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🔌 Smart Homes, Smarter Hosting: How to Tech-Up Your STR Without Losing Your Mind 🤖

Want to know the tools that can save you time, money, and your sanity? Keep reading for more.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – The best property management company you’ve never heard of. Rated 4.9 stars on Google, delivering a 27% revenue increase. Serving clients nationwide.

🔎 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.

June 2nd, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🔌 Smart Homes, Smarter Hosting: How to Tech-Up Your STR Without Losing Your Mind 🤖

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania & Macon, Georgia

✉️ STR News: Beyond the Algorithm: How Revenue Managers Add Value in Vacation 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: Property Analysis, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

🔌 Smart Homes, Smarter Hosting: How to Tech-Up Your STR Without Losing Your Mind 🤖

Running a short-term rental goes far beyond fresh linens and positive reviews. It often means managing late-night check-ins, dealing with inconsistent thermostat settings, and navigating guest behavior that doesn't always align with house rules.

That’s why smart home technology is becoming essential.

These tools aren't just conveniences—they're powerful solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the guest experience. If you're not using them yet, your property may be working harder than it needs to. Here’s how smart devices can make your rental more efficient, secure, and guest-friendly:

Its Beautiful Reaction GIF

When your guests walk in and realize your home is smarter than they are.

🔑 Keyless Entry = Freedom for Everyone
Ditch the lockbox. With smart locks, guests can check in anytime without you needing to be anywhere. Plus, you can set custom codes that expire after checkout (goodbye, security worries 👋).

🌡️ Smart Thermostats: Cool, Cozy, and Cost-Cutting
Why heat an empty house? Smart thermostats let you control temps remotely or set schedules so you're not burning cash when no one’s home. Guests love adjusting the temp to their liking. You’ll love the lower energy bill.

🔊 Noise Monitoring: Because You’re Not Running a Nightclub
You’re not trying to be the fun police—but a little heads-up when noise gets out of hand? Yes, please. Devices like Minut or NoiseAware don’t record sound, but they do alert you when your property’s turning into a rave.

🚿 Water Leak Sensors: The Unsung Heroes
Leaks are sneaky. And expensive. Place a few water sensors under sinks or near appliances to catch issues before they turn into full-blown flood dramas. Your plumber (and your wallet) will thank you.

Bonus: Smart Lighting, Cameras & More
Motion-sensor porch lights = guests feel safe. Smart cameras at entryways = peace of mind. (Just remember—no indoor cameras ever unless you enjoy 1-star reviews and public shaming.)

Smart devices = less stress, happier guests, and more streamlined hosting.
Smart tools make life easier. Tech doesn’t replace the human touch, but it sure does help you scale it better. It’s time to upgrade your STR. 🤖

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 🏙️

Downloadable Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Market Report

Pittsburgh STR Market Report.pdf1.39 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $259.14 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 52.73%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $49,754.09 per year

Read our full Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Macon, Georgia 🌳

Downloadable Macon, Georgia Short-Term Rental Market Report

Macon STR Market Report.pdf1.53 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $186.27 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 48.17%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $32,746.46 per year

Read our full Macon, Georgia Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

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

💸 Beyond the Algorithm: How Revenue Managers Add Value in Vacation Rentals
Revenue managers play a crucial role in vacation rentals by applying strategic insights and human judgment to optimize pricing and occupancy beyond what automated tools can achieve.

☀️ Summer STR bookings rise in protest-hit cities, PriceLabs finds
Despite widespread anti-tourism protests in various cities, short-term rental bookings have seen an increase, indicating that traveler demand remains strong even in areas experiencing local unrest.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – June 2nd, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of June 2, 2025):

30-Year Fixed: 6.95% (↓ 0.02%)

15-Year Fixed: 6.21% (↓ 0.02%)

30-Year Jumbo: 7.06% (↓ 0.04%)

30-Year FHA: 6.45% (↓ 0.02%)

30-Year VA: 6.47% (↓ 0.01%)

7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.23% (↓ 0.02%)

Market Overview:
Mortgage rates dipped slightly across the board to start the week, with the 30-year fixed settling at 6.95%. This marks a continuation of the slow, steady retreat from recent highs, driven by a calmer bond market and inflation data that aligned with expectations. Despite some volatility in broader economic indicators, mortgage-backed securities (MBS) have remained relatively stable, keeping rates in check.

The 30-year fixed rate has fluctuated between 6.11% and 7.52% over the past 12 months. Although borrowing costs are still elevated historically, today's environment offers cautious optimism for both buyers and investors hoping for rate relief.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

Short-Term:
Rates are likely to remain range-bound in the near term, with modest shifts influenced by upcoming economic reports and Fed communications. Stability in Treasury yields suggests limited movement unless major surprises occur.

Long-Term:
If inflation continues to ease and the labor market shows signs of cooling, mortgage rates could gradually decline. However, any meaningful drop would require a more dovish Fed stance or broader economic softening. Barring that, rates will likely hover near current levels through much of 2025.

For daily updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

Experience a one-of-a-kind off-grid getaway just 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon at this mirrored tiny home retreat, where nature takes center stage. This 100 sq ft dog-friendly escape seamlessly blends into its surroundings while offering modern comforts like air conditioning, heating, and a Keurig for your morning coffee. Guests can enjoy stargazing through the provided telescope, grilling over the fire pit, or relaxing with indoor games and cornhole. Thoughtfully designed for simplicity and serenity, the space includes a double bed with fresh linens and a fully stocked kitchenette complete with dishes, utensils, a cast iron pan, olive oil, and more. Although compact, the unit offers privacy thanks to its placement on a spacious 10-acre property, with each tiny home sitting on its own acre. From October 29 to May 1, running water is turned off due to freezing temps, but off-grid toilets remain available and public showers can be found in nearby Williams. With solar power, eco-conscious amenities, and the rugged charm of the Arizona wilderness, this stay is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, peaceful, and pet-friendly glamping adventure near one of the world’s natural wonders.

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 – The best property management company you’ve never heard of. Rated 4.9 stars on Google, delivering a 27% revenue increase. Serving clients nationwide.

🔎 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!