Sonder’s Fall, Market Shifts, and What It Means for STR Operators

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest short-term rental demand events in history—bigger than the Super Bowl, bigger than Taylor Swift tours, and long enough to make or break an entire revenue year. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with revenue strategist and Happy Guest founder Rebecca Ballart, who has personally priced more than 10,000 listings worldwide, to help hosts understand what to expect… and how not to leave thousands of dollars on the table.Rebecca breaks down why mega-events behave nothing like peak season, how booking windows warp under immense hype, and why the “right” price can’t be pulled from comps or pricing tools alone. This conversation is filled with practical guidance for hosts in every 2026 host city—especially those looking at early booking spikes and wondering, “Am I priced too low… or way too high?”They also walk through real-world examples, from massive wins at Hangout Fest to the hard realities when an event is suddenly canceled. Rebecca shares what operators can monitor between now and kickoff, how to think about length-of-stay strategy, when to adjust, and why the smartest revenue managers mix tools with human intuition—not one or the other.If you’re hosting anywhere near a World Cup stadium, you can’t afford to miss this episode.Key TakeawaysMega-events don’t follow normal demand patterns. Expect sudden booking rushes, long periods of quiet, and another surge as the event approaches.Length of stay is a powerful lever. Shorter stays + higher nightly rates often outperform long minimums during multi-week events.Inventory size dictates upside. Large homes can safely aim higher, while 1–2 bedroom units compete directly with hotels and must price accordingly.Use pricing tools—but don’t outsource your thinking. Algorithms can miss nuance; human oversight catches opportunities and prevents painful mistakes.Set guardrails before cancellations hit. Minimum event rates and watchful monitoring protect you from losing revenue when fans shift cities or plans change.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/4muz61v—————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 161

The short-term rental market is entering a new phase — one where stability, not volatility, is driving the biggest changes. In this fireside chat from the Data & Revenue Management Conference, Jamie Lane joins Simon Lehmann and Pedro Borges to break down the real signals behind 2025’s “steady state” and what it means for hosts and managers heading into 2026. This isn’t a hype-filled projection; it’s a data-backed look at supply slowdowns, shifting guest behavior, and how professionalization continues to reshape the competitive landscape.From the K-shaped performance split between luxury and mid-market listings to the growing influence of OTA ranking systems, the conversation highlights why outperforming your market now depends less on macro tailwinds — and more on operational sharpness. Jamie and Pedro dig into pricing challenges, the emerging STR-to-midterm pivot in major cities, and how rising owner expenses like taxes and insurance are reshaping what “profitability” even means. If you want a grounded, unfiltered view of where the industry is actually heading, this episode delivers it.For STR operators planning their next move, this is essential listening. You don’t want to miss this episode!Key TakeawaysStability requires strategy: With occupancy flat and supply growth at historic lows, 2025–2026 will be a competition for share, not an automatic lift.Quality gaps matter: Listings with sub-4.7 ratings are shrinking fastest as OTAs elevate top-tier properties and push weaker performers to page two and beyond.Profitability is the real KPI: Rising insurance and property taxes mean managers must understand — and communicate — homeowner-level financial realities.Luxury grows, mid-market squeezes: The K-shaped recovery continues, rewarding high-end supply while challenging budget and mid-tier operators.Midterm strategies surge: Regulatory pressure and seasonality are accelerating the blend of STR and midterm stays, especially in cities like NYC, Denver, and LA.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/45KslCy—————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 160

