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🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

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

May 15th, 2025

Good afternoon STR Report Community, and welcome to a special edition, brought to you by Jaren Sustar- short term rental real estate expert.

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🚀 Boost Your Bookings: Leveraging Reviews to Skyrocket Your Rental’s Popularity

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Marfa, Texas and Catskill, New York

🏡 Special Feature: Want to Purchase Your First Investment Property? Here's How.

✉️ STR News: Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb & more

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

🌨️ Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook- everything you need to get your property live

✅ Community Perks: Personal Airbnb Investment Finder and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

🚀 Boost Your Bookings: Leveraging Reviews to Skyrocket Your Rental’s Popularity

In the world of vacation rentals, your reputation is everything. Positive reviews not only validate the quality of your property but also serve as powerful marketing tools that can attract new guests and keep your calendar full. Here’s how you can leverage reviews to boost your rental’s popularity and maximize your bookings.

1. The Power of Positive Reviews

Positive reviews are essential for building credibility and trust with potential guests. In today’s world, people trust online reviews as almost as much as personal recommendations. When guests see consistent, glowing feedback about your rental, it reassures them that they’ll have a great experience. This social proof can be the tipping point that leads to a booking. Make sure to showcase these reviews prominently on your listings, website, and social media platforms.

2. Encourage Guests to Leave Reviews

Don’t wait for reviews to come to you- encourage guests to leave feedback. After their stay, send a polite follow-up message thanking them for choosing your property and kindly ask them to share their experience. Make it easy for them by providing direct links to the review sites and offering a gentle reminder of what they might want to highlight (e.g., the comfort of the beds, the great location, or the helpfulness of your communication). If a guest had a particularly memorable experience, don’t hesitate to ask them if they’d consider writing a detailed review.

3. Responding to Reviews: Show You Care

Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, demonstrates that you’re engaged and committed to providing a great experience. For positive reviews, thank the guest for their kind words and let them know you appreciate their feedback. For negative reviews, always respond professionally and empathetically. Acknowledge the guest’s concerns, apologize if necessary, and explain the steps you’ve taken to address the issue. This shows potential guests that you take their satisfaction seriously and are dedicated to improving your property and service.

4. Highlight Key Reviews in Your Marketing

Once you’ve received glowing reviews, make sure to highlight them in your marketing materials. Share standout reviews in your email newsletters, on your website, and across your social media accounts. You can even create a “guest testimonials” section on your website that features the most impactful feedback. For Instagram, you could design eye-catching graphics featuring guest quotes along with beautiful photos of your property. Social proof like this can be the persuasive nudge that convinces potential guests to hit that “book now” button.

5. Turn Feedback Into Improvements

Reviews aren’t just about praise- they also provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve. Pay attention to recurring themes or suggestions from guests. If multiple reviews mention the same issue, whether it’s a comfort concern or a lack of amenities, take it as constructive feedback. Addressing these points not only improves your guest experience but also shows future guests that you’re proactive and care about their comfort. For example, if several guests mention that the Wi-Fi connection could be stronger, consider upgrading your internet service to keep everyone happy.

6. Leverage Reviews for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Positive reviews also help improve your search engine rankings, making your rental more discoverable to potential guests. Google and other search engines use reviews as a ranking factor, so the more positive feedback you have, the more likely your rental will show up in search results. Encourage your guests to leave reviews not only on the booking platform but also on Google and other relevant sites. The more reviews you have, the better your SEO performance, which leads to greater visibility.

7. Use Reviews to Build Trust with Repeat Guests

Guests who have stayed with you before are likely to return if they had a positive experience. Sharing reviews with past guests reminds them of what they loved about your property, reigniting their desire to return. Additionally, if they see that you’ve made improvements based on guest feedback, they may feel more confident in booking with you again. Consider sending out a “thank you” email with a round-up of recent reviews to make your past guests feel valued and encourage them to book their next stay.

8. Incentivize Reviews with Small Rewards

To encourage guests to leave reviews, consider offering a small incentive like a discount on their next stay or a complimentary gift (such as a local souvenir or bottle of wine). This can motivate guests to take the time to share their thoughts, knowing that their feedback is appreciated and rewarded. Just be sure to keep it ethical by avoiding any “pay-for-review” practices- reviews should always be honest and reflect the true guest experience.

