News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations
5 vacation rental franchise opportunities worth your investment in 2026 (plus SkyRun) - AZ Big Media
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.
![How to Create an Airbnb Video to Market Your Property [+Tools]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.igms.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Fwordpress%2F2018%2F06%2Fdepositphotos_51606869_l-2015.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
How to Create an Airbnb Video to Market Your Property [+Tools]
This article discusses creating marketing videos for your Airbnb listing, even though Airbnb doesn't directly support video uploads. Hosts should consider using third-party platforms like YouTube and other social media to showcase their properties and include a clear call to action within the video.

How Vrbo Guest Reviews Work: The Best Way to Rate Your Guests
This iGMS article explains the Vrbo guest review system, emphasizing its importance for hosts to increase bookings, build credibility, and warn other hosts. Hosts should prioritize leaving honest and consistent reviews within the 14-day timeframe after a guest submits their review. Hosts can also use software to automate the review process.

How Beyond Users Avoid Double Discounts and Keep Prices Optimized
This article from Beyond Pricing explains how their Time-Based Adjustments work to optimize pricing without using traditional discounts. Hosts should be aware of this strategy to avoid double-discounting and manage promotions effectively with their PMS or booking channels, ensuring consistent pricing and maximizing revenue.
Top Vrbo Alternatives for Vacation Rental Owners
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.
How to Build a Reliable Maintenance Plan Before Tenants Move In
This article from BiggerPockets outlines the importance of having a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for maintenance requests. It highlights the benefits of a clear system, including consistency, time savings, and improved tenant experience, and provides a step-by-step example using RentRedi's platform.
Worried About an Asset Bubble? Then You’ll Be Happy to Hear That Multifamily is Definitely Not in One
This article discusses the current state of the multifamily real estate market, suggesting it presents a potential investment opportunity as it stabilizes after a period of volatility, contrasting with other asset classes. Hosts may find value in understanding broader economic trends impacting real estate and potential investment opportunities, even if not directly investing in multifamily.
Investor Confidence is Up—What’s Making Everyone Feel Good About the Market?
Real estate investors are pivoting from flipping to rentals due to rising costs and increased regulations. Hosts should be aware of rising insurance costs and STR restrictions, and consider leveraging AI tools and green tech to improve profitability and streamline operations.
Airbnb’s Strong Q3, Sonder Collapses, and Instacart Tests STR Market
This week's roundup highlights Airbnb's strong financial performance, Sonder's bankruptcy, and Instacart's new partnership with Airbnb. Hosts should take note of the evolving market and consider how they can capitalize on opportunities like Instacart's grocery delivery service or the potential in rural Spanish markets.
A Turning Point for the Housing Market? | Nov. Housing Market Update
A BiggerPockets blog post discusses the cooling housing market, indicating a shift towards a buyer's market. Hosts should understand this shift as it could mean more opportunities for better deals on properties and adjusting strategies for pricing and occupancy.
Yes, You Should Start Lowballing Offers (Buyers in Control!) (Rookie Reply)
This BiggerPockets article discusses the potential for lowball offers in a cooling housing market, offering advice on navigating such offers and also providing advice for new investors partnering to start an STR. Hosts can use this information to inform their real estate investing strategies and understand the risks associated with certain financing options.
Columbia planning officials reject ban on Airbnbs in neighborhoods. What now? - The State
Columbia planning officials have rejected a ban on Airbnbs in neighborhoods. Hosts should be aware of this local decision, as it prevents stricter regulations for now, but the situation could change.
Galveston City Council approves stricter short-term rental ordinance with three-strike rule - Houston Public Media
Galveston City Council has approved a stricter short-term rental ordinance that includes a three-strike rule. This means hosts in Galveston will face consequences for violations. Hosts should familiarize themselves with the new regulations to avoid penalties.
Galveston passes ordinance tightening rules for short-term rental owners - Chron
Galveston has passed a new ordinance tightening rules for short-term rental owners. Hosts in Galveston should stay informed about these new regulations to ensure compliance.
Should accessory dwelling units increase in square footage? Sandwich town meeting Nov. 17 - Cape Cod Times
The Sandwich town meeting on November 17th will discuss potential changes to the square footage allowed for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Hosts with ADUs in Sandwich, MA should pay attention to this meeting as it may impact their property's potential.
Integration With HiChee
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.
Trump Floats 50-Year Mortgages: Cash Flow Boost or Affordability Illusion?
President Trump has proposed 50-year mortgages, which could lower monthly payments but significantly increase total interest paid over the loan's lifetime. For STR hosts, this could impact cash flow and equity building, so consider the long-term financial implications before making a decision.

Airbnb Set Up Guide for Hosts: Getting Started on Airbnb
This article provides a comprehensive guide for new Airbnb hosts, covering essential aspects from market research and legal requirements to property preparation and listing optimization. Hosts should pay close attention to local regulations, create compelling listings, and utilize automation to manage their properties efficiently.
How to Finance a Short Term Rental in Myrtle Beach
This episode of the Short Term Show focuses on financing short-term rentals in Myrtle Beach. The episode covers conventional loans, second home loans, investment loans, and jumbo loans, with advice on how these apply to condos and single-family homes, and how to maximize your strategy for obtaining multiple loans.
Airbnb turns to Spain's villages as cities tighten rules - Reuters
Airbnb is shifting its focus to villages in Spain as cities implement stricter regulations on short-term rentals. Hosts should be aware of this shift and consider adapting their strategies to capitalize on opportunities in less regulated areas.