What happens when two hands-on STR operators decide to take their kids, their business, and a camera across all 50 states? Kylee and Steven Niederhauser—longtime hosts and boutique property managers in Southern California and the Palm Springs region—join Jamie to share the remarkable evolution of their business and the surprising realities of running 40+ units from the road.In this episode, they unpack how they went from a rundown Mission Beach duplex to a curated, mid-size management portfolio—without ever aiming to become “big.” Their story is a masterclass in staying lean, staying connected, and building systems that support real freedom… not just more work. Along the way, they’re gathering fresh inspiration from dozens of stays across the country, rethinking what truly makes a memorable STR experience, and learning what hosts get right (and wrong) from a guest’s perspective.Whether you’re an aspiring host, an already-stretched operator, or someone dreaming of reshaping your lifestyle through STRs, this episode distills years of hard-earned lessons—no fluff, just practical insights from operators living it in real time.You don’t want to miss this episode.🔑 Key TakeawaysBoutique beats big: Kylee & Steven intentionally chose not to scale endlessly—quality, owner alignment, and lifestyle mattered more than unit count.Systems enable freedom: Their remote-friendly stack centers around Uplisting + Breezeway, with smart-home tools filling the gaps.Personalized responses still win: They use templates—but not automation—so every guest feels a human touch (and messages never sit unanswered).Owners must buy in: Performance issues often come down to owners unwilling to reinvest; showing real comps is key to shifting mindsets.Being guests changed their hosting: Their 50-state trip revealed what truly matters to travelers—and inspired new ideas for design, amenities, and guest experience.https://www.youtube.com/@kyleeandstevenSign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/3HkuETy—————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 159

Sonder’s bankruptcy has shaken the short-term rental world — and for good reason. Once the poster child of the “hotel-meets-Airbnb” model, Sonder’s downfall marks a pivotal moment for operators everywhere. In this episode, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane and co-host Scott Sage unpack what went wrong, what it signals for the rental arbitrage model, and how changing travel demand is reshaping the industry.From a surprising partnership failure with Marriott to the ripple effects in urban markets still struggling post-COVID, Jamie and Scott connect the dots between Sonder’s story and broader market trends. They also dig into fresh October 2025 performance data, including occupancy declines, rate adjustments, and a critical PSA for hosts affected by Airbnb’s new service fee model.The episode closes with a behind-the-scenes look at AirDNA’s latest data model upgrades, revealing how machine learning is improving accuracy and trust in industry insights — setting the stage for even more powerful analytics ahead.You don’t want to miss this episode — especially if you rely on rental data to guide your business decisions.Key Takeaways for STR Pros🏚️ Sonder’s bankruptcy signals the end of rental arbitrage — operators tied to high-cost leases are struggling as demand and urban travel lag.🏙️ Urban recovery is still uneven: international inbound demand to the U.S. fell 16% this year, weighing heavily on city performance.💸 Watch your margins: many hosts haven’t offset Airbnb’s new 15% service fee, which could cut into real earnings this winter.📉 October’s numbers show slowing demand (2.5%) and occupancy declines (~1.5%), mirroring weakness in hotels — but mountain markets saw a lift from fall “leaf peeping” travel.🤖 AirDNA’s new data models boost accuracy, capturing longer-term stays and eliminating duplicate listings — giving hosts clearer, more reliable market visibility.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/3JLl2lM—————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 158

What happens when a short-term rental host fully leans into one guest avatar—and builds a brand around it? In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Vanessa Aguirre, founder of The Femme House, to explore how she turned themed, photo-worthy bachelorette stays into a thriving STR portfolio. From neon signs and heart-shaped mini golf to seven-seat beauty bars, Vanessa shares how creating an experience—not just a place to sleep—translates to higher occupancy, premium rates, and months-ahead bookings.As part of AirDNA’s new “guest avatar” series, this conversation dives deep into the data and design strategy behind properties made for specific traveler types. Vanessa and Jamie unpack how catering to groups like bachelorettes can yield up to 35% higher revenue, what hosts often overlook when trying to enter this niche, and why “thinking like a bride” matters more than any pricing tool.You don’t want to miss this one—it’s a masterclass in creative differentiation for hosts looking to stand out in competitive markets.Key Takeaways:🎯 Niche down to scale up: Targeting a specific traveler type (like bachelorettes) can yield outsized returns.💡 Experience beats aesthetics: Beyond pink wallpaper, success comes from functional, “Instagrammable” design.📅 Plan ahead for long-term bookings: Bachelorette groups often book 6–12 months out, offering stable revenue forecasting.💬 Overcommunicate: Set expectations early and often to maintain smooth guest and neighbor relationships.🔄 Stay on trend: The bachelorette market evolves quickly—hosts must refresh content, décor, and amenities yearly to stay relevant.https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessaeaguirre?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/vanessa.e.aguirre/?hl=en —————Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/4loNHdc—————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 157

