How Real Estate Agents Can Boost Earnings with Short-Term Rentals (And Why It Pays to Partner Smart)
🡐 Back to Resources | Last Updated: June, 2025 | Written by Kurt Russell
For real estate agents, commissions are just one piece of the income puzzle. In 2025, the growing short-term rental market offers a powerful new way to generate recurring revenue, build stronger client relationships, and expand your role beyond traditional sales.
By understanding the dynamics of vacation rentals and partnering with the right management experts, agents can turn one-time transactions into long-term profit.
Here’s how short-term rentals create new opportunities for real estate agents — and why smart partnerships matter.
Why Real Estate Agents Should Care About Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are no longer a niche. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have turned them into mainstream investments, attracting everyone from first-time hosts to seasoned investors. For real estate agents, this trend represents two big opportunities:
Helping clients identify properties with rental potential – Homes near tourist attractions, event hubs, or city centers often earn higher ROI.
Creating ongoing revenue streams – Instead of a single commission, agents who support STR clients can earn referral fees, management commissions, or repeat business.
For insights on shifting strategies, see our guide on switching from long-term to short-term rental investments.
Expand Your Role Beyond Sales
The most successful agents today aren’t just selling homes — they’re positioning themselves as advisors. Clients are increasingly asking: “Can this property work as a short-term rental?” Having the knowledge to answer that question sets you apart.
Understand local regulations and zoning requirements
Learn about popular design and amenity trends in STRs
Provide income projections and connect clients with reliable data
Need data tools? Check out our guide to short-term rental software solutions.
Partner With Property Managers for Recurring Income
Managing a short-term rental is complex. Guests, cleanings, pricing, and compliance all require ongoing attention. Most investors don’t want to do it themselves. That’s where property managers — and savvy real estate agents — come in.
By partnering with a property management company, you can:
Earn referral fees when your clients sign up for management services
Provide added value by solving client pain points
Stay top-of-mind for future real estate transactions
Learn more in our article on the value of networking in property management.
Boost Client ROI Through Smarter Design and Pricing
Helping clients maximize their returns doesn’t stop at the closing table. Agents who understand the fundamentals of STR success can provide guidance that translates into client loyalty.
Recommend staging and design updates that appeal to Airbnb guests
Connect clients with dynamic pricing tools to keep occupancy high
Suggest unique amenities that increase nightly rates
For inspiration, explore our Airbnb interior design guide.
Build Long-Term Wealth With Clients
The beauty of short-term rentals is scalability. A single successful property often leads to clients reinvesting in additional homes. Real estate agents who understand this cycle can build deeper, longer relationships — and more transactions.
Help clients refinance or expand their portfolios
Stay ahead of low-cost financing options for new investors
Position yourself as the go-to agent for STR-ready properties
The Clear Stay Advantage
At Clear Stay Properties, we work directly with real estate agents to make their clients’ STR investments a success. Our team handles:
Property staging and design to maximize guest appeal
Pricing optimization and occupancy management
Cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication
Compliance support and reporting
For agents, that means satisfied clients, stronger referrals, and opportunities for recurring income. By partnering with Clear Stay, you don’t just sell homes — you create long-term value.
The Takeaway
Short-term rentals are reshaping the real estate landscape. For agents, they represent more than a sales trend — they’re a chance to expand your role, generate recurring income, and deepen client relationships. By leveraging the right tools, insights, and partnerships, you can help clients succeed while boosting your own bottom line.
You’ve seen what’s possible. Now let’s make it real. Fill out the form below to claim your free consultation with Clear Stay Properties — and discover how we help hosts boost bookings, cut stress, and maximize profit.
