as short term rental (STR) Hosts, we do a million things at once: communicating with guests, making reservations, cleaning, and sometimes reminding guests, “No, your pet llama can’t stay.” It’s well balanced.
Fortunately, you no longer have to do everything manually and can rely on the great inventions of our time. No, I’m not talking about DoorDash. This is about STR’s secret sauce.
From automating guest interactions to booking properties and keeping them impossibly clean, these five technology tools will take your rental strategy from “I’m ready to sell” to “I’m STR knowledgeable.” Change it to “I’m a person.”
1. Asset Management Software (PMS)
Have you ever had a nightmare where your accommodation is double booked and both guests show up at the same time? The cleaners have no idea that your premises needs to be cleaned and the next guest leaves the house with rubbish in the form of What if you arrive at a dump? At that time asset management software (PMS) like hospitality come in clutch. You might think of this as the brain of STR’s success.
Hospitality is like the concierge you never knew you needed. Automate communication with guests (yes, even those last-minute questions like “Will the blender work?” at 3 a.m.). This beauty syncs with Airbnb, Vrbo, direct booking sites, Booking.com, and more, so your messages never get leaked. You can set automatic replies, thank you messages, and even pre-scheduled instructions So you Even if you binge-watch Netflix, you’ll look like the most organized host on the planet.
Being hospitable will save you time, make you look professional, and keep you from throwing your phone across the room in frustration. Ideal for hosts with less than 10 Or properties like that, is set up when you are just Start with one. Plus, no more texting at 2 a.m. with the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
2. Dynamic pricing software
If you’re still setting prices manually, you’re living in the dark ages of short-term rentals. Dynamic pricing tools that allow you to set competitive rates based on real-time market demand, charged on the first month of use. You wouldn’t charge peak prices on a random Tuesday, right?
Dynamic pricing software allows everytime optimization those sweet things, sweet profit. Some of the top companies include PriceLabs, Beyond Pricing, and many more. appear every day.
It’s like being a Wall Street stockbroker, but minus the pinstripe suits, coffee-sipping, and 4 a.m. trading at rental prices. This tool takes into account factors such as local events, holidays, and market trends to keep your prices competitive without you having to do anything.
Do you think Hilton or Marriott just sets prices once a year and expects them to be accurate? Dynamic pricing software secures your property always priced make a reservation-and at the best rate.
3. STR Data Analysis Company
Think of these STR data companies as your market research secret weapon. Companies like AirDNA, Rabbu, and Mashvisor analyze millions of Airbnb and Vrbo listings and provide insights into pricing, occupancy, and market trends. Want to know how much a beach house with a pool three blocks away is paying? They’ve got you covered.
Use this tool to compare your property’s performance with other properties in the area, determine if it’s under or overpriced, and discover new opportunities. Adding a hot tub or pet-friendly amenities can increase bookings by 30%.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. I need actionable data That way you can Make decisions based on numbers rather than intuition. (whichto be honest, may or may not always be reliable).
4. Smart Noise/Smoke Detector
At 11 p.m., the guests were “just having a small gathering,” but neighbors started complaining about a full-on rowdy. this It’s time for tools like NoiseAware, Minut, and Wynd to become your personal party bouncer.
These magical devices monitor noise levels without invading your privacy (which means you don’t have to). that host). If the noise level exceeds a certain threshold, you will be notified before things get out of control. It can also detect different types of smoking, notify If your guests are clouding the place, or if you’re just “cooking” (crispy may be better). Additionally, you can set up a polite and firm automated message to send to your guests, reminding them that the entire neighborhood doesn’t want to hear their impromptu concert.
Noise complaints can lead to bad reviews and fines in some cities. Smoking can lead to guest cancellations and high cleaning costs. These technologies can help prevent party disasters before they happen. That way, your neighbors will love you too.
5. Cleaning and Operations Control (COM) Program
Once your guests leave (hopefully without burning the place down), get your property back to tip-top condition. These cleaning and operations management (COM) programs can be automated. Schedule and manage Cleaning, inspection and maintenance. Tidy, Breezeway, and Turno are some of my favorite brands with great reputations.
With these, you won’t have to frantically text the cleaning staff “Did you forget to change your towels?” COM program confirm Your belongings will remain clean, so you won’t end up in a horror story like finding a lost sock in the microwave (yes, it actually happened).
Guests expect perfection. Cleaners should be updated regularly. you don’t want to be your cleaner personal Scheduler. COM programs streamline cleaning and maintenance tasks and help you complete every sale to perfection.
control your business
Success in short-term rentals is about more than just owning a great property, it’s about making life easier as a host. Your time is valuable and your STR will never completely disappear. passive By nature (unless you have an unlimited budget, I can’t relate to that). Taking systems and processes seriously will pay off in the long run.
These five tech tools will help you automate, optimize, and streamline your operations so you can spend more time enjoying the good parts of hosting (like counting those 5-star reviews). And who knows? You can use this extra time to start a TikTok series about your wildest guest stories.
I watched guests attempt a goat sacrifice and wanted to participate in it. I’ll save that story for Halloween.
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Note by BiggerPockets: These are the opinions expressed by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.
