April was anything but quiet in the world of short-term rentals. From legislative battles in paradise to tech tips that make hosting easier, StaySTRa.com was buzzing with insight, opinion, and a whole lot of strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, an STR newcomer, or just someone trying to decode depreciation before tax season, our contributors delivered real-world perspectives with clarity and punch. Here’s a quick recap of the most talked-about stories from April 2025—consider it your STR cheat sheet for staying ahead.

The Hidden Dangers of Inflated Seller Concessions: A Legal Perspective

This article delves into the risks of artificially inflating property values through undisclosed seller concessions. Legal expert Carrie Rosati warns that such practices constitute clear mortgage fraud, drawing parallels to the 2008 financial crisis. The piece emphasizes the severe legal consequences and the importance of transparency in real estate transactions.

Maui’s Housing War: Is Banning Vacation Rentals the Cure or Just More Chaos?

Maui faces a complex dilemma: addressing housing shortages post-fire while considering a ban on vacation rentals. The article explores the potential economic fallout of such a ban, questioning whether it would alleviate housing issues or exacerbate economic challenges.

Property Managers vs. Co-Hosts: Which is the Ultimate Short-Term Rental Solution for You?

This piece compares the roles of property managers and co-hosts in the short-term rental industry. It outlines the responsibilities, costs, and benefits of each, helping property owners decide which option aligns best with their management style and investment goals.

Our Homes, Their Neighborhoods: A Shared Space

The article reflects on the impact of short-term rentals on local communities. It discusses the challenges residents face, such as noise and transient neighbors, and calls for a balance between tourism and community well-being.

Real Estate Depreciation: What’s Happening Now and What Might Change in 2025

This article explains current depreciation methods like MACRS and bonus depreciation, highlighting potential legislative changes that could affect real estate investors. It serves as a guide for understanding how depreciation impacts tax strategies and investment planning.

Unlock Your Airbnb’s Potential: Top Smart Door Locks for Seamless Hosting

Focusing on technology, this piece reviews smart door locks that enhance security and guest experience in Airbnb properties. It provides insights into features, installation, and how these devices can streamline property management.

Why Local Airbnb Managers are Your Scottsdale Secret Weapon

Highlighting the advantages of hiring local Airbnb managers in Scottsdale, the article discusses how local expertise can lead to better guest experiences and higher occupancy rates. It emphasizes the value of on-the-ground knowledge in the competitive STR market.

How to Get Into Airbnb Investing: My Personal Playbook

This personal narrative offers a step-by-step guide to entering the Airbnb investment space. It covers market research, property selection, and tips for creating appealing listings, providing a roadmap for aspiring hosts.

Airbnb Investing for Beginners: Your First Steps to Short-Term Rental Success

Aimed at newcomers, this article outlines the basics of Airbnb investing, including market analysis, understanding regulations, and the importance of guest satisfaction. It serves as a primer for those considering entering the short-term rental market.

Tech Tips for Buying Your Own Airbnb!

This piece offers technological advice for prospective Airbnb investors, discussing tools and platforms that can aid in property selection, management, and optimizing guest experiences. It emphasizes the role of technology in successful STR operations.

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From legal landmines to local market wisdom, April’s stories brought clarity to an ever-evolving short-term rental landscape. Whether it was a deep dive into Maui’s regulatory drama or a practical guide to smart locks, each post added a new tool to the STR toolbox. The common thread? Actionable insights to help you navigate risk, capture opportunity, and manage your rentals like a pro. If you missed any of the highlights, now’s the time to circle back and dig in.

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Now, listen up, buttercups! Loretta May here, and I’ve got a confession to make. I might have a slight… obsession… with finding those perfect pieces that make a woman feel like she can conquer the world, one stylish step at a time. And let me tell you, my latest discovery has me doing a little happy dance in my sensible-but-still-chic flats.

It all started last Tuesday. I was minding my own business, scrolling through the internet while sipping on some iced tea (extra sweet, naturally), when I stumbled upon Bizzy Lizzy Boutique. Now, the name itself just rolls off the tongue like a good piece of gossip, doesn’t it? But what I found inside? Well, hold onto your hats, y’all!

These ain’t just clothes, honey. These are statements. They’re the kind of outfits that walk into a room and say, “Howdy, world! I’m here to look fabulous and maybe cause a little bit of delightful trouble.” I’m talking dresses that twirl like a debutante at her first ball, tops that shimmer like fireflies on a summer night, and pants so comfy, you’ll want to wear them to church (but maybe don’t, just in case).

(Exhibit A: This dress I saw? It’s got more ruffles than a pageant queen’s gown, but in the BEST way! Allegedly. But also absolutely.)

And the colors! Oh, the colors! They pop like firecrackers on the Fourth of July. You’ve got your classic blacks and whites for when you’re feeling sophisticated, but then BAM! A splash of sunshine yellow that could cheer up a grumpy bulldog, or a fiery red that screams, “Look out, world, here I come!”

