How Social Media Can Drive Direct Bookings for STR Hosts | Mountain Mama Cabins Story

The vacation rental landscape is evolving fast — and Vrbo’s taking bold steps to redefine what “success” means in this new era. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Expedia Group, to explore how Vrbo is prioritizing quality over quantity, building stronger demand through Expedia’s massive network, and integrating cutting-edge AI tools to improve the booking journey for guests and hosts alike.Tim shares an inside look at Vrbo’s journey from HomeAway’s early subscription days to today’s global platform, explaining how the industry’s supply boom has reshaped what travelers expect — and what property managers need to deliver. From AI-powered review summaries to the “One Key” loyalty program bridging hotels and vacation rentals, this conversation unpacks the biggest levers shaping the next phase of STR growth.Whether you’re managing one property or a thousand, you’ll walk away with insights to future-proof your business in an increasingly competitive market.Don’t miss this one — it’s packed with an insider's perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Key Takeaways 🏠 Quality is the new growth metric: Vrbo is focusing less on adding listings and more on ensuring consistent, high-quality guest experiences.🌍 Expedia integration is expanding demand: Vacation rentals are now surfacing across Expedia’s B2B and brand ecosystem, from Delta to AmEx Travel.💳 Vrbo Payments opens new opportunities: Opting in allows hosts to tap into global distribution networks while simplifying transactions.🤖 AI is transforming the traveler journey: From review summaries to search partnerships with Perplexity, AI is boosting discovery and conversion.💡 Loyalty meets vacation rentals: The One Key program connects hotel and STR bookings, attracting new guests who can “burn” points on vacation homes.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/45enjOz—————Connect with Jamie on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane—————Connect with Scott on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott—————Connect with AirDNA on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdnaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co—————Episode 153

Every host dreams of more direct bookings—but few have cracked the code like Brittany Magsig of Mountain Mama Cabins. In this episode, Jamie Lane dives into Brittany’s journey from buying her first Smoky Mountain cabin during COVID to becoming a social media powerhouse who now drives the majority of her reservations directly through her own channels.Brittany shares how she turned TikTok and Instagram into engines of trust, loyalty, and bookings—while also balancing the challenges of being both an influencer and a host. She explains what types of content actually convert, how to build lasting guest relationships, and why consistency matters more than perfection.If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond pretty property photos and really make social work for your short-term rental, this conversation will spark new ideas you can put into practice right away. You don’t want to miss this episode!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Brittany built a loyal following that drives 60%+ direct bookingsThe content strategies that actually attract guests (and what to avoid)Why showing your face builds trust faster than polished photosTips for handling viral content, controversy, and guest perceptionsActionable first steps to start posting consistently—even if you’re camera shySign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/3HtCv0X—————Connect with Jamie on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane—————Connect with Scott on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott—————Connect with AirDNA on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdnaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co—————

The short-term rental world is shifting fast—and this week’s episode breaks down what hosts and property managers need to know to stay ahead. Fresh from the Expedia + VRBO product launch in Austin, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage share the latest innovations rolling out to help drive bookings, improve guest experience, and reward quality operators. From AI-powered guest review summaries to new distribution channels across Expedia’s B2B network, these changes could reshape how your listings perform.But that’s just the start. Jamie and Scott also dig into the Fed’s latest interest rate moves, why mortgage rates aren’t falling as quickly as you might expect, and what that means for STR investors. They then zoom into the data: summer performance trends, where occupancy is softening, and why luxury and coastal markets are holding strong while budget and urban listings feel the squeeze.If you want to understand where demand is heading this fall and how to position your business for success in 2025, this is the episode to hear. You don’t want to miss it!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:VRBO’s quality push: More listings will be removed if they don’t meet guest expectations—high-quality operators win.AI comes to STR platforms: Expect automated guest review summaries, Q&A boxes, and property highlights designed to boost conversions.Fed rate cuts = mixed signals: Lower federal funds rates haven’t translated to cheaper mortgages yet; recession risk looms.Summer recap: Demand grew modestly, RevPAR hit a post-COVID high, but 34 of the top 50 markets saw occupancy declines.The bifurcation trend: Luxury and coastal/mountain markets are performing well, while budget and urban/suburban listings struggle.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/41039p1       —————Connect with Jamie on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane—————Connect with Scott on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott—————Connect with AirDNA on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdnaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co—————Episode 151

