loader from loading.io

268. How to Find Profitable Airbnb Properties in 2025 | STR Investing with John Bianchi (Part 2)

Short Term Rental Riches

Release Date: 12/31/2024

294. Growth Blueprint: 13 Strategies to Scale Your STR Management Business show art 294. Growth Blueprint: 13 Strategies to Scale Your STR Management Business

Short Term Rental Riches

Grow your short-term rental management business without burning out! In this episode, we unpack 13 actionable strategies to help you scale, from building referrals and optimizing Google presence to leveraging tools like AirDNA and creating content that drives results. Whether you’re new or established, this episode is packed with must-know tactics. • Discover how signing up for Airbnb’s co-host network boosts your visibility instantly • Learn how a CRM system and proactive outreach can unlock new client opportunities • Build strong referral pipelines with real estate agents,...

info_outline
293. Where to Invest, What to Charge: STR Strategy from AirDNA show art 293. Where to Invest, What to Charge: STR Strategy from AirDNA

Short Term Rental Riches

Where are short-term rentals thriving, and why? In this data-packed episode, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane reveals surprising trends in booking windows, top-performing markets, and how STRs are evolving post-pandemic. If you're wondering where to invest next or how to outperform the competition, this one's a must-listen. Ready to unlock smarter, data-driven decisions? • Discover how STR supply trends have shifted from urban cores to rural hotspots—and what that means for your portfolio • Learn the top 3 metrics investors should be analyzing before choosing their next STR market...

info_outline
292. NEW Compliance and Regulations for STR Hosts show art 292. NEW Compliance and Regulations for STR Hosts

Short Term Rental Riches

Short-term rental rules are tightening fast and ignoring them can cost you big. This episode reveals 7 critical steps to ensure your Airbnb or vacation rental stays on the right side of the law. Whether you manage one unit or dozens, avoiding fines and keeping your STR compliant starts here. Learn why zoning changes could cost you your STR rights overnight  Discover all the layers of STR rules: city, county, HOA, and more Get smarter about permits, licenses, and ongoing inspections Hear a real-life example of a property that got shut down  Find out how to set alerts and backup plans...

info_outline
291. Accepting First-Time Airbnb Guests? Here’s What Hosts Need to Know show art 291. Accepting First-Time Airbnb Guests? Here’s What Hosts Need to Know

Short Term Rental Riches

What do 10 million new Airbnb guests mean for your STR? A lot, especially if you're unknowingly filtering them out. In this episode, we unpack why welcoming first-time guests isn’t a risk, it’s a missed opportunity if you’re not prepared. Learn how to vet, host, and profit from new users with confidence. • Find out why so many top hosts are missing out on high-paying, first-time guests. • Learn the pros and cons of accepting new users and how to screen smartly. • Discover the red flags that matter (and which ones don’t) when vetting first-time bookings. • See why big events...

info_outline
290. Tariffs & Airbnb: Hidden Costs That Shrink Profits show art 290. Tariffs & Airbnb: Hidden Costs That Shrink Profits

Short Term Rental Riches

How could rising tariffs at the Canadian and Mexican borders possibly affect your Airbnb? Turns out, quite a lot. In this episode, we break down how new 25% tariffs could increase your renovation and furnishing costs—and what you can do to prepare for a tighter margin environment. • Discover how new tariffs can increase your construction and renovation costs by 10% or more. • Learn why your furniture and appliance budget needs to grow—and how to plan for it. • Understand how these price hikes impact international travel, guest spending, and your occupancy. • Get actionable tips on...

info_outline
289. Lydia Patel’s Playbook for Smarter STR Systems show art 289. Lydia Patel’s Playbook for Smarter STR Systems

Short Term Rental Riches

How do you build a short-term rental business when you have kids, a full-time job, and almost no time? In this episode, we break down a real story. I interview Lydia and unpack her journey, the systems she uses, and the lessons she wishes every host knew from the beginning. Discover the lessons every host should hear before starting. How Lydia scaled from backyard host to full-time STR owner in Florida Choosing the right market remotely and why it matters Tools Lydia uses to stay organized: ClickUp, Asana, Structured App Finding a reliable local assistant on Upwork How she keeps...

info_outline
288. Rental Maintenance Costs: Short-term vs. Long-term show art 288. Rental Maintenance Costs: Short-term vs. Long-term

