The Truth About STRs

By Lara McCormick - Aspire PRO Enterprises

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of standing in front of a room full of passionate Waikato property investors. 

We weren’t there to sugar-coat things - we got real about short-term rentals (STRs). What’s working, what’s not, and why Hamilton is one of the most overlooked but strategic plays on the map right now.

I broke down the 7 costly mistakes that trip up new STR investors (hint: it’s not always about location), and shared the 6 reasons Hamilton should absolutely be on your radar - from tourism growth to market timing to underrated yield zones.

I also pulled back the curtain on the 5 key metrics the best Airbnb operators track religiously - the kind of insights that turn casual hosts into cash flow pros.

What Happened in That Room

There were great questions. There was energy. And there were a lot of “wait… my property could be doing that?” moments. That’s the thing about STRs: most people are just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

Now I’m lining up walking meetings, coffee chats and strategy sessions with those ready to go deeper. This isn’t just about rental income. It’s about future-proofing your portfolio in a changing market - with smart decisions, great systems and the right location.

Let’s build something smarter, together.  Because yield is just the beginning.