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⛳️ 5 Must-Have Amenities to Boost Your Short-Term Rental’s Value

⛳️ 5 Must-Have Amenities to Boost Your Short-Term Rental’s Value

No one wants to stay at a boring Airbnb. Keep reading for ways to deck out your property. 🎯

February 24, 2025

FEBRUARY 24th, 2025

Good afternoon STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: ⛳️ 5 Must-Have Amenities to Boost Your Short-Term Rental’s Value

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Denver, Colorado

✉️ STR News: Airbnb Stock Surges Post Earnings: ETFs to Win & more

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

🚁 Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, & STR Buy Box Template

✅ Community Perks: Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, Top-Tier Property Management, STR Loans & More, Airbnb Construction, STR Realtor Search, & Tax Savings for STR Owners

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

Don’t let this be the most fun activity at your Airbnb.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Need an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria? With 130+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands.

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – The best property management company you’ve never heard of. Rated 4.9 stars on Google, delivering a 27% revenue increase. Serving clients nationwide.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

🔨 Airbnb Construction – Building or renovating a short-term rental? Work with experts who know exactly what features maximize bookings and boost nightly rates. Designed for profitability, built for success.

🏡 STR Realtor Search – Finding the right short-term rental property starts with the right realtor. Get connected with top STR-focused realtors who know the best markets and cash-flowing deals.

💰 Tax Savings for STR Owners – Keep more of your rental income with expert tax strategies tailored for short-term rentals. From write-offs to depreciation hacks, maximize savings and minimize tax liability.

⛳️ 5 Must-Have Amenities to Boost Your Short-Term Rental’s Value

If you’re looking to boost your short-term rental’s value and attract higher-paying guests, it’s time to level up your amenities. Sure, comfy beds and a coffee maker are nice, but if you really want those five-star reviews and premium pricing, you need to give guests an experience they can’t resist.

🔥 Here are five killer amenities that will be sure to upgrade your STR.

1. Sports Court – Because Everyone Loves a Little Competition

Whether it’s a basketball half-court, pickleball setup, or multi-sport paradise, adding a sports court is a surefire way to keep guests entertained and active. Families love it because the kids can burn off energy, and adults enjoy showing off their skills (or at least pretending to).

👉 Bonus points if you add LED lights for nighttime games and leave out some sports gear for guests!

2. Game Room – The Ultimate Hangout Spot

If you want to keep your guests glued to your STR (instead of exploring the competition), a decked-out game room is the way to go. Think:

🎮 Arcade games (Pac-Man, anyone?)
🎱 Pool table
🏓 Ping pong
🎲 Board games galore

This is a game-changer (literally) for families, friend groups, and anyone who loves a little friendly rivalry. Plus, it makes for amazing Instagram-worthy moments!

3. Movie Theater – Because Streaming in Bed Isn’t Enough

Netflix on a tiny screen? No thanks. Give your guests the cinematic experience with a private movie theater! All you need is:

🍿 A massive projector screen or ultra-HD TV
🎶 Surround sound to make those explosions feel real
💺 Cozy reclining seats (or a pile of bean bags for max chill)
📀 A collection of classic movies & streaming services

Whether it’s family movie night or a horror marathon, your guests will love the VIP treatment.

4. Putting Green – For Future Golf Pros (or Just for Fun)

A backyard putting green adds instant luxury to your rental. Golf lovers will appreciate the practice space, and even non-golfers will have a blast trying to sink that perfect putt.

🌿 Low-maintenance artificial turf keeps it looking pristine year-round
⛳ Add some fun obstacles to make it exciting for all ages
🏌️‍♂️ Leave out a set of putters & balls for guests to use

A putting green is a unique feature that screams high-end without costing a fortune.

5. The Wildcard: Pick Something Unique!

Want to really stand out? Add a "wow" factor that sets your rental apart. Here are a few creative ideas:

🔥 Hot tub or sauna – Because relaxation sells!
🎵 Outdoor sound system – Instant party mode
🚴‍♀️ Bike rentals – Let guests explore in style
🌌 Rooftop deck – Perfect for sunset views and stargazing

Think about your target guests and what would elevate their experience—then go for it!

Final Thoughts

Adding these amenities isn’t just about fun, it’s about boosting your rental’s value and attracting higher-paying guests. The more unique and memorable your STR is, the more people will rave about it, rebook, and recommend it.

So, what’s your next upgrade? Time to turn your STR into the ultimate getaway!

