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.

🔎 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 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.

July 31st, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: How to Successfully Launch a Short-Term Rental Property in 2025

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Wilmington, North Carolina and Knoxville, Tennessee

✉️ STR News: The challenge of scaling up: Women in short-term rentals & more

💸 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 Successfully Launch a Short-Term Rental Property in 2025

The short-term rental market in 2025 is thriving, but is also more competitive than ever. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have evolved, regulations have tightened in many regions, and guests expect an elevated, hotel-like experience. To launch successfully, you need more than just a property—you need a strategy that attracts, converts, and delights. Here are key tips to ensure your STR launch in 2025 is a hit:

1. Know the Rules Before You List

Local regulations for short-term rentals are changing rapidly. Failing to comply can lead to fines or removal from platforms.

• Action Step: Research city and state licensing requirements, tax obligations, and zoning laws before launch.

• Pro Tip: Use platforms like AirDNA or local real estate boards to understand the compliance landscape in your area.

2. Design for Instagram Worthiness

In 2025, aesthetics matter more than ever. Guests often choose properties based on photos that evoke emotion and shareability.

• Action Step: Invest in high-quality photography and create a design theme that feels modern, cozy, and unique.

• Pro Tip: Add statement features like a mural wall, smart lighting, or eco-friendly touches—perfect for social media moments.

3. Automate Guest Experience

Tech-driven convenience is expected. Guests want smooth check-ins, personalized recommendations, and quick problem-solving.

• Action Step: Install smart locks for self-check-in, integrate a digital guidebook, and use AI chat tools for guest messaging.

• Pro Tip: Platforms like Hospitable and Hostaway can automate booking management and communication.

4. Optimize for Direct Bookings

Relying solely on Airbnb or Vrbo leaves money on the table. Build your own booking channel for better control and higher margins.

• Action Step: Create a simple website using tools like Lodgify or Boostly, and offer perks for direct bookings (e.g., early check-in or a welcome gift).

• Pro Tip: Use social media ads to drive traffic to your direct booking page.

5. Price Smart with Data

Dynamic pricing is critical to maximizing occupancy and revenue.

• Action Step: Use pricing tools like PriceLabs or Wheelhouse to adjust rates based on demand, events, and seasonality.

• Pro Tip: Monitor competitor pricing weekly to stay competitive.

6. Build Buzz Pre-Launch

Don’t wait until you’re live to market your property.

• Action Step: Share sneak peeks on Instagram and TikTok, run a soft launch with friends and influencers, and encourage early reviews.

• Pro Tip: Consider offering a launch discount for your first 10 bookings to kick-start reviews and boost your ranking on platforms.

7. Collect and Leverage Guest Data

Building long-term success requires knowing your audience. Data helps you understand what guests love and what drives repeat bookings.

• Action Step: Use guest surveys and track preferences through your booking system to improve future stays.

• Pro Tip: Build an email list from every booking to share exclusive offers, seasonal deals, and loyalty perks—keeping guests coming back.

  Launching a short-term rental in 2025 means blending compliance, aesthetics, technology, and marketing savvy. Focus on creating an experience that feels effortless for guests—and you’ll stand out in a crowded market.

Wilmington, North Carolina 🌊

Downloadable Wilmington, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $311.55 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 53.50%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $60,752.32 per year

Read our full Wilmington, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Knoxville, Tennessee 🪩

Downloadable Knoxville, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $235.45 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 54.84%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $47,130.15 per year

Read our full Knoxville, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 70+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

🧒🏽 The challenge of scaling up: Women in short-term rentals
Lisa Roads, CEO of The Holiday Property Coach, and Daniela Derin, co-founder of Skol Apartments Marbella, share their experiences as women scaling in the STR industry and offer solutions to help other women overcome barriers.

🎶 Airbnb rolls out exclusive Lollapalooza experiences
Airbnb’s first global live music partnership with Lollapalooza launched in Chicago this week, offering exclusive experiences for guests during the festival.

💻 PriceLabs secures Booking.com Connectivity Partner status
Dynamic pricing and revenue management solution provider, Pricelabs, has been certified as an official Booking.com Connectivity Partner and introduced a direct integration to simplify pricing automation for short-term rental property managers.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – July 31st, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of July 30, 2025):

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.75% (−0.02%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 6.03% (+0.00%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 6.87% (−0.01%)

• 30-Year FHA: 6.33% (−0.02%)

• 30-Year VA: 6.35% (−0.01%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.26% (−0.01%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates were mostly lower on July 30, with slight declines across fixed and adjustable loan types. The 30‑year fixed rate fell by 2 basis points, while FHA and VA averages dipped similarly. Jumbo and ARM rates also edged down modestly. This small easing reflects moderate strength in mortgage‑backed securities (MBS) and favorable Treasury movements.

Over the past 52 weeks, the 30‑year fixed rate has ranged between 6.11% and 7.26%—today's reading sits near the lower end of that range.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates remain within a stable, narrow band. Market reactions to upcoming data—especially CPI and Fed commentary—will likely be the primary driver of any movements.

• Long-Term: With inflation showing signs of gradual cooling, there’s potential for modest rate reductions. However, substantial declines likely depend on future Fed easing or a broader economic downturn.

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

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Discover The Boathouse, a charming southern-style riverside retreat designed for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of nostalgia. This unique two-bedroom getaway boasts breathtaking water and sunset views, creating the perfect setting for romantic escapes, small family trips, or a fun girls’ weekend. Inside, you’ll find a cozy, nautically inspired space with modern comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen, espresso station, and a pool table for evening entertainment. Step out onto the balconies to soak in the serene scenery or enjoy a fireside picnic at the breeo firepit. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore scenic nature trails, rent e-bikes, or kayak along the nearby river. With thoughtful touches like a tea cart, a jacuzzi suite, and even in-house massage options, The Boathouse blends relaxation with adventure. Surrounded by conservation land and free from the noise of city life, it’s an idyllic escape where unforgettable memories are made.

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.

🔎 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 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].

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