News
Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations
Rising Unemployment Could Spill Into Real Estate (But By How Much?)
A weakening labor market in the US is predicted. This could lead to a stabilization of housing prices, meaning a more stable environment for STR owners. Hosts should monitor local job numbers and consider financial strategies if they have existing loans.
Lake.com Raises $2.6M Pre-Seed to Redefine Vacation Rentals by the Water - Business Wire
Lake.com, a platform focused on vacation rentals by the water, has raised $2.6M in pre-seed funding. This suggests increased investment in niche vacation rental platforms. Hosts in relevant markets may want to research and consider listing on platforms like Lake.com.
San Diego allowed ADUs to become vacation rentals, illegally - inewsource.org
A recent article reveals that San Diego improperly allowed ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to be used as vacation rentals. Hosts in San Diego should investigate whether their ADUs are compliant with local regulations and seek legal counsel if necessary.
Garland implements new short-term rental rules after complaints from residents - KERA News
Garland, Texas has implemented new short-term rental rules due to resident complaints. Hosts in Garland should familiarize themselves with these new regulations to ensure compliance.
Boulder City Council approves new short-term rental licenses intended just for Sundance - The Boulder Reporting Lab
The Boulder City Council approved new short-term rental licenses specifically for Sundance. This means hosts in Boulder need to be aware of these new regulations if they operate in the Sundance area. Check your local regulations for specific requirements.
The Short-Term Rental Revival: Why Data Beats Depreciation Every Time
This article discusses the revival of short-term rentals due to the return of 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying properties. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions to avoid bad investments and offers a data-first process, including market selection, buy-box building, and revenue forecasting to help hosts succeed.
Fed Cuts Rates as Employment Softens, But Real Estate Recovery Remains Uncertain
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates, potentially impacting the real estate market and potentially benefiting hosts with HELOCs. Hosts should assess their current financial situation and consider using HELOCs for property upgrades, while also carefully analyzing potential rental property purchases and not over-extending themselves.
Landlord Sentiment Is Shifting in 2025: Here’s What Investors Should Know
Landlords are shifting their focus from acquiring new properties to optimizing their existing portfolios in 2025 due to high property prices and interest rates. This is an opportunity for hosts to improve their cash flow through renovations, efficiency upgrades, and smarter property management strategies. Leverage tools and resources to streamline operations and maximize returns.
Fractional Vacation Homes: The Future of Ownership?
This article discusses fractional vacation home ownership as a potential investment opportunity. Pacaso, a company offering fractional ownership, is also offering shares in their company until Sept 18th. Hosts should be aware of this trend and the potential market impact, but also consider the risks associated with luxury real estate and community resistance to this model.
Buy Now vs. Wait and the Best First Rental for Beginners
This BiggerPockets article discusses the financial considerations for new real estate investors, specifically house hackers. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing cash flow and goals when deciding whether to buy a property now, even with added expenses like PMI, or waiting to save more. The article also recommends cosmetic rehabs over significant rehabs for first-time investors to mitigate risk.
This New Bill Could Double Your Tax Savings in 2025
A new tax bill, "the one big beautiful bill," offers significant tax benefits for real estate investors, including increased bonus depreciation and the continuation of the qualified business income (QBI) deduction. Hosts, especially rookies, can potentially double their tax savings by leveraging these provisions. Consider consulting with a CPA to maximize benefits.
EXPEDIA GROUP UNLOCKS MORE DEMAND FOR VACATION RENTAL PARTNERS WITH STRONGER DISTRIBUTION ACROSS ITS MARKETPLACE AND NEW TECH FEATURES - Yahoo Finance
Expedia Group is enhancing its distribution and introducing new tech features for vacation rental partners. This means hosts may see increased visibility and potentially more bookings on Expedia's platforms. Stay tuned for details on how these updates impact your listings.
EXPEDIA GROUP UNLOCKS MORE DEMAND FOR VACATION RENTAL PARTNERS WITH STRONGER DISTRIBUTION ACROSS ITS MARKETPLACE AND NEW TECH FEATURES - Business Wire
Expedia Group is enhancing its distribution across its marketplace and introducing new tech features to benefit vacation rental partners. This means more potential demand for hosts listing on Expedia's platforms. Hosts should stay informed about these updates to leverage the changes for increased visibility and bookings.
Hawaii County likely to delay short-term rental law - The Garden Island Newspaper
Hawaii County is likely delaying the implementation of its short-term rental law. Hosts should stay informed about the local regulations and any potential changes to the enforcement timeline. Stay updated on the county's decision and adjust your business plans accordingly.
Airbnbs, short-term rentals prohibited in lake community near Ann Arbor - MLive.com
A lake community near Ann Arbor has prohibited Airbnbs and short-term rentals. Hosts with properties in this area will no longer be able to operate short-term rentals and need to be aware of the new local regulations.
Columbia considers more changes to short-term rental enforcement - Post and Courier
This article discusses potential changes to short-term rental enforcement in Columbia. Hosts in Columbia should stay informed about these potential changes as they may impact their ability to operate.
Anchorage Assembly weighing ballot measure to tax short-term rentals - Anchorage Daily News
The Anchorage Assembly is considering a ballot measure that would introduce a tax on short-term rentals. Hosts in Anchorage should stay informed about the potential tax and any associated regulations.
Guest At A California Hotel Fined $10,000 Over Bathroom Selfie: "A Complete Nightmare" - NDTV
This article discusses a guest at a hotel in California who was fined $10,000 for taking a bathroom selfie. While this specific instance is about a hotel, hosts should be aware of privacy concerns, especially regarding photos and videos taken on their property, to avoid similar legal issues.
Stop Guessing Rent Prices: Using Discretionary Income to Optimize Rental Revenue
This article discusses using tenants' discretionary income, calculated from median income, debt, and cost of living, to determine the affordability of rent increases. Hosts can use this information, along with WDSuite's Tenant Credit Insights tool, to make informed decisions about rent adjustments and improve property value.
New Mortgage Monitor Report: Sellers “Pull Back,” Will Rate Cuts Change That?
A new housing market report indicates that home price growth is soft, with potential for continued softness if interest rates stay in the low sixes. Hosts should watch for signs of changing demand and supply in their markets, especially in areas like Florida, Texas, and Denver, where seller behavior is impacting prices.