STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Hosted by Jamie Lane

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204

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Nov 2026

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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.

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November 5, 2026Episode 20453 min

Direct Bookings vs. Airbnb: How Vacation Rental Managers Can Build a More Profitable Business

Everyone in the short-term rental industry is talking about direct bookings, but how much effort should you actually put into getting them? While reducing dependence on Airbnb and Vrbo sounds great in theory, building a profitable direct booking strategy takes more than just launching a website. It requires the right marketing channels, a recognizable brand, and a clear understanding of the economics behind every booking. This week, Jamie Lane sits down with Conrad O'Connell, CEO and founder of Build Up Bookings, to break down what really drives direct bookings for vacation rental managers. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in vacation rental marketing, Conrad explains why business size and gross booking revenue matter more than the number of listings, which marketing channels deliver the strongest returns, and why direct bookings generally start making financial sense around $1 million in annual gross booking revenue. They also explore how to build a recognizable property brand, when social media advertising makes sense, and how to calculate the true cost of acquiring a direct booking. The conversation also tackles one of the industry's biggest emerging questions: Will AI agents eventually replace the traditional booking process? Conrad shares a grounded perspective on agentic bookings, explaining why AI-driven travel planning is growing but why traditional search engines and OTAs aren't going away anytime soon. His biggest advice? Don't get distracted by the latest technology before you've mastered the marketing fundamentals that are already generating bookings. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways When direct bookings actually make financial sense: Why $1 million in annual gross booking revenue can be an important threshold for investing in a dedicated marketing strategy. The three pillars of direct booking marketing: How SEO, paid search and social advertising, and email/SMS marketing can help bring more guests directly to your business. Why your brand matters more than you think: How building a recognizable property brand can help past guests find you, generate repeat bookings, and reduce OTA dependency. How to measure the real cost of direct bookings: Why marketing, payment processing, technology, and guest management all need to factor into your acquisition costs, and why a 10–12% total cost is a worthwhile target. What AI means for the future of vacation rental bookings: Why AI agents are unlikely to replace traditional booking platforms overnight and what property managers should prioritize to stay competitive. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Conrad O'Connell, Founder, BuildUp Bookings Website: https://www.buildupbookings.com/conrad-oconnell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradoconnell/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 204

October 29, 2026Episode 20339 min

How AI Agents Are Transforming Short-Term Rental Property Management

What if you could grow your short-term rental business without growing your team? AI agents are rapidly changing how property managers handle guest communications, coordinate operations, and scale their portfolios — potentially reshaping the entire industry. But with new technology emerging every week, which tools are worth keeping, what can you automate, and where does the human touch still matter? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Jan Sahagun, co-founder of Trellis Tech and creator of the STR Tech Report, to explore how AI is changing the short-term rental technology landscape. Jan shares how he built industry resources using AI, why fragmented software systems are holding property managers back, and how AI agents can connect guest communications, maintenance requests, and operational workflows. They also discuss the rise of AI-powered direct bookings, the risks of building your own tools, and why the future may belong to property managers who learn to work alongside AI rather than compete with it. Looking ahead, Jan envisions leaner property management teams that use AI agents to handle repetitive operational tasks while people focus on business growth, strategy, and delivering exceptional hospitality. The opportunity isn't just to reduce software costs or save time — it's to scale more efficiently without sacrificing the guest experience. You don't want to miss this episode if you're looking to future-proof your short-term rental business! Key Takeaways How AI agents can streamline operations: Discover how to automate guest messaging, maintenance requests, task creation, and coordination across multiple systems. Which STR tech tools you actually need: Learn how to evaluate your existing software stack and identify tools that AI may be able to replace or consolidate. Why direct bookings could become more important: Explore how AI-powered search could change the way travelers discover properties and potentially reduce reliance on online travel agencies. The risks of building your own AI tools: Understand the trade-offs between customizable, AI-built systems and established software, including security, maintenance, and search optimization. How to scale without constantly hiring: See how AI-assisted property management could free teams to focus on owner acquisition, strategy, and higher-quality guest experiences. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Jan Sahagun, Co-founder, Trellis Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-sahagun-str/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 203

October 22, 2026Episode 20230 min

His Board Gave Him a 1% Chance of Success. He Did It Anyway.

