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 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.

August 18th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: Not Just “Everyone”: Why Niche STRs Win in 2025

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Charleston, West Virginia and Montpelier, Vermont

✉️ STR News: Airbnb’s New No-Upfront Payment Option: Reserve Now, Pay Later & 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

⛺️ Not Just “Everyone”: Why Niche STRs Win in 2025

The days of “one-size-fits-all” short-term rentals are gone. In 2025, the highest-performing STRs are designed for specific guest profiles. Travelers expect personalized experiences that align with their lifestyle and needs—and they’ll pay a premium for it.

This strategy, known as micro-targeting, helps you stand out in a saturated market, attract repeat guests, and get better reviews. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on tailored experiences for defined guest personas like:

✅ Traveling Nurses
✅ Remote Workers
✅ Pet Owners
✅ Families with Kids
✅ Bachelor/Bachelorette Groups
✅ Wellness Travelers

Let’s break down how to design, market, and profit from niche-focused STRs.

Why Micro-Targeting Works

• Higher Conversion Rates: Guests book faster when a property feels “made for them.”

• Better Reviews: Meeting specific needs = delighted guests.

• Repeat Business: Targeted stays build loyalty within communities.

• Premium Pricing: Specialized amenities allow you to charge more.

Top Niche Guest Profiles & How to Cater to Them

1. Traveling Nurses & Medical Pros

• What They Need: Quiet space, long-term discounts, proximity to hospitals.

• Design Tips:

  • Desk and ergonomic chair.

  • Fully stocked kitchen for home cooking.

  • Comfortable bedding for post-shift rest.

• Pro Tip: Market on platforms like Furnished Finder for medical professionals.

2. Remote Workers & Digital Nomads

• What They Need: High-speed Wi-Fi, designated workspace, comfortable seating.

• Design Tips:

  • Add a work desk with great lighting.

  • Include multiple charging stations and backup Wi-Fi options.

  • Offer coffee bar and streaming services for breaks.

• Pro Tip: Highlight Wi-Fi speed in your listing title and description.

3. Pet Owners

• What They Need: Pet-friendly amenities, fenced yards, nearby parks.

• Design Tips:

  • Pet beds, bowls, and welcome treats.

  • Furniture with washable covers.

  • List local pet-friendly restaurants and vets in your digital guidebook.

• Pro Tip: Charge a pet fee to increase revenue without deterring bookings.

4. Bachelor/Bachelorette Groups

• What They Need: Social spaces, entertainment options, proximity to nightlife.

• Design Tips:

  • Large living area with plenty of seating.

  • Fun amenities like karaoke, photo wall, or game console.

  • Stocked bar cart or partnerships with local event planners.

• Pro Tip: Use keywords like “Perfect for Groups” and “Ideal for Celebrations.”

5. Wellness & Retreat Travelers

• What They Need: Relaxation, mindfulness spaces, outdoor appeal.

• Design Tips:

  • Yoga mats, essential oil diffusers, and serene décor.

  • Hot tub or sauna if possible.

  • Curated guide to local wellness activities.

• Pro Tip: Market on niche platforms like Retreat Guru or wellness-focused travel blogs.

Marketing Your Niche STR

• Optimize Your Title: Include the key feature or target guest (e.g., “Pet-Friendly Stay with Fenced Yard” or “Remote Work Haven with Fiber Wi-Fi”).

• Leverage Social Media: Target niche hashtags (#TravelingNurseLife, #WorkFromAnywhere, #PetFriendlyTravel).

• Partner Locally: Collaborate with hospitals, pet-friendly cafés, or event planners for referrals.

Micro-targeting isn’t limiting, but liberating. By creating a property that’s perfect for someone, you’ll beat properties trying to be “okay for everyone.” This approach means better occupancy, stronger branding, and premium pricing. 🤑

Charleston, West Virginia 🌄

Downloadable Charleston, West Virginia Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $101.12 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 51.22%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $18,902.34 per year

Read our full Charleston, West Virginia Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Montpelier, Vermont 🏞️

Downloadable Montpelier, Vermont Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $333.82 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 50.86%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $62,090 per year

Read our full Montpelier, Vermont Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

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

💸 Airbnb’s New No-Upfront Payment Option: Reserve Now, Pay Later
Launching flexible payment options like Reserve Now, Pay Later is another way for Airbnb to compete against hotels, as well as rival online travel agencies.

📖 Airbnb’s New Strategy: ‘Aggressively’ Add Hotels, Steal Their Guests
Airbnb has long sought to add hotels into its inventory mix, but the dilemma has been how to do so and not become just another online travel agency like Booking.com or Expedia.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – August 18th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of August 18, 2025):

• 30‑Year Fixed: 6.59% (+0.01%)

• 15‑Year Fixed: 5.97% (+0.02%)

• 30‑Year Jumbo: 6.70% (+0.01%)

• 30‑Year FHA: 6.17% (−0.01%)

• 30‑Year VA: 6.19% (+0.00%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.15% (+0.00%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates inched slightly higher today but remain firmly anchored near their 2025 lows. Despite a small uptick, the national average for a 30‑year fixed mortgage remains manageable, with Bankrate reporting it at around 6.60%. Overall, the slight increase is consistent with mixed economic signals and rising Treasury yields putting upward pressure on borrowing costs.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Expect mortgage rates to remain relatively steady with only minor fluctuations. Modest rate hikes reflect cautious investor sentiment amid diverging economic data.

• Long-Term: With rates hovering near year-to-date lows, a sustained decline seems unlikely unless inflation subsides significantly or the Federal Reserve changes course drastically.

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

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

How about staying in a setting that blurs the line between fiction and reality?

Stay at the iconic Byers House from Stranger Things—an immersive, fan-designed vacation rental just outside Atlanta. This unique home perfectly captures Hawkins circa 1983, complete with authentic ’80s decor, interactive Christmas lights, vintage games, and plenty of nostalgic Easter eggs for superfans.

With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the house sleeps six guests and offers modern amenities like a 75” Samsung Frame TV and new appliances. Located close to the airport and Trilith Studios, it’s a one-of-a-kind stay for fans and nostalgia seekers alike.

Please note, the property is fan-owned and strictly follows house rules to preserve the experience. Ready to relive the magic? Welcome to Hawkins! ⚡️📺

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 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!