For The STR Data Lab’s three-year anniversary, Jamie Lane sits down with AirDNA and Uplisting CEO Rohit Bezewada for an inside look at how the company—and the short-term rental industry—are evolving. From scaling Uber and leading M&A at JP Morgan to building AirDNA’s next chapter, Rohit shares lessons on data-driven growth, leadership, and innovation in the STR tech ecosystem.This conversation dives deep into what it takes to build trust in data, how AirDNA is expanding beyond analytics into operations, and why Rohit himself is buying a short-term rental to experience the products firsthand. He also pulls back the curtain on what’s next for hosts—AI-powered tools, smarter revenue management, and a simpler, more connected tech stack for every investor and property manager.You’ll walk away with a front-row view of the forces shaping the STR industry—from consolidation to AI—and a better understanding of where opportunity lies for hosts ready to level up. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the future of AirDNA and short-term rentals.Key Takeaways Data as a mindset: Rohit’s biggest lesson from Uber—never make decisions based on anecdotes; measure everything.The future is integrated: AirDNA is moving beyond data insights to operational tools that help hosts manage and scale.AI in action: Expect agent-style assistants that help hosts underwrite, price, and operate properties automatically.Power to the “long tail”: Most STR hosts don’t use PMS tools—AirDNA aims to serve this group with simple, trustworthy software.Consolidation is coming: The STR tech space will mature fast, and the winners will have data, distribution, and customer trust.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/4osgoc9—————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 156

What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas this time. Jamie Lane and Scott Sage are back from the VRMA conference with powerful insights shaping the future of short-term rentals—from the rise of AI tools to why “national is dead and local is king.” They unpack the data behind what’s really driving property manager success today—and what’s holding others back.In this episode, Jamie reveals new AirDNA research showing a major divide between top-performing property managers and the rest: those with review scores above 4.7 are keeping clients, while those below are losing nearly a quarter of their portfolio. They also explore why small, hyper-local co-hosts are thriving while national brands stall, and how a well-designed loyalty program can win repeat guests without relying on Airbnb or Vrbo.Later, they dig into the latest STR data—muted summer demand, shifting guest behavior, and the surprising 40% surge in New Year’s bookings driven by holiday timing. Plus: a PSA every host using a PMS on Airbnb needs to hear before October 27th. Key Takeaways AI is already transforming hosting: Innovative tools are boosting communication scores and guest experiences, even before Airbnb or Vrbo roll out their own versions.The 4.7 Rule: Property managers with review scores below 4.7 now face double the churn rate (24%) of top performers—quality is retention.Local > National: Hyper-local operators managing 6–20 properties are growing fastest, proving proximity and personal touch beat big-brand scale.DIY Loyalty Works: Local managers can build profitable loyalty programs that attract repeat guests—no need to wait for OTA initiatives.Holiday & Market Insights: Expect strong end-of-year demand, a 40% New Year’s Eve surge, and higher bookings in World Cup host cities next summer.Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/45bfb1c—————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 155

What if scaling your vacation rental business could actually hurt your bottom line? This week, Jamie Lane sits down with Ashley Ching, founder and CEO of Inhaven, to unpack her research on why national hospitality management companies—from Vacasa to Ambridge—have repeatedly failed to scale successfully. Together, they dive into the structural challenges of the short-term rental industry and uncover why “bigger” doesn’t always mean “better.”Ashley shares insights from hundreds of executive interviews across hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals, revealing five key pillars that separate thriving, sustainable property managers from those that crumble under complexity. From the myth of economies of scale to the power of local operations and curated portfolios, this episode is a must-listen for any STR professional who wants to grow smarter—not just larger.Whether you manage 10 homes or 1,000, this conversation reframes how you think about profitability, service, and scale—and what true success in hospitality really looks like. You don’t want to miss this episode.Key TakeawaysBigger isn’t better: Hospitality is a labor-driven business, not a production line—growth often brings higher costs and lower margins.Curate your portfolio: The most successful managers focus on quality over quantity, offboarding “bad” properties that drain time and profit.Stay local: Empowering on-the-ground teams and decision-makers leads to stronger operations and better guest experiences.Choose owners wisely: Aligning with the right owners is as crucial as choosing the right homes.Pick your focus: You can prioritize service, scale, or profitability—but not all three at once.   Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇https://bit.ly/411Sk5J—————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 154Key Takeaways

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—————