What happens when one of the biggest names in short-term rental property management faces major financial challenges? For Vacasa, the answer was a dramatic transformation that could reshape how the industry operates. In this episode of The STR Data Lab , Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Joe Riley, CEO of Casago, to unpack the acquisition and rapid transition of Vacasa’s property management business into a network of local and regional operators. What was initially expected to take two to three years was completed in less than one, creating a new model for managing vacation rentals at scale. Joe explains why he believes franchising offers a compelling alternative to centralized property management, combining the advantages of a national network with the local expertise and accountability that homeowners and guests value. From improving homeowner retention to helping franchisees access better distribution, purchasing power, training, and industry connections, the conversation explores what it takes to build a sustainable property management business in an increasingly competitive market. Looking ahead, Joe shares Casago’s priorities for supporting its franchisees, expanding into new U.S. markets and international markets, and developing additional services for vacation rental owners. Whether you're an independent property manager, a growing regional operator, or an STR industry professional, this episode offers a valuable look at where the business of vacation rentals may be headed. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Why franchising is gaining traction: How local ownership and centralized resources can create a stronger property management model. What drives property manager success: Why homeowner relationships, retention, revenue management, and cost control are critical to long-term growth. How to navigate a major business transition: Lessons from moving Vacasa’s markets to local and regional operators in less than a year. Where franchise networks add value: How distribution, direct bookings, procurement, training, and peer communities can help operators grow. What’s next for the STR industry: How international expansion and additional homeowner services could create new opportunities for property managers. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Joe Riley, CEO, Casago LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-riley-0ab5a926/ Website: https://casago.com/joseph-riley/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 202

October 15, 2026Episode 20135 min

Is the Short-Term Rental Market Recovering? September Data Explained

After several challenging years for short-term rental operators, are things finally starting to turn around? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher break down September’s STR performance data and explore what slowing supply growth, improving occupancy, and stronger nightly rates mean for hosts, property managers, and investors heading into the holiday season and 2027. The conversation explores the economic forces shaping the STR industry, from elevated mortgage rates and cautious consumers to a housing market that’s limiting new competition. With supply growth slowing dramatically and pricing power improving in many markets, existing operators may finally be getting some breathing room. But the outlook isn’t the same everywhere. The hosts examine why Western ski markets are facing a different booking trajectory, how lead times affect demand forecasts, and why New Year’s could present a particularly strong opportunity for operators. Will supply growth turn negative? Which markets are showing signs of recovery? And what should hosts be watching as they prepare for the months ahead? Jamie and Bram unpack the latest data, discuss the risks and opportunities, and share their outlook for the remainder of the year and beyond. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Why slowing STR supply growth could improve occupancy and give operators more pricing power. How rising mortgage rates and economic uncertainty are affecting new listings and investment decisions. Why forward booking trends are improving nationally while Western ski markets face a different outlook. How calendar effects could make New Year’s a major opportunity for higher occupancy and nightly rates. Why STR supply growth could remain extremely low—or even turn negative—heading into 2027. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Bram on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bram-gallagher/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 201

October 8, 2026Episode 20044 min

The 5 Forces Shaping the Short-Term Rental Industry in 2027 and Beyond

The short-term rental industry is entering a new era—and the old playbook for growth may no longer work. In this milestone 200th episode of The STR Data Lab recorded live at the VRMA conference, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane takes a data-driven look at where the industry stands today, from slowing supply growth and stabilizing occupancy to shifting traveler demand and a challenging housing market. For hosts, property managers, and STR professionals, the message is clear: when industry-wide growth slows, outperforming the competition matters more than ever. Jamie then looks ahead at the five forces that could define the next few years: the economy, online travel agencies, the “sorting” of STR businesses by quality, the housing market, and AI. He explores why strong reviews and operational performance are becoming increasingly important, how AI-powered travel agents could reshape discovery and bookings, and why the next wave of AI-driven productivity could ultimately create more demand for travel. The biggest opportunity may be learning to distinguish between what you can control and what you can’t. From choosing your markets and distribution channels to improving property quality and preparing for AI-driven changes in how travelers search and book, this episode offers a practical framework for navigating a slower-growth, more competitive STR landscape. You don’t want to miss this 200th-episode look at what’s next for the short-term rental industry. 5 Practical Takeaways Prepare for slower supply growth. With U.S. STR supply growth dramatically below the levels seen in recent years, winning market share increasingly requires outperforming competitors rather than simply riding industry-wide growth. Treat reviews as a business metric. Higher property and management ratings can have a meaningful impact on RevPAR, owner retention, and the ability to attract new properties. Diversify your distribution strategy. OTAs remain a major source of demand, but emerging AI travel agents could change how travelers discover and book accommodations. Make sure your listings can be found and understood by these new systems. Keep an eye on housing and local opportunities. A weak housing market can constrain overall supply growth while also creating opportunities in markets where motivated sellers and changing home values open new investment possibilities. Use AI strategically—not automatically. Automating repetitive work can improve productivity, but the premium experiences travelers value may depend on human interaction, personalization, and service. The goal is to automate intelligently while preserving what guests are willing to pay more for. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 200

