All Forum Posts by: Anja Schaer

The biggest challenge I face as an STR owner is maintaining profitability with rising costs, taxes, and platform fees eating into revenue. As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I’ve found mid-term rentals (MTRs) with corporate housing partners to be a great way to stabilize income and reduce turnover, offering 2-3x long-term rent.

Staying fully booked during off-seasons is also tough, but using dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and diversifying into MTRs helps maintain a steady cash flow when short-term bookings slow down.

Hi Ashley, Congrats on getting started with your STRs! Since you’ll be managing remotely, I recommend using property management software like Hospitable for automating messaging, bookings, and cleanings, along with PriceLabs for dynamic pricing. Smart tech like Schlage Encode locks and a smart thermostat will help you manage access and climate from afar, saving you time and stress.

As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I also suggest exploring mid-term rentals (MTRs) through corporate housing partnerships. This model can offer 2-3x the rent of traditional leases with less turnover and more stable income. Focus on clear, engaging listings with good photos, and keep an eye on guest reviews to build a solid reputation.

Hey Eric,

Great to see you’re thinking ahead on costs! Here are a few things to consider:

1. Management Fees: If you hire a property manager, expect to pay 15-25% of your gross revenue. If you self-manage, you’ll save that but it’s a lot of work.
2. Expenses: Don't forget STR insurance, cleaning, utilities, consumables, and maintenance. It's smart to set aside about 5-10% of your revenue for unexpected costs.
3. Hybrid Co-Hosting Model: As an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta, I'd recommend exploring corporate housing partnerships for mid-term rentals. You can earn 2-3x the long-term rent (like $7,300/month instead of $2,300). It’s a great way to reduce turnover, keep wear and tear low, and generate steady income.

This could be a good fit if you're using the property occasionally. Let me know if you want to dive deeper into any of this!

Hi Katie,Welcome to the STR community! It's awesome that you're partnering with your brother and focusing on regional vacation markets for your first property. Avery's book is a great start, and having a checklist will definitely keep you organized!

I have free checklists I’m giving out to help you along the way! Send me a DM if you're interested in getting one. Always happy to help from my experience as an STR/MTR host & co-host in Metro Atlanta!

Hi Marc, We do use a Keurig in our STR/MTRs, and our guests really appreciate the convenience. That said, we also provide a variety of coffee options like a traditional drip coffee maker and French press to cater to different preferences. A mix of options seems to get the best feedback!

As an STR/MTR host & co-host in the Metro Atlanta area, I'd be happy to share more tips on setting up your space for success if you're interested!

Hi Buck, It can be tricky to project revenue for a unique property like a lakeside one in an area with mostly lower-level STRs. AirDNA might not be an accurate reflection of your potential, especially if you're in an underserved market. Since you're a unique offering, it's possible to outperform their estimates, just like Garrett mentioned.

To get a more accurate projection, consider adjusting for your property's uniqueness. You can start by setting competitive rates, offering excellent photos, and tailoring your amenities to what lakeside guests might want (kayaks, fishing gear, etc.). Also, keep in mind any local events or peak seasons that might influence bookings. If you'd like help with fine-tuning your strategy or optimizing your listing, feel free to reach out!

Hi Aaron, Congrats on your new vacation home! For STR insurance, I recommend using a specialized policy for rentals like Proper Insurance, Foremost, or Kin Insurance. These companies provide liability and property coverage specifically for STRs, and some even offer guest damage protection.

As for wind and hurricane coverage, it's crucial in Florida, especially in areas like Orlando. Wind damage can still occur, even if hurricanes aren't as severe inland. I suggest speaking with an STR-specific broker, such as Fudge Insurance, to tailor your coverage to your needs.

Hi Joel, AirCover may help with small claims, but standard homeowner's insurance won't cover STR-related damages. If your insurer finds out, they could deny claims. STR insurance is designed for these risks, offering protection for both damage and liability.

As an STR/MTR host in the Atlanta Metro Area, I recommend getting proper STR insurance for comprehensive coverage. If you want to discuss options or need guidance, feel free to reach out—I'd be happy to help!

Hi Jacob, For your syndication or capital raise, start by defining clear investment goals and structuring the deal to outline roles and returns.

As an STR/MTR host and co-host in the Atlanta Metro Area, I also recommend considering a hybrid co-hosting model. By marketing properties to insurance and corporate housing partners for mid-term rentals, you can earn 2-3x long-term rent, reduce turnovers, and minimize wear on the property, providing steady income. Let me know if you'd like more details!

Hi Dan, Congrats on your upcoming STR! As an STR/MTR host and co-host in North Atlanta, I recommend streamlining your tech stack with tools that help manage both short-term and mid-term stays.

For PMS, I like Hospitable and Guesty — both great for automating bookings, messaging, and team coordination. For direct booking, Boostly is a solid option.

As you grow, consider integrating mid-term rental marketing for steady income with 2-3x the rent, as well as less turnover and wear. Feel free to reach out if you need more insights!