Now, I know what some of y’all are thinking. “Loretta May,” you’re saying, “are these clothes actually nice nice, or just ‘bless their heart’ nice?” Well, let me tell you, darlings, the quality looks top-notch. You can practically feel the good stitching through the screen! These aren’t the kind of clothes that fall apart after one wash, honey. These are keepers, the kind of pieces you’ll pass down to your granddaughters (along with all your best gossip, naturally).

(And don’t even get me STARTED on the accessories! They’re like the secret weapon to any outfit. A cute scarf here, a sparkly necklace there, and suddenly you look like you’ve got your whole life together. Even if you don’t. Allegedly.)

So, if you’re looking to add a little bit of “oomph” to your wardrobe, a little bit of “va-va-voom” to your step, then you simply must check out Bizzy Lizzy Boutique. Tell ’em Loretta May sent ya! And get ready to turn some heads, darlings. Just don’t blame me if folks start asking for your autograph.

Where is the lie? I’m telling you, this boutique is a hidden gem!

The world of short-term rentals (STRs) is booming! More and more people are jumping in, hoping to make some extra income. But here’s the thing: managing a rental property is way more work than most people think. There’s a lot to handle—guest communication, cleaning, repairs, and marketing. This leads to a big decision: Should you hire a co-host or a property manager?  

It’s a really important question. The choice you make can seriously affect your profits, how happy your guests are, how much you have to work, and how much control you have.  

I’m here to break down the differences between co-hosts and property managers. I’ll give you the info you need to make the best choice for your business.

Co-Host vs. Property Manager: What’s the Difference?

To make the right call, you’ve got to understand exactly what each role involves. Both co-hosts and property managers help STR owners, but they do it in different ways.  

The Co-Host: Your Helpful Assistant

Think of a co-host as your assistant or partner. They share the work of managing your rental. Co-hosts can be anyone—a friend, a family member, or someone you hire.  

What does a co-host do? It can vary. You and the co-host agree on the tasks. Usually, they help with:

• Listing your property online  
• Keeping the calendar updated  
• Setting prices  
• Talking to guests  
• Handling reservations  
• Coordinating check-in and check-out  
• Getting the property ready for guests  
• Arranging cleaning and repairs  
• Helping guests during their stay  

Co-hosts often use the Airbnb platform to do their job. But they don’t have access to everything. They can’t see your financial information, like how you get paid.  

The good thing about co-hosts is that they let you hand off some tasks while still keeping control.  

The Property Manager: Your All-in-One Solution

A property manager (PM) is usually a pro or a company that handles everything for you. They take care of all the work involved in running your short-term rental.  

Here’s what a property manager typically does:

• Markets your property  
• Sets prices to maximize income  
• Manages guest communication  
• Handles cleaning and maintenance  
• Manages all the money  
• Makes sure you follow all the rules and laws  
• Offers extra services like design help  

Property managers are a good choice if you want a hands-off investment. They’re especially helpful if you live far away or own multiple properties.  

Co-Host vs. Property Manager: What’s the Best Choice?

So, what’s the big difference between a co-host and a property manager? It comes down to how much you want to be involved.  

Co-hosts are more of a team effort. You can choose what they do and stay in control, especially when it comes to money. Property managers take over everything, giving you less to worry about.  

Why Property Managers Are the Better Choice

While co-hosts can be useful, I believe property managers are the stronger choice for most owners. Here’s why:

• They handle everything: Property managers take care of all the details, from marketing to maintenance. This frees up your time and energy.  
• They maximize your profits: Property managers are experts at setting prices and attracting guests. This can lead to more bookings and higher income.  
• They provide peace of mind: Property managers ensure your property is well-cared for and complies with all regulations. This reduces stress and protects your investment.  

The Dark Side of Co-Hosts: A Cautionary Tale

I’ve heard some real horror stories about co-hosts. One that sticks with me is about a property owner named Sarah. She decided to hire a co-host to save money. At first, things went smoothly. But then, the co-host’s performance started to decline.

“The cleaning was subpar, and guests frequently complained about the property’s condition,” Sarah recounted. “I even received a noise complaint from a neighbor!”

The co-host’s lack of professionalism not only led to negative reviews but also directly impacted Sarah’s income.

“My bookings decreased, and I was losing money,” she said. “The stress of constantly following up with the co-host and dealing with guest complaints was overwhelming.”

Sarah’s experience highlights a crucial point: While co-hosts might seem like a cost-effective solution, they can sometimes lead to more problems than they solve. The lack of standardized processes and professional accountability can result in inconsistent service, unhappy guests, and ultimately, financial losses for the property owner.

Make the Smart Choice for Your STR Success

The decision to hire a co-host or a property manager is a critical one. While co-hosts may seem appealing due to their lower costs and flexibility, property managers offer a comprehensive and professional solution that can save you time, maximize your profits, and provide peace of mind. Sources and related content