October 1, 2026Episode 19947 min

From Vacasa to First Chair: Lessons in Scaling Vacation Rentals

What happens when a vacation rental executive who has experienced the industry at virtually every level decides to go back to the basics? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Bob Milne, COO and President of First Chair Destinations, to unpack decades of lessons from building, scaling, and reshaping vacation rental management businesses. From running thousands of homes in Steamboat to navigating Wyndham and Vacasa, Bob shares why he believes vacation rentals are ultimately a hospitality and relationship business—not simply a technology business. The conversation explores the tradeoffs between scale and local operations, what can—and can't—be centralized, the challenges of proprietary technology, and what Bob learned from Vacasa's rapid growth and transition to a more localized model. He also dives into why ski destinations offer opportunities beyond the traditional winter season, how events and summer demand can reshape seasonality, the role professional managers can play in local regulation, and why First Chair is pursuing moderate, deliberate growth rather than growth for growth's sake. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Why vacation rental management is fundamentally a people and hospitality business, and where technology can—and can't—replace local expertise. Which parts of a vacation rental business actually benefit from scale, from technology and marketing to operations and owner communications. What the transition from Vacasa's national model to more localized operations reveals about the importance of boots-on-the-ground teams. How ski destinations can reduce seasonality by tapping into summer travel, weddings, events, outdoor recreation, and improved air access. Why sustainable growth may require a different approach than rapid expansion, particularly when balancing owner retention, local relationships, and operational quality. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Bob Milne, President/COO at First Chair Destinations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertemilne/ Website: https://www.firstchair.com/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 199

September 24, 2026Episode 19835 min

What August STR Data Reveals About the Rest of 2026

The U.S. short-term rental market may look weaker at first glance—but the latest data tells a more nuanced story. In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher unpack August performance and explain why headline declines in demand and occupancy don't tell the whole story. A calendar shift around Labor Day significantly affected year-over-year comparisons, while underlying demand, ADR growth, and slowing supply point to a market that remains surprisingly resilient. The conversation also digs into what rising mortgage rates mean for future STR supply, why World Cup-related listings have proven more durable than expected, and where operators may find opportunities as the market evolves. From coastal and mountain destinations continuing to see strong ADR growth to small-city and rural markets attracting demand and investment, the data reveals a growing divergence across markets—and a potential shift toward value-conscious travel. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Look beyond headline numbers. Calendar effects, including the timing of Labor Day, can dramatically change year-over-year comparisons for demand and occupancy. Supply growth is slowing. Rising mortgage rates are putting pressure on new STR supply, which could give existing operators more pricing power and reduce competition. World Cup supply is proving durable. Roughly 80% of new listings in World Cup host cities that rented during the event also rented in August, suggesting much of the new supply is sticking around. Opportunity is shifting geographically. Small-city and rural markets—particularly those near major demand generators like national parks—continue to show strong supply and demand growth. Value may matter more. As consumers face persistent inflation and higher costs, well-positioned midscale and affordable properties may be especially well placed to capture demand. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Bram on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bram-gallagher/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 198

September 17, 202652 min

How to Scale a Short-Term Rental Management Business Without Sacrificing Quality

Doubling your property management portfolio is one thing. Doubling it while maintaining top-tier guest reviews is another. In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with returning guests Joe and Max Bachmeier, whose property management business grew from roughly 120 to 260 listings in just 12 months—while remaining among the highest-rated property managers in the country. They break down what actually drove that growth, from consistent local marketing and referrals to building a team capable of scaling the operation without sacrificing the guest or owner experience. A major theme of the conversation is scaling intelligently rather than simply scaling quickly . Joe and Max explain how they use their “three C’s”—cash, care, and communication—to stay focused on what owners value most, while keeping guests, owners, and their team as three equally important priorities. They also share how AI and automation have changed their approach to guest communication, operations, and revenue management, allowing their team to spend less time answering repetitive questions and more time solving the issues that can have the biggest impact on guest satisfaction. The Bachmeiers also dive into what it takes to compete in an increasingly sophisticated STR market. From redesigning properties around specific guest demographics to using technology to identify listing-level revenue opportunities, they share practical lessons for property managers approaching the 100+ listing mark. Throughout it all, their philosophy remains consistent: build the right team, stay close to your market, and don't let growth come at the expense of quality. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Scale your team before you scale your portfolio. Build a management structure where team members can grow into new roles and train their replacements rather than making the founders the bottleneck. Use the “three C’s” to understand owner priorities: cash, care, and communication. Identify what matters most to each owner and build your service around it. Let AI handle the repetitive work—not the relationship. Automating routine guest questions can free staff to focus on complicated issues and guests who need more hands-on attention. Stay local as you grow. The Buchmeiers have continued concentrating their business primarily in Fredericksburg and Austin rather than expanding indiscriminately into new markets. Invest strategically in the property experience. Thoughtful design, distinctive amenities, and targeting a specific guest demographic can help a property stand out as competition increases. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Bach Bros Property Management Website: https://www.bachbrosproperties.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bachbrosproperties/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bachbrosproperties/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 197

