Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ 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 a 10-15% 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.

December 15th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: Build Your 2026 Direct Booking Machine: More Revenue, More Control, Zero Middlemen

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire and North Conway, New Hampshire

✉️ STR News: Simply Owners survey shows rise in direct bookings

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

❄️🏔️ Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

✅ Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

How to Create a Direct Booking Strategy for 2026

If you’re managing your rental on your own, building a direct booking strategy is one of the most effective ways to increase control, reduce fees, and grow long-term revenue. And if your property is managed, this strategy becomes a powerful way to evaluate whether your management team is truly maximizing your property’s potential—or if opportunities are being left on the table.

As OTA fees rise and competition increases, direct bookings have become one of the most profitable levers short-term rental owners can pull. A strong direct booking strategy doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs the right combination of guest capture, smart incentives, automation, and a website that actually converts. Here’s how to build a direct booking engine that works for you all year long.

1. Capture Emails Before, During, and After Every Stay 💻

Email is the #1 driver of repeat direct bookings—and it begins with intentional capture points. Add email collection prompts to your booking form, digital guidebook, Wi-Fi login, smart lock welcome screen, or check-in message.

To stay compliant, include a short opt-in note like: “By staying with us, you’ll receive occasional offers for future stay discounts.”
The goal: grow a list of warm travelers who already know and trust your property.

2. Build Repeat Guest Funnels That Nurture & Convert

Once you capture the guest, keep the relationship warm. A simple three-touch email funnel can dramatically increase repeat bookings:

• Email #1 (1–2 weeks post-stay): “Thank you” + feedback request

• Email #2 (30 days later): Photo highlight + special return guest discount

• Email #3 (Seasonal): Promote upcoming events, slow-season promotions, or new amenities

These funnels run automatically and consistently bring guests back without ad spend.

3. Offer Smart Booking Incentives Guests Actually Want

You don’t need huge discounts—just meaningful value. Consider offering:

• 5–10% off repeat stays

• Free early check-in or late checkout

• A complimentary bottle of wine or local gift

• Loyalty perks after 2–3 visits

These incentives turn casual travelers into long-term guests who prefer booking directly with you every time.

4. Upgrade Your Website Into a Conversion Machine 📈

Your website is your storefront—make sure it’s designed to sell, not just showcase.

Key improvements for 2026:

• Clear “Book Now” button above the fold

• Fast loading speed on mobile (most guests browse on phones)

• Modern, professional photos that mirror OTA quality

• Simple calendar search with transparent pricing

• Guest reviews displayed prominently

• Add scarcity indicators (“Only 2 weekends left in March!”)

A polished website builds trust and increases the likelihood guests will bypass OTAs altogether.

The Bottom Line

Direct bookings are more achievable than most owners think. If you’re managing your rental yourself, this strategy gives you the freedom to build long-term guest relationships and keep more profit. And if your rental is managed by a company, this framework helps you hold them accountable—because a strong management partner should actively work to grow your direct bookings, not rely solely on OTAs.

By capturing emails, nurturing past guests, offering meaningful incentives, and upgrading your website, you can build a predictable stream of direct revenue all year long.

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Downloadable Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $433.53 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 41.11%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $63,027 per year

Read our full Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Downloadable North Conway, New Hampshire Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $371.95 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 44.93%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $63,532 per year

Read our full North Conway, New Hampshire Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 120+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

📊 Simply Owners survey shows rise in direct bookings
Nearly two-thirds of property managers now receive the majority of their bookings through direct channels rather than major online travel platforms, according to new research from holiday rental site Simply Owners.

🏝️ The Latest Hotel Development & Deal News
New hotel openings include Hilton's Slackline Moab, Hyatt Place Bozeman and Sonesta's Dry Creek Inn; Shamin breaks ground on 270-room Virginia project.

💸 Stayterra announces leadership appointments
Vacation rental management platform Stayterra has announced changes to its leadership team.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – December 15th, 2025

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

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.32% (+0.06%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.77% (+0.01%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 6.43% (+0.01%)

• 30-Year FHA: 5.90% (+0.02%)

• 30-Year VA: 5.92% (+0.02%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.01% (+0.06%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates were slightly higher today, with the 30-year fixed now averaging 6.32%. The uptick reflects modest weakness in mortgage-backed securities and somewhat higher Treasury yields — both of which tend to push mortgage pricing up. Despite these small increases, rates are still near the middle of their recent range and haven’t broken sharply higher.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates are likely to stay in a narrow range, with small day-to-day shifts tied to bond market moves and upcoming economic data.

• Long-Term: If inflation continues to moderate and long-term Treasury yields fall, there’s potential for gradual rate easing — but significant drops will probably require clearer changes in economic conditions or Fed expectations.

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

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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

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ 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 a 10-15% 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.

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