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Welcome back, Olivia!

“I am the one who knocks” may have a different meaning for STR guests if you buy this newly listed TV series phenomenon house. Just don’t leave blue Pop Rocks candy out…or should you?

– Garrett Brown (BiggerPockets STR Expert)

In this email:

Let’s check in! ⤵️

Each year, Vrbo highlights the crème de la crème of vacation rentals across the U.S., and their 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year list doesn’t disappoint. This year's winners are a master class in design, guest experience, and destination appeal—and for STR hosts, they offer some serious inspiration.

So, what made the cut this year?

From a luxury lodge in Park City to a retro beach house in Florida, Vrbo's list spans eight standout properties, each selected for its five-star ratings, standout amenities, and guest-favorite status. These aren't just pretty pictures—they’re examples of how thoughtful design and hospitality can drive both bookings and buzz.

Here are a few themes that stood out:

Why it matters:

If you're in the STR game, this list is a cheat sheet for what works in 2025. Study the photos, note the amenities, and consider applying similar touches to your listings—even on a smaller scale.

Spring and summer travel is coming in hot, and the latest data from AirDNA shows that short-term rentals are trending in the right direction. After months of decline, supply growth is finally stabilizing, demand is holding firm, and some cities are already seeing big rate hikes—thanks partly to events like the Super Bowl and Beyoncé’s just-announced Cowboy Carter Tour. 

One major takeaway is that spring and summer are looking strong. April bookings are pacing +7.8% ahead of 2024, and summer bookings are trending 12%–15% higher. Find out what’s trending in the entire February 2025 report.

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🧾 Maximize Profit, Minimize Stress

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—especially if you know what to write off. Our brand-new Short-Term Rental Tax Guide breaks down all the legal ways to reduce your tax bill, from depreciation and cost segregation to the Augusta Rule and pro tips for record-keeping.

And if you’re more of a visual learner, don’t miss the latest BiggerStays video, where we walk through the top tax-saving strategies every host should know.

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

What advice would you give a Rookie STR investor on picking a location? The community is helping a new STR investor determine exactly what makes a profitable, sensible investment.

More sizzling discussions:

🔥 Airbnb service fee options
🔥 Crazy neighbor put up this barrier
🔥 How many booking platforms do you use?

Join the conversation and level up your STR knowledge. Your next big strategy could be just a click away!

Together with Steadily

Steadily provides fast, reliable rental property insurance exclusively for landlords. Coverage is built for all kinds of rental properties, including short-term, mid-term, and fix and rent properties. Get a quote online in minutes.