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.

February 16th, 2026

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: How to Build Trust and Lasting Relationships with Your Guests

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Rochester, New York and Buffalo, New York

✉️ STR News: Casago Power Shift Sparks Franchisee Exit Talk

💸 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 Build Trust and Lasting Relationships with Your Guests 🔐

In today’s experience-driven world, great service isn’t just about meeting expectations — it’s about creating meaningful connections. Whether you run a hotel, restaurant, salon, event space, or service business, trust is the foundation that turns first-time visitors into loyal advocates.

Building lasting relationships with your guests doesn’t require grand gestures. It comes down to consistency, authenticity, and attention to detail. Here’s how you can create experiences that keep guests coming back — and telling others about you.

🌟 Start with Genuine First Impressions

Trust begins the moment a guest interacts with your brand — whether that’s online, on the phone, or in person.

• Offer a warm, authentic greeting

• Make eye contact and use their name when possible

• Ensure your space (physical or digital) feels welcoming and organized

First impressions set the emotional tone for the entire experience, so make them count.

💬 Communicate Clearly and Proactively

Great communication is one of the biggest drivers of 5-star reviews.

Be sure to:

• Send check-in instructions early and clearly

• Let guests know you’re available if they need anything

• Check in briefly during their stay (without being intrusive)

Guests appreciate knowing they’re supported without feeling watched.

🎁 Add Thoughtful Personal Touches

Small gestures can create memorable moments that guests mention in reviews.

Consider:

• A handwritten welcome note

• Local snacks, coffee, or a small treat

• Personalized recommendations for restaurants and activities

These touches show genuine care and make your property stand out.

Editor’s note: This weekend, I stayed in an Airbnb myself and had the most thoughtful note and welcome basket from the host! Incredible hospitality and kindness that made me not only want to give a 5 star review, but return if I am ever in the area.

🧺 Deliver on Cleanliness and Comfort

Nothing builds trust faster than a spotless, well-prepared space.

Focus on:

• Hotel-level cleanliness standards

• Fresh linens and well-stocked essentials

• A simple, clutter-free environment

Consistency here reassures guests they made the right choice.

❤️ Handle Problems with Empathy

Even the best hosts encounter occasional issues. What matters most is how you respond.

• Reply quickly and acknowledge concerns

• Offer solutions or alternatives when possible

• Follow up to ensure the issue is resolved

A well-handled problem often leads to even stronger trust.

⭐ Encourage Feedback and Show Appreciation

Let guests know their opinions matter.

• Send a thank-you message after checkout

• Invite private feedback

• Leave thoughtful, positive reviews for great guests

This reinforces a sense of mutual respect and connection.

🔁 Stay Top of Mind for Future Trips

Building a relationship doesn’t end at checkout.

You might:

• Invite guests to return anytime

• Offer repeat guest discounts

• Share seasonal updates if appropriate

Repeat guests are often easier, more respectful, and more profitable.

Trust isn’t built overnight — it’s created through consistent, thoughtful interactions that show guests they matter. When you focus on authenticity, personalization, and reliability, you don’t just deliver a service — you create an experience people want to return to again and again.

Invest in relationships, and loyalty will follow. 🤍

Rochester, New York

Downloadable Rochester, New York Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $160 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 59%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $45,629 per year

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

Buffalo, New York

Downloadable Buffalo, New Hampshire Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $160 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 57%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $45,851 per year

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

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

💸 Casago Power Shift Sparks Franchisee Exit Talk 
The Vacasa acquisition may be executing on paper, but governance shifts at the top are creating unease among franchisees. In a franchise model, perception and confidence can matter as much as financial restructuring.

💻 Hospitable launches marketplace to match owners with property managers
Hospitable has launched an Owner and Property Manager Marketplace, aimed at connecting short-term rental owners and portfolio investors with property managers based on operational alignment and performance data.

✈️ Expedia Group reports double-digit Q4 growth as AI strategy takes shape
Expedia Group reported double-digit growth in revenue and gross bookings in the fourth quarter of 2025, as executives outlined progress in adapting to AI-driven travel discovery.

📝 Casago founder Steve Schwab to become chairman as Joe Riley set to take over as CEO
Casago founder and chief executive Steve Schwab is set to step into a chairman of the board role later this year, with company president Joe Riley appointed as his successor.

🤖 Chesky Disses Rivals’ Chatbots — Calls Airbnb’s AI ‘Impossible to Replicate’
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky pushed back against skepticism over the company’s slower pace on artificial intelligence, arguing that its “intentional path” toward a native AI platform is “our strongest defense against disintermediation.”

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – February 16th, 2026

Current Mortgage Rates (as of February 16, 2026):

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.04% (–0.06%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.61% (–0.08%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 6.27% (–0.02%)

• 30-Year FHA: 5.62% (–0.05%)

• 30-Year VA: 5.64% (–0.05%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.37% (–0.11%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates moved noticeably lower today across all major loan types, with the 30-year fixed dropping to 6.04%. Shorter-term and adjustable-rate loans posted the largest declines, reflecting improved bond market conditions and easing yield pressure. Overall, today’s move represents one of the more meaningful rate improvements in recent weeks.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates may continue to fluctuate modestly but remain range-bound, with movement closely tied to bond market activity and upcoming economic data.

• Long-Term: If inflation continues to moderate and long-term Treasury yields trend lower, there is potential for further gradual rate improvement. However, meaningful declines will still depend on clearer shifts in economic conditions or monetary policy.

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

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

How about staying in a luxury desert sanctuary? 🌄

Escape to The Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa and treat your group to an unforgettable Sedona retreat where luxury meets nature — from soaking in the stunning 45-foot infinity-edge pool and hot tub to gathering around the fire pit under star-filled skies, every moment here is designed for connection, relaxation, and fun. With expansive decks, panoramic red-rock views, a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, game room, home gym, and space for up to 16 guests, this one-of-a-kind 5-acre getaway is perfect for family reunions, celebrations, or a peaceful escape, all while being close enough to explore Sedona’s iconic trails, dining, and attractions — book now to experience the serenity and memories waiting for you.

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.

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].

We appreciate you being a part of our STR community and for sharing our group with your business partners and associates. Thank you!