Today’s feature: Denver, Colorado🌅🍺🧗🏻‍♀️

Downloadable Denver, Colorado Short-Term Rental Market Report

	Denver STR Market Report.pdf1.50 MB • PDF File

Denver is a great place to invest in a short-term rental for several reasons:

📈 Strong Market Performance

Average Daily Rate (ADR): $180 per night
Occupancy Rate: Peaks at 83.86% in July, with an annual average above 60%
Annual Revenue Potential: Varies by property size, with 3-bedroom properties earning around $51,167 per year and 6+ bedroom properties generating up to $145,753 annually

Denver’s short-term rental market remains strong, making it a profitable option for investors.

🏔️ High Demand from Tourists & Events

Home to major events like the Great American Beer Festival, Denver Film Festival, and concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which bring in thousands of visitors
Year-round tourism fueled by Rocky Mountain National Park, ski resorts, and outdoor recreation
Strong business travel demand due to Denver’s growing tech, aerospace, and healthcare industries

💰 Top Investment Opportunities

Best Gross Yield:
- 6+ bedroom properties have the highest gross yield at 12.15%, offering exceptional returns
- 4-bedroom properties follow at 8.35%, and 3-bedroom properties at 7.87%
Highest Annual Revenue:
- 6+ bedroom properties earn an average of $145,753 per year but require a $1.2M investment
- 5-bedroom properties generate $82,604 annually, with an average price of $1.1M
- 4-bedroom properties provide a strong balance, earning $66,818 per year at $800,000

✅ Favorable Regulations & Investment Potential

Denver has specific STR licensing and zoning regulations, but investors can still operate legally with the right permits
High-demand neighborhoods include LoDo, RiNo, and Capitol Hill
If STR rules change, properties can still generate strong returns as long-term rentals

📊 Seasonal Profitability Strategy

Peak revenue months: June & July, driven by tourism and outdoor festivals
Winter slowdown: Lower occupancy in January & February, but ski-related travel provides opportunities
Event-driven demand: Major festivals and Red Rocks concerts boost earnings in key months

With strong demand, high revenue potential, and strategic investment opportunities, Denver is a prime market for short-term rental investors. Read our full Denver, Colorado Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

💸 Airbnb Stock Surges Post Earnings: ETFs to Win
Airbnb's stock surged 14.5% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q4 earnings and revenue, with gross booking value and total bookings reaching record highs, though concerns remain about its high valuation compared to industry peers.

💼 Hedge Fund’s Bid For Vacasa Is Higher Than Casago’s
Hedge funds have submitted a higher bid for Vacasa than the $128 million offer from Casago, potentially disrupting Casago's plan to acquire and take Vacasa private

🚨Airbnb Warns: AI-Generated Scams Are Tricking Travelers
Airbnb has warned travelers about AI-generated rental scams, where fake listings with misleading images trick victims into losing over $2,000 on average, urging users to book through trusted platforms to stay safe.

📋 Airbnb sues New Orleans after it adopts sweeping regulations governing short-term rentals
Airbnb is suing New Orleans over regulations requiring rental platforms to ensure listed properties comply with city laws, amid ongoing legal battles over short-term rental restrictions.

🌱 Intrepid Travel’s 102.5 B Corp Score Sets a Bold New Precedent in Sustainable and Impact-Driven Travel, Further Reinforcing Its Mission to Make Tourism a Force for Good
Intrepid Travel has achieved its highest-ever B Corp score of 102.5, reaffirming its leadership in responsible tourism and commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and social impact.

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch – February 21, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of February 21, 2025):
📉 30-Year Fixed: 6.89% (-0.07%)
📉 15-Year Fixed: 6.37% (-0.04%)
📉 30-Year Jumbo: 7.22% (-0.08%)
📉 30-Year FHA: 6.25% (-0.07%)
📉 30-Year VA: 6.28% (-0.07%)
📉 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.88% (-0.01%)

Market Overview:
Mortgage rates have edged lower across most loan types, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in the bond market. The decline in rates follows a dip in Treasury yields and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) performance, signaling cautious optimism about future Federal Reserve policy moves.

Over the past year, the 30-year fixed rate has ranged between 6.11% and 7.52%, with recent downward movements offering some relief to borrowers after months of elevated borrowing costs

mortgagenewsdaily.com

Despite lower rates, affordability challenges persist due to high home prices and tight inventory levels.

Rate Trends & Forecast:
🔹 Short-Term: Mortgage rates may remain volatile in response to economic data and Federal Reserve statements.
🔹 Long-Term: If inflation continues to slow, the Fed may adjust its monetary policy, potentially leading to further gradual declines in mortgage rates throughout 2025.

For real-time updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

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