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🏡 STR Safety: Protect Your Property, Protect Your Guests! 🔐

🔑 Discover essential safety upgrades every STR host should know. Protect your property and keep guests safe with these simple yet effective tips.

Community Perks with The STR Report

📊 Property Analysis – Instantly discover key metrics like Rent, Cash flow, ROI, and Cash-on-Cash returns to make smarter investment decisions for your Airbnb, Mid-term, or Long-term rentals.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ 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.

April 24th, 2025

Good afternoon STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🏡 STR Safety: Protect Your Property, Protect Your Guests! 🔐

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Grand Junction, Colorado & Bend, Oregon

✉️ STR News: Airbnb’s New Off-Platform Policy (May 2025): What Hosts and Property Managers Must Know Now & 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

Safety First GIF by myLAB Box

🏡 STR Safety: Protect Your Property, Protect Your Guests! 🔐

Short-term rental properties have become increasingly popular, offering travelers a comfortable and convenient alternative to hotels. However, as a host, ensuring your guests’ safety should be a top priority. A secure property not only enhances the guest experience but also helps you maintain a strong reputation and avoid liability issues. Here are essential steps to make your short-term rental property safer for guests.

Install Secure Locks and Smart Entry Systems

Providing guests with a secure way to access the property is crucial. Consider installing smart locks or keyless entry systems that allow you to change codes between guests. Avoid traditional keys, which can be lost or duplicated.

Conduct Regular Safety Inspections

Perform routine inspections of your property to identify potential hazards. Check for loose railings, exposed wires, slippery floors, or malfunctioning appliances. Fixing these issues before a guest arrives reduces the risk of accidents.

Install Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ensure your property is equipped with functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Place these devices in key areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Regularly test and replace batteries to keep them operational.

Provide Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Instructions

Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen and other critical areas. Additionally, provide a clear set of emergency instructions, including escape routes, emergency contacts, and procedures for handling fires or gas leaks.

Improve Outdoor Lighting and Security Cameras

Good outdoor lighting enhances visibility and deters intruders. Install motion-sensor lights at entrances, pathways, and parking areas. Security cameras can also help monitor the property, but ensure they do not infringe on guest privacy (avoid placing them inside the home).

Secure Windows and Doors

Reinforce all windows and doors with sturdy locks and deadbolts. Consider installing window sensors and door stoppers to add an extra layer of security.

Provide First Aid Kits

A well-stocked first aid kit should be readily available for guests. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and emergency contact information. Place the kit in a visible and easily accessible location.

Ensure Proper Electrical and Plumbing Safety

Faulty wiring and plumbing issues can pose serious risks. Have a professional inspect your property’s electrical and plumbing systems periodically. Avoid overloading power outlets and provide surge protectors where necessary.

Offer Clear House Rules and Safety Guidelines

Provide guests with a handbook that includes house rules and safety guidelines. Cover topics such as appliance usage, pool safety (if applicable), and emergency exits. Make sure the instructions are easy to understand.

Purchase Liability Insurance

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Protect yourself with a comprehensive insurance policy that covers liability, property damage, and guest injuries. Many rental platforms also offer host protection plans, so take advantage of those options.

By implementing these safety measures, you can create a secure environment for your guests while protecting your property and reputation as a responsible host. A safer rental experience leads to positive reviews, repeat guests, and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Grand Junction, Colorado 🌄

Downloadable Grand Junction, Colorado Short-Term Rental Market Report

Grand Junction STR Market Report.pdf2.35 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $204.53 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 60.24%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $44,968.90 per year

Read our full Grand Junction, Colorado Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Bend, Oregon 🏞️

Downloadable Bend, Oregon Short-Term Rental Market Report

Bend STR Market Report.pdf1.61 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $339.99 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 62.64%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $77,856.93 per year

Read our full Bend, Oregon Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 30+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

📱Airbnb’s New Off-Platform Policy (May 2025): What Hosts and Property Managers Must Know Now
Airbnb's updated off-platform policy, effective May 10, 2025, mandates that professional and software-connected hosts disclose all mandatory fees in Airbnb's designated fields or include them in the nightly rate, prohibits off-platform fee collection except in limited cases, and emphasizes greater pricing transparency and privacy compliance.

💻 SuiteOp appoints Jordan Cohen as head of growth following $3m seed round
​SuiteOp has appointed Jordan Cohen as Head of Growth following a $3 million seed funding round, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the short-term rental industry.

🏡 Vrbo to revise One Key earn rates from May
​Vrbo will revise its One Key loyalty program starting in May 2025, maintaining 2% earnings for Platinum and Gold members, 1% for Silver members, and eliminating One KeyCash for Blue members.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – April 24th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of April 24, 2025):

  • 30-Year Fixed: 6.94% (-0.04%)

  • 15-Year Fixed: 6.29% (-0.06%)

  • 30-Year Jumbo: 7.15% (-0.07%)

  • 30-Year FHA: 6.33% (-0.07%)

  • 30-Year VA: 6.35% (-0.04%)

  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.87% (-0.07%)

Market Overview:

Mortgage rates have slightly decreased across several loan types, reflecting mixed sentiment in the market, with concerns about inflation and economic growth still affecting investor decisions. The slight dip in rates could signal a momentary respite for potential homebuyers amid ongoing affordability challenges.

The 30-year fixed rate remains in a relatively narrow range, showing small daily fluctuations but continuing to maintain a level that offers some relief compared to the previous months of higher rates.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

  • Short-Term: Mortgage rates are expected to remain stable with minor adjustments in response to economic data releases and Federal Reserve commentary.

  • Long-Term: Future mortgage rate trends will be closely tied to the Federal Reserve's actions on interest rates and inflation management. Continued easing of inflation could drive rates lower in the coming months.

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

📊 Property Analysis – Instantly discover key metrics like Rent, Cash flow, ROI, and Cash-on-Cash returns to make smarter investment decisions for your Airbnb, Mid-term, or Long-term rentals.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 200+ 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.

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