David Liedl - The BLA's STR Expert + Realtor

09/25/2026

Some interesting numbers out of Minnesota this month! More homes hit the market in August than we've seen in seven years, over 20,000 statewide. Buyers are finally getting some breathing room, with homes taking about 51 days to sell instead of flying off the shelf.

Prices are still creeping up though. The statewide median is $370,000, up 2.8% from last year. So if you've been waiting for the market to cool off, it's balancing out, not dropping.

More choice for buyers, still solid ground for sellers. If you're curious what that means for your place, happy to talk it through!

Get the most up-to-date information on the Minnesota Housing Market from the experts at Minnesota Realtors®

09/04/2026

There is so much that goes into making a short-term rental shine for Picture Day. It's a team effort to get spaces decluttered, windows cleaned, the lawn mowed and everything set "just right". Hats off to and the owners of this WFC rental for their work in making this STR SHINE! Also, how great are those twilight shots? 😍

09/01/2026

Sauna demand is heating up. (probably my best pun yet!) A main topic at short-term rental conferences in 2026 has been design & amenities. Basically, "how do I get my property to stand out?" as some markets have seen steady inventory growth, creating more competition for the same amount of listings.

I'm a big fan of hot tubs. Thank you Short Term Rental Association for helping Free the Hot Tubs in MN! BUT some STR owners get sticker shock at the initial cost + ongoing maintenance of a hot tub in their rental. While a sauna doesn't have the same revenue boost as a hot tub (yet), it's both a smaller up front investment and less expensive on an ongoing basis.

+Bonus, saunas are trendy right now because of their health benefits which pairs nicely with that "restorative spa-like experience" you're trying to create.

08/28/2026

Goodnight Lake. Goodnight loons and goodnight 'toons. Goodnight bass. Goodnight s'mores...🌛

Give me a MN summer sunset, a hot tub, and family. That's a happy night.
Airbnb Vrbo



Woods to Water Real Estate

08/27/2026

SUP? School is right around the corner and the cool fall air is creeping in. Don't give in, fight the urge to put on your favorite sweater and wool socks and get out on the lake. For guests to the BLA, late August can be a great time to score some discounted stays and enjoy the beautiful lakes without all the July crowds. PLUS, I still haven't seen a mosquito this summer.

08/26/2026

Time to start stacking wood for the winter and while I'd rather bury my head in the sand and pretend that winter isn't right around the corner, I prefer work outside while I can still feel me fingers.

I love a short-term rental with a wood burning fireplace. What's a must-have for you in a STR?
Book the BLA ?
Cuyuna Cabin Collection ?
?
Theresa and Craig Schaefer - SkyRun Vacation Rentals Twin Cities ?
Cascade Vacation Rentals ?
MINNeSTAY ?
Sota Lake Properties ?
?

08/23/2026

Let's talk SAND! In the Brainerd Lakes Area the #1 request we received from guests was about the beach. Guests, especially multi-generational groups, are looking for sandy beaches and swimming areas to enjoy the MN summer. If your property doesn't have a sandy beach can you work with the DNR to create a small beach or "sand blanket"? Is a w**d roller or blower permitted to help keep w**d growth down?

If your short-term rental has a sandy beach, show it off!

08/22/2026

Send a message to learn more

08/21/2026

Any hosts in Duluth impacted by their moratorium?

🏡 Your city announces an STR moratorium. Now what?

First: don’t panic. But definitely start paying attention.

A moratorium is essentially a temporary pause that gives a city time to study an issue and decide what its rules should look like going forward.

For short-term rentals, that could mean pausing new licenses, permits, applications, or certain STR uses.

In Minnesota, an interim ordinance generally can’t last longer than one year initially, although there are circumstances where it can be extended.

But here’s the part STR owners really need to know:

The moratorium is temporary. The rules that come after it may not be.

While that pause is happening, cities may be considering new licensing requirements, occupancy limits, zoning changes, parking rules, restrictions on where STRs can operate, or other changes.

That’s why getting involved early matters.

If you hear that your city or county is considering an STR moratorium, let MNSTRA know. We can help follow what’s happening, connect with other local hosts, gather feedback, and show up at public meetings when needed.

And we’re curious:

👇 Has your Minnesota STR ever been affected by a moratorium or major local rule change? What happened?

Your experience could help another host who finds themselves in that situation next.

08/20/2026

This blog post was worth a share. Imagine saving 1 minute, 60 seconds to clean a hotel room. Doesn't seem hard. But also doesn't seem impactful. Or does it? Assuming a FT housekeeper turning 15 hotel rooms a day, that's a savings of 65 hours a year!

Take a closer look at your housekeeping operations in your short-term rental. Where can your teams be more efficient? Where is their wasted motion?