Why Reviews Are the New Revenue Engine for Short-Term Rentals

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

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher discuss the midyear outlook for the economy and short-term rentals. They explore the updated forecast through 2026, addressing uncertainties surrounding recent economic events, inflation trends, and stock market fluctuations. Despite mixed signals, including recent inflation data and policy disagreements, the economy remains robust with low unemployment and solid job growth. The data shows a strong start for short-term rentals in 2024, with a 5.7% demand growth and 4.6% increase in listings, leading to slightly higher occupancy rates compared to last year. Supply growth, although slower since high interest rates and house prices have cooled the market, is experiencing a rebound.  The episode highlights the variance in performance across different markets, such as urban vs. resort areas, and discusses the impacts of international and domestic demand shifts. They also delve into the impact of changing booking lead times on pacing data and future demand predictions. Gallagher forecasts continued demand and occupancy growth into 2026, while closely monitoring economic indicators, particularly inflation, for any potential disruptions. The discussion culminates in an analysis of economic prospects and the potential impact of policy changes, tariffs, and consumer confidence on the short-term rental market. 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 143

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane interviews Henry Corell, the founder of RevUp Rental, a revenue management consultancy company. Henry shares his journey from real estate interest in college to starting his own business focused on revenue management. He discusses his early experiences with short-term rental vacation businesses and the niche opportunities in revenue management within the industry.  Henry explains the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in revenue management, emphasizing forecasting and reading data to make calculated decisions. He highlights key metrics for analyzing market health, such as consumer sentiment, economic trends, airline trends, and occupancy rates. Henry underlines the importance of understanding client demographics and adapting strategies accordingly.  The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining high booking rates, managing cancellation policies, and optimizing property listings by updating photos and allowing pets. Henry also discusses the role of communication in revenue management, balancing broader market trends with specific property analyses. He concludes by sharing insights on managing properties with fluctuating review scores and the impact of economic factors like job growth on the short-term rental market. Henry advises listeners to stay updated on economic indicators and maintain flexibility in their revenue management strategies. 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 141

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane hosts a discussion with Ryan Bakke about recent changes in tax law from the Big Beautiful Bill and their implications for short-term rental investors. Ryan, who has extensive experience helping investors save on taxes, explains his journey into the short-term rental and real estate tax niche.  The conversation highlights recent tax law changes and their potential impact on investment strategies. Key changes discussed include bonus depreciation, its implementation, and how it can impact short-term rental investors. Ryan explains the concept of bonus depreciation, providing examples of potential tax savings and how these can be reinvested to grow initial investments. He also talks about the significance of qualifying for different depreciation schedules and cost segregation for leveraging tax benefits. Another major topic is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, its permanency, and who qualifies for it, especially in the context of short-term rental investments vs. long-term rentals. Ryan elaborates on the qualifying rules for offsetting W-2 income with short-term rental investments, including the 7-day use test and additional hour requirements.  He also discusses potential economic benefits, such as saving on personal car interest and employer-paid student loans. The introduction of new financial accounts for children's savings and the broader economic effects of these tax changes are touched upon. Throughout, Ryan shares practical advice for investors on how to navigate these changes and maximize their tax savings. The session concludes with Ryan's recommendations for additional resources and ways to stay informed about tax strategies for real estate. 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 142

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane hosts a discussion with Ryan Bakke about recent changes in tax law from the Big Beautiful Bill and their implications for short-term rental investors. Ryan, who has extensive experience helping investors save on taxes, explains his journey into the short-term rental and real estate tax niche.  The conversation highlights recent tax law changes and their potential impact on investment strategies. Key changes discussed include bonus depreciation, its implementation, and how it can impact short-term rental investors. Ryan explains the concept of bonus depreciation, providing examples of potential tax savings and how these can be reinvested to grow initial investments. He also talks about the significance of qualifying for different depreciation schedules and cost segregation for leveraging tax benefits. Another major topic is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, its permanency, and who qualifies for it, especially in the context of short-term rental investments vs. long-term rentals. Ryan elaborates on the qualifying rules for offsetting W-2 income with short-term rental investments, including the 7-day use test and additional hour requirements.  He also discusses potential economic benefits, such as saving on personal car interest and employer-paid student loans. The introduction of new financial accounts for children's savings and the broader economic effects of these tax changes are touched upon. Throughout, Ryan shares practical advice for investors on how to navigate these changes and maximize their tax savings. The session concludes with Ryan's recommendations for additional resources and ways to stay informed about tax strategies for real estate. 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