Is moving from short-term rentals into boutique hotels the natural next step for savvy investors? In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with James Savier, SVP at CBRE Hotels, to explore why more STR operators are eyeing boutique hotel ownership—and what it really takes to succeed.Hotels may seem like an entirely different ballgame, but as James explains, the leap isn’t as far as you might think. From financing options and valuation differences to building brands that actually command loyalty, this conversation demystifies how STR experience can translate into hotel investment. You’ll also hear candid insights on common mistakes, hidden opportunities, and why timing matters more than ever in today’s market.If you’ve ever wondered whether boutique hotels could be your next big play, this episode will open your eyes. You don’t want to miss it!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why many STR investors see boutique hotels as the next logical step.How hotels are valued differently from rental portfolios—and why that matters for your exit strategy.The financing tools available for hotel buyers (and how they compare to STR loans).The role of branding, guest experience, and scale in boutique hotel success.Common pitfalls first-time hotel investors make—and how to avoid them.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/45rmuRg       —————Connect with Jamie on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane—————Connect with Scott on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott—————Connect with AirDNA on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdnaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co—————Episode 150

Former Vacasa founder and now Fairly CEO, Eric Breon, joins Jamie Lane to unpack what’s actually driving bookings today—and why reviews now beat everything but rock-bottom pricing. Eric explains how the playing field shifted: pro photos, yield tools, and channel distribution are table stakes; sustained growth comes from a flywheel of 5-star guest experiences that boost ranking, conversion, and RevPAR. He also makes a provocative case that vacation-rental operations suffer diseconomies of scale—and outlines a model that blends centralized automation with hyper-local caretakers who know each home inside and out.You’ll hear how Fairly separates “guest care” from “back office” to keep teams small, responsive, and review-obsessed while still benefiting from sophisticated distribution, accounting, and pricing. Eric shares candid lessons from scaling Vacasa, why they’re building tech in-house (despite the cost), and where AI helps today (automation, comms assist) versus where human judgment still wins (on-the-ground knowledge and onboarding).Here are the practical takeaways you can use now: • Treat reviews as your core growth channel: a 4.9+ average materially lifts RevPAR and ranking, creating a compounding advantage. • Centralize what software does best (pricing rules, taxes, distribution, smart locks, messaging templates) and localize what guests feel (cleanliness, quick fixes, clear answers). • Price strategy should reflect owner goals: “hold high” for personal-use homes vs. “fill Tuesdays” for pure investments—your system should support both. • Start strong on launch: design, amenities, and first-wave reviews set your long-term trajectory. • Direct vs. OTA is a balance: repeat guests lock in future seasons, but channel conversion still matters for momentum.Don't miss this episode!Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/46Ssd4X————Connect with Eric on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericbreon/—————Connect with Jamie on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane—————Connect with Scott on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott—————Connect with AirDNA on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdnaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.coEpisode 149

France is the world’s most-visited country—and one of the hottest STR markets. In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Louis Andrews, Director and President of OVO Network, to unpack how the French market works today and where it’s headed next.Louis explains OVO’s software-first model (their own PMS + direct booking platform) and why 75–80% of their bookings come direct. We dig into how they maintain a 4.8+ review score at scale without handling on-the-ground ops, what makes French demand unique (heavy domestic travel, car and rail trips, repeat family holidays), and how new regulations are reshaping urban vs. leisure destinations. Louis also shares the economics behind OVO’s approach (a distribution fee on direct bookings), the curation bar for five-star chalets, and the biggest competitive threat he sees on the horizon: increasingly automated PMS tools.What you’ll learnHow France books: A culture of domestic, family, drive-to travel—and why mountains keep winning.Direct booking at scale: OVO’s tech stack, SEO/digital strategy, and the data advantages of owning the funnel.Quality > quantity: Curating only five-star-worthy homes and training local concierges to protect guest experience.Profit model: Why charging a distribution fee on direct reservations changes the unit economics.Market outlook: Supply saturation post-COVID, tighter rules in cities, and why PMS automation may disrupt PMs.This episode is for hosts, PMs, and investors eyeing Europe—especially anyone curious how to drive direct bookings, keep reviews high, and navigate France’s evolving regulatory landscape.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://bit.ly/45sRDUh~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 148

