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Welcome back, Olivia!

When I say “design is everything” in an STR, I don’t mean avant-garde ketchup art. This guest won’t win any awards for interior design, but if you’re hiring movers, they might be available. 

Let’s get into the topics that matter to hosts the most this week. 

– Garrett Brown (BiggerPockets STR Expert)

In this email:

Let’s check in! ⤵️

BiggerPockets president Scott Trench recently shared some insightful points on the forums on how Trump's policies might pressure real estate prices and rents. While I agree with most of his observations, voices from all sides are weighing in.

From my perspective, we're entering a period of stagflation—a challenging mix of rising prices, slowing growth, and increasing uncertainty. This environment is particularly tough for short-term rental (STR) investors.

Bond Market Turmoil

One significant concern is the bond market. Foreign investors are pulling out of U.S. Treasuries, leading to higher yields. For instance, the 10-year Treasury yield recently spiked to 4.44%, marking the most significant weekly increase in over two decades. This surge is partly due to diminishing confidence in U.S. fiscal policies amid tariff chaos.

Higher bond yields translate to increased borrowing costs, squeezing cash flows for STR operators. Additionally, the economic slowdown may dampen travel demand, affecting occupancy rates.

While the road ahead may be uncertain, staying agile and informed can help STR investors navigate these turbulent times.

When Ben Wolff got into short-term rentals, he didn’t just stop at comfy beds and Wi-Fi. He built experiences and turned them into two unique stay destinations now valued at over $7 million+ (with more on the way). He didn’t have any construction or architectural experience but found a way.

I mean, just look at these INSANE cabins.

In this week’s BiggerStays YouTube episode, we sat down with Ben to talk about how he scaled from regular Airbnbs to viral domes, treehouses, and boutique resorts. His top advice?

This is a must-watch for anyone looking to go beyond basic—and build something unforgettable.

Presented by Host Financial

Finance STRs Fast & Easy with #1 STR Lender

Scale your short-term rental business without jumping through hoops. Host Financial specializes in DSCR loans built for short term rental investors. Whether you’re refinancing or acquiring your next STR, invest with confidence with the Nations Trusted STR Lending Experts.

Over 1000+ Deals Closed for Investors and $500,000,000+ in Financing Secured.

As of April 2025, mortgage rates remain elevated, with the average 30-year fixed rate hovering around 6.6%. While some forecasts suggest a gradual decline, significant drops are unlikely in the near term. Fannie Mae projects rates to average 6.3% by the end of 2025, while Wells Fargo anticipates rates will remain around 6.9% throughout the year.

What does this mean for STR investors?

While a significant drop in mortgage rates is unlikely in the immediate future, STR investors can navigate the current environment by focusing on cash flow, exploring flexible financing options, and staying informed about market trends. 

Hot Topics from the Short-Term Rental & Airbnb Investing Forum, presented by Hospitable 

Handling theft and damages without getting bad reviews? We all have worried about a guest damaging our place and then leaving us a retaliatory review in return for damage compensation requests. What if you didn’t have to be scared of this common concern? In this discussion, our community is giving valuable insight about this topic. 

More sizzling discussions:
🔥 How to negotiate with a property manager?
🔥 Addressing guest's issues
🔥 The short-term rental loophole

Together with Equity 1031 Exchange

Savvy real estate investors aren’t paying taxes—they’re using 1031 Exchanges to roll gains into their next deal. Don’t get left behind. This free guide shows you how it’s done.