The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of Short-Term Rentals: Why the ‘Wow Factor’ Is More Important Than Ever
It All Started with a Walk on Camano Island
It began with a walk on the beach. My husband Bryan and I were on Camano Island, a serene stretch of coastline just north of Seattle, where we’d often camp and dream.
That day, we watched a woman kayaking on the glassy waters of Puget Sound. It was peaceful. Beautiful. And we turned to each other and said, “One day, it would be amazing to have a place here.”
Years later, that dream came true. We bought a home nestled between two state parks. We planted oysters on the beach. Watched bald eagles overhead. Built fires under the stars. And soon after, we opened our doors as an Airbnb.
“We didn’t just open a short-term rental — we shared a way of living.”
Key Takeaway
Choosing between selling or renting your Seattle property depends on your financial goals, lifestyle plans, and comfort with property management. Renting offers long-term income and asset appreciation, while selling provides immediate cash and simplicity. With expert support from GPS Renting, you can confidently make the right decision for your future.
We did a big remodel and put our love into the place
Before Photos
After Photos
The Airbnb Boom During COVID
When COVID-19 hit, something shifted. Travel didn’t disappear — it changed.
Hotels emptied, cities locked down, and suddenly everyone wanted space, quiet, and nature. Short-term rentals skyrocketed in places like:
- Seattle’s outskirts — cabins in Leavenworth, beach homes on Whidbey Island
- Maui — waterfront condos with full kitchens
- Florida — sun-drenched houses with private pools
It was a short-term rental gold rush. Almost anyone with a second home — or even just a spare bedroom — listed it online.
But then the market changed.
The Market Rebalanced (and Why Many Hosts Struggled)
As travel normalized, the flood of STR listings turned into oversupply. Bookings dropped. Prices fell. Cleaning and management costs climbed. And many STRs started to sit vacant.
Now, many owners are shifting back to long-term rentals, chasing stability over volatility.
“They forgot: a short-term rental is not just a home — it must be an experience.”
Why the ‘Wow Factor’ Matters More Than Ever
Hotels offer consistent beds, pools, spas, and service. A short-term rental needs to stand out.
Your home needs a Wow Factor — something memorable, irresistible, and shareable.
Examples in Seattle:
A rooftop deck with a Space Needle view
A lakeside cabin with private kayaks
A modern A-frame with Mount Rainier visible from bed
How to Know If You Have a Wow Factor
Use this Wow Factor Checklist:
- Scenic Setting: Is your home on the water, in the mountains, or with an iconic view?
- Architectural Interest: Treehouse, dome home, A-frame, container home?
- Exceptional Location: Are you walking distance to a famous spot?
- Unique Activities: Can guests do something special — like oyster harvesting or fire pits under the stars?
- Memorable Design: Does your home’s style or layout feel special?
- Personal Touch: Can you offer local food, art, wellness, or adventure?
Airbnb Is Evolving Too
Airbnb is shifting its focus from just stays to experiences.
- Airbnb Categories highlight treehouses, domes, and “OMG!” homes
- Airbnb Experiences let guests book drumming lessons, hikes, and local meals
- A recent update allows bundling stays + experiences, helping unique hosts stand out
I still remember an Airbnb I booked in Kauai, where we visited a Hawaiian chief’s home and learned fire dancing and drumming. That wasn’t a tour. That was a memory.
Should You Stay Short-Term or Go Long-Term?
Ask yourself this:
“Would I choose my STR over a hotel for the same price?”
If your answer is no, it may be time to consider a long-term rental strategy. But if your property has the Wow, the heart, and the story — then lean into it.
Learn more about Short-Term or Long-Term Rental
Take the Quiz: Is My Property Better for Short-Term or Long-Term Rental?
Wondering which path is better for your property?
Answer 15 quick “Yes or No” questions to discover whether Short-term Rental (STR) or Long-term Rental (LTR) is the best fit for your property. Based on your answers, we’ll reveal which strategy offers the most potential for success. This quiz takes less than 2 minutes!
Click here to take the Quiz: https://gpsrenting.com/short-term-rentals-wow-factor/
Final Thoughts
Short-term rentals are no longer about just handing over keys. They’re about creating meaning. And it all starts with asking: What kind of stay would I want?
Camano Island taught me that. Maybe your home can teach someone else the same thing.
Learn more visit: GPS Renting
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