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, host Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, interviews Will Risbourg, owner of Two Casitas, a vacation rental company in Santa Fe. Two Casitas, founded in 1998, is a family business that started with two guesthouses and has grown to over 100 listings, maintaining a 4.93 rating with thousands of reviews. Will discusses the company’s history, their focus on customer service, and their early adoption of online short-term rentals before platforms like Airbnb became popular. He attributes their success to proactive guest communication and a strong partnership with Estela's Cleaning Services, stressing the importance of quality cleaners in maintaining high standards. The company navigates challenges such as older property maintenance, local regulatory issues, and economic fluctuations. Despite these challenges, Two Casitas has achieved organic growth through their dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences, which in turn attracts new homeowners to their portfolio. Will also explains the company’s cautious approach to expansion, considering the unique advantages Santa Fe offers, such as less economic sensitivity and compact geography, making it a favorable market for short-term rentals. Additionally, they utilize tools like Breezeway for guest communication and Beyond for dynamic pricing. Throughout the interview, Will emphasizes that true dedication to quality service is vital for sustainable growth in the vacation rental industry.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://bit.ly/3UoOgsv~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 147

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Scott Sage discuss a variety of topics related to the short-term rental market and broader economic indicators. Jamie shares insights from his recent summer experiences, including a trip to Maine and observations on his rental property’s operations. The hosts then delve into Airbnb’s recent Q2 earnings, highlighting revenue growth and challenges in sustaining high growth rates. They note that while revenue saw a 13% rise, forward guidance predicted a slower growth trajectory. They also discuss Airbnb’s strategic focus on expanding beyond core markets and enhancing supply in underpenetrated areas like Germany and Japan. Additionally, Jamie explains Airbnb’s new 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' feature aimed at boosting bookings by allowing guests to pay closer to their stay dates. Both speakers also touch upon the recent economic data, including labor statistics, consumer spending, inflation, and potential impacts on interest rates. Jamie predicts that the supply of homes will continue to grow while demand may remain weak, potentially affecting home values and the short-term rental market. They conclude by analyzing data points for July, noting record high demand and a supply growth slowdown, and offer an optimistic outlook for fall demand pacing. The episode ends with an announcement about AirDNA’s launch of a new product for property managers.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://bit.ly/3UoOgsv~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 146

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane interviews Hailie Anderson, founder of Airbnb Takeoff, about her journey in the short-term rental (STR) industry. Hailie, joining live from the Philippines, shares how she began her entrepreneurial journey at 19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She graduated early from school and initially ran a content creation agency. Influenced by TikTok videos about rental arbitrage, she started her venture at 19, acquiring her first three units. Fast forward to now at 22, she has expanded to 58 units. Hailie explains the rental arbitrage model, noting it as a legitimate business strategy that allows property management sans ownership. She discusses her approach, which includes cold calling and emailing landlords to gain leasing agreements. Hailie also elaborates on the challenges and misconceptions of rental arbitrage, emphasizing the importance of legal and ethical operations. She highlights the critical role of building reliable local teams and leveraging technology, including PMS, dynamic pricing, and guest verification software. Hailie’s tech stack includes various tools like Price Labs, Hostaway, and True V to streamline operations. Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of understanding market differences and stresses on the entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z, which she believes is characterized by boldness, a desire for fast ROI, and a passion for digital nomadism. Jamie and Hailie also debate the value of education from social media and the differences between Gen Z and older generations’ approaches to investment and risk. Hailie concludes by sharing her future plans, which include possibly expanding her portfolio further, staying in hospitality, and investing in properties for long-term stability. She encourages listeners to start pursuing their passions, emphasizing that success often comes from learning, failing, and trying repeatedly.You don’t want to miss this episode!https://www.tiktok.com/@hailiemaariehttps://www.youtube.com/@Hailiemaarie~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://bit.ly/3UoOgsv~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 145

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Joe and Max, founders and operators of Bach Brothers in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Bachmeiers discuss winning the AirDNA 2025 Top Property Manager Award. They share their journey into short-term rentals, starting from their first property purchase in Fredericksburg and growing to manage over a hundred listings with an impressive average rating of 4.957. Initially working full-time jobs in different fields, their operation diversified from being property owners to full-fledged property managers by responding to the growing market demands. They chose Fredericksburg because of its rising popularity and central location near major Texas cities, enhanced by numerous wineries and amenities. The brothers emphasize their customer-centric approach, ensuring high guest satisfaction through proactive communication and problem-solving, which has contributed to their success. They also discuss strategies for maintaining high ratings and scaling operations through quality checks and team empowerment. They highlight the importance of hiring the right people, acting on guest feedback, and keeping lines of communication open with property owners, ensuring transparency and trust. Discussing the challenges posed by increased competition and market fluctuations, they reveal their data-driven approach and adaptability in pricing and property enhancements. They advise new property managers to focus on reviews, hire a quality team, and concentrate on local, manageable growth. The discussion concludes with the Bachmeiers attributing their success to their dedicated team and expressing their commitment to maintaining high standards and potentially winning future accolades.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co Episode 144