and listing strategies. Hosts can consider this strategy when planning their next move.

Airbnb is launching anti-party technology for New Year's Eve stays. Hosts should be aware of this new feature, as it will likely impact how they manage their properties during this peak season. No immediate action is required, but hosts should be prepared for potential restrictions.

This article highlights the operational strategies of AZ Vacation Home Concepts, a father-daughter duo managing vacation rentals. They emphasize guest-focused stays and utilize OwnerRez for reservations, guest communication, and document management. Hosts can learn from their focus on curated guest experiences and leveraging tech tools like OwnerRez for efficient management.

This article from BiggerPockets discusses the importance of automating and systemizing your STR business to avoid burnout and scale successfully. It highlights the hidden costs of DIY property management and the benefits of using property management software. Hosts should consider evaluating their current workload and implementing tools like automated rent collection and maintenance requests to free up their time for business growth.

This article explores strategies for generating passive income through Airbnb, including property management companies, arbitrage, co-hosting, and automation. Hosts should consider their desired level of involvement and leverage tools like Hostfully to reduce workload and maximize profits. Remember to screen partners, set realistic expectations, and stay informed on local regulations.

This article debunks the myth of truly passive income in short-term rentals, highlighting that STRs require management and systemization. It emphasizes the importance of treating STRs as a hospitality business and provides insights into tools and strategies for efficient management and profitability. Hosts should focus on building systems, automating processes, and providing exceptional guest experiences to succeed.

OwnerRez released several updates in November, including integrations with Vrbo Promos and Avalara MyLodgeTax, along with enhancements to Rezzy AI. Hosts can now leverage these new features to improve their Vrbo listing visibility, streamline tax compliance, and provide better guest support.