September 10, 2026Episode 19652 min

How to Build a 5-Star Property Management Business

What does it take to scale a property management business without sacrificing the guest experience? For Steve and Kim Resnick, co-founders of HeavenlyRez and AirDNA’s 2026 #1 Property Managers, the answer starts with one principle: hospitality comes first . What began with managing their own Ocean City, New Jersey vacation rental evolved into a 100+ property operation built around five-star reviews, operational discipline, and a relentless focus on improving the guest experience. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Steve and Kim to unpack the systems behind their growth—from centralized linen operations and three-point property inspections to interior design, proactive guest communication, KPI tracking, and the strategic use of AI. They also explain why they’ve chosen to stay focused on a single market, how they think about property-level ROI, and why scaling doesn’t have to mean letting service quality slip. Whether you’re managing a handful of properties or building toward a much larger portfolio, this conversation offers a practical look at how better processes, the right people, and a hospitality-first mindset can create a more scalable and profitable STR business. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Build systems before you scale. Standard operating procedures, clear accountability, and consistent processes can help maintain quality as your portfolio grows. Treat hospitality as the foundation. From proactive communication to 24/7 support, creating a great guest experience requires more than simply providing a clean place to stay. Centralize what you can control. HeavenlyRez’s decision to bring linens and consumables in-house gave the team greater consistency, quality control, and operational visibility. Use data and AI to improve—not replace—the human experience. AI can help identify trends in reviews, surface property information, and monitor KPIs while people remain responsible for meaningful guest interactions. Invest in the property experience. Thoughtful design, durable furnishings, smart bed configurations, and consistent amenities can improve marketability, guest satisfaction, and ultimately owner returns. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Website: www.heavenlyrez.com Instagram: @heavenlyrez Facebook: HeavenlyRez TikTok: @heavenlyrez ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 196

September 3, 2026Episode 19555 min

Inside AirDNA Adapt: Building the Future of Revenue Management

Revenue management is getting faster, smarter, and more accessible—but building the next generation of pricing technology comes with a surprising challenge: how do you get operators to trust the numbers? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Chief Economist Jamie Lane sits down with AirDNA’s Data Science Manager Marc Moreno and Senior Product Manager Jordon Myers to go behind the scenes of building AirDNA’s new revenue management platform, Adapt. The conversation explores what AirDNA learned from hundreds of conversations with STR operators, including the surprising number of hosts still managing pricing manually and the widespread frustration with opaque pricing recommendations. Marc and Jordon explain why explainability became a core design principle, how millions of listings and noisy data shaped the modeling process, and why some of the most promising AI approaches had to be reconsidered. They also unpack how AI has fundamentally changed the product development process—from months-long handoffs to rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration with real users. Looking ahead, the team discusses where revenue management is headed as AI agents, APIs, and new data interfaces become more common. The future may not be about forcing operators into another dashboard—it could be about making reliable revenue management data and recommendations accessible wherever operators already work. You don’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at how the future of STR revenue management is being built. Key Takeaways Trust is just as important as accuracy. A pricing recommendation is only valuable if operators understand where it came from and feel confident acting on it. Clean data is the foundation of good pricing. With millions of listings across multiple channels, filtering noise and engineering the right signals can be just as important as the model itself. Events require proactive pricing. Rather than waiting for demand to appear in the data, revenue management systems need to identify external signals early enough to adjust pricing before bookings happen. AI is changing how products are built. Rapid prototyping and AI-assisted development allow teams to test ideas with real data and users much faster than traditional product-development cycles. The future may extend beyond the UI. As operators increasingly use AI agents, APIs, and their own internal tools, revenue management data needs to be accessible wherever decisions are being made. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Jordon Myers - Senior Product Manager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-myers/ Marc Moreno - Data Science Manager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmorenol/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 195