Short Term Rental Riches

Think long-term tenants cause less damage than short-term guests? Think again. In this episode, we dive into surprising data from Tim’s personal portfolio showing how short-term rentals can actually reduce your maintenance costs. Discover the real numbers, real stories, and real savings that might change your rental strategy forever. Why long-term rentals may cost you more in the long run—especially after tenant turnover Real-world maintenance savings Tim uncovered over 10+ years of STR operations How frequent cleanings and guest stays actually help preserve your property The secret power...

info_outline
287. Booking.com’s NEW Damage Program: What Hosts Need to Know show art 287. Booking.com’s NEW Damage Program: What Hosts Need to Know

Short Term Rental Riches

What happens if a guest damages your short-term rental and they booked through Booking.com? Good news: they now offer host protection. But it’s not as great as it sounds... In this episode, we break down the truth behind Booking.com’s new damage policy, what’s covered, and why you still might want to stick with deposits. 5 Key Takeaways: • The Damage Policy Breakdown: Booking.com now offers a host damage protection program, but it’s filled with fine print and limitations. • Deposits vs. Damage Program: Learn why collecting a deposit might offer stronger protection than relying...

info_outline
286. Exposed: What Your Review History Is Telling Future Guests show art 286. Exposed: What Your Review History Is Telling Future Guests

Short Term Rental Riches

Your reviews don't just reflect guest experiences—they create them. In this essential episode, we're breaking down how guest expectations (shaped by prior reviews) can make or break your reputation. Discover the psychology behind reviews, how many you need for protection, and actionable ways to build your "safety net."  Key Takeaways: Why guest reviews are shaped more by expectations than just the actual stay How negative reviews influence new guests to look for flaws  The critical "40 review" milestone where bad reviews hurt less  How clean communication can buffer...

info_outline
285. How Stacking Small Wins Can Boost Your STR Revenue by 30% or More show art 285. How Stacking Small Wins Can Boost Your STR Revenue by 30% or More

Short Term Rental Riches

Want to unlock up to 30% more revenue from your short-term rental or boutique hotel? This week, we're diving into the powerful concept of "stacking wins" — small optimizations that, when combined, lead to massive growth. Tune in to learn the simple steps you can take today to maximize earnings and future-proof your property. 5 Key Takeaways: Why optimizing your listing photos, descriptions, and titles is the first big win for better bookings. How multi-channel distribution not only boosts revenue but shields you from platform changes. The importance of dynamic pricing — and why flat...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Today, we’re unpacking all things short-term rental profitability with a special guest, John Bianchi, who’s mastered the art of finding profitable Airbnb markets and avoiding risky investments. Over the years, I've received countless messages asking, “Is this property worth the purchase?” or “Is this STR market too crowded to make money?” While I’d love to dive into everyone’s listings, it’s a time-consuming process that requires detailed research. That’s why experts like John are game-changers—they provide the market analysis and strategies you need to make informed decisions quickly.

In this episode, we’ll cover how to navigate saturated Airbnb markets, identify whether there’s still room to profit, and build a data-backed "buy box" so you can spot a winner faster. John also explains why amenities matter and how unique features like game rooms and outdoor spaces can give your listing a competitive edge. Whether you’re worried about how your listing ranks on platforms like Airbnb or struggling to figure out how much to spend on upgrades, this conversation is packed with Airbnb investing tips you won’t want to miss. Let’s dig in and help you level up your Airbnb portfolio in 2025 and beyond!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Understanding Market Saturation
    Just because a market has lots of listings doesn’t mean it’s off-limits. John explains why some Airbnb markets are still worth investing in, even when they seem oversaturated.

  • Luxury Demand vs. Fun-Driven Amenities
    Instead of only focusing on a high-end look, create listings with experience-focused amenities like game rooms or outdoor entertainment to boost your short-term rental revenue.

  • The Power of Data Tools
    Not all data is equal! John recommends STR data tools like PriceLabs and AirDNA to track trends and find the right Airbnb pricing strategy for your market.

  • Risky STR Markets to Avoid
    Some regions that surged during the pandemic—like Blue Ridge—are struggling with low demand despite high home prices. John shares insights on when to walk away from "boomed" areas.

  • Building a Strong “Buy Box”
    Narrow down your options by creating a list of key features—like the right number of bedrooms and essential amenities. Once you spot an outlier with higher projected revenue, you’ll know you’ve found a winner.


Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Short-Term Rental Riches! John gave us a ton of valuable insights into building a profitable Airbnb portfolio and identifying top STR markets. Whether you're planning to buy in 2025  or upgrading an existing listing, remember that using the right tools and strategies can make all the difference.

Unlock Profitable Airbnb Opportunities with John Today!



Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, leave a rating and a review, and share it! This helps us reach others that may find the info helpful as well.

You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!