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⛱️ Is Your STR Optimized for Spring Break?
If you manage a short-term rental, spring break is a prime opportunity to maximize bookings and revenue. Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of this busy season and boost your returns. 📈🏝️
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March 27th, 2025
Good afternoon STR Report Community!
In today’s issue, you will find:
📱Today’s Article: ⛱️ Is Your STR Optimized for Spring Break?
📈 Trending Market Highlight: Portland, Maine & Salt Lake City, Utah
✉️ STR News: How long is spring break? What to know about when Florida college crowds will end & 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, & Tax Savings E-Book
✅ Community Perks: Personal Airbnb Investment Finder & STR Loans & More
📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters
⛱️ Is Your STR Optimized for Spring Break?
Spring break is one of the most lucrative times for short-term rental properties, providing an excellent opportunity to maximize your return on investment. With the right strategies in place, you can increase your bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and make the most of this busy season. Here’s how to optimize your property for spring break travelers and maximize your return:
1. Update Your Listing Photos, Title, & Description 📸
Spring break travelers are eager to find exciting and memorable experiences, which is why your listing photos need to capture the vibrant, energetic vibe of the season. Refresh your photos to highlight features that are attractive to this crowd—think outdoor spaces, pools, hot tubs, or proximity to beaches or local attractions. Make sure your photos reflect the sense of fun and relaxation guests are seeking, as vibrant and inviting images will draw more attention and lead to higher booking rates. Also be sure to include key words like “spring break” in your title and description to attract more guests searching specifically for spring break stays!
2. Offer Spring-Specific Amenities 🏖️
Spring break guests are typically traveling in groups, so providing amenities that enhance their experience can make a big difference. Stock up on items like beach towels, coolers, portable chairs, or outdoor games to make their stay more convenient and enjoyable. If you have a pool or outdoor space, ensure it’s clean, well-maintained, and inviting. Inside, offer essentials for group meals, such as a fully stocked kitchen and ample seating in the living areas. These extras can increase your property’s appeal and justify a higher price point during peak season.
3. Create Special Spring Break Packages 🎁
To maximize your return, consider offering special spring break packages. For instance, you could partner with local businesses to offer discounts on popular attractions, such as theme parks, tours, or nightlife experiences. Provide a guide to the best spring break activities in your area, or create personalized itineraries based on guest preferences. Consider offering a welcome basket filled with spring break essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. These extras not only enhance guest experience but also provide opportunities to upsell and increase your earnings.
4. Adjust Your Pricing Strategy 💸
Spring break is a prime season, so don’t hesitate to adjust your rates to reflect the demand. Short-term rental pricing during peak seasons is typically higher, and you should make sure your rates are aligned with market trends. Research competitor prices in your area to remain competitive but also adjust for the high demand. Offering flexible pricing based on the length of stay is another effective strategy. Consider implementing premium rates for shorter stays while offering discounts for longer bookings. This pricing approach ensures you capture higher rates without alienating potential guests looking for extended stays.
5. Ensure Safety and Security 🔒
With spring break often attracting larger groups, safety and security are paramount for both you and your guests. Check all locks, lighting, and safety features to ensure the property is secure. If you have outdoor spaces or shared amenities, make sure they’re well-lit and monitored. Clear communication regarding safety procedures, emergency contacts, and property guidelines can help prevent issues and provide peace of mind to guests. By emphasizing safety and security, you reduce the risk of damage to the property, which ultimately protects your return on investment.
6. Communicate Expectations and House Rules Clearly 📜
During spring break, guests may be more likely to push boundaries, especially in larger groups. To prevent potential problems and ensure the experience remains positive for everyone, set clear expectations and house rules in advance. Make sure your house rules are visible in your listing and clearly communicated in your check-in instructions. Highlight rules around noise levels, guest limits, and policies related to parties or gatherings. Clear expectations help to minimize disputes, protect your property, and ensure that all guests respect your rules, contributing to a higher guest satisfaction rate and better reviews.
7. Capitalize on Last-Minute Bookings 🏃♀️
Spring break is a time when travelers often make spontaneous decisions, so be ready to accommodate last-minute bookings. Consider offering special deals or discounts for last-minute reservations to attract those looking for a quick getaway. However, be careful not to underprice your property—last-minute deals can still be profitable, especially if you offer them closer to the dates when you’re in high demand. Having a flexible pricing strategy can help you capture additional revenue from these quick-turnaround bookings.
By implementing these strategies, you not only increase your chances of securing more bookings during spring break but also maximize your return on investment. Providing a great guest experience while maintaining competitive rates and strategically upselling extras can help you stand out in a crowded market. 🌟 Spring break is a great opportunity to boost your short-term rental business, so plan ahead and set your property up for success! ✨
Portland, Maine 🌲
Downloadable Portland, Maine Short-Term Rental Market Report
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Average Daily Rate (ADR): $369.78 per night
Occupancy Rate: 58.38%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $78,762 per year
Read our full Portland, Maine Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
Salt Lake City, Utah 🌞
Downloadable Salt Lake City, Utah Short-Term Rental Market Report
|
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $231.82 per night
Occupancy Rate: 63.8%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $54,015 per year
Read our full Salt Lake City, Utah Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
⛱️ How long is spring break? What to know about when Florida college crowds will end
The busiest weeks for spring break in Florida have already passed, with most students returning to school by March 31, while late waves of college crowds should dissipate by the second week of April.
💸 Spring Break for the Teens of New York’s Elite: Sun, Fun and Networking
Spring breakers flocked to Paradise Island in the Bahamas, leading to overcrowding and strained resources, prompting local officials to consider implementing restrictions to manage the influx.
🏝️ Pinellas County makes changes to short-term rental rules
Pinellas County has enacted a new ordinance for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, requiring owners to obtain a Certificate of Use, adhere to occupancy limits, provide off-street parking, observe quiet hours, and undergo safety inspections to enhance accountability and neighborhood quality.
💳 Hotel Tonight offers Airbnb credit reward for travelers
HotelTonight, acquired by Airbnb in 2019, continues to operate independently, offering last-minute bookings for boutique and independent hotels.
💸💸Mortgage Rate Watch – March 27, 2025
Current Mortgage Rates (as of March 27, 2025):
30-Year Fixed: 6.99% (-0.08%)
15-Year Fixed: 6.44% (-0.06%)
30-Year Jumbo: 7.36% (-0.06%)
30-Year FHA: 6.35% (-0.08%)
30-Year VA: 6.35% (-0.08%)
7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.85% (-0.10%)
Market Overview:
Mortgage rates have experienced modest declines across most loan types, reflecting slight improvements in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and Treasury yields. This indicates investor optimism about easing inflation and the potential for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has ranged between 6.11% and 7.52% over the past year, with recent trends showing relief for homebuyers following months of high borrowing costs.
However, housing market conditions remain tough, influenced by affordability issues and low inventory.
Rate Trends & Forecast:
Short-Term: Mortgage rates are expected to stay within a narrow range, with small fluctuations based on economic reports and Federal Reserve actions.
Long-Term: The Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates will continue to drive mortgage rate trends. If inflation continues to subside, we might see gradual reductions in rates throughout 2025.
For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.
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