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.

August 28th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🐾 STR Optimization That Pays Off Big

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Destin, Florida and Muskegon, Michigan

✉️ STR News: Airbnb Is the ‘Best-Placed’ Online Travel Agency to Fend Off AI Disruption: Bernstein Report

💸 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

🐾 The Overlooked STR Optimization That Pays Off Big

🐶 Pet-Friendly = Money Magnet 🧲

The days of leaving pets behind for vacation are fading fast. Today’s travelers want their four-legged family members to join the adventure—and they’re willing to pay extra for rentals that make it easy. Being pet-friendly isn’t just a goodwill gesture—it’s a direct revenue driver.

From weekend lake escapes to long-term city stays, pet travelers represent one of the most loyal and high-demand segments in short-term rentals. They often book earlier, stay longer, and treat the property with more care because they value the opportunity to travel with their pets. With the right upgrades, you can turn this preference into profit without adding major overhead.

What Markets Perform Best as Pet-Friendly STRs?

1. Lake Towns

• Perfect for weekend getaways with dogs in tow

• Guests love access to water, trails, and open space

2. Mountain Markets 

• Hikers and campers often bring their dogs along for the adventure

• Trails, fresh air, and fenced outdoor areas make your property stand out

3. Suburban Areas Near National Parks

• Pet owners value space and yard access for long sightseeing days

• Quieter neighborhoods make for better pet stays

4. Urban Cottages with Fenced Yards

• Attracts remote workers booking extended city stays

• Adds convenience and peace of mind for dog owners

Easy Upgrades to Attract Pet Travelers

• Pet Welcome Kit: Treats, bowls, waste bags, and a printed list of nearby dog parks or pet-friendly cafés

• Pet Station: A tidy basket with a blanket, towel, and feeding mat

• Outdoor Add-Ons: Fenced yard, hose for rinsing muddy paws, dog gates for decks or patios

• Design-Smart Materials: Easy-to-clean rugs, leather or performance fabrics to reduce wear and tear

These touches cost little but pay off in glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

Quick Stats Worth Noting

• 60% of travelers say they’d bring their pet if rentals allowed it.

• Pet-friendly listings earn up to 20% more revenue than non-pet ones.

• Pet owners stay 1–3 nights longer on average.

Why This Niche Works

Pet owners are often willing to pay higher nightly rates or additional cleaning fees to secure a property that welcomes their animals. Even better, they’re a highly loyal guest type—once they find a great pet-friendly spot, they’re likely to return year after year. And because their needs are relatively simple (space, safety, and a few thoughtful amenities), your investment is minimal compared to the return.

Pet-friendly STRs don’t just book faster—they book better. By catering to this growing market with small upgrades and smart design choices, you can command higher rates, attract longer stays, and build a repeat customer base that keeps your calendar full year-round. 🐕‍🦺 🐈 🦜

Destin, Florida 🏝️

Downloadable Destin, Florida Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $659.73 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 60.55%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $114,209 per year

Read our full Destin, Florida Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Muskegon, Michigan☀️

Downloadable Muskegon, Michigan Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $302.85 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 50.14%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $79,377 per year

Read our full Muskegon, Michigan Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 80+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

📱 Airbnb Is the ‘Best-Placed’ Online Travel Agency to Fend Off AI Disruption: Bernstein Report
When it comes to potential disruption from the ChatGPT peer group, Airbnb’s large share of direct traffic offers a buffer, while Booking.com’s long-standing strength lies in its ability to adapt quickly to new marketing channels and leverage them effectively.

💸 HomeToGo’s Interhome acquisition to complete this week
Berlin-based vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo plans to complete its €160 million acquisition of vacation rental management company Interhome by the end of this week.

🌎 Airbnb has $20.3 billion economic impact in Australia says report
New research by Oxford Economics, commissioned by Airbnb, shows that spending associated with Airbnb contributed an estimated $20.3 billion to Australia’s economy in 2024.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – August 28th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of August 28, 2025):

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.51% (−0.01%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.88% (−0.02%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 6.48% (−0.02%)

• 30-Year FHA: 6.08% (−0.02%)

• 30-Year VA: 6.09% (−0.03%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.95% (−0.02%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates edged slightly lower today, keeping the 30-year fixed near its lowest level of 2025 at 6.51%. These incremental declines reflect calm bond market conditions and subdued investor activity heading into the end of summer. With rates holding steady at their best levels since October 2024, buyers are seeing modest relief, though affordability remains constrained.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates are expected to stay range-bound, with small daily changes driven by bond yields and upcoming economic reports. Unless disrupted by stronger inflation or labor data, conditions should remain steady.

• Long-Term: While experts see room for slight declines into the fall, larger drops remain unlikely without a major shift in inflation or Federal Reserve policy. Intercontinental Exchange projects the average 30-year fixed could reach 6.3% by January 2026, potentially opening refinancing opportunities for millions of homeowners. Still, July’s dip in pending home sales shows that even with modestly lower rates, affordability continues to weigh heavily on the housing market.

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

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

How about staying beachfront in Maine? 🐚

Experience the best of coastal living at this brand-new, pet friendly, beachfront retreat in Old Orchard Beach, where breathtaking ocean views greet you from nearly every room. Designed with high-end finishes, two gourmet kitchens, and spacious living areas, the home offers both elegance and comfort for gatherings with friends and family. Just steps from seven miles of sandy shoreline and the lively pier, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure—whether it’s lounging by the waves, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring vibrant nightlife. Fully furnished for a seamless stay, this dream home invites you to create unforgettable memories in one of Maine’s most beloved beach towns.

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!