Final Thoughts

Reviews are one of the most valuable assets in your vacation rental marketing strategy. They provide social proof, boost your credibility, and can significantly impact your occupancy rates. By actively encouraging feedback, responding to reviews, and leveraging them in your marketing efforts, you can build a strong online presence that attracts more guests and keeps your property top of mind. Remember, the key to success in the vacation rental industry is not just providing a great experience but also ensuring that experience is shared far and wide through the power of reviews.

🌞 Marfa, Texas

Downloadable Marfa, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $362.38 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 44.05%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $58,264.49 per year

Read our full Marfa, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

🌨️ Catskill, New York

Downloadable Catskill, New York Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $363.31 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 46.44%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $61,577.36 per year

Read our full Catskill, New York Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 40+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

Want to Purchase Your First Investment Property? Here's How.

The clock is ticking on this incredible opportunity for first-time investors.

Are you ready to take the leap into real estate, but unsure where to start? Here’s the chance to learn from Jaren Sustar, a Rich Dad Real Estate Expert, on how to purchase your first investment property in just 90 days, no large down payment needed.

The free training titled, "How To Buy Your First Investment Property In The Next 90 Days" covers everything from finding the right properties to securing funding through Jaren's network of private lenders.

Here’s why this training stands apart from others:

• Proven Systems: Jaren’s blueprint has helped students buy over $1.5M in real estate so far this year.

• No Experience Necessary: Learn the step-by-step process that has worked for real estate beginners without any previous knowledge.

• Exclusive Access to Funding: Find out how Jaren's network of private lenders can fund 100% of deals, making it possible to invest without a hefty down payment.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert who has helped everyday people make significant strides in building wealth through real estate.

Spaces are filling up fast—secure a spot today.

👉 Register Now

📱 Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb
Airbnb's 2025 Summer Release transforms the platform into a full-fledged lifestyle service by introducing Airbnb Services with hotel-style amenities like private chefs and spa treatments, revamping Airbnb Experiences with local activities in over 650 cities, and redesigning the app to seamlessly integrate homes, services, and experiences.

🏠 The Fastest-Growing Private STR Brand is Rebranding to Rise Collective
Home Team Luxury Rentals unveils new identity as Rise Collective, signaling a bold new chapter in short-term rental innovation and scalable real estate strategy.

🎤 Chance the Rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cherry Glazerr Help Airbnb Launch New Experiences
Travelers can now book everything from listening sessions to an afternoon in a recording studio, along with never-before-offered services through the app.

👨🏽 Understanding Brian Chesky: Behind Airbnb's Latest Expansion
In a strategic shift, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is transforming the company from a home-sharing platform into a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – May 15th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of May 15, 2025):

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.99% (+0.07%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 6.34% (+0.08%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 7.10% (+0.06%)

• 30-Year FHA: 6.44% (+0.11%)

• 30-Year VA: 6.45% (+0.10%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.63% (+0.06%)

Market Overview:

Mortgage rates have experienced a modest uptick, with the 30-year fixed rate approaching the 7% mark. This increase follows a period of volatility influenced by trade policy developments and inflation data. Despite recent fluctuations, rates remain below the highs observed earlier in the year. The bond market's performance continues to be a significant factor affecting mortgage rates.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Mortgage rates are expected to remain volatile, influenced by upcoming economic reports and market reactions to trade policies.

• Long-Term: The trajectory of mortgage rates will largely depend on inflation trends and Federal Reserve policies. If inflation continues to moderate, there may be potential for rates to stabilize or decrease

For real-time mortgage rate updates and detailed analyses, visit Mortgage News Daily.

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Experience the unique studio Earthship, featured on Off Grid Build, located in the stunning high desert mesa near Taos, NM. This off-grid home, built by hand over three years, offers modern comforts with sustainable features, including rainwater collection, solar power, and a constant 72°F temperature year-round—no fuel or electricity required. Inside, enjoy fast Wi-Fi, Netflix on a flat-screen TV, a large fridge, oven, and a luxurious stone bath with a deep tub, plus a washing machine and dryer. With a queen-sized bed and a convertible daybed, this cozy space accommodates up to four guests, and dogs are welcome for a one-time fee. Come experience the perfect blend of off-grid living and modern amenities!

Subscriber Perks:

📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.

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

Partner with Us!

If you have a project you’d like us to promote, or a product or service you’d like to share, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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